With its picturesque coastline and an array of sandy stretches, Groton is truly a beach lover’s paradise.
Whether you’re a seasoned surfer, an eager kayaker, or just looking for a serene spot to lay down your towel, the region around Groton has a beach tailored for you.
Notably, as you journey further east, the shoreline opens up to spacious expanses, drawing those with surfboards and bodyboards.
Meanwhile, closer to Groton, the cozier coves await.
Their tranquil waters are ideal for paddleboarding and kayaking, catering to those who prefer calmer aquatic pursuits.
Dive into our detailed guide to discover the best of both worlds – from the bustling, activity-rich beaches to the peaceful retreats!
1. Eastern Point Beach
- Distance from Groton: 2 miles
- Activities: swimming, picnics, kayaking, paddleboarding, volleyball
- Facilities: restrooms, concession stand, playgrounds, volleyball nets, seasonal lifeguards
The nearest public beach to Groton, Eastern Point Beach is a cozy retreat for beachgoers.
With its warm sand and easy parking, it draws crowds seeking a summer escape.
An added draw is the on-site amenities, including clean bathrooms and a fully stocked concession stand, enhancing the visitor experience.
Families love the playgrounds, making the beach an ideal spot for kids.
A unique feature here: the spectacle of submarines passing by, a delight for both young and old.
Enjoying high ratings from beach enthusiasts, Eastern Point Beach continues to be a summer favorite, charming visitors with its blend of leisure and spectacle.
Note that seasonal fees are charged at this beach.
2. Bluff Point Beach
- Distance from Groton: 4 miles
- Activities: swimming, picnics, kayaking, paddleboarding, hiking, biking, fishing
- Facilities: state park, trails, restrooms
A unique gem, Bluff Point Beach, forms an integral part of Bluff Point State Park near Groton.
It isn’t your usual sandy escape; this beach thrives on its rocky, raw natural setting.
Access is earned via a 1.5-mile trek from the car park, a small price to pay for the natural beauty it offers.
Hiking and biking enthusiasts find the trails fun and rewarding.
Fishing and kayaking are popular activities here, taking advantage of the less-trodden, rustic environment.
While it might not fit the classic beach mold, Bluff Point Beach offers an immersive outdoor experience that rewards the adventurous spirit.
3. Esker Point Beach
- Distance from Groton: 6 miles
- Activities: swimming, picnics, kayaking, volleyball
- Facilities: picnic shelters, restrooms, volleyball nets
Esker Point Beach, a 6-mile drive from Groton, is known for its diverse range of activities.
As an outdoor oasis, it offers picnicking, volleyball, and boating opportunities, catering to a wide variety of interests.
Summer concerts are a regular fixture at the beach, creating a vibrant cultural hub for both locals and tourists.
It’s also dog-friendly, serving as a unique leisure space for pet owners.
While it’s a modestly sized beach, Esker Point’s offerings make it a cherished location.
4. Ocean Beach Park
- Distance from Groton: 6 miles
- Activities: swimming, picnics, kayaking, paddleboarding, volleyball
- Facilities: restrooms, concession stands, playgrounds, swimming pool, water slides, boardwalk, volleyball nets
Ocean Beach Park, just across the river from Groton, stands out for its vast expanse of sandy beach, featuring volleyball nets for sporting enthusiasts.
It is one of the most popular beaches in the area.
A vibrant boardwalk offers various concessions, providing a range of choices for food lovers.
Unique to the park is an Olympic-sized pool boasting slides, making it a preferred destination for families.
Notably, the park witnesses heavy footfall on weekends, indicating its popularity among locals and tourists alike.
While access to the park’s amenities involves fees, the range of activities and features available reinforces Ocean Beach Park’s standing as a top-tier recreational beach in the region.
5. Waterford Beach
- Distance from Groton: 8 miles
- Activities: swimming, sunbathing, picnics, walking, beachcombing
- Facilities: restrooms, picnic tables, seasonal lifeguards, food truck
Waterford Beach, located next to Ocean Beach Park, is known for its ample soft sand.
During peak season, lifeguards are on patrol, ensuring safety for swimmers, while a food truck caters to gastronomic needs.
Clean restrooms underline the area’s attention to visitor comfort.
For frequent visitors, a seasonal pass can prove cost-effective. Otherwise, the park charges $35 for parking.
The steep price tag keeps crowds away but generally, it’s a highly-rated beach.
While dogs add to the family atmosphere, they are restricted during the peak period between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
Off-season it’s a popular spot for dog walking.
6. Harkness Beach
- Distance from Groton: 8 miles
- Activities: picnics, beachcombing, hiking, photography, dog walking, no swimming
- Facilities: restrooms, picnic tables with grills, Harkness Estate
Harkness Beach, located within the Harkness Memorial State Park, offers a different type of beach experience.
The site of the historic Harkness Mansion, it invites visitors to step into a time gone by.
While swimming is not permitted, the park facilities include tables with grills, fostering a picnic-friendly environment.
Kite-flying is a popular activity, harnessing the area’s breeze.
Walking enthusiasts find solace in the expansive space and bring their canine friends for a leashed walk.
Notably, the park’s aesthetic appeal has made it a prime choice for weddings, solidifying its reputation as an all-encompassing recreational spot.
7. Niantic Beach
- Distance from Groton: 11 miles
- Activities: swimming, sunbathing, picnics, beachcombing, volleyball
- Facilities: restrooms, boardwalk, volleyball nets
Niantic Beach, a popular locale near Groton, offers a sandy landscape for relaxation and recreation.
A long boardwalk provides uninterrupted seaside views, fostering a coastal ambiance.
Seasonal lifeguards ensure safety while visitors enjoy activities like beach volleyball, courtesy of on-site nets.
An entrance fee is charged seasonally, in line with enhanced services during peak periods.
Seasonal passes cater to regular beachgoers, providing value for multiple visits.
Niantic Beach’s blend of tranquility and amenities makes it a favored spot for those seeking both respite and entertainment.
8. Rocky Neck Beach
- Distance from Groton: 15 miles
- Activities: swimming, sunbathing, picnics, beachcombing, hiking, biking, camping, fishing, kayaking, paddleboarding
- Facilities: restrooms, showers, trails, campground, lifeguards, parking, concessions
Nestled in the heart of East Lyme, Rocky Neck State Park unveils a pristine shoreline gem on Long Island Sound, much celebrated by families and nature enthusiasts alike.
The beach’s gentle slope boasts soft, stone-free white sand, making it a haven for swimmers and sunbathers.
Beyond the waves, visitors can indulge in a plethora of activities, from saltwater fishing to picnicking amidst scenic spots.
The historic Ellie Mitchell Pavilion stands as a testament to the park’s rich history, overlooking the vast expanse of the western shoreline.
Amenities abound, including a snack bar, ample parking, a bathhouse, and even showers.
And while the beach may hum with energy during peak times, its stunning views and tranquil ambiance never fade.
This beach truly provides an experience for everyone.
9. Hawk’s Nest Beach
- Distance from Groton: 17 miles
- Activities: swimming, sunbathing, picnics, beachcombing, volleyball, kayaking, paddleboarding, tennis
- Facilities: cottages, tennis courts, kayak rentals, concessions
Hawk’s Nest Beach stands unique with its cottages offering a perfect waterfront vacation.
Its relaxed ambiance goes hand-in-hand with exciting activities such as kayaking and paddleboarding.
Additionally, on-site tennis courts present more options for active visitors.
Hawk’s Nest Beach seamlessly blends the pleasures of a beachfront stay with diverse recreational opportunities, making it a compelling destination for holidaymakers of all tastes.
10. Williams Beach Park
- Distance from Groton: 10 miles
- Activities: swimming, walking, picnics, kayaking
- Facilities: park, playgrounds, picnic shelters, porta-potties, buoyed area
Situated near Mystic, Williams Beach Park is small in size but big on charm.
Set on the edge of the Mystic River, this gem offers breathtaking views you won’t forget.
Tranquility rules here, the vibe is pure serenity.
The sandy shores, strewn with seashells and pebbles, welcome beachcombers and sandcastle builders alike.
The standout feature is its simplicity – no flashy tourist distractions, just an authentic coastal experience.
Williams Beach Park is a little piece of paradise just a hop, skip, and a jump away.
11. duBois Beach
- Distance from Groton: 14 miles
- Activities: swimming, picnics, kayaking
- Facilities: pavilion, swimming dock
Despite its compact size, duBois Beach in Stonington is teeming with unique features. It’s a magnet for beach-goers.
An entrance fee applies for non-residents. Yet, parking, albeit tight, is free.
Among the standout attributes is a swimming dock, a floating oasis of fun for swimmers.
Overhead, a pavilion provides an ideal spot for community gatherings and events.
Visitors also relish the picturesque sunsets that paint the horizon each evening.
Even with its small footprint, duBois Beach packs a punch with its diverse offerings, effortlessly combining recreation, community spirit, and natural beauty.
12. Misquamicut State Beach
- Distance from Groton: 19 miles
- Activities: swimming, sunbathing, picnics, beachcombing, volleyball, body boarding
- Facilities: restrooms, showers, concessions, plenty of space, lifeguards
Misquamicut State Beach holds the title of the area’s largest and most popular beach.
Notable for its waves, the beach is a hit with kids and bodyboarders.
Convenient amenities like showers and restrooms ensure a comfortable day out.
Its strategic location near various eateries and hotels further adds to its appeal.
As such, Misquamicut State Beach is not just a destination for sun and sand; it’s a whole package offering adventure, comfort, and convenience for beachgoers.
Just be mindful of aggressive seagulls who steal your ice cream and food.
13. Atlantic Beach
- Distance from Groton: 20 miles
- Activities: swimming, sunbathing, picnics, beachcombing, volleyball, body boarding
- Facilities: restrooms, showers, concessions, plenty of space
Atlantic Beach, situated right next to Misquamicut State Beach, offers a vibrant, fun-filled ambiance.
The presence of arcades and a carousel make it a magnet for kids, while beach bars and eateries add a lively pulse for adults.
Ice cream shops ensure a sweet retreat after fun in the sun.
With waves that kids adore, it’s not just a place to laze around, but a platform for active fun.
Atlantic Beach emerges not just as a typical shoreline, but as a hub of entertainment, refreshments, and exhilarating beach activities.
14. Dune’s Park Beach
- Distance from Groton: 23 miles
- Activities: swimming, sunbathing, picnics, beachcombing, body boarding, crabbing
- Facilities: restrooms, showers, jetty
Dune’s Park Beach is a haven for beachgoers who seek a mix of serene and energetic coastal activities.
The prominent sand dunes add character and allure, while the ample space affords room for various recreations.
The beach’s fishing jetty is a popular spot for anglers, contributing to its vibrant spirit.
With waves offering the perfect setting for bodyboarding, it’s an active adventurer’s delight.
Proximity to a river adds diversity and encourages crabbing, making Dune’s Park Beach a multi-faceted beach destination.
15. East Beach (Quonochontaug)
- Distance from Groton: 28 miles
- Activities: swimming, sunbathing, picnics, beachcombing, body boarding, camping, off-roading
- Facilities: changing rooms, seasonal lifeguards, primitive campground
East Beach near Quonochontaug offers an unconventional beach experience.
With sand dunes forming the landscape, it provides a distinctive backdrop to beach activities.
Unique to East Beach is the opportunity to drive 4×4 vehicles on the beach – a thrill that requires a permit.
Coupled with the presence of a primitive campground, it caters to outdoor enthusiasts seeking an authentic adventure.
The beach’s waves contribute to the overall dynamic atmosphere and allow for surfing and bodyboarding.
However, its small parking lot can limit the number of visitors, making the beach an exclusive haven for those lucky enough to secure a spot.
