Outdoor Activities

The largest of Westbrook's town beaches, West Beach is a sandy beach that offers breathtaking views Long Island Sound and Menunketesuk Island. You can enjoy swimming, boating, and hiking, and picnicking. Facilities include bathrooms, changing rooms, and concession stands. Note that a $20/day parking fee is assessed from July thru August.

Hammonasset Beach State Park is a shoreline park, with two miles of beach front along Long Island Sound, along with woodlands and wetlands. The park has a nature center, interpretive programs, and facilities for camping (campsites and cabins), fishing, picnicking, and swimming.

The Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge is a 950 acre wildlife refuge, locacted along the Connecticut coastline. Made up of ten units, it provides an important habitat for a variety of birds, including a number of endangered species.

Chatfield Hollow State Park is a 412 acre park, located in Killingsworth, Connecticut. Here, you can enjoy a variety fo activites, including hiking, biking, and fishing. The park is also a popular rock climbing venue. A number of historic sites are located in the park, as well.

Nehantic State Forest is a publicly owned forest and recreation area handled by Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. The forest, which covers over 5,000 acres, was the first state forest in New London County. Visitors and enjoy hiking, swimming, boating, and hunting.

Rocky Neck State Park, located in East Lyme, is a 780 acre park that includes sandy beachs, a sale marsh, and structures dating back to the Great Depression. Of particular interest is the Elle Mitchell Pavillion, the largest depressin-era strcture in Connecticut. A variety of activities are available at the park, including swimming, saltwater fishing, hikng, and picnicking.

Devil's Hopyard State Park is located in East Haddam, Connecticut. It covers approximately 1,000 acres. The park includes a number of falls and three historic highway bridgers. Vistors can enjoy hiking, biking, campin, picnicking, and camping at the park.