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Silver Sands State Park: A Coastal Retreat

Discover sandy beaches, scenic trails, and captivating history at Silver Sands State Park, a coastal treasure on Connecticut's Long Island Sound.

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Silver Sands State Park in Milford, Connecticut, offers a diverse coastal landscape with a mile-long sandy beach, salt marshes, and the intriguing Charles Island, accessible via a sandbar at low tide. It's a haven for birdwatchers and beach lovers alike.

A brief summary to Silver Sands State Park

Local tips

  • Check the tide charts before visiting to safely walk to Charles Island during low tide, and remember access is closed from May through September for nesting birds.
  • Bring binoculars for birdwatching, as Silver Sands is home to over 200 bird species.
  • Pack a picnic to enjoy at the park's designated picnic areas.
  • Be aware that dogs and bicycles are not allowed on the boardwalk or beach.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    To reach Silver Sands State Park by car, take I-95 to Exit 35 (Schoolhouse Road). Head south on Schoolhouse Road to Route 1 (Bridgeport Avenue), then turn left. Turn right at the first traffic light onto Silver Sands Park Way. Follow Silver Sands Park Way across Meadowside Road to the main parking area. Parking fees apply for out-of-state vehicles: $15 on weekdays and $22 on weekends and holidays. Connecticut residents with registered vehicles can park for free.

  • Public Transport

    CTtransit routes 261 and 271 from New Haven connect to the Silver Sands area. These routes meet the Silver Sands Shuttle route at the CT Post Mall. From the bus stop, it's a short walk to the park entrance. A free shuttle service to Silver Sands State Park is available on weekends and holidays until September 1st, 2024, operating within the town of Milford.

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Discover more about Silver Sands State Park

Silver Sands State Park, a 297-acre gem on Connecticut's Long Island Sound, provides a refreshing escape with its varied terrain and rich history. The park boasts a mile-long sandy beach perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and beachcombing. Lifeguards are present during the summer months. Beyond the beach, explore tidal salt marshes, coastal dunes, and grassy meadows, which provide habitats for diverse plant and animal species. Birdwatchers will be delighted by the over 200 species of birds that have been spotted in the park, including shorebirds, waterfowl, and migratory birds. A unique feature of Silver Sands is Charles Island, a 14-acre island accessible via a sandbar during low tide. However, access to the island is prohibited from May through September to protect nesting birds. Legend has it that Captain Kidd buried treasure on the island in the late 17th century. The island also holds the ruins of a 1920s Catholic retreat. The park's history is also compelling. The area, including the tidal channels of Fletcher's Creek and Nettleton Creek, was once a local dumping site and landfill until 1977. The state acquired the land after Hurricane Diane destroyed 75 homes in 1955, completing the acquisitions in 1960. The park was renovated in 2000, with efforts made to restore the coastal wetlands. Visitors can enjoy a range of amenities, including picnic areas, restrooms, and parking facilities. Explore the park's natural beauty via hiking trails and boardwalks, including a 200-foot boardwalk that leads to the beach. The park also connects to Walnut Beach via a boardwalk.

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