It’s time to feel the sand between your toes! Pack up an umbrella, some chairs, a picnic, and a good book, and hit the beach with the kids. We’ve got all of your local sandy spots to enjoy a sunny day this summer, so why hesitate? There’s an entire ocean out there waiting for you to splash around. Want some time to relax? Have the kids compete in a sandcastle contest so you can focus on “me time” until you have to pick a winner. Our guide covers beaches in the Fairfield County area of Connecticut, including Bridgeport, Darien, Fairfield, Norwalk, and Westport.
Beaches in Fairfield County, CT
Calf Pasture Beach
Norwalk
203-854-7806
Attractions: Fishing, softball fields, volleyball courts, skate park, basketball courts, and sailboat/windsurf/kayak rentals next door at Norwalk sailing school
Hours: Memorial Day through middle of October, sunrise to sunset (7am-10pm)
Cost: FREE admission. Norwalk residents: To receive a free beach pass (for free parking), visit norwalkct.org. Parking for non-residents: $30 weekdays; $35 weekends and holidays; $10 after 6pm all days.
Calf Pasture Beach is one of the best beaches in Connecticut for families because it has open fields, calm water, and fun spots for everyone to enjoy together.
Compo Beach
Westport
Attractions: A 29-acre park featuring a softball field, basketball courts, and a skate park. The beach area is open year-round. Parking fee in effect through Sept. 30, or show your Resident Parking Emblem.
Hours: Lifeguards on duty 10am-6pm Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Cost: $40 on weekdays; $50 on weekends and holidays, or show your Emblem.
With picnic areas, playgrounds, and gentle waves, Compo Beach stands out as one of the best beaches in Connecticut for a fun and relaxing family day.
Lake Mohegan
Fairfield
203-256-3191
Attractions: Lake beach with public grills, picnic area, sprinkler park
Hours: daily, dawn-11pm; swimming is not allowed after dark. Lifeguards on duty 10am-6pm weekends until June 10, then full time.
Cost: Residents: $8 weekdays ($4 children); $10 weekends and holidays ($6 children). Non-residents: $15 weekdays ($8 children); $18 weekends and holidays ($12 children). $20 weekdays. Parking without beach sticker (Memorial Day through Labor Day): $20 weekdays; $50 weekends and holidays. Seasonal passes: $25 for residents; $175 for non-residents.
Known for its calm setting and family-friendly beach area, Lake Mohegan is a great spot to relax, swim, and enjoy a simple day together.
Penfield Beach
Fairfield
203-256-3191
Attractions: Playground, picnic area with public grills, food concession, restrooms
Hours: 10am-11pm daily (closes at 10pm to non-residents). Lifeguards on duty 10am-6pm in summer.
Cost: Parking: FREE for residents with beach stickers. Parking without beach sticker (Memorial Day through Labor Day): $20 weekdays; $50 weekends and holidays. Seasonal passes: $25 residents; $175 non-residents.
Penfield Beach is a peaceful place where families can swim, have picnics, and enjoy the calm views, making it one of Fairfield’s favorite local beaches.
Southport Beach
Fairfield
203-256-3191
Attractions: Playground, picnic area with public grills, food concessions, restrooms
Hours: 10am-6pm in summer daily (closes at 10pm to non-residents). Lifeguards on duty 10am-dusk.
Cost: Only open to residents with a beach sticker. Seasonal passes: $25 residents; not available to non-residents.
Families who prefer a peaceful beach experience visit Southport Beach because of the clean shoreline and welcoming, easygoing setting that it offers.
Sasco Beach
Fairfield
203-256-3191
Attractions: Picnic area with public grills, restrooms
Hours: Beach open 10am-6pm daily in summer (closes at 10pm to non-residents). Lifeguards on duty 10am-dusk.
Cost: Only open to residents with a beach sticker. Seasonal passes: $25 residents; not available to non-residents.
Sasco Beach is known for its open space, clear water, and relaxed vibe, making it one of the best beaches in Connecticut for families.
Seaside Park Beach
Bridgeport
203-576-7233
Attractions: Picnic area, bathhouse, restrooms, track, lighthouse
Hours: 8am-8pm daily
Cost: Annual Parking Sticker: $15 for Bridgeport residents; $130 for residents outside of Bridgeport; Parking day passes: weekdays $30 for CT residents, $50 for non-residents; weekends and holidays $40 for CT residents, $60 for non-residents.
Seaside Park Beach is one of the best beaches in Connecticut for families who want space to walk and play. The open area, picnic tables, and view of the lighthouse make it perfect for a full beach day.
Sherwood Island State Park
Westport
203-226-6983
Attractions: Fishing, food concessions, bathhouse, swimming areas, nature center Wednesday-Sunday 10am-4pm in the summer
Hours: Year round: 8am to sunset daily
Cost (varies by parks; apply only from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day): Weekday parking: $15 non-residents. Weekend parking: $22 non-residents. After 4pm: $7 non-residents. Season pass: $112 non-residents (allows entrance to any Connecticut state park during the summer). Residents can pay through a new passport program.
With lifeguards, clean sand, and plenty of room to play, Sherwood Island State Park is one of the best beaches in Connecticut for families who enjoy being outdoors.
Weed Beach
Darien
203-656-7325
Attractions: Public grills, picnic areas, tennis courts, restrooms, playgrounds
Hours: 9am-10 pm daily
Cost: Parking: $45 day pass. Darien residents can purchase seasonal beach permit for $45.
Weed Beach is a small and quiet beach with a playground and calm water, which makes it easy for kids to enjoy. It’s one of the best beaches in Connecticut for families who want a relaxed and simple beach day.
Pear Tree Point Beach
Darien
203-656-7325
Attractions: Public grills, picnic areas, restrooms, food concession
Hours: 9am to sunset daily
Cost: Parking: $45. Darien residents can purchase a seasonal beach permit for $45.
Parents like Pear Tree Point Beach for its peaceful setting and safe swimming area for children, making it one of the best beaches in Connecticut.
See our complete guide to the best beaches for families in the New York City area
