Hammonasset Beach State Park

Or call (203) 245-2785 or email deep.stateparks@ct.gov for more information.

• Mariah
  Feb 13, 2022
  Great beach stroll with dog

  Very nice, long beach with great sunsets over the water. This is only open seasonally to dogs. Responsible dog owners and well behaved, happy dogs. Benches located along beach make it a great place to take family members who may not want to walk as far as you. This is a gem open to the public in an area where much of the coast is privately owned. We visited on the warmest day of the winter & the beach was not crowded (perhaps because there are multiple entry points with parking). Parking abundant and very convenient to beach.

• Samantha
  Sep 7, 2019
  Great beach, irresponsible dog owners

  I love Hammonasset and my dog does too. However, I almost never take her there anymore. Too many off leash dogs. My sister in law's dog was attacked by an off leash dog who was "friendly" and "never did that before". I used to bring my male bulldog who was intact due to our vet's recommendation. Because of that some males reacted aggressively to him. He was friendly but wouldn't back down if a dog started with him. To be safe I only introduced him to new dogs with both on a leash. Too many came running up to him with the owner way down the beach/path or just behind saying "it's ok, they're friendly". Maybe so but not every friendly dog is friendly to every dog they meet. Not worth the risk for me anymore.

• Liz
  Feb 27, 2018
  Better for dogs in off-season

  I live in the area, so I bring my dogs to Hammonasset all the time (and they get so excited when they realize that's where we are going). I prefer going in the off-season, though, because it's less crowded and dogs are allowed on the beach (October 31-April 1, I think). I don't go on hot, sunny summer days because the park is full of people and it's just too hot for the dogs, since most of the trails are in direct sun.

  People aren't always good about picking up after their dogs (eew) and I don't think bags are provided any more, but there are dumpsters around the park to dispose of waste year-round and there's no excuse for leaving it behind or bagging it and leaving the bag on the side of the trail.

  The nature center is great, too, and if your dog is well-behaved, they will let him/her come in and you can look at the fish, marine invertebrates, reptiles, amphibians, and birds.

  Remember, dogs are NOT allowed on the beach in the peak season and there are rangers at the park who will enforce this rule. Also, do not let dogs go on sand dunes/grasses (people shouldn't, either) or into protected shorebird habitat.

• Sharon
  More than a year ago
  Wish the beach was pet friendly

  I wish there was a negative rating, I would have used that. After paying $9 to get in (after Labor Day), we were told pets were not allowed on the beach at all. Not so pet friendly!!

• Laura
  More than a year ago
  Great place for a long walk!

  Great place to walk your dogs on trails while in season and off season. There is 2 miles of boardwalk to enjoy! Activities like swimming and running on the beach are best off season, otherwise you will be asked to take your dog off the beach by a ranger.

• Alyssa
  More than a year ago
  Tons of space

  In the off season this place is great for you and your dogs! There's a ton of space to walk, run, and play fetch, and you can head to the huge stretch of beach. It's a nice spot if you don't want to be run over by other dogs because people tend to spread out.

We dug up 2 pictures of dogs at Hammonasset Beach State Park.

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