Keep Quiet About This

Have You Been to the Beach Yet?

With a little bit of summer left, you still have time to go to the beach. If you are in Branford, CT, there is no reason why you shouldn’t head out to Branford Point. Even with new regulations with regards to beach access, Branford Point (along with Stony Creek Beach on Thimble Island Road) is free to access.

The beaches are open throughout the week, but lifeguards may not always be present. Although you can find lifeguards from morning to evening on most days, many of them are college students who return to school later in summer.

Parking is a downside though. It’s not that you can’t get a space. As a visitor, you are not even allowed to park your car at the park. Residents have to buy a parking sticker entering into Branford Point. As a visitor, you can accompany a sticker-holding resident. But only on a weekday, i.e. if it’s not a federal holiday. Stony Creek Beach fares better in this regard, for tourists are allowed to park their vehicles. However, finding a spot can be a bit challenging here.

Some say that these rules are designed to keep tourists away, so that residents can enjoy the serenity of Branford Point. This seems partly true. Before the 2008 economic crisis, Branford, CT, saw a boom in buyers who purchased second homes in the area.

A major reason for this trend was access to private, sandy beaches and a quiet life at waterside. There was little outdoor traffic back then, even on weekends, and perhaps Branford residents want to keep it that way.

*The maintenance staff does an incredible job with the cleanliness and grooming of Branford Point.

Also remember that there are some unwritten rules as well. For example, 10:30 PM is the unofficial shut off time. So keep these things in mind the next time you’re maintaining Branford Point!

Fatima M.
Freelance Blogger