Rocky Neck State Park East Beach

The bathing beach at Rocky Neck State Park sits within sight of Old Lyme. A broad sweep of pale-coloured sand curving around its bay, it has a protected water’s edge extending for several hundred yards thanks to its position at the mouth of the Four Mile River.

Gently sloping towards the water, and backed by a curtain of parkland, Rocky Neck State Park Beach is a great option for families with younger children. While its sands will provide all the entertainment most will need, its neighbouring salt marshes also make it a popular spot for birdwatching. Short walking trails will help burn off any excess energy.

Facilities at Rocky Neck State Park Beach focus around the Ellie Mitchell Pavilion, the largest Depression-era structure in Connecticut. It contains a food concession, with picnic tables and toilets open during the summer season (roughly July to October). There’s also a campground with 160 pitches for anyone looking to overnight.