Jacobs Beach — Attraction in Guilford

“A quiet beach, fiercely protected from outsiders — including casual walkers, families with babies, and, apparently, former colonisers.”

Pulled into Jacobs Beach for what we assumed would be a five-minute look at the water — nothing wild. Just a quick breather with the baby before continuing our journey through Connecticut’s historic reenactment of quiet hostility.

Instead, we were intercepted in the car park by a woman who looked like she’d just stepped out of a committee meeting about fence height. She was technically friendly, in the way someone might smile while serving you a fine. With practised cheer, she let us know that since we weren’t “local,” we’d have to pay $50 to park and use the beach.

We weren’t unpacking beach chairs. We weren’t moving in. We just wanted to look at a body of water.

As an Englishman, I found it deeply ironic — even offensive — that I was being charged to access land my people almost definitely claimed 300 years ago by mistake. I didn’t mention it at the time, but I muttered “Magna Carta” on the way out just to feel something.

I have seen fortified castles with less determined entry control.

The beach might be lovely. But unless you’re a card-carrying Guilford resident or have a family crest tattooed on your parking permit, you’re not getting past the gate without a donation to the HOA gods.

One star — for the birds, the breeze, and the sweet, sweet sting of being told “no”...

I grew up in Guilford. I live in Branford now. Of course, I'm a little biased, but I still think Guilford is one of the most beautiful places there is, and I've lived all over the world. I literally hadn't been to Jacobs Beach since the early 90's. I lived on the West coast for years, and only returned about 3 years ago. Guilford has done an amazing job in upgrading this beach. It's gorgeous. It was a bit more rough around the edges when I was a kid. Guilford Park and Rec have managed to make it really really nice, without destroying the charm and character it always had. The actual beach area is so much nicer now because they groom the beach, so the sand is beautiful, but you can still collect shells with the kids. There's good bathrooms. Fresh water outside showers for cleaning off the salt and sand. Plenty of grassy areas, nice playground equipment, good parking, they sell fresh juice and lemonade, the Good Humour ice cream truck still makes stops there, and they rent kayaks now. There's also covered areas to get out of the sun, and a mini boardwalk area. It's...

Jacobs Beach is a serene 25-acre shoreline park along Long Island Sound, offering a 430-foot sandy beach ideal for swimming and sunbathing. The beach is equipped with amenities such as a boardwalk, bathhouse, outdoor showers, two picnic shelters, a drinking fountain, half basketball courts, a playground, a volleyball court, and kayak racks for rent. Parts of the site offering views of the water are wheelchair accessible. Access requires a fee, with seasonal beach passes available through Guilford Parks & Recreation.

Visitors appreciate the beach's tranquil atmosphere and its proximity to downtown Guilford. However, some have noted that non-resident fees can be steep, and amenities like seating may be limited, so bringing your own beach gear is advisable.

Overall, Jacobs Beach offers a peaceful and family-friendly environment for those seeking a classic New England...