Summer Forecast? Great Beach Days For Fairfield County |
by Cornelia Fortier, Contributing Editor
Now that summer weather is in the forecast, it's time to pack a picnic, spread out a beach towel and dig our bare toes into the warm sand of Fairfield County's glorious Sound and fresh water beaches. Whether your preferred beach day includes frolicking in the still frigid-feeling surf, or paddling across a lake in an inner tube or peering through half-closed eyes at bobbing sailboats on the horizon, Fairfield County's beaches lend themselves equally to total relaxation and serious calorie burning. With stunning water views, acres of silky sand, hiking trails, sports facilities and all the amenities, active types - and the rest of us - can design our own perfect day at the beach.
Bridgeport:
Seaside Park, Park Avenue, Bridgeport. I-95, Exit 27. 203/576-7233. Seaside Park, with 370 acres, is much more than just a beach. This municipal park also offers ball fields, picnic areas, hiking trails, a playground, skate park and lots of facilities including food concessions, a bath house with rest rooms, a boat ramp and plenty of parking. Open Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. Admission is $10 for residents (without a season sticker) and $20 for non-residents.
Darien:
Pear Tree Point, Pear Tree Point Road, Darien, 203/656-7325. An 8 acre beach with all the fixings, including picnic tables, grills, a gazebo, concession stand and two beaches as well as a boat ramp. A daily non-resident beach pass is $40.
Weed Beach Park, Nearwater Lane off Rte. 1, Darien, 203/656-7325. A 22 acre park with children's play areas, tennis and paddle tennis courts (reservations required), a bathhouse, picnic areas, a sailing program and more. Open through September. A $25 fee per car is charged. A non-resident beach pass is $40.
Fairfield:
Jennings Beach, South Benson Road, I-95, Exit 22, Fairfield, 203/256-3144. Fairfield's Jennings Beach has Sandcastle Playground for kids to scamper on, a bathhouse and food concession, a volleyball court, a boat ramp and even a fishing pier and hiking trails. The daily parking fee is $12 on weekdays and $20 on weekends and holidays. The beach is open weekends only through June 18th. The full time season begins June 19th and extends through August 20th.
Lake Mohegan, Morehouse Highway, Tahmore Road off Exit 46 on the Merritt, Fairfield. 203/256-3010. Mohegan's 170 acres not only offer beach and swimming, there are walking paths for hiking as well. A food concession and a kids' sprinkler park add to the attractions for families. Shares the same schedule and parking fees as Jennings Beach.
Penfield Beach, Fairfield Beach Road, Fairfield, 203/356-3010. Penfield has a food concession, restrooms and a playground as well as cabanas that can be reserved. Operates on the same schedule and parking fees as Jennings Beach.
Greenwich:
Byram Beach, Byram Shore Road, Exit 2 on I-95, Greenwich, 203/622-7817. Byram Beach offers a swimming pool in addition to the Sound, and tennis courts. A daily admission and parking fee for non-residents is $20 and is required until September 17th, after 7 AM and before 5 PM.
Greenwich Point Park, Shore Road, Exit 2 off of I-95, Greenwich, 203/622-7817. Greenwich Point Park has swimming, picnic areas, hiking and walking trails, a playground and pets are allowed. See Byram Beach for admission/parking fees.
Monroe:
Wolfe Park, 285 Cutlers Farm Road, Exit 49N on the Merritt, Monroe, 203/452-5416. In addition to its Great Hollow Lake beach, the 379 acre Wolfe Park has a pool, tennis courts, food concessions, a boat ramp and fishing pier, playing fields, a playground and hiking and walking trails. Non-residents pay $6 admission for the pool and beach, with additional fees for the tennis courts.
Norwalk:
Calf Pasture Beach/Shady Beach, Calf Pasture Road, Exit 16 off of I-95, Norwalk, 203/854-7806. Besides swimming, Calf Pasture offers picnic areas, sailboat, windsurf and kayak rentals, a food concession, playground, boat ramp, walking paths, playing fields, skate park, miniature golf and a basketball court. The non resident fee for beach entrance is $15.00 per car Monday - Friday before 5:00PM; $20.00 per car Saturdays and Sundays before 5:00pm; $5.00 per car after 5:00PM seven days a week.
Shelton:
Indian Well State Park, Route 110/Route 8, Exit 14, Shelton, 203/735-4311. With scenic waterfalls and a splash pool, shaded picnic groves at water's edge, a summer day at Indian Well is relaxing and entertaining. Add in the boat launch, fishing pier, hiking and biking trails, and family members will clamor to return. The park is open from 8 AM to sunset. Parking fees are $7 for residents on weekends and $10 for non-residents.
Stamford:
Cove Island Park, Cove Road and Weed Avenue, I-95, Exit 9, Stamford, 203/977-4692. With over 83 acres, Cove Island Park has lots of beach, as well as a pavilion and concession stands, a marina, tennis courts, softball fields, horseshoe pits, playgrounds, picnic areas and ample parking. The Terry Conners Rink at Cove Island Park offers skating programs as well. A non-resident day pass is $20.
Cummings Park & Cummings Park West/West Beach, Shippan Avenue, I-95 Exit 8S, Stamford, 203/977-4692. This beach and park combination stretches over 79 acres and includes a beach pavilion with a snack bar, a board walk and fishing pier, a marina and ramp, tennis, handball and basketball courts, a playground, softball fields and plenty of parking. A non-resident day sticker is $20.
Stratford:
Short Beach Park, One Dome Drive, I-95, Exit 30, Stratford. 203/385-4052. 30 acres with 1,000 feet of beach, located at the mouth of the Housatonic River and Long Island Sound, Short Beach Park has a Par 3 golf course, miniature golf, ball fields, 7 beach volleyball courts, 8 tennis courts, a skateboard park, basketball courts, 3 picnic areas with concession stands and a new deck. Parking is $5 without a sticker.
Weston:
Bisceglie-Scribner Park, Weston Road and Georgetown Road, or Exit 42, Merritt, Weston, 203/341-5090. Open 11:30 AM to 6:30 PM, this 53 acre park offers an outdoor community pool (a pond) that is fed by natural underground springs. It also has a picnic area, children's playground and a two mile jogging trail with 27 fitness stations.
Westport:
Compo Beach, Compo Road South, I-95 Exit 17, Westport, 203/341-5090.
With its 29 acres, boardwalk, pavilion and extensive sand beach along the Sound, Compo is a favorite of sunbathers and activity seekers. Ball fields, basketball courts, open skate area, picnic tables and a food concession make it very family-friendly. Open 4 AM to midnight, with a newly remodeled playground, daily entrance fees are $15 per car weekdays and $30 on weekends.
Sherwood Island State Park, I-95 Exit 18, Westport, 203/226-6983. A 234 acre state park with an extensive beach, Sherwood Island also has wetlands, woodlands and plenty of space for activities. Picnic tables and grills, walking paths, a food concession, bath house, nature center and more make it much more than a great place to swim. Admission is $7 on weekdays for Connecticut residents and $9 for residents on weekends. Out of state residents pay $10 and $14 on weekends.
