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The town of Westport, Connecticut, might not brag about its beachy past. And yet it’s hard to hide a gem like Sherwood Island State Park. It’s arguably one of the best parks outside NYC.
Ready to discover everything you need to know about Sherwood Island State Park? Let’s get into it:
Quick Hits
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Unique Features: The beach at Sherwood Island boasts stunning red and black sand, thanks to garnet and magnetite.
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Historical Significance: Established in 1914, the park also features a touching 9/11 memorial.
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Activities: Enjoy nature trails, fishing, picnicking, and a nature center with fun programs.
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Accessibility: Just off I-95, this top pick among beaches near New York City has reasonable parking fees.
What’s So Special About Sherwood Island?
First off, this CT state park is an island. Surrounded by Long Island Sound and Sherwood Mill Pond, the park’s 235 acres are cut off from the mainland by creeks and ditches. But what really sets it apart is the sand. Unlike most beaches with plain white or cream sand, Sherwood Island’s sand gets its red and black hues from garnet and magnetite. The waves sort these colors into neat lines, creating a striking visual.
History of Sherwood Island State Park
Back in colonial times, Sherwood Island was known as Fox Island. Maybe it was crawling with foxes or perhaps a Mr. Fox lived there. Who knows? The Bankside Farmers settled the area in the 1640s. By 1787, Daniel Sherwood and his large family had set up shop on the island, running a gristmill and farming the land. The locals started calling it “Sherwood’s Island” by the 1860s.
In 1911, the Connecticut State Park Commission, led by Albert Turner, was on the lookout for perfect beach spots. Turner’s criteria? Hundreds of undeveloped acres with natural beauty, a great beach, and far from city pollution. Sherwood Island ticked all the boxes, making it Fairfield County‘s top pick.
Westport farmer William H. Burr Jr. bought a couple of small parcels, including a precious 5-acre beachfront strip. Fast forward twenty years and a lot of patience, and Sherwood Island finally becomes one of Connecticut’s first state parks.
The Battle for Sherwood Island State Park
In 1923, the state buys another 18 acres up north for parking, but it’s not connected to the original 30 acres. Local landowners, led by Edward Gair, weren’t too happy and convinced the town to halt further land purchases and park spending. Lawmakers weren’t keen on spending $500,000 without local support either, so developers started snatching up the beachfront land.
For nine years, supporters and opponents went back and forth. By 1932, the state leases more land and Sherwood Island State Park finally opens that summer. Victory! In 1937, Governor Wilbur L. Cross signs bills for $485,000 to buy more land and develop the park, thanks to the persistent efforts of folks like William H. Burr, who earned the nickname “the park’s father.”
Recent history at Sherwood Island State Park
Jump to the 1950s, the Army Corps of Engineers builds jetties and extends the beaches. In 1959, the state adds an Art Deco-style pavilion and bathhouse. The latest addition? A memorial to the September 11, 2001, victims, added in 2002.
What You’ll Find at Sherwood Island State Park
The beach is the star of the show, but there’s plenty more. Whether you’re into nature walks, fishing, or just chilling with a view, this park’s got you covered for outdoor activities.
Sherwood Island State Park Beach
If you’re looking for a public beach in Fairfield County to cool off on a hot summer day, you’ve come to the right place. The park has a little more than a mile of beaches fronting Long Island Sound.
At the beach, you’ll find various kiosks with:
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Restrooms
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Showers
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A concession stand
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A picnic shelter
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And picnic tables
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The concession stand sells summer beach favorites. It’s a great place to grab a bite to eat while at the beach!
September 11 Memorial
Sherwood Island also houses the official memorial for Connecticut victims of the September 11, 2001 attacks. Located at the main pavilion, the memorial area offers a quiet space to reflect.
Why Sherwood Island? On clear days, you can see the New York City skyline. On 9/11, and in the days after, the community saw the smoke from the Twin Towers here. Fairfield County also lost many members that day, making this a poignant spot for the memorial.
The memorial features:
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Granite for strength
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The sea for tranquility
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Trees for protection
The 9-foot polished granite stone reads:
“The citizens of Connecticut dedicate this living memorial to the thousands of innocent lives lost on September 11, 2001, and to the families who loved them.”
Nature Trails
Want to explore? The Sherwood Island Trail offers a 2.9-mile round trip with stunning views of Long Island Sound. The main path is gravel-lined and branches off into smaller trails.
One trail leads inland from the Nature Center to the Machamux salt marsh, home to:
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Groundhogs
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Ospreys
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Herons
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Egrets
You might need binoculars to spot the osprey nest, as these birds prefer to stay away from people. And who can blame them after the whole DEET fiasco of the 20th century?
Sherwood Island Nature Center
The Sherwood Island Nature Center is a must-visit, especially for kids! Located between East Beach and the salt marsh nature trail, the new Nature Center showcases the park’s diverse plant and animal life.
With help from interns and docents, the DEEP staff organizes:
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Summertime nature walks
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Bird-watching excursions
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Educational events and outdoor exhibits for all ages
The Nature Center is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday during certain seasons.
Picnicking at Sherwood Island State Park
If you’re looking for a perfect picnic spot, Sherwood Island is the place to be. The park is peppered with pavilions and picnic tables, ideal for spreading out your feast. The main pavilion is great for bigger gatherings, with amazing water views.
There are more pavilions along the beach, but heads up—they fill up fast. These spots are super handy for family beach days. If you don’t need a cover, you’ll find picnic tables scattered throughout, especially on the park’s west side.
Shore fishing
If fishing’s your thing, you’re in luck! From April 15 to September 30, you can cast your line anywhere along the shore, except the swimming areas. Sherwood Point and the East Jetty are top spots. Off-season beach fishing is from 8 a.m. to sunset.
The park is home to plenty of Long Island Sound’s saltwater fish, like:
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Blackfish
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Bluefish
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Scup
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Summer flounder
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Winter flounder
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Striped bass
Getting To Sherwood Island State Park
Getting here is a breeze. Just take Exit 18 off I-95 and head south on the Sherwood Island Connector. The entrance is about half a mile from the highway.
Non-residents, be ready to pay a parking fee: $15 on weekdays and $22 on weekends. Arrive after 4:00 p.m. for a discount. For CT residents, it’s free! Compared to other local Connecticut beaches, it’s a pretty good deal.
Hotels, Inns, and Places to Stay near Sherwood Island State Park
After a day of fun, you’ll need a cozy spot to relax. Check out these gems in Westport and Fairfield County:
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Delamar Southport: In Fairfield, this luxurious inn offers an on-site spa and the Artisan restaurant. Just a seven-minute walk from the Metro-North station, it’s perfect for exploring the list of things to do in Southport, CT, like checking out galleries.
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The Inn at Longshore: Once a private estate and country club, this inn is now a favorite for weddings and events. With 12 guest rooms, top-notch cuisine, and stunning views of Long Island Sound, it’s a real treat. Plus, you get Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, premium linens, air conditioning, beach towels, and a mini-bar.
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Stanton House Inn: Located in Greenwich, this charming New England B&B offers a cozy, homey vibe with a touch of elegance. Perfect for a peaceful retreat, and it even has an outdoor pool. Just what you need after washing off all that sand!
When to visit Sherwood Island State Park
Sherwood Island State Park is open all year, and each season has its perks.
Summer in New England is prime time if you want to splash around in the water. But be ready for company—everyone and their mom heads to the park then.
I love visiting every season except summer. Sure, it’s colder, but the park is quieter. It’s just you and the other walkers. If I do venture there in summer, I dodge weekends like the plague. Crowds can be too much for this introvert.
Luckily, there are other beaches between Westport and Greenwich. Parking and entrance fees might be higher, but that keeps the crowds down. If you have some time, head further from NYC to enjoy Connecticut’s top beaches. Hammonasset Beach in Madison, CT, for example, is longer and less crowded. The long drive keeps many away.
More unique things to do in CT, after Sherwood Island State Park
Beach days are fantastic, but Fairfield County and all of Connecticut have so much more to offer.
Nearby Beaches:
Great Hiking Spots:
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Devil’s Den Preserve in Weston
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Centennial Watershed State Forest in Redding
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Mianus River State Park, spanning Greenwich and Stamford
For the best attractions and things to do in Connecticut, check out the full guide!
Tl;dr
Sherwood Island State Park in Westport, Connecticut, is a true gem. The beach’s red and black sand, formed by garnet and magnetite, is a sight to behold. Established as a state park in 1914, it also holds a significant 9/11 memorial. Whether you’re into hiking, fishing, or picnicking, this park has something for everyone. Plus, it’s conveniently located near I-95, making it easy to get to.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Sherwood Island State Park unique?
The beach’s red and black sand, a result of garnet and magnetite, and the touching 9/11 memorial set it apart.
What activities can I do at Sherwood Island State Park?
You can hike nature trails, fish, picnic, and explore the nature center’s educational programs.
How do I get to Sherwood Island State Park?
Take Exit 18 off I-95 and follow the Sherwood Island Connector south.
Is there an entrance fee for Sherwood Island State Park?
Yes, non-residents pay $15 on weekdays and $22 on weekends. Connecticut residents get in free.
Updated and republished: July 8, 2024
