One of the many things the state of Connecticut is known for is its beaches bordering the Long Island Sound. With sparkling waves and rocky coves, boating and kayaking, fishing and sightseeing, these stunning Connecticut beach towns are top notch. There are plenty of seaside towns to discover in Connecticut, whether you’re moving to the state or want to live near the coast.
But if you’re not sure where to start your search for Connecticut’s best beach town, we’re here to help. Redfin has compiled a list of 14 stunning beach towns in Connecticut, from Greenwich For norwalk. Let’s dive into some of Connecticut’s best beach towns, listed in alphabetical order, so you can find the right place for you.
#1: East Lyme
East Lyme, CT homes for sale
East Lyme, CT apartments for rent
The starting point for our list is East Lyme. About 18,600 people live in this Connecticut coastal town. There are plenty of beaches to explore, such as Attawan Beach, Hole in the Wall Beach, Giants Neck Beach, McCook’s Beach, and Niantic Beach. While living in East Lyme, you can explore Rocky Neck State Park, hike the Ravenswood Trail, and experience Nehantic State Forest.
#2: Fairfield
Average rent of a T1: $2,200
Fairfield, CT homes for sale
Fairfield, CT apartments for rent
Another of Connecticut’s major beach towns to consider buying a home is Fairfield, home to 62,100 people. There are plenty of beaches to visit like Fairfield Beach, Jennings Beach, Sasco Beach, South Pine Creek Beach and Southport Beach. You can also visit one of the nature preserves like Brett Woods Open Space or Riverside Drive Open Space, visit one of the museums or explore the charming downtown area.
#3: Greenwich
Median house price: $1,700,000
Greenwich, CT homes for sale
Greenwich, CT apartments for rent
Located along the New York State border, Greenwich is home to approximately 62,400 residents. There are plenty of beaches to explore on a hot day in Connecticut, such as Fords Beach, Harbor Point Beach, and Hawthorne Beach. Be sure to enjoy the day in one of the many parks like Bruce Park or the Greenwich Audubon Center, visit one of the museums or explore downtown Greenwich.
#4: Guilford
Homes for sale in Guilford, CT
Guilford, CT apartments for rent
Home to beautiful beaches like Barbara Pine Memorial Beach, Chaffinch Island Park and Jacobs Public Beach, there are countless places to spend a day at the beach. About 22,200 people live in Guilford, where you can also visit Quonnipaug Lake, check out Chaffinch Island State Park or GLCT Westwoods, and stop at downtown shops and restaurants.
#5: Madison
Homes for sale in Madison, CT
Madison, CT apartments for rent
The charming coastal town of Madison has a population of around 18,100, making it an ideal place to consider relocating. You will find great beaches like Circle Beach, East Wharf Beach Park, Garvan Point Beach, Hammonasset Beach and West Wharf. In Madison, you can explore the waterfront Hammonasset Nature Preserve, take a hike, or grab a meal at one of the excellent local restaurants.
#6: Milford
Median house price: $440,000
Homes for sale in Milford, CT
Milford, CT apartments for rent
With 50,500 residents, Milford is a great beach town in Connecticut to consider relocating to. Some beaches you can visit are Bayview Beach, Fort Trumbull Beach, Gulf Beach, Milford Point, Silver Sands Beach, Walnut Beach, Wildemere Beach, and Woodmont Beach. There are also plenty of activities to do in this coastal town. For example, you can visit the Charles E. Wheeler Wildlife Preserve, explore the charming downtown shops and restaurants, or discover one of the many green spaces, among many other local favorites.
#7: Mystical
Median house price: $391,500
Mystic, CT homes for sale
Mystic, CT apartments for rent
With a population of nearly 4,800, Mystic is a beautiful beach town to live in. There are plenty of beaches to explore like Williams Beach Park. If you move to this village, be sure to take a stroll through the Mystic River Historic District, visit the Mystic Seaport Museum, and explore the Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center.
#8: New London
Median house price: $245,000
Average rent of a T1: $1,150
Homes for sale in New London, CT
Apartments for rent in New London, CT
In New London, there are beautiful beaches such as Green Harbor Beach, Ocean Beach and Pequot Point Beach, ideal for admiring the view of the water. Once in New London, you’ll want to visit the New London Harbor Lighthouse, explore Fort Trumbull State Park and Museum, and catch the ferry to Fishers Island.
#9: Norwalk
Median house price: $572,500
Homes for sale in Norwalk, CT
Norwalk, CT apartments for rent
Around 91,200 people live in Norwalk where you will find beaches like Bayley Beach, Calf Pasture Beach and Shady Beach Park. Other popular things to do in Norwalk include grab a meal at one of the waterfront spots, visit one of the many museums like the Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum, and tour downtown Norwalk.
#10: Old Lyme
Old Lyme, CT homes for sale
Old Lyme, CT apartments for rent
The riverside town of Old Lyme has a population of 7,400 and there are plenty of beaches to spend time outdoors, such as Poverty Island Beach and Soundview Beach. There’s plenty to do on an afternoon or weekend, like exploring the Great Island Wildlife Area or Ferry Landing State Park, visiting the Florence Griswold Museum, and hiking along one of the trails.
#11: Old Saybrook
Median house price: $382,000
Homes for sale in Old Saybrook, CT
Old Saybrook, CT apartments for rent
In Old Saybrook, there are plenty of beaches to explore if you decide to move to this quaint seaside town. Some of these beaches include Chalker Beach, Cove Beach, Great Hammock Beach, Harveys Beach, and Knollwood Beach. Old Saybrook is home to 10,100 residents and you will find a variety of other activities such as visiting one of the many nature reserves and exploring the town centre.
#12: Waterford
Median house price: $400,000
Waterford, CT homes for sale
Waterford, CT apartments for rent
There are plenty of beaches to explore in Waterford – perfect for a day out. Some popular locations are Ocean Beach, Town Beach and Waterford Beach. If you’re looking to do something a little different, be sure to explore Harkness Memorial State Park, spend the day at Stenger Farm Park, and grab a bite to eat at a local restaurant.
#13: West Haven
Median house price: $316,250
Average rent of a T1: $1,170
West Haven, CT homes for sale
West Haven, CT apartments for rent
Next on our list is West Haven. There are plenty of beaches to explore if you decide West Haven is the coastal town for you. Be sure to visit Bradley Point Park, Oak Street Beach, Oyster River Beach, Rocky Beach, Sea Bluff Beach and South St. Beach. In this town of 55,300, you can also visit the Sandy Point Bird Sanctuary or one of the many waterfront parks and spend the day at Maltby Lakes.
#14: Westport
Median house price: $400,000
Average rent of a T1: $2,295
Westport, CT homes for sale
Westport, CT apartments for rent
With around 28,100 residents, Westport is a comfortable seaside town to consider relocating to. If you want to spend the day at the beach, you can head to Burying Hill Beach, Compo Beach, Old Mill Beach, Sherwood Beach and Southport Beach. Or if you’re looking to explore the town of Westport, you can also take a stroll downtown or spend the day at Sherwood Island State Park.
Note that this list is not exhaustive of all beach towns in Connecticut. Data on the median selling price of houses Redfin Data Center during June 2023. Average rental data of Rent.com June 2023. Demographic data from United States Census Bureau.