Planning Things to Do
Beaches & Recreation
Madison, CT
Over 1 million people visit Madison Beaches annually. We are home to Connecticut’s largest public shoreline park with over 2 miles of sandy beach. In fact, there are 4 beaches to choose from in Madison. Enjoy camping, walking trails, fishing, Car-top boating, fishing, nature centers, hiking, biking, picnicking and wildlife reserves.
Our 3 town beaches are open to the general public, seasonal fees apply. Residents and taxpayers are eligible to purchase seasonal passes. Visit the Madison Beach & Recreation Department for more information.
Most parks are open sunrise to sunset, seasonal fees apply.
Hammonasset State Park
1288 Boston Post Road
(203) 245-2795
ct.gov/deep
Open: Year Round (Camping seasonal)
Fees: Seasonal
Facilities: Bathrooms, Car-Top Boat Launch, Concessions, Showers & Nature Center (seasonal), Shelters
Activities: Camping, swimming, picnicking, biking, walking, boating, fishing, nature exhibits, bird sanctuary.
Meigs Point Nature Center
@Hammoasset State Beach
(203) 245-8743
meigspointnaturecenter.org/
Open: Year Round
Fees: Free
Facilities: Bathrooms
Activities: Exhibits, tours, summer & annual programs, group programs, birthday parties.
The staff at the Meigs Point Nature Center enhances and enriches science education through hands-on experiences.
Madison Surf Club Park
Surf Club Road
(203) 245-5623
madisonct.org
Open: Year Round
Fees: Seasonal
Facilities (seasonal): Bathrooms, Concessions
Activities: Swimming, picnicking, small boating, volleyball, basketball, bocce, horseshoe pits, athletic fields. The Surf Club is on 45 acres along the Sound with 1200 feet of beach.
West Wharf Beach
West Wharf Road
(203) 245-5623
madisonct.org
Open: Year Round
Fees: Seasonal
Facilities (seasonal): None
Activities: Swimming, Car-top boat access, fishing pier, 12 mooring posts
West Wharf beach is located on 1.8 acres. Visitors enjoy exploring the rocky area, tide pools and small beach. Limited parking.
East Wharf Beach
122 Middle Beach Road
(203) 245-2795
madisonct.org
Open: Year Round
Fees: Seasonal
Facilities: None
Activities: Swimming, car-top boat access, limited parking.
A former ship building site on Long Island Sound. Season racks available for rental fee. Gazebo area.
Salt Meadow Park
1362 Boston Post Road
(203) 245-5623
madisonct.org/
Open: Year Round
Fees: Free
Facilities: None
Activities: Walking trails, athletic fields, marsh walk
The site of the old Griswold airport is now a public park for recreation. A short walking trail and small picnic area is available.
Rockland Preserve
99 Renee Way
(203) 245-5623
madisonct.org
Open: Year Round
Fees: None
Facilities: None
Activities: Hiking, walking
Rounded, rocky hills, steep gray cliffs, ledges, and lovely wooded areas. Long abandoned ancient routes traveled by foot and horse and wagon with single track biking trails!
Bauer Park
257 Copse Road
(203) 245-5623
madisonct.org
Open: Seasonal
Fees: Free
Facilities: None
Activities: Walking trails, community gardens, festivals, hay maze and more.
Ongoing community programs. Established when the Bauer family gave his farm to the Town.