Connecticut Audubon Society Coastal Center at Milford Point
Connecticut Audubon Society Coastal Center at Milford Point
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.
Plan your visit
A brief summary to Silver Sands State Park
Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.
Plan your visit
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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 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.
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.
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.
Local tips
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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.
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Bring binoculars for birdwatching! Silver Sands is home to over 200 bird species, including rare and migratory birds.
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Pack water shoes or sturdy sandals. The beach is a mix of sand and rocks, and the tombolo to Charles Island is rocky.
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Visit during the off-season for a quieter experience. The park can get crowded during the summer months.
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Be aware that Charles Island is closed to the public from May through September to protect nesting birds.
Discover more about Silver Sands State Park
Silver Sands State Park, located on Long Island Sound in Milford, Connecticut, is a 297-acre coastal park offering a variety of natural landscapes and recreational activities. Established in 1960, the park's creation followed the devastation of Hurricane Diane in 1955, which destroyed 75 homes in the area. The state acquired over 300 parcels of land to create the park, restoring the area from a former landfill to its natural coastal state.
The park features a mile-long sandy beach perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and beachcombing. A three-quarter-mile boardwalk extends from the parking lot, providing easy access to the beach and stunning views of the restored tidal marsh. The park is also a haven for birdwatchers, with over 200 species of birds spotted in the area.
One of the park's most unique features is Charles Island, a 14-acre island located about half a mile offshore. During low tide, visitors can walk across a tombolo, a natural sand and rock bridge, to reach the island. However, it's crucial to check tide charts and exercise caution due to strong tidal currents. Charles Island is a protected bird sanctuary from May through September, prohibiting public access to protect nesting birds. The island is shrouded in legends, including tales of Captain Kidd's buried treasure and a supposed curse.
Visitors can explore the park's two miles of walking trails, enjoy picnic areas, and fish along the shore. Silver Sands State Park offers a blend of natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and historical intrigue, making it a worthwhile destination for a coastal escape.
A brief summary to Silver Sands State Park
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