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West Haven Beaches
The West Haven shore is one of the state’s foremost locations to observe rare shorebirds, serving as a migratory route for some of the most endangered bird species.
The Sandy Point Beach & Bird Sanctuary, one of the sites highlighted on the Connecticut Coastal Birding Trail, has been designated an “important bird area” by Audubon Connecticut. The estuary is also where Sammy the harp seal has been spotted — and even one of Santa’s reindeer.
Historic Bradley Point Park, boasting scenic panoramas of Long Island Sound, marks the area where invading British troops landed on July 5, 1779, and now serves as a haven for picnickers and passive recreation. The shoreline is just minutes from the downtown business and entertainment district.
Directions
Interstate 95 North
Take Exit 42. Turn right onto Route 162, Sawmill Road. Follow beach signs about 2 miles to Captain Thomas Boulevard. Public parking lots are in both directions.
Take Exit 43. Turn right onto Campbell Avenue. Follow beach signs about 1 1⁄2 miles to Captain Thomas Boulevard. Turn left at the tra c light, then turn right at the stop sign. Follow the water along Beach Street. The Sandy Point public parking lot is about a 1⁄2 mile on the right, across from the old Captain’s Galley.
Interstate 95 South
Take Exit 42. Turn right onto Route 162, Sawmill Road. Follow beach signs about 2 miles to Captain Thomas Boulevard. Public parking lots are in both directions.
Turn right onto Captain Thomas Boulevard. Travel about a 1⁄4 mile to the Bradley Point Park public parking lot, the rst lot on the left.
Turn left onto Captain Thomas Boulevard. Travel about 1 mile through two tra c lights, then turn right at the stop sign. Follow the water along Beach Street. The Morse Park public parking lot is about a 1⁄4 mile on the left, after Chick’s Drive-in.
Turn left onto Captain Thomas Boulevard. Travel about 1 mile through two tra c lights, then turn right at the stop sign. Follow the water along Beach Street. The Sandy Point public parking lot is about a 1⁄2 mile on the right, across from the old Captain’s Galley.
Take Exit 43. Turn left onto Route 122, First Avenue. Follow beach signs about 1 1⁄2 miles to the water. The Morse Park public parking lot is on the right, 100 yards past the old Captain’s Galley on Beach Street.
Hours
Lifeguards are on duty weekends only from May 27–June 24, daily from June 25–Aug. 12, and weekends only from Aug. 13–Sept. 4. Supervision is weekdays from 10:15 a.m.–3 p.m. and weekends from 10:15 a.m.–4 p.m.
Daily Parking Rates (Nonresidents)
The daily parking fee is $10 from 9 a.m.–5 p.m. and $5 after 5 p.m.
Lodging
For area hotels and accommodations, call 800-332-STAY.
West Haven Museums
Savin Rock Museum
6 Rock St.
$4 general admission/$2 adults 60 and older & children under 12
Info & private tours (10 or more): 203-980-6657
The Savin Rock Museum & Learning Center chronicles our community’s 369-year existence, offering an opportunity to revisit the storied sights and sounds of the magical era of old Savin Rock amusement park, as well as over three centuries of West Haven nostalgia, including notable figures and historic events. During its operating season, which runs until late October, learn about the customs and culture that captured the hearts and imaginations of generations of happy faces through interactive videos, hands-on exhibits and hard-to-find artifacts.
Summer & Fall Hours
Wednesdays/Fridays/Sundays – 1–4 p.m.
Ward-Heitmann House Museum
277 Elm St.
Info: 203-937-9823 or www.wardheitmann.org
The Ward-Heitmann House is the oldest surviving structure in West Haven. The saltbox-shaped house, built circa 1725, has been faithfully restored to reflect life in the past 300 years. An American treasure, the house was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2003.
Hours
Weekdays – 9 a.m.–2 p.m.
Every Other Sunday (July–August) – noon–4 p.m.
West Haven Veterans Museum
30 Hood Terrace
Free admission; donations accepted Info & group tours: 203-934-1111
A living history of America at war, the West Haven Veterans Museum & Learning Center houses collections from the 102nd Infantry Regiment and the New Haven Grays, a protective force formed after the War of 1812. It also showcases relics from each conflict since the U.S. fought for independence, allowing visitors to walk a timeline around the 9,000-square-foot, camouflage-clad warehouse off Sawmill Road.
Summer & Fall Hours
Wednesdays/Thursdays/Fridays – 11 a.m.–3 p.m.
Saturdays – 10 a.m.–2:30 p.m.