Sherwood Island State Park: A Local's Guide to Westport's State Beach

Connecticut's First State Park, in Westport

On Westport's eastern shoreline, Sherwood Island State Park covers about 235 acres of beach, salt marsh and coastal woods along Long Island Sound. It's Connecticut's first state park, and one of the easiest beach days in Fairfield County.

There's about a mile of sandy beach, plenty of room to spread out and, on a clear day, a view of the Manhattan skyline from Sherwood Point. Parking is free for cars with Connecticut plates.

Here's what to know before you go.

A Park That Took Decades to Open

The island takes its name from the Sherwood family. Daniel Sherwood settled here in 1787, and his family farmed the land and ran a gristmill on the Mill Pond.

In 1914, the state began buying land on the shoreline, which makes Sherwood Island Connecticut's first state park. Opening it to the public was another matter. Wealthy neighbors fought the idea of a public beach for years, and it wasn't until 1937 that the state funded a major expansion.

Today the park is also home to Connecticut's official 9/11 Living Memorial. Dedicated in 2002, it sits on Sherwood Point because the New York City skyline is visible from there on a clear day. A nine-foot granite stone honors the Connecticut residents lost on September 11, 2001.

What to See and Do

The park is split into three areas, each with its own feel.

  • Sherwood Point. Home to the 9/11 Living Memorial and the snack shack, with wide views across the Sound.

  • East Beach. The Nature Center, a salt marsh, picnic areas, a bathhouse and a model airplane field.

  • West Beach. Wooded trails, an 18-hole disc golf course, another bathhouse and more picnic spots.

  • Swimming. Saltwater swimming along the beach, with water quality reported weekly from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

  • Fishing. Cast from Sherwood Point and the East and West Jetties in season, or along the whole beach in the off-season.

  • The Nature Center. Open seasonally Wednesday through Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm, with live animals and local history displays.

Free beach and surf chairs are available first come, first served.

Planning Your Visit

Sherwood Island State Park is off the Sherwood Island Connector in Westport, CT 06880, right by I-95. The park is open daily from 8 am to sunset, and you can reach the office at (203) 226-6983.

Parking is free for cars registered in Connecticut. Out-of-state vehicles pay $15 on weekdays and $22 on weekends and holidays from April through October, with a lower $7 rate after 4 pm in summer. Fees can be paid online or at the ticket booth.

Tips Before You Go

  • Dogs are allowed on a leash from October 1 to April 14, but not from April 15 to September 30.

  • Alcohol is not allowed anywhere in the park.

  • The East Beach picnic shelter can be reserved from May through September. The main pavilion is closed for the 2026 season.

  • Check the weekly water quality report before swimming in summer.

  • Free beach chairs go first come, first served, so arrive early if you want one.

Make a Day of It in Westport

Sherwood Island is minutes from the rest of Westport, so it's easy to add a meal or a second stop.

  • Downtown Westport. Main Street and the riverfront are lined with shops, cafes and restaurants.

  • Compo Beach. Westport's town beach, with a boardwalk, playground and the Minute Man statue nearby.

  • Westport Library. A riverside community hub with a cafe, events and free Wi-Fi.

  • Westport Country Playhouse. Catch a show at one of the region's best-known theaters.

Supporting the Businesses That Make Westport Work

Westport's shops, restaurants and professional offices stay busy year-round, from summer beach traffic to holiday shopping. Behind every one of them is technology that has to stay up and stay secure.

Your Tech Team provides managed IT and cybersecurity for businesses in Westport and across Fairfield County, from our office just up the road in Wilton.

  • Proactive monitoring and help desk support

  • Cybersecurity that protects your data, email and devices

  • Local technicians who can be on-site when you need them

If your business is in Westport, Wilton or Stamford, we'd love to help. Call our team at (203) 884-8729 to start the conversation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Sherwood Island State Park free?

Yes, for cars with Connecticut plates. Out-of-state vehicles pay a parking fee from April through October.

What are the park's hours?

Open daily from 8 am to sunset.

Can I bring my dog?

Only from October 1 to April 14, on a leash. Dogs aren't allowed from April 15 to September 30.

Can I swim at Sherwood Island?

Yes. Saltwater swimming is popular in summer, and the state posts a weekly water quality report from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

What is the 9/11 Living Memorial?

Connecticut's official memorial to the victims of September 11, 2001. It sits on Sherwood Point, facing the New York City skyline.

Why is it called Connecticut's first state park?

The state began buying land here in 1914, which is why Sherwood Island is numbered as Connecticut's first state park.

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