What better way to cool off this summer than at the beach? Pack up a good read, your towels, a camera, the kids' sand toys (don't forget the sunscreen!) and hit a different beach every weekend - we've got lots of choices for enjoying the miles of coastline in Fairfield County, CT.
Connecticut
Calf Pasture Beach
Norwalk
203-854-7806; www.lisrc.uconn.edu/coastalaccess
Attractions: Miniature golf, fishing, softball fields, volleyball courts, and sailboat/windsurf/kayak rentals.
Hours: Open Memorial Day through September, sunrise to sunset.
Cost: FREE; parking Monday-Friday $15, Saturday and Sundays $20; after 5pm $5. Norwalk residents may apply for a beach sticker.
Jennings Beach
Fairfield
203-256-3191; www.fairfieldct.org
Attractions: Playground, bathhouse, food concession.
Hours: Beach open from dawn-11pm. Lifeguards on duty 10am-6pm.
Cost: FREE admission; parking $15 weekdays, $25 weekends and holidays. Seasonal passes are available.
Lake Mohegan
Fairfield
203-256-3191; www.fairfieldct.org
Attractions: Lake beach with public grills and a picnic area.
Hours: Beach area opens at 10am through 11pm. Swimming not allowed after dark. Lifeguards on duty 10am-6pm; sometimes through 8pm.
Cost: Weekdays: residents $8, children 4; non-residents $15, children $8. Weekends and holidays: residents $10, children $6. Non-residents $18, children $12. Seasonal passes are available.
Penfield Beach
Fairfield
203-256-3191; www.fairfieldct.org
Attractions: Playground, picnic area with public grills, food concession, and restrooms.
Hours: Beach open from dawn-11pm. Lifeguards on duty 10am-6pm.
Cost: FREE admission; parking $15 weekdays, $25 weekends and holidays. Seasonal passes are available.
Seaside Park Beach
Bridgeport
203-576-7233; www.bridgeportct.gov
Attractions: Picnic area, food concession, bathhouse, restrooms.
Hours: Open 6am to dusk, seven days a week.
Cost: $5 resident parking sticker yearround or $75 for non-residents. Daily fee: $20 for residents, $40 non-residents.
Sherwood Island State Park
Westport
860-424-3000; www.ct.gov
Attractions: Fishing, food concession, bathhouse, and swimming areas.
Hours: Open Memorial Day through Labor Day, 8am until sunset.
Cost: Parking: Weekdays: $9 CT residents, $15 non-residents. Weekends: $13 residents, $22 non-residents. After 4pm: $6 residents, $7 non-residents.
Weed Beach
Darien
203-656-7325; www.darienct.gov
Attractions: Public grills, picnic areas, tennis courts (reservations required), and restrooms.
Hours: Open seven days a week, 9am to sunset.
Cost: parking $40 non-residents. Darien residents can purchase a beach permit for the season for $35.
