The warm weather season in New England is positively magical! Clear blue skies, refreshing swimming holes, and shady trees are calling your name. Beach day? We think yes! If you’re hoping to escape from the crowds this summer, check out these little-known getaways. You’re certain to love these pristine hidden beaches in Connecticut this year:

1. Hole-In-The-Wall Beach, East Lyme
Hole In The Wall Beach, 4 Baptist Ln, Niantic, CT 06357, USA
Lauren L/TripAdvisor
As its name suggests, this peaceful beach in Connecticut is tucked off the beaten path. You'll find this fun summertime getaway inside McCook Point Park in East Lyme. In the summer, it's not uncommon to hear children laughing and see parents lounging in the sun. There are also plenty of places to kayak, fish, and swim.
2. Shady Beach Park, Norwalk
Shady Beach Park, 14 Canfield Ave, Norwalk, CT 06855, USA
Robert C./Foursquare
Shady Beach Park is full of fun summertime activities. Splash in the water, enjoy a picnic in the shade, or play a game of sand volleyball - the options are nearly endless.
3. DuBois Beach, Stonington
DuBois Beach, Dubois Beach, Stonington, CT 06378, USA
The_Loup_Garou/TripAdvisor
Don't judge this destination by its size. Even though it's small, it's packed with exciting amenities and spectacular views. Relax under a peaceful pavilion and cool off in the refreshing waters. Visitors have to pay a small entrance fee, but it's absolutely worth it. This small town in Connecticut itself is worth a gander, too.

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4. Rocky Neck State Park, East Lyme
Rocky Neck State Park, 228 W Main St, Niantic, CT 06357, USA
Idawriter/Wikimedia Commons
Rocky Neck State Park spans 708 acres in East Lyme, and it's full of rocky ledges, sandy beaches, and cool rivers. If you love bird watching, this is a great place to go. You may even spot a few cranes, herons, and mute swans on your adventure. Rocky Neck State Park in Connecticut is definitely one of those things you need to add to your summertime bucket list.
5. Pleasure Beach, Bridgeport
Pleasure Beach, Bridgeport, CT 06615, USA
Bill/Wikimedia Commons
What was once a bustling amusement park in the 1890s is now a secluded beach that attracts thrill-seekers from all over. You'll need to take a water taxi to reach this unique destination, but it's absolutely worth the effort. For more information about the taxi schedules, call (203) 576-7233. Fans of abandoned places in Connecticut are going to love this.

Enjoy this delightful virtual tour of this stunning Bridgeport beach:
6. Jacob's Beach, Guilford
Jacobs Lane, Jacobs Ln, Guilford, CT 06437, USA
slack12/Flickr
With 25 acres of sandy shoreline, Jacob's Beach is a summertime oasis. Whether you're coming to swim, boat, or just watch a sunset, there's no denying the appeal of this little-known beach in Connecticut.
7. Esker Point Beach, Groton
Esker Point Beach, Groton, CT 06340, USA
Sheldon Powdar/TripAdvisor
If you're hoping to get away from the crowds this summer, this tiny 600-foot beach in Groton is the perfect place to go. Swim in the refreshing saltwater and enjoy a tasty picnic under a grove of trees. Yes, this beach is man-made, but parking is free and the sand is soft.

This fun drone video provides an excellent overview of this gorgeous beach:

What are your favorite Connecticut beaches? Share your thoughts and plans with us in the comments! And if you need more inspiration for your summertime adventures, take any of these wonderful day trips in Connecticut.

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More to Explore

Connecticut Beaches

Tori Jane | April 09, 2022

What are the best Connecticut beaches to visit?  

Connecticut may not be a gigantic state, but it’s sure full of the best beaches ever, all of which are always waiting for you to show up and have a great time. Some of the best beaches in Connecticut that we’re totally obsessed with are the amazing Ocean Beach Park, which is beyond perfect for families with kids that enjoy the bustle of a large, popular, friendly beach. Hammonasset Beach State Park is one to hit if you’re not huge on the idea of dealing with crowds (we don’t blame you). Though that one is still quite popular, it’s nowhere near the kind of busy Ocean Beach Park tends to be. Hammonasset Beach State Park features two miles of stunning shoreline along the Long Island Sound, and it’s incredibly scenic, so be ready to be amazed. Harvey’s Beach is a delight, with a world-famous lighthouse and everything; it’s got that essential east coast vibe you can only find, well, on the east coast. Other favorites include Jennings Beach, Silver Sands State Park, and West Beach at Rocky Neck State Park.  

Are there any beautiful secret beaches in Connecticut I should visit? 

Well, no beach is really a “secret”, but there are some beaches in Connecticut that tend to be less crowded for some reason or another. Some of our hands-down favorite “secret” beaches in Connecticut – that is, ones that tend to draw in fewer tourists and crowds than the ones listed in the paragraph above – include DuBois Beach, near Stonington, which is usually nice and peaceful and is great for a short relaxation sesh right by the sea. Pleasure Beach, another excellent lesser-known hidden gem beach in Connecticut, was originally an abandoned island when the bridge connecting it to the mainland burned down. It’s reopened since, but it’s not exactly popular among tourists. Locals love it, though! If you’re a fan of peace and quiet, you’ll be a fan of Jacob’s Beach in Guilford, where it’s unlawful to have loud stereos or other annoying things. Nothing but nice, chill quiet here!  

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