Connecticut's Coastal Town Is A Charming Escape With Fresh Seafood, Beautiful Beaches, And Lake Fun

With 600 miles of coastline, Connecticut is known for its maritime atmosphere and beachside towns. I am lucky enough to have lived in one of these towns for around five years now: East Haven. With easy access to the Long Island Sound, delicious seafood, pristine forests for hiking, and historic buildings, East Haven is a charming New England escape right on the water. Located about five miles away from New Haven, the town of East Haven is close to two major travel hubs. The town itself is near Tweed Airport (HVN), which offers national flights to East Coast destinations like Florida and the Carolinas, and is only an hour away from Hartford's Bradley International Airport (BDL).

The downtown area is full of quaint shops, but it's mostly known as the home of the oldest stone meeting house in New England. The Old Stone Church, completed in 1774 with a congregational lineage going back to 1711, is a testament to the area's long history. Built by local settlers and the Quinnipiac peoples, this building has been the center of civic, familial, and religious life in East Haven for centuries. Visitors can stop by for historic building tours upon request during the summertime flea market, the November Christmas market, or on Sunday mornings after weekly services.

The main beach here is East Haven Town Beach, colloquially called Cosey Beach. This golden-sand beach on the Long Island Sound has plenty to do. Along with the normal beach activities of swimming and sunbathing, there are volleyball and bocci ball courts, picnic tables, and live music during the summer. Even at the height of the season, this beach can still be sparsely populated compared to local favorites like Connecticut's largest shoreline park of Hammonasset. Visitors will find that without an East Haven address on their license, parking is expensive at $35 per day. I recommend either finding parking elsewhere, utilizing a ride share, or having a local friend take you. 

A nearby favorite of mine is Lighthouse Point Beach. At no time does this particular beach come as alive as it does in the rain. The Long Island Sound sometimes takes on a greenish hue that looks beautiful against a gray sky, amplifying the area's drizzly New England vibes. Likewise, all of the beaches in this area are a real treat to see in the winter just after a snowstorm. Devoid of people and with a blanket of snow intermingling with the gold sand, both Lighthouse Point and Cosey Beach are tranquil spots for an off-season excursion. 

The New Haven area is known as the "Pizza Capital of the U.S.," but it also specializes in seafood. After a long day at the beach, visitors can head to a seaside restaurant for a lobster roll, fried clams, or broiled scallops. Although The Sandpiper is conveniently located right across the street from Cosey Beach, The Lobster Shack nearby is more highly regarded by locals. 

East Haven isn't just known for its maritime vibes. It's also full of lakes, rivers, and forests. Around 57-60% of Connecticut is forested, and despite being one of the smallest states, Connecticut ranks tenth in the country for the most state parks. One of these state parks is located in East Haven at Farm River. This tiny park is a beautiful and secluded location where you'll only occasionally see other hikers. The winding trails showcase deciduous forests and salt marshes full of cordgrass. On the trails, visitors will walk beside lichen-covered glacial boulders, through overgrown tree tunnels, and along moss-and-mushroom-laden paths. Before going, know that parking is limited. 

Lake Saltonstall is another beautiful park surrounded by rolling, forested hills. With over 10 miles of packed earth trails, this area is great for birding, biking, hiking, and, in the winter, skiing. The pier is a great place for fishing, and kayaking or canoeing are popular activities. However, visitors must note that entry requires a permit from the Regional Water Authority. An individual permit costs $25 and is valid for one year, while a family permit costs $50 and is valid for two years. Near East Haven is one of my favorite local parks: The Supply Ponds. Located in Connecticut's charming town of Branford, this park offers visitors lake views, brilliant fall foliage, 17 miles of trails, and excellent birding, including spotting mute swans.

While hiking or driving around East Haven in the springtime, be sure to keep a sharp eye out for pink and white cherry blossom trees. They're found all around the area and usually bloom in late April, coinciding with the New Haven Cherry Blossom Festival. Wild roses also abound in this area, especially in forested parks.