If you’re looking for vacation vibes in your own backyard, look no further than these suburbs.
Beaches? Check. Marinas? Check. Outdoor dining, swimming, and endless opportunities to soak up the sun? Check, check, and check. These Connecticut towns not only offer A+ schools and easy city access, but they’re some of the best summertime hubs around.
#1. Greenwich
Greenwich is an incredible place to live all year round — but during the warmer months this commuter-friendly town really comes alive, with some of the best beaches in the tristate area.
As you’re touring, be sure and swing by Greenwich Point Park — also known to locals as Tod’s Point — in Old Greenwich. With 1.5 miles of sandy beach, hiking trails, jogging, cycling, and the Old Greenwich Yacht Club (which offers sailing, paddleboarding or kayaking), this area is a hotspot for summer fun.
Another go-to? Island Beach, a town-owned island two miles south of Greenwich Harbor, accessible by ferry. Pack a picnic or pick up lunch from the Island Beach concession stand, then soak up the sun while enjoying views of downtown Greenwich on one side and Long Island Sound on the other.
If you prefer sailing, check out the Greenwich Boat & Yacht Club. Perfect for local residents looking for yachting, sailing, boating, fishing, and all things sea-related, this nearly-century-old club has something to do all year round — think seafood bake-offs, movie nights, clambakes, and an annual St. Patrick’s Day Party.
#2. Westport
US News & World Reports recently named Westport #3 on its list of top Connecticut beach towns — and we couldn’t agree more. While exploring, be sure and check out Compo Beach, a 29-acre park that sits on Long Island Sound and the Saugatuck River. We love the long, sandy beach where you can swim, sunbathe, and search for crabs in tidal pools. But there’s more to Compo Beach than just sand and surf. Compo also offers a skate park, softball fields, sand volleyball courts, lighted basketball courts and a huge wooden playground designed by kids.
Insider tip: unlike other Connecticut parks, alcoholic beverages are allowed in the South Beach picnic area. So why not grab a (glass-free) bottle of rosé and watch the sunset?
#3. Fairfield
Five miles of coastline and five beautiful public beaches make Fairfield the ultimate New England beach town. The largest of the beaches, Jennings Beach, is a summertime must: there’s a skate park for older kids, Sand Castle Playground, and miles of sand. And once the sun goes down, enjoy a Bonfire on the Beach under the stars.
Not a beach person? There’s still plenty of summer fun to be had in this bustling ‘burb. Fairfield has 31 tennis and pickleball courts, a Community Garden with plots available for residents, plus public bocce ball courts and miles of hiking trails.
#4. Darien
Darien was made for summer fun, with two amazing resident-only beaches. Weed Beach has all the traditional beach amenities — a picnic area, concession stand, and children’s play areas (insider tip: don’t miss the ship-shaped playground), plus tennis courts, and a dedicated area just for windsurfing. It’s also home to the Darien Junior Sailing Team, where kids as young as 8 can learn to sail.
Looking for a more low-key vibe? Check out Pear Tree Point Beach where you can rent kayaks, take a dip in the Sound, or dock your boat at the Darien Boat Club.
Another popular spot for sailors is Noroton Yacht Club, one of the premier sailing clubs in the Northeast. This members-only club hosts regattas, social events and one of the best junior sailing programs in the world. If you’d rather spend your summer swinging a golf club than raising a sail, the Country Club of Darien has one of the best golf courses in the state, as well as tennis and a swimming pool, diving well, and a gated baby pool.
Ready to find your summer fun in Connecticut? Schedule a free consultation with a Suburban Jungle Strategist to find your new hometown.