The crash of black waves on a moonlit night is a magical sight in winter. The seascape is beautiful, and so are the benefits of an off-season visit: no crowds, no costly parking fees, and the beaches are open to all.
Take a refreshing walk along the beach, listen to the gulls and the lapping of waves onto the sand. Head out to Madison, where Hammonassett Beach State Park offers a two-mile stretch of sand and a long boardwalk. For a wonderful look at all of Connecticut’s public coastal access points, check out the Connecticut Coastal Access Guide, or take a look at some our editor's picks below.
As you look out onto the water from whichever beach you choose, you may wonder what sort of creatures lurk beneath the waves. You can find out at Norwalk’s Maritime Aquarium, which specializes in the life of Long Island Sound and also features playful river otters.
One of Connecticut's oldest towns, located where the Connecticut River meets Long Island Sound, Old Saybrook offers a trove of historical and cultural sites. A summer resort to many, Old Saybrook’s beautiful town beaches are complimented by year-round places to shop, eat, stay and play.