Hammonasset Beach

9/10 😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊Mommy Approved Smiling Faces

1288 Boston Post Road
P.O. Box 271
Madison, CT 06443

https://portal.ct.gov/DEEP/State-Parks/Parks/Hammonasset-Beach-State-Park

(860) 424-3200

Visit Hammonasset Beach to be active:

The kids and I loved Hammonasset Beach located in the gorgeous Long Island Sound.  It has a very long paved, flat boardwalk separated from car traffic by wooden barrier fences making it the perfect place for walking, jogging or bike riding. It is also wide enough for two-way traffic. This was great for us because my pre-k son is learning to ride his balance bike at this time. He got to practice at this beautiful beach after we explored for a bit first.  Upon biking the path we hit a parking lot and noticed it was a trailhead for the Shoreline Greenway Trail which is a 25-mile, 5 town bike trail that starts at Hammonaset Beach.  The gist of the trail, from what I read, is mostly dirt and flat so it is handicapped accessible, stroller, dog and kid friendly!  We didn’t leave Hammonasset Beach (the trail  is roughly 1.1 miles at Hammonasset Beach so that was plenty for us), but another time we will explore this bike path a bit more!  It sounds like good exercise and fun especially for older kids and adults.

What you Will see at Hammonasset Beach:

While on the beach, we noticed the shore has a lot of shells. Most of these were slipper and oyster shells but we couldn’t believe how many there were, especially towards the rocky sections. My kids and probably yours too, love sifting through shells so this is a kid goldmine!  We also found a jelly fish I couldn’t initially identify.  But, there are some informative signs about local sea creatures posted on the pavilion walls that are quite helpful!  We discovered it was a Lion Mane Jellyfish.  If you read, it tells you not to touch even washed up ones because they can still sting-who knew?

 

The Skinny:

• Weather :  This area has some overhead protection from precipitation but ideally you would want a nice dry day as this is an outdoor coastal location
• Pricing & Admissions :  CT residents are free of charge.  For non-residents there is a daily fee weekdays : $15 and weekends or holidays $22 after 4 pm: $7 any day . Non-residents can purchase a season pass for about $115/year if they would like.
• Location : Amazing beach with walking /biking / jogging trails that extend for 2 miles.  You can fish, swim, sunbathe, bike, picnic, enjoy the nature trails, visit the Nature center for activities and exhibits, camp and participate in non-motorized boating.  Be sure to check out the Shoreline Greenway Trail if you are interested in a lengthier bike / walking / jogging path than just the Hammonasset portion.
• Parking : Plenty of parking here but I’m sure it fills up fast when in season
• Hours : The website says gates open at 8 and close at sunset but that may differ with the beach season coming
• Duration : We stayed about 3 hours here exploring and bike riding
• Tips and Recommendations :  Take a bike, roller skates, scooters, or skate boards here for the kids as there is a lot of smooth ground to cover!  Visit Meigs Point Nature Center.  It is free and amazing with its hands-on programs and gardens to educate visitors.  Click the link to see their live Osprey nests on the property.

Jamison Approved 👍🏼

 

Jewel Approved 👍🏼

 

If you love Hammonasset Beach, be sure to take the kids to Rocky Neck State Park.  It is close, architecturally beautiful and very interesting.  Other fun Connecticut kids activities include: Mystic Aquarium, It Adventure Ropes Course, Connecticut Science Center, and  Bluff Point Park.  As always feed back is appreciated and encouraged to make this information accurate and up to date for all who read it.  Comment below on anything you enjoyed as well as any information you may want others to know about.