It’s hard to imagine visiting Connecticut without spending a day at the beach, even during the dead of winter.
From:
- The sounds of waves crashing on the shores
- To the smell of salt in the air
Nothing is more relaxing than setting up a chair and reading a book along the coast.
Cummings Park has something for everyone who visits Stamford, especially families with kids.
Everything to Look Forward to Seeing at Cummings Park
Located on Long Island Sound, this 79-acre park has beaches, pavilions, a snack bar, a boardwalk, and a fishing pier. Cummings Park is perfect for any time of year. That goes for whether you want to take a walk along the shore with some snow on the ground or spend a summer day fishing on the pier.
Cummings Park is right by West Beach, connected by Cummings Marina. The two parks together have beaches, a pond, six ball fields, two soccer fields, six tennis courts, and a basketball court. Don’t worry about spending the day there and needing to use the bathroom because there’s a restroom building next to the basketball court! The pavilion also has restrooms. There are volleyball courts on the beach, and guests can look forward to food trucks and open lawn space for picnics during the summer.
Parking Fees and Beach Passes Are Necessary During Summer
It’s important you consider beach fees during the summer months when visiting Cummings Park!
Parking permits are required to visit Cummings Park from May 1st through September 30th—the summer season. In the off-season months, the parking lot is available for free.
During the summer months, a beach pass is also required to attend the beach. Permits are $26.95 per person for residents with a car registered in Stamford; otherwise, prices vary.
During the summer, day passes are also available for $26.50 for Stamford residents on weekdays and weekends. For non-residents, it costs $42.50 to visit the beach on weekdays and $69.00 on weekends.
Places to Eat Near Cummings Park
After a long day at the beach or playing one of the many sports available at Cummings Park, you can head to one of the many restaurants in the area.
Most of the best restaurants in Stamford, CT, are within a short drive from Cummings Park.
Sign of the Whale is famous for its American-fusion seafood dishes. For a classic raw bar and out-of-this-world 21-day dry aged beef, head over to Prime Stamford.
The Crab Shell Restaurant is perfect for waterfront dining, so guests can come by boat or car and enjoy an array of seafood and classic dishes.
For some truly guilty pleasures, head to Elm Street Diner for their famous:
- Milkshakes
- Homemade cinnamon sugar donuts
- And WoW Waffle Towers
Nearby Stamford Parks and Beaches
Kosciuszko Park is another waterfront park in Stamford worth a visit. Its 18-acre waterfront peninsula is a must for dog walkers and those looking to take a walk along the coast.
The park has a playground, a pavilion with grills for picnics and barbecues, and a baseball and soccer field. Visitors can ride their bikes at the park, and it’s a great place to bring the kids and dogs.
Cove Beach is another, larger beach on the eastern edge of Stamford. It’s equipped with recreation facilities, including:
- A walking trail
- A playground
- A cycling path
- A lawn area perfect for picnics
- BBQ grills
- Two softball fields
- A tennis court
- A basketball court
- A picnic shelter
- And two sandy beaches
Other Stamford parks worth a visit include:
- Mill River Park, in downtown Stamford
- Mianus River State Park, on the border between Stamford and Greenwich
- Bartlett Arboretum and Gardens, in North Stamford
Even more things to do in Stamford, Connecticut, and nearby
Are you still planning your visit to Stamford?
Then be sure to explore more of our guides to Stamford, Connecticut, and the surrounding towns.
For cultural aficionados, Stamford offers plenty of opportunities to enjoy the performing arts, with such establishments as:
- Community theater group, Curtain Call
- The Palace Theatre in downtown Stamford
- Independent film center at the Avon Theatre on Bedford Street
And even more unique attractions nearby include:
- Half Full Brewery
- The First Presbyterian Church, known locally as the “Fish Church”
- The Philip Johnson Glass House
And for all of the best attractions, activities, and things to do in Stamford, CT, be sure to download our free Stamford Visitor’s Guide!
Updated and republished: March 20, 2023