Connecticut dog beach season is officially here!
While exact rules vary by town—from off-shore freedom at spots like Jennings Beach to restricted boardwalks or state parks—many coastal locations across the state lift their summer dog bans starting around October 1. (Keep your eyes peeled during your coastal walks, because you might even spot a few horses on the sand, too!)
A massive thank you to Dog Friendly Finds CT for putting together this comprehensive breakdown. Be sure to follow @dog_friendly_finds_ct for more local Connecticut dog tips and hidden gems.
Always double-check local guidelines and dates before heading out, as policies can change.
Year-Round Access (No Restrictions)
- Guilford: Barbara Pine Memorial Beach
Seasonal Beach Access & Town Restrictions
Darien
- Weed Beach: Allowed November 1st through December 31 (Check out Darien Digs Dogs for additional details).
East Lyme
- Cinci Memorial Park / Niantic Bay Beach, Hole-in-the-Wall Beach, and McCook Point Park & Beach: Allowed from October 1 through the Friday before Memorial Day. (Note: Dogs are not permitted on the Niantic Bay boardwalk).
Fairfield
- All Fairfield Town Beaches: Open to dogs from October 1 through March 31. This includes:
- Jennings Beach (Allowed off-leash)
- Penfield Beach
- Rickards Beach
- Sasco Beach
- South Pine Creek Beach
- Southport Beach
Greenwich
- Greenwich Point Park (Tods Point): Allowed from December 1st through March 31.
Groton
- Bluff Point State Park: Allowed October through March.
- Esker Point Beach: Allowed in the off-season (not permitted during concerts or other special events).
Madison
- Hammonasset Beach State Park: Allowed September 30 through April 1 (during the season, dogs are permitted in picnic areas and on trails).
- Garvan Point: Town-issued "Bark Swim Pass" required.
Milford
- Silver Sands: Permitted in picnic areas only (not allowed on the actual beach or boardwalk).
New Haven
- Lighthouse Point: Restricted to grassy areas only (not allowed on the sand).
Norwalk
- Bayley Beach Park: Allowed November 1 to March 31.
Old Saybrook
- Harveys Beach & Town Beach: Allowed October 15 through May 1.
Stamford
- Cove Island Park & Cummings Park: Check local seasonal signage for updated winter access.
Stonington
- Barn Island Management Area: Features a short path leading to a small beachy area.
Stratford
- Long Beach, Russian Beach, Short Beach, and Stratford Sea Wall: Leashed dogs are allowed on town beaches from December 1 through March 31.
Waterford
- Waterford Beach Park: Allowed October 1 through May 31.
Westbrook
- Alvord Beach, West Beach, Stannard Beach, and Chapman Beach: Allowed October 1 through April 30. (Note: These are private association beaches for members only).
West Haven
- Savin Rock Boardwalk: Pups are welcome on the boardwalk, but strictly not permitted on the beach itself.
Westport
- Burying Hill Beach: Allowed October 1 through March 31.
- Compo Beach: Allowed October 1 through March 31 (features designated off-shore/off-leash spots).
- Horseneck Beach: Allowed September 16 through the end of March.
- Old Mill Beach: Allowed October 1 through March 31.
- Sherwood Island State Park: Allowed October 1 through April 14.
Please check with local town or park authorities for the most up-to-date policies before visiting, as rules are subject to change.
What’s your go-to beach spot in the off-season?
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