Silver Sands State Park
Silver Sands State Park is Connecticut’s birding paradise—297 acres with a mile-long beach, 3/4-mile boardwalk, and access to Charles Island rookery hosting 200+ bird species!
Beach & Boardwalk
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| 🏖️ Beach | 1 mile sandy beach |
| 🚶 Boardwalk | 3/4 mile (connects to Walnut Beach) |
| 🏝️ Charles Island | Accessible at low tide |
| 📅 Open | 8 AM – sunset, year-round |
World-Class Birding
| Species | Season |
|---|---|
| 🦅 Snowy Owls | Winter |
| 🐦 Great Egrets | Year-round at rookery |
| 🕊️ Terns | Least + Common |
| ⚠️ Island Closed | May–Sept (nesting) |
FAQ
Is parking free?
Free for CT residents with CT plates. Non-residents pay a fee.
🦅 Connecticut’s Birding Gem
Visit CT DEEP for info.
Location & Getting There
Silver Sands State Park is located in Connecticut. The park’s coordinates are 41.1939, -73.0600. Check the park’s official website or your state parks app for detailed driving directions and GPS navigation tips.
Quick Facts
- Location: Connecticut
- Coordinates: 41.1939, -73.0600
- Activities: Hiking, Camping, Fishing, Wildlife Viewing
- Pets: Allowed on leash in most areas (check local rules)
Things to Do
Connecticut’s compact state park system features Long Island Sound beaches, Appalachian ridgeline trails, glacial lakes, and scenic waterfalls. Despite its small size, the state offers diverse outdoor recreation including swimming at both salt and freshwater beaches, hiking the extensive Blue-Blazed Trail System, fishing in well-stocked ponds and streams, camping in woodland settings, biking along converted rail-trails, rock climbing at Ragged Mountain, kayaking in tidal estuaries, and cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in winter.
Best Time to Visit
The parks are best from May through October. Summer (June–August) brings peak beach season along the Long Island Sound coast. Fall foliage peaks mid-to-late October and is especially scenic along the ridgeline trails and in the Litchfield Hills. Spring offers wildflower walks and excellent fishing as waters warm. Winter is quiet but offers skiing and snowshoeing when conditions allow. Day-use is free for pedestrians and cyclists year-round.
Visitor Tips
Free for walk-in visitors year-round. vehicle parking fees ($10-$22 for non-residents) apply at beach and lake parks during the summer season (weekends Memorial Day through Labor Day). Inland and trail parks are typically free all year. Reservations for camping through the CT DEEP website. Hammonasset Beach State Park — the state’s largest shoreline park — is the most popular and fills its parking lot early on summer weekends. Dogs are allowed on leash in most areas but are prohibited at swimming beaches.
Explore More Connecticut State Parks
Silver Sands State Park is one of many outstanding state parks in Connecticut. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in Connecticut guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.
