Beaches in Fairfield, CT

Between Memorial Day and Labor Day, New England provides some of the nicest beaches for tourists to visit. Located on the inner side of Long Island Sound, the waters are often less choppy and the breaking waves not nearly as aggressive as those directly situated along the Atlantic Ocean. This tends to make Fairfield’s beaches a pleasant vacation spot for people with younger children. Although some of the beaches are more friendly to residents, both Jennings Beach and Penfield Beach provide amenities for beachgoers and are fantastic locations to spend a sunny summer day.

If you’re looking to enjoy some saltwater and sandy shores, Jennings Beach is the biggest of the five beaches that make up the coastline of Fairfield, Connecticut. This beach boasts 27 acres and offers many activities. Located at 880 South Benson Road, the beach has plenty of parking. During the Summer months, locals pay for a seasonal pass, but daily admittance is accepted for a fee. Across the parking lot is a sandcastle playground that is quite large and a favorite among the town’s children. The beach’s sandy shore neighbors the South Benson Boat Marina and can be accessed by foot, making it easy to watch boaters setting sail and fishermen catching dinner. Nearby is a Skate Park for bikers and skaters. The beach itself provides a concession stand where food can be purchased, and bathrooms can be located. Outdoor showers provide for sandy patrons, while shaded picnic tables allow hot and hungry beachgoers some refuge from the sun. More picnic tables can be found spread out along the beach and they are often paired with a charcoal grill. During the Summer season, there is always something going on at this popular beach. Whether it’s viewing the 4^th of July fireworks or attending the seasonal family friendly Sand Jam event, Jennings Beach is a sure way to have a fantastic time.

Located at 323 Fairfield Beach Road is Penfield Beach. This property is 3.5 acres and boasts a beautiful scenic view of Long Island Sound. It is such a fantastic view, that there are two pavilions with banquet facilities on site that offer accommodations for special occasions such as weddings and family reunions. There are a few playgrounds on site, including one built in honor of the Sandy Hook victims. For beachgoers, there are picnic tables with charcoal grills and racks for sailboats and kayaks. If needed, lockers can be rented near the concession stand which sells food during the Summer season.

The 3 remaining beaches located in Fairfield, Connecticut are much smaller and not as easily accessible to the general public. These 3 are often visited by locals and residents who avoid the bigger crowds at the bigger beaches. With 9.9 acres of land, Sasco Beach is located at 1401 Sasco Hill Road. This location does not offer any concessions or restrooms. Southport beach is located at 1505 Pequot Avenue and South Pine Creek Beach is located at 1424 South Pine Creek Road. These 2 beaches are even smaller and allow minimal access.

References:

Mandy. “Sun and Sand at Jennings Beach and Sandcastle Playground.” Out and About

Mom, Scouting Your CT Outing, 16 July 2013,

https://www.outandaboutmom.com/2013/07/16/sun-and-sand-at-jennings-beach-and-sandcastle-playground/.

“Penfield Beach.” Parks & Recreation, Town of Fairfield, CT,

https://www.fairfieldct.org/content/2765/2783/3420.aspx.