New York City's proximity boasts a stunning Connecticut beach, boasting a 2.5-mile coastal walking trail and pristine sandy shores, earning it a top spot.
Greenwich Point Park, affectionately known as Tod's Point, is a hidden gem located in Old Greenwich, Connecticut. This coastal paradise offers a private coastal getaway feeling, making it an ideal destination for a day trip from New York City.
To visit Greenwich Point Park, you must purchase a valid park pass between May 1 and October 31. Non-residents pay $10 per person per day for entry. Greenwich residents have discounted or free access with a valid permit. Passes should be purchased online in advance through the Greenwich Parks & Recreation website, especially for weekends and holidays when the park gets busy.
If you are driving, additional parking fees apply: residents with out-of-town vehicles can buy a seasonal vehicle pass for $225 or a single-entry vehicle ticket for $40 per visit. The park is open daily from 6 a.m. until sunset.
The park's manicured sandy shores, picnic areas, grills, restrooms, and more are available for a fee of $10 per person. Outdoor activities beyond sunbathing include kayaking, windsurfing, biking, visiting butterfly gardens, walking dogs off-season, and launching boats from the Old Greenwich Yacht Club.
At low tide, Shell Beach offers opportunities for exploring hermit crabs, seashells, and potentially spotting harbor seals. The park's sweeping beachfront offers views of the iconic Manhattan skyline on clear days.
Greenwich Point Park is more than just a beautiful beach. It's an Important Bird Area, serving as a vital stopover for colorful songbird migrations, osprey nestings, and wintering ducks. The park's natural beauty is complemented by its historic charm, with historic buildings from the Gilded Age, including the Innis Arden Cottage and the Chimes Tower.
A 2.5-mile loop trail circles the peninsula, providing 360-degree water views, quiet forest paths, picnic spots, and photo opportunities from sunrise to sunset. This trail offers a perfect way to explore the park and take in its beauty.
Greenwich Point Park has been named one of the best beaches near NYC for 2025 by Conde Nast Traveler. So, if you're looking for a secluded island beach getaway just an hour from NYC, Greenwich Point Park is the perfect destination for you.
[1] Greenwich Parks & Recreation website: https://www.greenwichct.org/1261/Parks-Recreation [2] Greenwich Point Park official website: https://www.greenwichct.org/1268/Tods-Point-Park [3] Greenwich Time: https://www.greenwichtime.com/news/article/Greenwich-Point-Park-to-require-parking-passes-16619808.php [5] CT Visit: https://www.ctvisit.com/listings/greenwich-point-park-old-greenwich-ct/
- To fully experience the attractions within Greenwich Point Park, including kayaking, picnics, and visiting historic sites, it's essential to purchase a park pass from the Greenwich Parks & Recreation website.
- For individuals showing symptoms of fever, it's important to prioritize their health and avoid visiting crowded places like Greenwich Point Park until they feel better.
- Beyond its stunning beach and recreational activities, Greenwich Point Park offers a rich lifestyle experience with its historic charm, bird watching opportunities, and beautiful home-and-garden areas, making it an ideal travel destination.
