Burying Hill Beach

For those living in or visiting coastal Connecticut, the allure of a quiet, picturesque beach offers a perfect escape from the everyday hustle. Burying Hill Beach, located on Burying Hill Road in Westport, CT, is precisely such a gem. While often described as a "pretty little private town beach," it provides a serene and captivating environment distinct from larger, more bustling public shores. This beach is managed by the Town of Westport, which allows it to maintain a tranquil atmosphere, primarily catering to residents and those with season passes during the peak summer months.

Burying Hill Beach may not be the most expansive stretch of sand, nor is it primarily known for vigorous swimming conditions due to its unique coastal characteristics. Instead, its charm lies in its peaceful ambiance, stunning views of the Long Island Sound, and its intimate connection to the Westport community. As one visitor beautifully put it, "Pretty little private town beach, great for escaping from the traffic on 195 for a few minutes in the winter." Another shared a deeply personal connection, stating, "This place holds a special place in my heart. It’s where I proposed to my wife!" These sentiments underscore the beach's appeal as a place for quiet reflection, romantic moments, and appreciating the natural beauty of the Connecticut coastline. During off-season, its accessibility offers a peaceful respite, while in-season, it transforms into a cherished, exclusive haven for pass holders.

Burying Hill Beach is conveniently situated on Burying Hill Road, Westport, CT 06880, USA. This address places it directly on the picturesque Long Island Sound shoreline, within a short drive for many residents of Westport and neighboring Fairfield County towns. The beach's location offers beautiful vistas and a refreshing coastal breeze.

Accessibility to Burying Hill Beach varies significantly between the off-season and the official "beach season" (typically Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day). During the off-season, access is generally open to the public, providing a wonderful opportunity for tranquil walks, photography, or simply enjoying the ocean air without crowds or fees. This makes it an excellent spot for a quick break from daily life, as one review noted, "great for escaping from the traffic on 195 for a few minutes in the winter."

However, once "beach season" is in effect, access becomes highly restricted. As a town-operated beach, entry during this period requires a valid Westport beach sticker or a daily pass. Daily passes are often limited and can be quite expensive, sometimes requiring advance purchase or being subject to availability. "Even for a quick photo with friends, you must pay an expensive fee if you haven't bought your season pass. No exceptions!" This policy is in place to manage capacity and ensure a pleasant experience primarily for town residents and registered visitors. Parking is typically available on-site for those with valid passes, but spaces can fill up quickly on popular summer days. While public transportation options directly to this specific beach may be limited, it is easily reachable by car for those with appropriate access.

Burying Hill Beach, as a town beach, offers a selection of essential services and amenities designed to enhance the visitor experience, particularly during the official beach season:

• Lifeguard Supervision: During designated swimming hours in the summer season, trained lifeguards are on duty to ensure the safety of swimmers within the supervised areas.

• Restroom Facilities: Public restrooms are typically available, providing convenient access for visitors. These facilities are usually well-maintained by the Town of Westport.

• Picnic Areas: Designated areas with picnic tables are often available, allowing visitors to enjoy meals with views of the Sound.

• Concession Stand (Seasonal): During the summer, a concession stand might be operational, offering snacks, drinks, and other beach necessities. (It's always advisable to confirm seasonal operation).

• Trash Receptacles: Bins are provided for waste disposal to help maintain the cleanliness of the beach.

• Beach Access: Direct access to the sandy shoreline and the Long Island Sound for sunbathing, walking, and enjoying the coastal environment.

It's important to remember that the availability and operational hours of these services are typically seasonal, with full services most likely offered during the peak summer beach season when access is restricted to pass holders.

Burying Hill Beach boasts several distinctive features and highlights that contribute to its charm and appeal among locals:

• Secluded and Private Atmosphere: Unlike some of the larger, more crowded public beaches, Burying Hill Beach offers a more intimate and tranquil experience. This sense of privacy, especially during the peak season when access is controlled, is a significant draw.

• Stunning Views of Long Island Sound: The beach provides captivating, unobstructed views across the Long Island Sound. On clear days, it's possible to see distant shorelines, and with binoculars or a telephoto lens, even the tallest buildings of the New York City skyline at dusk, as one reviewer pointed out.

• Picturesque Coastal Setting: The natural beauty of the beach, with its shoreline and surrounding coastal vegetation, creates a scenic backdrop for relaxation, photography, and quiet contemplation.

• Off-Season Accessibility: A notable highlight is its open access during the off-season. This allows residents to enjoy the beach's peaceful beauty without fees or crowds, making it a perfect spot for winter walks or a quick escape.

• Ideal for Relaxation and Photography: While perhaps "not a great swimming beach" due to specific conditions, it excels as a place for sunbathing, reading, quiet reflection, and capturing beautiful coastal landscapes.

• Romantic Ambiance: The serene and picturesque setting has even made it a memorable location for special moments, like a marriage proposal, underscoring its romantic appeal.

These highlights collectively define Burying Hill Beach as a cherished, more exclusive coastal retreat in Westport.

As a municipal town beach in Westport, Burying Hill Beach does not offer commercial "promotions" or "special offers" in the retail sense. Its access and fee structure are regulated by the Town of Westport's Parks and Recreation Department. The primary "offer" is the controlled, more exclusive beach experience during the peak season and free, unrestricted access during the off-season.

• Westport Resident Beach Stickers: The most significant "special offer" is the ability for Westport residents to purchase seasonal beach stickers at a significantly reduced rate compared to daily non-resident fees. These stickers provide unlimited access to town beaches, including Burying Hill, throughout the summer season. Prices for resident stickers are set annually by the town and typically offer substantial savings for frequent visitors.

• Non-Resident Daily Passes: While these come with a higher fee, they represent the "offer" of access for non-residents during the summer. Availability of daily passes can be limited, especially on weekends and holidays, making early arrival or checking the town's website essential.

• Off-Season Free Access: The entire off-season (typically from Labor Day to Memorial Day weekend) acts as a continuous "special offer" of free access for everyone, regardless of residency. This allows locals and visitors alike to enjoy the beach's tranquility and views without any charge.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information on beach sticker requirements, daily pass prices, and seasonal access dates, it is highly recommended to consult the official Town of Westport Parks and Recreation website or contact them directly.

Burying Hill Beach is managed by the Town of Westport's Parks and Recreation Department. For any inquiries regarding beach access, passes, regulations, or facilities, the Parks & Recreation Department is the primary point of contact.

• Beach Address: Burying Hill Rd, Westport, CT 06880, USA

• Town of Westport Parks and Recreation Department:

  • Phone: (203) 341-5090 (General Parks & Recreation main line)

  • Email: recreation@westportct.gov

  • Administrative Office Address: 260 Compo Road South, Westport, CT 06880 (This is the main office for the department, not at the beach itself).

  • Website: For comprehensive and up-to-date information on beach policies, seasonal hours, sticker information, and daily pass availability, please visit the official Town of Westport Parks and Recreation website (westportct.gov/parks-recreation).

It is strongly advised to check the official town website or call the Parks & Recreation Department before planning a visit, especially during the summer season, to confirm access requirements and operational details.

Burying Hill Beach is exceptionally well-suited for locals in Westport and the surrounding Connecticut communities, offering a unique blend of tranquility, natural beauty, and a sense of exclusive community access. Its suitability stems from several key aspects that resonate deeply with residents seeking quality outdoor experiences.

Firstly, its controlled access during peak summer ensures that the beach maintains a less crowded, more peaceful atmosphere than many public alternatives. For Westport residents with beach stickers, this means a consistently enjoyable and less stressful beach experience, allowing them to truly relax and savor their time by the Long Island Sound without the overwhelming crowds often found elsewhere. This sense of a "private town beach" is a significant perk that adds value to local living.

Secondly, even for those without a season pass, the off-season offers free and open access, making it a perfect year-round destination for quiet walks, contemplation, and enjoying the coastal scenery. This flexibility allows locals to experience the beach in different seasons, each offering its own unique charm, from crisp winter views to the vibrant spring air.

Furthermore, Burying Hill Beach's serene ambiance and picturesque views make it ideal for activities beyond just swimming. It’s a cherished spot for quiet reflection, photography, and simply unwinding. The reviews highlight its role in personal milestones and as a quick escape, underscoring its emotional connection to the community. While it might not be the go-to for vigorous swimming, its strengths lie in providing a beautiful, accessible, and often tranquil coastal retreat right in Westport’s backyard, enriching the quality of life for its residents and solidifying its place as a beloved local gem.

Burying Hill Beach

Burying Hill Rd, Westport, CT 06880, USA