Counting the waves…
Counting the waves…
Ocean Beach Park stretches along New London's southeastern shore like a summer postcard from 1940—except the facilities are spotless and the lifeguard stands are staffed through Labor Day. You'll park in a paved lot steps from the sand, where families stake out territory with striped umbrellas and coolers while gulls wheel overhead, eyeing unattended hot dogs from the snack bar. The beach itself slopes gently into Long Island Sound, where the water stays swimmable from June through September and the waves roll in with enough energy to body-surf but not enough to intimidate a seven-year-old. To your left, the triple-flume waterslide towers over an Olympic-length pool filled with filtered seawater; to your right, the boardwalk stretches past arcade games that still cost quarters and a carousel with hand-painted horses. What sets this place apart from the private yacht clubs dotting Connecticut's coastline is its unapologetic accessibility. You pay a modest entry fee, grab a wristband, and suddenly you have access to changing rooms with hot showers, volleyball nets already strung, and picnic tables under pavilions where the breeze carries both salt spray and the percussive clang of skee-ball machines. It's urban beach-going at its most democratic—no pretense, just sand, surf, and the particular joy of a snow cone melting faster than you can eat it.
Places, rentals, tours and events within walking and driving distance of Ocean Beach Park.
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Ocean Beach Park is generally safe for family swimming, with lifeguards on duty during summer months (typically Memorial Day through Labor Day). The beach features a designated swimming area with calm waters suitable for children. The park also offers a large Olympic-sized pool as an alternative to ocean swimming. Always check daily water quality reports and flag warnings before entering the water. The gradual slope and sandy bottom make it ideal for young swimmers, but adult supervision is essential as with any beach.
Summer (June through August) is peak season, offering warm weather, full amenities, and lifeguard services. The park typically opens weekends in late May and operates daily through early September. For fewer crowds, visit weekdays or early September when water remains warm but schools resume. The boardwalk and certain facilities operate year-round for walking and beach access, though swimming amenities close after Labor Day. July and August offer the warmest ocean temperatures, averaging 68-72°F, ideal for extended swimming.
Ocean Beach Park has a large on-site parking lot with space for over 3,000 vehicles. Parking fees apply during summer season (typically $15-25 per vehicle on weekends, less on weekdays). The park is located at 98 Neptune Avenue in New London, easily accessible from I-95. Exit 83 or 84 will get you there. Free street parking is extremely limited in surrounding neighborhoods. Arriving early on summer weekends is recommended as the lot can fill by midday during peak season.
Ocean Beach Park features multiple food concessions including a boardwalk cafe, snack bars, and an arcade. You'll find classic beach fare like burgers, hot dogs, pizza, ice cream, and fried seafood. Picnic areas with grills are available if you prefer bringing your own food. The park offers extensive amenities including bathhouses, showers, miniature golf, volleyball courts, and a playground. No hotels are on-site, but downtown New London is minutes away with various lodging options including chain hotels and historic inns.
Yes, Ocean Beach Park features a classic half-mile wooden boardwalk, one of Connecticut's few remaining beachfront boardwalks. Beyond swimming, the park offers an Olympic-sized outdoor pool, waterslide, miniature golf course, arcade, and beach volleyball courts. The boardwalk is popular for strolling and jogging year-round. During summer, the park hosts special events and live entertainment. The combination of traditional boardwalk attractions with modern facilities makes it a distinctive destination that distinguishes it from typical New England beaches.
