Silver Sands State Park, Central Connecticut Travel Guide

4.6 (2808)

Explore a mile-long beach, walk to Charles Island at low tide, and discover diverse birdlife at this coastal Connecticut park.

Silver Sands State Park in Milford, Connecticut, is a 297-acre coastal park on Long Island Sound, offering a mile-long sandy beach, salt marshes, and the unique opportunity to walk to Charles Island during low tide. It's a haven for birdwatchers and beach lovers alike.

A brief summary to Silver Sands State Park

1 Silver Sands Pkwy, Milford, Connecticut, 06460, US
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From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Silver Sands State Park.

Check the tide charts before visiting to safely walk to Charles Island during low tide. Note that access to the island is prohibited from May through September to protect nesting birds.
Bring binoculars for birdwatching, as Silver Sands is home to over 200 bird species.
Wear comfortable shoes for walking on the beach, boardwalk, and trails.
Pack a picnic to enjoy at the park's picnic areas.
Be aware that parking fees may apply, especially for non-residents during peak season and on weekends.

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Explore Silver Sands State Park on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Silver Sands State Park, mapped for you.

Getting There

Driving

From I-95, take Exit 35 (Schoolhouse Road). Head south on Schoolhouse Road to Route 1 (Bridgeport Avenue). Turn left onto Route 1, then right at the first traffic light onto Silver Sands Parkway. Follow Silver Sands Parkway across Meadowside Road to the main parking area. Parking fees may apply for non-residents, particularly on weekends and holidays. Non-Resident entrance fee is $22 weekend/Holiday, $15 weekdays.
Public Transport

The Coastal Link bus route has stops near Silver Sands State Park. From the bus stop, follow Silver Sands Parkway to the park entrance. Check the Greater Bridgeport Transit Authority (GBTA) website for Coastal Link schedules and fares. A single fare is approximately $1.75 - $2.00.
Walking

From Walnut Beach, take the boardwalk east. The boardwalk seamlessly connects Walnut Beach to Silver Sands State Park. Continue along the boardwalk to access the beach and other park features.

Discover more about Silver Sands State Park

Silver Sands State Park, a 297-acre gem on Connecticut's Long Island Sound, offers a diverse coastal experience. The park boasts a mile-long sandy beach perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking. Lifeguards are present during the summer months. Beyond the beach, explore tidal salt marshes, coastal dunes, and grassy meadows, providing habitats for various plant and animal species. Birdwatchers will delight in spotting shorebirds, waterfowl, and migratory birds, including the endangered piping plover.The park's history is intertwined with the devastating Hurricane Diane of 1955, which destroyed 75 homes in the area. The state acquired the land and established the park in 1960, later undertaking projects to restore the coastal wetlands. Remnants of old home foundations can still be seen.A unique feature is Charles Island, a 14-acre island accessible via a tombolo (sandbar) during low tide. However, access to Charles Island is prohibited from May through September to protect nesting birds. The island has a rich history, with legends of Captain Kidd's buried treasure and ruins from a former Catholic retreat. Today, it serves as a bird sanctuary and one of the state's largest wading bird rookeries.Visitors can enjoy hiking trails, boardwalks, and observation platforms. The three-quarter-mile boardwalk connects Silver Sands to Walnut Beach, offering scenic views and wildlife viewing opportunities.