Silver Sands State Park: A Coastal Retreat
Discover a coastal paradise at Silver Sands State Park in Milford, CT: beaches, trails, Charles Island, and abundant wildlife await!
Silver Sands State Park in Milford, Connecticut, offers a diverse coastal landscape with a mile-long sandy beach, dunes, salt marsh, and the intriguing Charles Island. Visitors can enjoy swimming, picnicking, birdwatching, and exploring the island via a tombolo at low tide, making it a unique natural haven.
A brief summary to Silver Sands State Park
- 1 Silver Sands Pkwy, Milford, Connecticut, 06460, US
- +1203-735-4311
- Visit website
Local tips
- Check the tide charts before visiting, especially if you plan to walk to Charles Island. The tombolo is only accessible during low tide, and strong currents can be dangerous.
- Bring binoculars for birdwatching! Silver Sands is home to over 200 bird species, including rare and migratory birds.
- Pack water shoes or sturdy sandals. The beach is a mix of sand and rocks, and the tombolo to Charles Island is rocky.
- Visit during the off-season for a quieter experience. The park can get crowded during the summer months.
- Be aware that Charles Island is closed to the public from May through September to protect nesting birds.
Getting There
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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 and continue downhill to the main parking area. Parking fees apply for out-of-state residents: $15 on weekdays and $22 on weekends and holidays. Limited free parking is available for after-hours fishing at the end of East Broadway.
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Public Transport
Take the Metro-North Railroad New Haven Line to Milford Station. From Milford Station, connect to the Milford Transit Route 3 bus, which stops at the Silver Sands entrance Monday through Saturday. Alternatively, on weekends and holidays until September 1st, take the free Milford Transit Silver Sands Shuttle from Milford Station to the park. A ParkConneCT program offers transit service and connections to some of Connecticut's most popular state parks. Bus connections to the Silver Sands Shuttle are available from the Coastal Link at Milford Train Station and CT Transit at CT Post Mall. Bus fare is approximately $1.75 each way.
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Walking
From Walnut Beach, a city-owned beach adjacent to Silver Sands State Park, walk east along the boardwalk. The boardwalk connects Walnut Beach to Silver Sands, providing a scenic and accessible route. The walk is approximately 0.8 miles and takes about 15-20 minutes.
Discover more about Silver Sands State Park
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Eells-Stow House
2.2 km
Explore the Eells-Stow House, a historical museum in Milford, Connecticut, offering a unique glimpse into the area's rich past and architectural heritage.
Stratford Point Lighthouse
6.1 km
Explore the historic Stratford Point Lighthouse, a picturesque landmark reflecting Connecticut's rich maritime heritage and stunning coastal views.
The Mary & Eliza Freeman Center for History and Community
10.5 km
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Former Site Of Little Liberia
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Bridgeport Downtown South Historic District
10.6 km
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US Navy Monument
10.7 km
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Soldiers Monument
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Marina Park Historic District
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Savin Rock
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BR Harbor Study
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WIlliam Campbell Monument
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The Boulevard Flea Market
14.6 km
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City Point Historic District
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Lighthouse Point Park
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Long Wharf Nature Preserve
15.2 km
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Unmissable attractions to see
Connecticut Audubon Society Coastal Center at Milford Point
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Boothe Memorial Park
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National Helicopter Museum Inc
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Miniature Lighthouse
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Connecticut Air & Space Center
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Roosevelt Forest
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Stratford Sea Wall
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Long Beach Stratford Connecticut
8.1 km
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PEZ Visitor Center
9.2 km
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Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo
9.6 km
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Pleasure Beach Park
9.7 km
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Tongue Point Lighthouse
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Housatonic Overlook
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Riverfront Park
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Total Mortgage Arena
10.4 km
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Essential places to dine
Stonebridge Restaurant
2.7 km
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Mac N' Out Macaroni & Cheese
3.8 km
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Cracker Barrel Old Country Store
5.8 km
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Famous 50's Diner
9.0 km
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LongHorn Steakhouse
9.1 km
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Ceviche Palace
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Rosely Restaurant
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Uncle Buck's Fish Bowl and Grill
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El Coquito
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White's Diner
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Boca Oyster Bar
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American Steakhouse
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Massimo Pizzeria Ristorante
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La Bodega Del Mofongo Restaurant
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El Pueblito Restaurant
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Canvas Patch
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Bohemian High LLC
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BoxLunch
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Mellow Monkey
5.3 km
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Luv Boutique
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Atiana's Boutique
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NaturalAnnie Essentials Candle Making Bar & Shop
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Tongue In Chique LLC
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Lobby Giftshop
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Bread of Life Book & Gift Shop
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Salvation Army Family Store & Donation Center
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Bass Pro Shops
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Explosion Bath & Body Gift Shop
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DopeDivaD Boutique
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Jesse's Toys
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Casey's Irish Pub
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Archie Moore's Bar & Restaurant
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My Bar & Grille
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Liberty Rock Tavern
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Anthony D's Bar & Grill
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Joey C's Boathouse Cantina & Grill
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Whiskey Barrel
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Gipper's Restaurant & Ale House
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Main Street Tavern
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Windmill Tavern
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Orange Ale House & Grille
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J&R's Pub
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Bugatti Lounge
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Dive Bar & Restaurant
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Taes Lounge
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