We stopped here briefly on a rainy, snow-spitting afternoon. Even through the dreary weather this was one of the most beautiful beaches I have ever seen. Great place for road-weary travelers to stretch their legs on a short walk even in the off season.
can get very crowded in summer. but the new trails aroun dthe park are terrific for a bike ride or jog
Hammonasset State Park & Beach is a treasure. It has thousands of feet of gorgeous beach, a boardwalk, camping facilities, borders on open space for some great bird watching and is highly accessible from both Rt 1 and I-95 (exit 62).There are walking paths, bike riders, all-day picknickers, a nature center, butterfly garden and lots of sun and swimming.Saturday mornings there's a bird watching tour led by Madison's Audobon Shop and like all state parks in CT, admission is free to seniors.
Hammonasset is lovely to visit off season. It is a popular place for walkers, nature lovers, beach goers, cyclists and overnight campers. The place is mobbed in the summer especially on weekends. Off season access is free and the crowds are much smaller. I enjoy walking, birding, taking grandchildren on an expedition along the trails, for a picnic, to see the exhibits at the nature center or to play by the shore.
Beautiful time of year for a walk. Plenty of parking for yourself or your event. Usually sufficient parking in the summer as well.
Beautiful in every season. A mile long stretch of beach. Includes nature hike trails and a nature center. Good for all ages.
Love the ability to ride bikes with young kids, enjoy a nice long walk on the beach and to visit the wildlife sanctuary. Camping is fun too!
Great for views of the sound and salt marshes. Great for birds and animal watching. Great for walking and hiking and camping. Just a beautiful park. And check out the nature center too. And if you are hungry, down the block, cross the street from the park entrance is Lenny and Joe's Seafood (the best!) While the park is open year round (daylight), there is a small entry fee for summer season.
My wife and I visited the state park in September of 2014. We enjoyed the open spaces and the natural look of the park. The park is very big and offers uncrowded beaches - at least in September - for us to explore and stretch out. We saw many families having a good time. There are great facilities for changing and lots of places where you can picnic. The beaches are clean and well kept. There are interesting trails that connect some of the beaches.
Winter, Spring, Summer or Fall Hammonasset is my favorite place to walk, ride, read, "beach-it" and reflect. The wildlife, rocks, grasses and coastline makes for a rich canvas. Sunrises and sunsets are so vivid. Whether with family, friends, your dog or alone, Hammonassett's natural beauty is more than just a day at the beach!