Beaches & Shoreline

West Haven Beaches & Shoreline

West Haven’s crown-jewel shoreline is one of the foremost locations in Connecticut to spot rare shorebirds, serving as a migratory route for some of the most endangered bird species. The Sandy Point estuary, one of the sites featured on the Connecticut Coastal Birding Trail, has been designated an “important bird area” by Audubon Connecticut. It is also the area where Sammy the harp seal has been spotted.

Historic Bradley Point Park, featuring sweeping panoramas of Long Island Sound, marks the area where invading British troops landed on July 5, 1779, and now serves as a hotbed for picnickers and passive recreation. The shoreline is just minutes from the historic downtown business district.

Directions to West Haven Beaches and Shoreline

Interstate 95 North
Take exit 42. Turn right onto Route 162, Sawmill Road. Follow beach signs about 2 miles to Captain Thomas Boulevard. Public parking lots are in both directions.

Take exit 43. Turn right onto Campbell Avenue. Follow beach signs about 1 1/2 miles to Captain Thomas Boulevard. Turn left at the traffic light, then turn right at the stop sign. Follow the water along Beach Street. The Sandy Point public parking lot is about a 1/2 mile on the right, across from Captain’s Galley.

Interstate 95 South
Take exit 42. Turn right onto Route 162, Sawmill Road. Follow beach signs about 2 miles to Captain Thomas Boulevard. Public parking lots are in both directions.

Turn right onto Captain Thomas Boulevard. Travel about a 1/4 mile to the Bradley Point Park public parking lot, the first lot on the left.

Turn left onto Captain Thomas Boulevard. Travel about 1 mile through two traffic lights, then turn right at the stop sign. Follow the water along Beach Street. The Morse Park public parking lot is about a 1/4 mile on the left, after Chick’s Drive-In.

Turn left onto Captain Thomas Boulevard. Travel about 1 mile through two traffic lights, then turn right at the stop sign. Follow the water along Beach Street. The Sandy Point public parking lot is about a 1/2 mile on the right, across from Captain’s Galley.

Take exit 43. Turn left onto Route 122, First Avenue. Follow beach signs about 1 1/2 miles to the water. The Morse Park public parking lot is on the right, 100 yards past Captain’s Galley on Beach Street.

Hours
Beaches are open from 9 a.m.–dusk daily.
Lifeguards are on duty weekends only through June 22, daily from June 23–Aug. 17 and weekends only from Aug. 23–Sept. 1. Daily supervision is from 10:15 a.m.–3 p.m.

Daily Parking Rates (Nonresidents)
The daily fee is $10 from 9 a.m.–4 p.m. and $5 after 4.

Lodging
For area hotels and accommodations, call 800-332-STAY

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