We went here twice, once for Mini golf in the evening ($2/game) Monday nights) and Tuesday to swim. We were disappointed to learn on Tuesday that we could not come and go though, we would be required to pay the $17 entrance fee each time, so opted not to come back for the evening movie. Splash zone was fun for the younger ones, wish it closed at 6 like the rest of the swimming zones instead of 5:30.
First time visiting this beach. Beach area was very clean..but not what I expected at all. I guess when I read there was a boardwalk I expected something more. Rides are run down. It feels like being at a lake and not an ocean beach.
This is a great beach for a family to visit as there are lots of things to do. First, the beach itself is beautiful. There are a couple of miles of brilliant sandy beaches watched over by life guards. I spent a whole afternoon laying in the sand catching a bit of a tan. For those who need more to keep them interested, there is also a big waterslide and multiple pools. I saw rides like a carousel. There is an arcade. There are a couple of concession stand options for food. Above the gift shop there is a little restaurant and bar for adults. It was a little pricey, but I ordered the nachos as an appetizer and it was a HUGE amount of food. The drinks were decently priced. You can sit inside by the bar area where there are tables and tvs or outside on the deck. New London itself is a glorious little town and well worth spending a little time exploring. Plan for a full day at Ocean Beach Park!
Ocean Beach Park is a real great beach. It is costly $18 during the day. But you get a beauifully cleaned sandy beach,a nice view, lifeguards and great water that is sandy - not rocky like most CT. beaches. There is plenty to do for families. Lots of food, arcade a gym and a small area with childrens rides. All at an extra cost of course. Go early and it is nice and quite for a while. It will get busy later.
We went on a last minute getaway, the Friday before Labor Day. Beautiful beach, not crowded. This is one of the best New England Beaches I have ever been to!!!
I go to Ocean Beach several times a year. It's nice and clean, easy to find and is worth the cost. There is lots to do- water slides, mini golf, pool and a splash pad- a consession stand too.They have lots of activities at night during the summer like movies on the beach for five dollars. My daughter loves that!The arcade is kinda run down and the rides too but otherwise Ocean Beach is a place good for family fun.
We specifically chose to go the day before the start of school knowing that more than half the state's kids had already resumed classes, maybe that's what made it so much better for us and our kids. Paid $17 on a weekday which is reasonable, CT state parks charge $9-13, MA and RI charge $20-30 for out of state vehicles and offer much less! Yes, the outdated facilities, old kiddie rides and waterslides make it feel like you stepped back in time to its heyday 80's and 90's (but I love being an 80's kid) but the boardwalk, water, and beach were clean. The kids couldn't get enough of the free splash park. It was a great day swimming in the ocean on a 90 degree day while off in the distance, ferries and schooners sailed out of the Thames river past the New London lighthouse and Long Island in the background.
Came here for a family outing. The water was still cold so we did go in. But there are a lot to do for all ages. The bathroom was clean. We were able to keep our entire party entertained. Not a bad place to visit if you are visiting CT.
Was raised at Ocean Beach. My last visit I was saddened on how tired it looked! So much has changed there. Maybe January is not the time to stop by for a visit!
Ocean Beach has everything: a boardwalk, playground, beautiful vista at the mouth of the Thames River, and a wide, clean, and safe beach.