I know that Fairfield County CT has some nice beaches that are off-limits to non residents most of the year. OK, technically they are open (wasn't there a legal challenge a while back?), but with fees like $50 for parking and admissions, I consider them not available.
Well, this weekend is supposed to be downright hot, and I need to be in CT anyway, and I was trying to figure out if I could use the beaches without any fees at this time of the year.
I was looking at the website for Darien CT and other towns, and found veiled references to no actual fees for beaches at least until May 1st. What I can't figure out is if the crazy parking fees are still in effect, or if there are other free parking options available near places like Weed Beach or Pear Tree Point Beach in Darien, or other nice beaches in the area.
No, I don't plan on swimming in the 50 degree waters, and I promise not to try to crash the beaches during the summer--honest! Can you give me some info and local details on how to sit and enjoy the sand this weekend?
Fairfield County Connecticut beaches for non-residents this weekend
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I think it is a Federal Law that all beaches are public from the mean high tide line to the water. I think the beach accesses in some places are what is private.
Most Fairfield County beaches require a beach pass - even residents need to buy one for access during season. Beaches are free for all after Thanksgiving till, as you say, May 1, but check for each town. Not sure about parking rules. But people who man the gates (in Greenwich) are quite polite, and will let you know if it is free or not. It is quite lax when access is free.
Check out Sherwood Island State Park. YOu just pay per vehicle ($7 or so) and they have plenty parking. West side is more developed (& likely crowded). East end is much more open.
I have been to Sherwood Island before. It's nice, I just figured this would be an opportunity to see a different shore access point.
I guess I'll try my luck somewhere in Greenwich or Darien and see what happens--with a 'regular' beach as my backup plan.
Well it's true that no one can prevent you from swimming by their private property - going up on the beach itself would be trespassing - and many town beaches have similar rules. (You may be able to swim up - but there's no free place to get to the water for miles.)
All you can do is try.