Ocean Beach Park New London
A classic beach park with a 1/2-mile boardwalk, Olympic pool, amusement rides, and sandy shores. Offers nostalgic fun for families.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peaceful and less crowded
Ocean Beach Park New London
Best Time
Peaceful and less crowded
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A classic beach park with a 1/2-mile boardwalk, Olympic pool, amusement rides, and sandy shores. Offers nostalgic fun for families.
"Beautiful views with an extremely nostalgic-feeling boardwalk. Reminds me of the boardwalk scene in the movie Big."
🚗 Parking Strategy
Consider dining at Windjammers for free parking. Holiday parking can be very expensive. :car:
💰 Admission Costs
Expect around $30 per car for admission. Check for any special event pricing. :moneybag:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Nostalgic Boardwalk
Beachfront
Stroll along the 1/2-mile boardwalk, reminiscent of classic beach towns. Perfect for a relaxed walk and enjoying the ocean breeze.
Olympic-Size Pool
Adjacent to boardwalk
Take a dip in the spacious Olympic-size pool, a refreshing option for swimming and cooling off.
Amusement Park Fun
Near the boardwalk
A dedicated kids' area with rides and attractions, offering entertainment for younger visitors.
Soft Sandy Beach
Oceanfront
Enjoy the soft sand and ocean views. While sometimes rocky, it's a great spot for relaxation and beachcombing.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Parking & Admission Fees
Best Time to Visit for a Peaceful Experience
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking Strategy
Consider dining at Windjammers for free parking. Holiday parking can be very expensive. :car:
💰 Admission Costs
Expect around $30 per car for admission. Check for any special event pricing. :moneybag:
🦀 Crab Catching Fun
Bring a pail and shovel for catching small crabs in the water. A fun activity for kids! :crab:
🌊 Water Conditions
Water can be cold and sometimes has seaweed. Lifeguards are present for safety. :ocean:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking Strategy
Consider dining at Windjammers for free parking. Holiday parking can be very expensive. :car:
💰 Admission Costs
Expect around $30 per car for admission. Check for any special event pricing. :moneybag:
🦀 Crab Catching Fun
Bring a pail and shovel for catching small crabs in the water. A fun activity for kids! :crab:
🌊 Water Conditions
Water can be cold and sometimes has seaweed. Lifeguards are present for safety. :ocean:
🍔 Food & Seagulls
Food can be pricey. Watch out for aggressive seagulls trying to steal your snacks! :bird:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Ocean Beach Park offers a nostalgic boardwalk experience with a beach, pool, and amusement rides, making it a family-friendly destination. Visitors appreciate the soft sand and the option to dine at Windjammers for potential parking benefits. However, some find the admission and food prices high, and water conditions can vary.
"Beautiful views with an extremely nostalgic-feeling boardwalk. Reminds me of the boardwalk scene in the movie Big. It was pretty quiet when I came here, so I honestly don’t know if they are overrun in the summer. But it sure is a peaceful stop during the fall months."
Eric Haffner
"Wonderful!! So relaxing, next to windjammers restaurant. The parking attendant asked if we were here for the beach, $20 parking , or Windjammers, $ Free, umm say less! “Windjammers please!” So I got a delicious hot, buttered lobster roll. My husband got I don’t remember something spicy and then we got crab puffs… Food was great. The view was amazing! Beware of the seagulls they are ruthless! So then we just walked right over to the beach, which had very soft sand. It wasn’t crowded and this was on a Sunday. It was wonderful. My husband kept finding these cute little shellless crab things, and was having a great time finding them and putting them back in the water, we forgot to bring a pail and shovel, and my husband didn’t want to stop at the store, (Benny’s, my usual spot, has closed down 😞) as not to take up our beaching time. And lo and behold, someone has left a pail and two shovels by the trashcan in the parking lot! Bonus! I brought it over to my four-year-old and he was thrilled. We made Sandcastles and my husband used the bucket to collect his new little friends. No lifeguard, but it didn’t feel dangerous at all. Definitely going back!"
Sharon Sweeney
"We love Ocean Beach!! Easy parking, clean beach, amusement park for the kiddos, park, pool, and a super awesome swimming hole for catching crabs!! We come twice a year at least. It's 30$ a car to get in, but it is so worth it!"
James Murdock
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Ocean Beach Park is located at 98 Neptune Ave, New London, CT 06320. You can drive directly to the park, and it's accessible via local roads.
Information on public transportation options can be limited. Driving is the most common way to access the park.
Use GPS navigation to 98 Neptune Ave, New London, CT. The park is well-marked once you are in the vicinity.
Yes, searching for 'Ocean Beach Park New London CT' on maps will guide you directly to the location.
The official address is 98 Neptune Ave, New London, Connecticut.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission is typically around $30 per car, but this can vary, especially on holidays.
Parking fees can be separate from admission, and on holidays like the 4th of July, parking alone can be very expensive ($60).
Information on season passes for Ocean Beach Park is not widely available, but it's worth checking their official website or contacting them directly.
Operating hours can vary by season and day. It's best to check the official Ocean Beach Park website for the most up-to-date hours.
Typically, you can pay upon arrival. However, for special events or peak times, it's advisable to check if advance purchase is recommended.
🎫 🎡 Onsite Experience
Ocean Beach Park features a 1/2-mile beach, an Olympic-size pool, miniature golf, playgrounds, and a small amusement park for kids.
Yes, there is an Olympic-size pool available for visitors to enjoy.
The beach has soft sand, but some visitors note it can be rocky and the water may contain seaweed and be cold. Lifeguards are on duty.
Yes, the park offers playgrounds for children as part of its family-friendly amenities.
It can get busy during the summer months, especially on weekends and holidays. Visiting on weekdays or during the fall can offer a more peaceful experience.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are cafes and dining options available, including Windjammers restaurant. Be aware that food can be pricey.
While not explicitly stated, bringing your own snacks and drinks is often a good way to save money at beach parks.
Yes, Windjammers restaurant is located adjacent to the park and offers great views and food.
Expect typical boardwalk fare like burgers, ice cream, and seafood. Be mindful of seagulls!
Yes, the description mentions a cafe, providing convenient options for snacks and light meals.
📸 📸 Photography
The boardwalk offers classic seaside photo opportunities. The beach itself provides scenic ocean views, especially during sunrise or sunset.
The oceanfront location makes it a great spot for sunset photos, with the boardwalk and water providing a beautiful backdrop.
Enjoy panoramic ocean views from the boardwalk and beach. The Olympic pool area also offers a unique visual.
Yes, you can capture photos of the amusement rides, especially if visiting with family.
Expect photos of beach scenes, boardwalk activities, families enjoying the park, and the ocean.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
couples
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Costs: Parking, Admission, and Food
Food prices within the park can also add up. Burgers and ice cream are mentioned as being on the pricier side.
It's worth noting that while the park offers a nostalgic boardwalk experience and family-friendly attractions, the associated costs are a recurring theme in visitor feedback.
Beach Experience: Sand, Water, and Safety
Lifeguards are present on the beach, which provides a sense of security for families and less confident swimmers.
Family Fun and Amenities
For younger visitors, there's a dedicated amusement park area with rides and playgrounds, ensuring entertainment for children. The 1/2-mile boardwalk provides a pleasant space for leisurely strolls, and the overall atmosphere is often described as nostalgic and peaceful, particularly during the off-peak seasons.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit