White Sands Beach, Old Lyme, Connecticut

White Sands Beach in Connecticut is a charming coastal gem nestled in Old Lyme. This lovely beach offers visitors stunning views of Long Island Sound and a peaceful place to relax. You’ll find a picturesque setting perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying quality time with friends and family.

During beach season, this local treasure is primarily for residents, with non-resident parking restrictions in place from Memorial Day weekend. The beach features picnic areas where you can enjoy meals while taking in the beautiful surroundings. White Sands Beach is part of what makes Connecticut’s shoreline special, providing a serene escape from busy everyday life.

Connecticut 2025 Deals!
Get a discount of 15% to 70% on accommodation in Connecticut! Look for deals here:
Connecticut Hotels, Apartments, B&Bs

White Sands Beach

White Sands Beach is a charming coastal gem located in Old Lyme, Connecticut. You’ll find this picturesque beach along the stunning Connecticut shoreline, offering a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

The beach features soft, light-colored sand that gives it its fitting name. When you visit, you can enjoy the peaceful sound of waves lapping against the shore while taking in beautiful views of Long Island Sound.

White Sands is popular among locals and visitors alike during the summer months. You can swim in the calm waters, build sandcastles with your family, or simply relax with a good book under the warm sun.

This beach is particularly wonderful for watching spectacular sunsets. As day turns to evening, you’ll be treated to a stunning display of colors reflecting off the water – a perfect end to your beach day in Connecticut.

Location: Old Lyme, CT 06371

The Beauty of White Sands Beach

White Sands Beach in Connecticut offers visitors a stunning coastal experience with its gorgeous shoreline and spectacular views of Long Island Sound. The beach combines natural beauty with a relaxing ambiance.

Pristine White Sands

The beach earns its name from the soft, white sand that stretches for approximately half a mile along the shoreline. When you walk barefoot across this beach, you’ll feel the fine-grained sand between your toes – a simple pleasure that makes this spot special.

Unlike some rockier Connecticut beaches, White Sands offers a comfortable place to spread your towel and relax. The clean, well-maintained beach area provides the perfect setting for sunbathing, building sand castles, or simply sitting and enjoying the coastal atmosphere.

The beach also connects to The Nature Conservancy’s Griswold Point Preserve, giving you access to protected natural areas. This means you can enjoy both beach activities and nature exploration in one visit.

Breathtaking Views

From White Sands Beach, you’ll enjoy spectacular panoramic views of Long Island Sound. The horizon stretches before you, creating a sense of peace and connection with nature.

Sunset at White Sands is particularly magical. The sky transforms into brilliant shades of orange, pink, and purple as the sun dips below the horizon. Many visitors come specifically for these evening displays, which create perfect photo opportunities.

During storms, the beach takes on a different kind of beauty – dramatic and powerful. The contrast between turbulent waters and the peaceful shore creates a mesmerizing scene that many find captivating.

You can also spot various seabirds and occasionally even spot boats sailing across the sound, adding life and movement to the already beautiful scenery.

Activities at White Sands Beach

White Sands Beach offers visitors a variety of enjoyable activities along its beautiful shoreline. You can spend your time relaxing on the sand or getting active in the water.

Beachcombing and Relaxation

Walking along White Sands Beach is a peaceful experience you won’t want to miss. The beautiful sandy shoreline provides the perfect backdrop for a relaxing stroll at any time of day. As you wander, keep your eyes open for interesting shells, smooth beach glass, and other treasures that wash ashore.

For those who prefer lounging, bring your beach chair and umbrella to claim a spot on the sand. The beach area has enough space for you to spread out comfortably without feeling crowded.

Nature lovers will appreciate the nearby Griswold Point Preserve, managed by The Nature Conservancy. This area offers additional walking paths where you might spot local wildlife and coastal birds.

Water Sports

The gentle waters of Long Island Sound make White Sands Beach ideal for various water activities. Swimming is popular during summer months when lifeguards are typically on duty to ensure your safety.

Paddleboarding and kayaking are excellent ways to explore the coastline from a different perspective. The relatively calm waters are perfect for beginners, while more experienced paddlers can venture further out.

Fishing enthusiasts will find opportunities to cast a line from the shore. Early mornings or evenings often provide the best conditions for catching local fish species.

If you’re new to water sports, consider checking with local rental shops in Old Lyme for equipment and basic instruction before heading to the beach.