When summer comes, it’s tough not to let your mind wander to the idea of relaxing on a beach somewhere in the Caribbean. We’d all like to escape to paradise, but it’s not always possible. Plane tickets are expensive, and it can be difficult to escape family and work responsibilities long enough to plan a lengthy vacation. But we’ve got plenty of spots that are just like paradise in Connecticut. These Nutmeg State gems are definitely worth checking out this summer next time you need a break!
- Calf Pasture Beach: Calf Pasture Beach Rd, Norwalk, CT 06851
WalkingGeek/Flickr The Long Island Sound views don’t get much better than at Calf Pasture Beach in Norwalk. This beautiful park has a diverse landscape, with a sandy beach, bright green fields, and more. It’s a great place for the kids to play while the adults relax in the sand! Calf Pasture Beach, Calf Pasture Beach Rd, Norwalk, CT 06851, USA
- Silver Sands State Park: 1 Silver Sands Pkwy, Milford, CT 06460
Mr. Nixter/Flickr It’s no wonder that Silver Sands State Park has been declared the best state park in Connecticut: this place is gorgeous! There are some great trails here that show off incredible views of Long Island Sound, Charles Island, and the marsh and dunes. Of course, there’s also plenty of sand to be enjoyed! Silver Sands State Park, 1 Silver Sands Pkwy, Milford, CT 06460, USA
- Ocean Beach Park: New London, CT 06320
Preston Doc Toliver/Google Maps Ocean Beach Park is a beautiful resort-style beach that offers up tons of fun for the entire family. The soft sugar sand is the perfect texture for building sand castles. There are water slides, a nature trail, and plenty more to check out here. Ocean Beach, New London, CT 06320, USA
- Hammonasset Beach: Madison, CT 06443
WalkingGeek/Flickr Hammonasset Beach is the longest shoreline in Connecticut, with two miles of beautiful sandy shore along Long Island Sound. Once you get there, you may not want to leave, which is actually just fine as the state park has its own family campground! Hammonasset Beach, Madison, CT 06443, USA
- Harveys Beach: Old Saybrook, CT 06475
TechGuy76/Tripadvisor Harveys Beach is one of the most underrated beaches in Connecticut. Tucked away in Old Saybrook, you’ll find all kinds of options for fun here. It’s a great spot for fishing or catching a gorgeous sunset, and there are plenty of spots to play in the sand. Harveys Beach, Old Saybrook, CT 06475, USA
- Hole In The Wall Beach: 4 Baptist Ln, Niantic, CT 06357
Credible Critic/Google Maps McCook Point Park is a great little park in Niantic that has a beautiful bluff and also features the great Hole In The Wall Beach. You’ve got to go through a short tunnel to get to the beach, making it feel like a secret you’re keeping all to yourself. Hole In The Wall Beach, 4 Baptist Ln, Niantic, CT 06357, USA
- Kent Falls State Park: 462 Kent Cornwall Rd, Kent, CT 06757
Michael Bialik/Google Maps This one’s a little off-the-wall: we know when you picture Caribbean paradises, your mind goes to the beach. But remember, many of the islands in the Caribbean also contain plenty of wooded areas. One wooded area that definitely feels like paradise in Connecticut is the stunning Kent Falls State Park. This place is incredibly beautiful and gives you a great taste of all Connecticut nature has to offer. Kent Falls State Park, 462 Kent Cornwall Rd, Kent, CT 06757, USA
How many of these paradises in Connecticut have you visited? Any others you think belong on the list? Share your experiences in the comments!
WalkingGeek/Flickr
The Long Island Sound views don’t get much better than at Calf Pasture Beach in Norwalk. This beautiful park has a diverse landscape, with a sandy beach, bright green fields, and more. It’s a great place for the kids to play while the adults relax in the sand!
Calf Pasture Beach, Calf Pasture Beach Rd, Norwalk, CT 06851, USA
Mr. Nixter/Flickr
It’s no wonder that Silver Sands State Park has been declared the best state park in Connecticut: this place is gorgeous! There are some great trails here that show off incredible views of Long Island Sound, Charles Island, and the marsh and dunes. Of course, there’s also plenty of sand to be enjoyed!
Silver Sands State Park, 1 Silver Sands Pkwy, Milford, CT 06460, USA
Preston Doc Toliver/Google Maps
Ocean Beach Park is a beautiful resort-style beach that offers up tons of fun for the entire family. The soft sugar sand is the perfect texture for building sand castles. There are water slides, a nature trail, and plenty more to check out here.
Ocean Beach, New London, CT 06320, USA
Hammonasset Beach is the longest shoreline in Connecticut, with two miles of beautiful sandy shore along Long Island Sound. Once you get there, you may not want to leave, which is actually just fine as the state park has its own family campground!
Hammonasset Beach, Madison, CT 06443, USA
TechGuy76/Tripadvisor
Harveys Beach is one of the most underrated beaches in Connecticut. Tucked away in Old Saybrook, you’ll find all kinds of options for fun here. It’s a great spot for fishing or catching a gorgeous sunset, and there are plenty of spots to play in the sand.
Harveys Beach, Old Saybrook, CT 06475, USA
Credible Critic/Google Maps
McCook Point Park is a great little park in Niantic that has a beautiful bluff and also features the great Hole In The Wall Beach. You’ve got to go through a short tunnel to get to the beach, making it feel like a secret you’re keeping all to yourself.
Hole In The Wall Beach, 4 Baptist Ln, Niantic, CT 06357, USA
Michael Bialik/Google Maps
This one’s a little off-the-wall: we know when you picture Caribbean paradises, your mind goes to the beach. But remember, many of the islands in the Caribbean also contain plenty of wooded areas. One wooded area that definitely feels like paradise in Connecticut is the stunning Kent Falls State Park. This place is incredibly beautiful and gives you a great taste of all Connecticut nature has to offer.
Kent Falls State Park, 462 Kent Cornwall Rd, Kent, CT 06757, USA
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