Silver Sands State Park, Fairfield County Travel Guide

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Discover a coastal paradise at Silver Sands State Park in Milford, CT: beaches, trails, birdwatching, and the mysterious Charles Island.

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Silver Sands State Park

Silver Sands State Park in Milford, Connecticut, offers a diverse coastal landscape with a mile-long sandy beach, tidal salt marshes, and the intriguing Charles Island just offshore. Visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, birdwatching, and exploring the natural beauty of this 297-acre park.

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 see if you can walk to Charles Island during low tide. Note that the island is closed to the public from May through September for bird nesting season.
Bring binoculars for birdwatching, as Silver Sands is home to over 200 species of birds.
Wear comfortable shoes for walking on the beach, boardwalk, and trails.
Pack a picnic to enjoy at one of the park's picnic areas.
Be aware that dogs and bicycling are not allowed on the boardwalk or beach.

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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

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). Turn left onto Route 1, then right at the first traffic light onto Silver Sands Parkway. Follow Silver Sands Parkway across Meadowside Road and continue downhill to the main parking area. Parking fees may apply for non-Connecticut residents. Check the park's website for current rates.
Public Transport

CTtransit routes 261 and 271 from New Haven connect to the Silver Sands Shuttle route at the CT Post Mall. Milford Transit also offers a free shuttle service to Silver Sands State Park on weekends and holidays until September 1st. Check the Milford Transit website for the shuttle schedule. Alternatively, take the Metro-North Railroad to the Stratford station. From there, transfer to a local bus or taxi to reach the park. Bus connections are available from nearby train stations, providing access to the park on a regional basis.
Walking

Silver Sands State Park is connected to Walnut Beach via a boardwalk. From Walnut Beach, you can walk along the boardwalk to reach Silver Sands State Park. The walk is approximately 0.7 miles and offers scenic views of the coastline. Be aware that dogs and bicycles are not allowed on the boardwalk.

Discover more about Silver Sands State Park

Silver Sands State Park, located on Long Island Sound in Milford, Connecticut, is a 297-acre coastal haven offering a variety of recreational activities and natural beauty. The park's centerpiece is its mile-long sandy beach, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and beachcombing. Lifeguards are on duty during the summer months, ensuring a safe swimming environment.Beyond the beach, Silver Sands features tidal salt marshes, coastal dunes, and grassy meadows, providing 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. The park is an important nesting and foraging area for many species.A prominent feature of Silver Sands is Charles Island, a 14-acre island located just off the coast. During low tide, visitors can walk across a tombolo, a sandy isthmus, to reach the island. However, access to the island is prohibited from May through September to protect nesting birds. Charles Island has a rich history, with legends of buried pirate treasure and ruins of a former Catholic retreat.The park also offers hiking trails, boardwalks, and observation platforms for exploring its natural beauty. A boardwalk extends from the parking lot to the beach and along part of the beach, providing accessible pathways for all visitors. The trails form segments of the East Coast Greenway, offering opportunities for longer walks and hikes.Silver Sands State Park was established in 1960 after Hurricane Diane destroyed 75 homes in the area in 1955. The state acquired the land and restored it to its natural coastal state. Today, Silver Sands is a beloved destination for residents and visitors alike, offering a unique opportunity to connect with nature and enjoy the beauty of the Connecticut shoreline.