Silver Sands State Park

Around 15 miles southwest of New Haven in Milford, Silver Sands Beach is located in the southwest corner of Silver Sands State Park, close to the Beaver’s Dam scenic lookout. Running continuously with Walnut Beach, Silver Sands Beach is backed by a 1.2 km boardwalk suitable for wheelchairs and prams, which takes visitors over rehabilitated salt marsh.

The beach is protected in part by breakwaters and The Bar (or Tombolo), a sand link with the 14-acre Charles Island bird sanctuary. This is said to be the burial place for Captain Kidd’s treasure haul. Swimming can be enjoyed in Long Island Sound, but the sands of the beach itself can be a little coarse in places, although there are plenty of seashells. Well-placed picnic tables provide an alternative.

However, unlike many of Connecticut’s beaches, Silver Sands Beach is open year-round. Fees of $15-25 need to be paid to enter the park. There’s ample parking, and restrooms and family changing facilities open during the summer months.