Published: April 22, 2025 | Last updated: June 20, 2026
Warm waters and gentle waves. The Summer of 100 Beaches begins each year in Connecticut.
The Connecticut shoreline, stretching along the Long Island Sound, offers a more gentle and laid-back coastal experience compared to the open-ocean beaches of nearby states. It’s full of charming seaside towns, historic landmarks, quiet beaches, and scenic marshlands.
The Connecticut Vibe
- Waters: The shoreline is protected by Long Island, so the water is calm with smaller waves—great for swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding. The water is warmer here and swimmable until Columbus Day.
- Scenery: Think rocky coves, tidal estuaries, salt marshes, and long stretches of sandy beaches.
- Towns: Full of New England charm, many with historic downtowns, seafood shacks, marinas, and boardwalks.
Food
There’s some very good seafood joints here. Lenny & Joe’s Fish Tale sticks out as it has broiled fish. Broiled fish isn’t that common anymore.
The chowder in Connecticut also comes in the so called “Rhode Island” style which is a clear broth.