Connect with your new community while relaxing by the water.
Exploring a new suburban community can be both exciting and intimidating. Many clients are initially concerned about making friends, but it’s easy to connect once you find the local hangouts.
Each town has unique gathering spots, like lively downtowns or sprawling parks, but in these Connecticut and Long Island suburbs, public beaches are the heart and soul. Add these beaches to your list to see what life could be like in these community-focused towns.
Long Island
#1. Port Washington, NY
Port Washington is a North Shore town known for its scenic waterfront. Residents can spend time at one of the town’s many beaches. North Hempstead Beach Park, also called Bar Beach, has a waterfront promenade, fishing pier, boat ramp, and picnic areas. Beach lovers also enjoy Manorhaven Beach Park, which features a pool complex complete with giant water slides.
After a day at the beach, locals can relax at a waterfront restaurant like Louie’s or Ninos Beach.
#2. Long Beach, NY
Long Beach, on Long Island’s South Shore, is known as “The City by the Sea.” The water is a big part of life in this town and there’s a two-mile-long boardwalk connecting many of the beaches. Residents can easily access the Atlantic Ocean from Ocean Beach Park, a popular sandy spot for sunbathing, or from Lincoln Boulevard Beach, one of the town’s permanent surfing spots.
The boardwalk is lined with concession stands and food shacks, including Marvel Frozen Dairy and Beach Burger, so beachgoers can grab a bite without straying too far from the shore.
#3. Atlantic Beach, NY
Atlantic Beach neighbors Long Beach and residents enjoy similar access to the ocean. This charming coastal town has its own public-access boardwalk and multiple beaches just for residents. The New York Beach Club restaurant is open to non-members on select nights throughout the week for beachfront dining with live music.
#4. Lloyd Harbor, NY
Lloyd Harbor is a welcoming town on Long Island’s North Shore, offering residents access to the beautiful West Neck Beach. Outdoorsy residents can also enjoy hiking in the nearby Caumsett State Park, which features stunning water views.
Looking too cool off during a hot summer’s day? Lloyd Harbor residents can head to downtown Huntington for a refreshing frozen treat at Alkemy or Ralph’s Famous Italian Ice.
#5. Huntington, NY
Huntington has a vibrant downtown with tons of excellent eateries, like the chef-driven Greek restaurant NOEMA and craft brewery Six Harbors Brewing Company. When locals want to hit the beach, they can pick between a few options in and around town like Gold Star and Fleets Cove. Residents enjoy swimming, kayaking, and sunbathing at the various North Shore beaches in Huntington.
#6. Merrick, NY
Merrick is a coastal town with easy access to Jones Beach State Park. This popular beach attracts millions of visitors each year, but Merrick residents don’t have to travel far to enjoy this sandy spot. This beautiful Atlantic Ocean beach is great for swimming and surfing. Big-name concerts take place on the beach’s waterfront arena.
Jones Beach isn’t the only option for waterfront fun. There are also plenty of restaurants along Merrick’s coastline, like Salt and Fabio’s.
Connecticut
#1. Westport, CT
Westport is a chic town on Connecticut’s Gold Coast. It has long attracted artists and creatives looking for a relaxed escape from New York City. Residents enjoy dining at one of the many waterfront spots in town like Black Duck Cafe and Kawa Ni.
The town is home to Compo Beach, a 29-acre park complete with a sandy beach, picnic tables, and volleyball courts. Sherwood Island State Park also attracts beachgoers who want to swim or look for shells along the popular mile-long beach.
#2. Greenwich, CT
Greenwich is an active town with miles of coast on the Long Island Sound. Waterfront activities take center stage in the Greenwich social scene, especially during the summer. Residents especially love Greenwich Point Park, also called Tod’s Point, which has swimming areas, walking trails, a windsurfing area, a saltwater fishing area, and picnic spots. Roger Sherman Baldwin Park offers waterfront views and hosts outdoor concerts in the summer. Residents can take a ferry from here to Island Beach and Great Captain Island for summer getaway vibes.
The Greenwich Farmers Market takes place near Roger Sherman Baldwin Park on Saturday mornings, so stock up on fresh picnic supplies here before hopping on the ferry.
#3. Darien, CT
Darien is a small, tight-knit town. Locals can access two incredible beaches in town. Weed Beach is the town’s crown jewel, and this sandy beach features swimming areas and tennis courts. Pear Tree Point Beach is an 8-acre area with a boat launch, concession stand, and picnic area. Both beaches are fairly close to Roost Kitchen, which is very convenient for an afternoon pick-me-up.
#4. Fairfield, CT
Fairfield is a vibrant town that always seems to have something going on. But with five miles of shoreline, residents can kick back and relax at one of the town’s peaceful beaches. Jennings Beach is the largest beach in town and has lifeguards, a pier, concession stands, and family movie nights. Sasco Beach is a smaller, semi-secluded beach just for Fairfield residents.
After a day on the water, beachgoers can enjoy a craft beer on the spacious, covered patio at Craft 260.
#5. Norwalk, CT
Norwalk is all about the water. The town is home to an impressive aquarium and multiple public beaches. Calf Pasture Beach and Shady Beach Park are sandy beaches with plenty of space for bocce, basketball, volleyball, and sailing. These beaches also host tons of exciting events like concerts and car shows. Besides the waterfront fun, Norwalk has a beloved ice cream shop called Mr. Frosty’s that serves locally made ice cream year round.
Ready to find a beach town to call “home”? Let us help! Contact Suburban Jungle today to connect with a Strategist who can help you find your perfect coastal community.
