A Day at the (Local) Beach

By Julie O’Brien Deasy

Question: Can you suggest some local attractions that would be good to visit this summer? 

Answer: Continuing our series about good local excursions to take this summer, this week’s featured spot is Calf Pasture and Shady Beach in Norwalk.

Located on Long Island Sound, at the eastern point of Norwalk, Calf Pasture Beach offers ¾ of a mile of coastline, boat and kayak rentals, picnic areas, and a playground and swings area.There is also a skate park, sand volleyball courts, two bocce courts, a full-length basketball court, three softball fields, and a full skateboard park.

Shady Beach, just east of Calf Pasture, offers additional picnic tables and shade to escape the summer sun. Grills are available at Shady Beach. Kayaks are available to rent along the beach from the Island Kayak trail.

The beach can be rocky, so water shoes are recommended if you would like to swim. Lifeguards are on duty every day until Labor Day, from 10:00 am – 6:00 pm.

Another fun activity right next door to the beach is Norwalk Cove Marina Mini Golf. This 18 hole course has been operating for over 50 years and offers views of the waterfront and beaches. The course offers obstacles, sand traps and extreme course contours. Mini Golf is open 10:00 am – 10:00 pm, seven days a week until Labor Day.

If beach time and golf has worked up your appetite, Ripka’s Beach Cafe is a casual restaurant located right in the park. Ripka’s serves local oysters and shellfish, lobsters, salads and burgers, and is open 10:00 am – 8:30 pm, Monday – Sunday. For more details on their menu, visit www.ripkasbeach.com

A parking pass is required to visit Calf Pasture Beach. Non-Resident passes are $175/year for land-locked towns, or $72/per car on Saturday and Sunday, $42/per car on weekdays before 5:00 pm, and $30/per car after 5:00 pm. Day Parking passes can be purchased on the ParkMobile app, by calling 877-727-5730 (Beach Zone #2035), or at one of the two pay station kiosks located on the main sidewalk next to the parking lot.

All Non-Resident Parking for Calf Pasture Beach is first come first serve, with 130 parking spots available daily for non-residents.

For more details, visit www.norwalkct.gov/2094/Calf-Pasture-and-Shady-Beach.

Future columns will feature additional places to visit in our area. Let us know if you have a specific interest and we can make suggestions of places to visit this summer!

What do you want to know about living in New Canaan? Is there a resource you are looking for or something you need in our area? We want to hear from you! Send in your ideas or queries to Julie@NewCanaanSentinel.com and your question may be featured in a future column.