Hammonasset State Park
- November 27, 2007
- Rated 4 of 5 by
zp from New Haven, Connecticut
Pretty nice. If you like a park at the beach, which I do.
We've been a number of times - one time it was packed, once it was a quieter day (more uncertain weather). But there's always been plenty of room to park and plenty of space on the sand. It's not as packed as Jones Beach, or even Island Beach State Park, in New Jersey.
It is the Sound, so the water is incredibly calm but it's great for kids and older folks and you can really stay in for a long time.
The sand for sitting is a little narrow and where we were, there is a steep drop-off in the water at high tide. At low tide, the water stays shallow for a huge distance. There are also stones on the ocean floor, which you'd think would be uncomfortable. But it's not, really. It's kind of neat. This is all summer 2007, on the East Beach, and I know these things change.
The landscape is pretty, I like the little walking/jogging trail (which has never been over-crowded), the roses, the rocks at the far end . . . I find it hard to walk on the actual beach here, the sand is very soft, and pebble-y.
I almost forgot: STINGING BLACK FLIES. The first time we went, there was wind from the marshes and the flies were unbearable. The second time, due to winds off the ocean, we didn't see any. We also brought bug spray.
Oh yeah, and the pavilions, with picnic tables in the shade (East Beach), and changing rooms and showers and a snack bar (open part of the day) all come in handy.
All in all, an easy place to have a quiet day on the beach.
UPDATE: On our latest trip, we arrived a little late on a beautiful day and only the West Beach had parking available. Much more crowded and hectic, but fun, with fine facilities. Stiff breeze off the water meant some little waves and not even the suggestion of flies.
From journal Getting to Know New Haven