Shore Winners

Dive into summertime fun at these beloved New England beaches.

COMPILED BY BILL SCHELLER

Connecticut

DUBOIS BEACH, Stonington. Poking into Fishers Island Sound at the tip of Stonington Point, duBois has been called a “secret beach,” though it’s received plenty of attention from the beach-ranking media. Owned by a local improvement association, it’s a tidy little beach with placid surf, lifeguards, a wee gazebo, lovely views, a modest day fee, and—rare for town beaches—free parking. stoningtonboroughct.com

HAMMONASSET BEACH STATE PARK, Madison. Extending along a peninsula for two miles into Long Island Sound, Hammonasset is Connecticut’s biggest beach and its most popular. A boardwalk runs for three-quarters of a mile along the sands, and along with lifeguards, bathhouses, and concessions including bicycle rentals, the park o ers more than 500 campsites and eight rustic cabins for rent. It’s also popular with surf casters. portal.ct.gov/ DEEP/State-Parks

OCEAN BEACH PARK, New London

Sand and surf not enough? New London has a beach with all the family-fun xings: a water slide, a carousel, and other rides; oldfashioned arcade games; miniature golf; an Olympic pool; and a fullservice restaurant. Special events include movies and classic-car “cruise nights.” visitnewlondon.org

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