Sherwood Island State Park

Welcome, Connecticut residents, to your guide to one of the state's most cherished natural treasures: Sherwood Island State Park. Nestled along the picturesque shoreline of Long Island Sound in Westport, this expansive park offers a refreshing escape from the daily grind, inviting you to connect with nature, unwind by the water, and create lasting memories with family and friends. As Connecticut’s very first state park, established with the initial land purchase in 1914, Sherwood Island holds a special place in the hearts of locals and visitors alike, representing a legacy of preserving our state's stunning coastal beauty for public enjoyment.

Sherwood Island State Park spans an impressive 238 acres, encompassing a diverse landscape that includes pristine sandy beaches, vibrant salt marshes, serene woodlands, and open fields. This rich tapestry of ecosystems supports a wide array of wildlife, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts. Whether you're seeking a tranquil spot for relaxation, an adventurous day of outdoor activities, or an educational experience for the curious minds in your family, Sherwood Island State Park provides an idyllic setting. Its commitment to maintaining a clean, welcoming, and accessible environment ensures that every visit is a pleasure, offering something for everyone to enjoy.

Sherwood Island State Park is conveniently located in Westport, Connecticut, making it easily accessible for residents across the state. Its address is Sherwood Island Connector, Westport, CT 06880, USA. This prime location off major roadways ensures a smooth journey, allowing you to transition quickly from the hustle and bustle of everyday life to the tranquil beauty of the park.

For those traveling by car, accessibility is straightforward. If you're coming from I-95 North or South, simply take Exit 18, and the Sherwood Island Connector will lead you directly into the park. From Route 1 North or South, access the Sherwood Island Connector in Westport and proceed past the I-95 entrance/exit ramps directly into the park. If you're using Route 15 (Merritt Parkway), from northbound, take Exit 41 and proceed south on Route 33 to Route 1, then follow Route 1 north to the Sherwood Island Connector. From southbound on Route 15, take Exit 42 and follow Route 57 south, then go left onto Route 33, and proceed south on Route 33 to Route 1. The park boasts ample parking, and importantly, parking is conveniently close to the water's edge, a notable advantage over some other state park beaches. This ease of access contributes significantly to a stress-free and enjoyable visit, ensuring you spend less time navigating and more time reveling in the park’s offerings.

• Swimming Areas: Enjoy designated swimming areas along the beautiful Long Island Sound shoreline. Lifeguards are typically on duty during the summer months for added safety. The waters here are often calm, making it a suitable spot for families with younger children.
• Picnic Areas: The park features numerous picnic areas equipped with tables and grills, perfect for family gatherings, group outings, or a quiet lunch amidst nature.
• Restrooms and Bathhouses: Clean and well-maintained public bathhouses with restroom facilities are available for visitor convenience.
• Concessions: During peak season, concessions are available for refreshments, snacks, and perhaps even beach essentials.
• First Aid Station: A first aid station is on-site to address any minor injuries or emergencies.
• Nature Center: The Sherwood Island Nature Center offers educational exhibits focusing on the local ecosystem, wildlife, and history of the park. It provides an excellent opportunity for both children and adults to learn more about the natural world around them.
• Handicap Accessibility: The park is handicap accessible, with features such as surf chairs available, ensuring that visitors with disabilities can enjoy the beach and its amenities.
• Parking: Extensive parking facilities are available, with spaces often close to the beach, enhancing convenience for visitors.

• Connecticut's First State Park: As the first state park established in Connecticut, Sherwood Island holds historical significance and continues to be a pioneering example of public land preservation.
• Long, Sandy Beaches: The park boasts approximately 6,000 feet (over a mile) of open shoreline, offering plenty of space for visitors to relax, sunbathe, and stroll. The sand here sometimes exhibits unique color variations, with red (garnet), black (magnetite), and white (quartz) sands sorted by the waves due to their different densities and shapes, creating a visually interesting landscape.
• Diverse Ecosystems: Beyond the beaches, Sherwood Island features varied habitats including tidal marshes, woodlands, and fields, supporting a rich biodiversity.
• Birdwatching Paradise: Sherwood Island is a renowned birdwatching destination, recognized as the #1 eBird Hotspot in Connecticut. Over 300 bird species have been observed here, making it a prime location for birders of all experience levels to spot migratory and resident birds throughout the year.
• Walking and Hiking Trails: Enjoy scenic walking paths and forested trails that wind through the park's diverse landscapes, offering opportunities for peaceful strolls or more vigorous hikes.
• Fishing Opportunities: Saltwater fishing is permitted at Sherwood Point, East and West Jetty during the open season (April 15 - September 30). During the off-season, the entire beach is open to fishing from 8 a.m. to sunset. Species like blackfish, bluefish, scup, summer flounder, winter flounder, and striped bass can be caught.
• Model Airplane Field: The park has a designated area for flying model airplanes, a unique feature that attracts enthusiasts.
• September 11th Living Memorial: Sherwood Island is home to a touching living memorial dedicated to the victims of the September 11, 2001, attacks, offering a space for reflection and remembrance.

For Connecticut residents, access to Sherwood Island State Park is particularly convenient and often comes with a significant benefit. Through the state's "Passport to the Parks" program, vehicles registered in Connecticut generally do not need to pay a day pass or parking fee for entry to state parks, including Sherwood Island. This program effectively eliminates parking fees for most Connecticut residents, making a day at the park even more accessible and affordable. For out-of-state visitors, a day pass fee applies, which should be purchased upon arrival at the park. It's always a good idea to check the official Connecticut State Parks website or call ahead for the most current information on fees and any seasonal adjustments, especially during peak summer months when parks can occasionally close due to capacity.

For general inquiries or more specific information about Sherwood Island State Park, you can reach out through the following contact details:

Address: Sherwood Island Connector, Westport, CT 06880, USA

Phone: (203) 226-6983

Mobile Phone: +1 203-226-6983

The park is generally open from 8 AM to sunset, though vehicle access to some parking lots may be restricted during winter months. It's also important to note that Sherwood Island State Park is an alcohol-free park, and pets are not permitted in the park during the summer season (April 15 through September 30), although they are allowed on a leash from October 1 to April 14.

Sherwood Island State Park truly stands out as an ideal destination for Connecticut locals, offering a wealth of experiences right in our own backyard. Its convenient location in Westport, coupled with easy highway access, means that a beautiful coastal escape is never too far away. As many local visitors have noted, the park is "right off the highway, easy to find."

For families, the calm waters of Long Island Sound provide a safe and enjoyable swimming environment, making it a perfect spot for kids to splash and play. While you might want to "leave your boogie board at home," be sure to "bring your sand castle supplies" for hours of creative fun on the shore. The ample and close-to-the-water parking is a huge advantage, especially when you're hauling beach gear and little ones. Even though it might appear small, the "open shoreline is long, and it never seems crowded," offering a sense of space and tranquility that's often hard to find at other popular beaches.

Beyond the beach, the park’s diverse natural features cater to a variety of interests. Birdwatchers will be thrilled by the abundance of species, while those seeking a peaceful walk can explore the scenic trails and marshes. The availability of picnic areas with tables makes it simple to pack a lunch and enjoy a full day outdoors without needing to leave the park. And let's not forget the significant benefit for Connecticut residents: free entry with CT plates through the Passport to the Parks program.

Whether you're looking for a vibrant day of sun and sand, a quiet afternoon of birdwatching, or simply a refreshing walk along the shore during the off-season, Sherwood Island State Park offers a versatile and welcoming environment. It’s a place where you can easily spend an entire day, watch the sunset, and feel a deep connection to Connecticut’s natural beauty. It's more than just a park; it's a community asset, a natural classroom, and a cherished local retreat, making it an indispensable part of the Connecticut experience.

Sherwood Island State Park

Sherwood Island Connector, Westport, CT 06880, USA