After coming back recently from vacation, then taking more time to enjoy what is left of Summer. This was a perfect spot and a wonderful time spent at Ocean Beach Park at New London, CT this past weekend. I dabble in a couple of hobbies and Photography is one of my many hobbies. We made a decision to be off technology and enjoy the time. Next time, more photos Our time spent was overall enjoyable and relaxing with family. There is plenty to do Arcade, Amusement Rides, miniature golf, Pool, Water Slides, Sandbar Cafe, etc. Some of their attractions appear old, but appear to be properly maintained. In respect of the Beach, Beautiful... The most part it is refreshing to view the scenery and soak in overall. We will be coming soon again to events at Ocean Beach Park, New London, CT read more

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(3/5 stars) The biggest positives are that the sand is relatively clean, there was no seaweed during our visit, and lifeguards were on duty, which made the beach feel safe. Unfortunately, there were several negatives. The seagulls were extremely aggressive--they were going into people's bags and pulling out food. People were feeding the birds, which only encouraged this behavior. Another downside was the atmosphere. Several groups were playing very loud music, making it difficult to relax and enjoy the beach. Parking was $40 per car on a Sunday in July, which felt expensive. The boardwalk amusement rides are priced individually, and many of them seem very old and dated. Overall, while the beach itself has some nice qualities, the aggressive seagulls, loud environment, high parking cost, and aging rides made the experience less enjoyable than expected. read more

Ocean Beach Park - Parks Near Me - New London, Connecticut

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Not my cup of tea personally for a beach. Get here early enough it's peaceful and have better chances in finding beach glass. Once the kids started showing up and screaming for no reason was where I made my decision. Looks like plenty to do though. There's a plentiful of volleyball nets. Looks like a play place as well. read more

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Parking is way too expensive at $40.00 better places to go in Connecticut hammonasset State Beach cleaner bathrooms cheaper parking $20.00 I used to love going to Ocean Beach but it's way too expensive read more

The website was definitely uninformative as to the amount of things would be open. We showed up and none of the stores, restaurants, or attractions were open. Nobody on site (which all were maintenance staff) could tell me any information as to when anything would open. $30 to park and do nothing was not cool. read more

Beware that the beach, pool and waterslides are all separate charges. Pool and waterslides are charged per person. Besides the lifeguards, the staff was not very friendly. The gal at check-in did not look at me. Just saying "30 dollars." Very dismissive as if I was bothering her. After, I walked up to an employee to ask what time the pool opens, he flat out ignored me. After a moment of looking at me he replied, "you can grab a map and look." Different employees gave me different opening times for amenities. I tried to ask a gentleman what time the waterslides open. I had to say "excuse me" seven times before he looked up. Be prepared for things not to open on time. The waterslide attendant was also unfriendly. After he gave my family wristbands I later realized he did not ask for my card. I went back to the booth looking to pay. I handed him my card and he made a curt reply along the lines of, "typically you have to pay for things, right?" I wasn't trying to stiff the place, he simply never told me my total or asked for payment. The olympic size pool was heated which was nice. Not too crowded on a Monday. Expect a mediocre experience. Not the worst, but definitely not the best. Poor customer service all around. read more

I was a little disappointed this time around. This is usually my fave beach b/c of the white clean sand,pool,& ocean. The ocean water was dirty & I've never seen that before @ this beach. Came on a Saturday so parking for non New London residence is $40. I was super bummed b/c the pool was closed. Worker said it was closed b/c it rained in the early morning. In the forecast there would not be rain after that & it didn't rain. I stood the whole day @ the beach. I tried getting in the water but it was dirty & freezing. It is always colder than lost beaches b/c it's off the Long Island Sound. I was not a happy camper especially after paying $40 to not really have a good time & couldn't even get a swim in. read more

Family friendly, not over crowded. Peaceful. Would not recommend the pizza because of its price and you cannot get a whole pie. Some of the staff are limited with their knowledge of the amenities within the park. We were told that once you pay; you cannot re-enter the park upon exiting. How does that make sense? Lifeguards not so friendly or welcoming, can't say that for all but most. read more

Vintage car show on Monday evening. There was also a great sounding jazz band performing on the boardwalk. No admission fee charged for people attending the evening only. Some guests say the cost to get in earlier in the day is a bit steep. I feel the nice beach for the day is worth the price. I do recommend bringing your own cooler of food. Concession stands get one star in my opinion. read more

I drive up north from Fairfield county here because the water usually cleaner than the beaches around my way. Even though I rather not go in ocean water in this coast, so it's a bummer when they close their pool. I feel like if rain was at 7 am and lasted a few minutes, why not open the pool hrs later when it's a clear day! It's so annoying it stays closed. read more

Visited on a September Saturday. Nice beach to sit and read or just relax. Clean bathrooms. Ample parking. Close to Casinos. read more

Ocean Beach Park - View from Scillieri Lookout - Parks Near Me - New London, Connecticut

We love this little beach. It's $30 for a car full of people. You can bring in your own umbrella and a cooler full of food and drinks. The sand is beautiful. There are plenty of trash cans around so the beach is clean. There's a small boardwalk with food and ice cream and some small/kiddie rides and water slides. read more

The beach gets two stars just for its sheer size - lots of room. There were many smokers around us though, which made for an unpleasant experience. I am giving the Gallery (food service) 0 stars. The burger was inedible. The grilled chicken sandwich was exceptionally dry. They messed up the vegetables on each sandwich and didn't provide mayo as requested. The menu says all the sandwiches come with fries, but they tried to give me chips instead, with no reduction in the price. I did get the fries when I complained. Very rocky shore so not easy to get in and out of the water. read more

The blaring music and constant pot smoke does not make for a fun day. I was really disappointed, especially because it's so expensive.

Every once in a while, my husband comes up this way on the weekend and I help him do real estate work. By chance, he'd noticed signs for this Beach and I couldn't have been more excited! There's always something nostalgic for me- about the Boardwalk. And despite snow on the ground, it was a sunny and gorgeous- mind you......43°. The only thing that came to my mind when we drove right in, is that it strangely resembles Rye Playland- minus the rides. If you're looking for heart pumping rides, Ocean Beach Park is more on the relaxed side. On the plus side though, there's a water ride that stands wayyy up high. You'll get a better snapshot of Ocean Beach in the Summer when things are popping and the Concession stand opens. Who knows... maybe there are shops, and entertainment steps away from the water. Admission? I'm not sure- we just rolled right in, but check their website for answers and to find out about other attractions. I don't know about crashing waves, because Ocean Beach Park lies on the Long Island Sound- but the coastline is very pretty. read more

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We just popped into this place as we were driving by. We enjoyed walking along the beach and watching some of the other folks in the area with their activities. read more

nice little beach. here off season but can imagine the crowds during the summer. got to catch the sunset which made the walk on the boardwalk nice, but it was cold lol everything looked "old" but not sure if I'd do any of it anyway - everything is in need of a facelift. read more

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Good place for a stroll on the boardwalk. Olympic size pool in season and arcade. If you are seeking a round of miniature golf, this would be the place to go and don't forget the ocean, Long Island Sound. read more

Clean beach.. Crazy parking prices. Food was gross and seemed very crowded even tho they said it was only 50% read more

Ocean Beach Park - Parks Near Me - New London, Connecticut

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We really enjoyed our time in Ocean Beach Park. We went around 3 pm on the Labor Day weekend & it was perfect. The crowds had thinned & we could enjoy the beautiful beach with clean waters. Parking is $17 but this is a real beach... Unlike some other beaches in the Mystic area which are the size of a small parking lot! Would recommend if you're the neighborhood. read more

Ocean Beach Park - Great clean beach - Parks Near Me - New London, Connecticut

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Absolutely loved this place. Went there for the afternoon with my 2 early teen kids today and I wish we would have went for the entire date. The beach is great and water was so clear. The amusement rides are a little dated and for little kids. read more

Ocean Beach Park - Sand is great!!! - Parks Near Me - New London, Connecticut

I came here thinking there would be things to do. The gift shop is small and pretty lame, sells nothing but shirts and sweatshirts which are overpriced. Arcade is closed and amusement park is old with only a few rides. The only pro is the beach which is beautiful and clean. Disappointing read more

This is a lovely beach. It's as lovely as many beaches are but there's more to it than just the ocean. It's just a very average nice beach where you can lay in the sand with a friend and have a picnic or whatever you're feeling that day. I'd recommend inviting a few other people to carpool with though because parking and the other fun stuff to do there isn't cheap. That's the only real downfall I see to this park. If you're rich? No problem lol! Otherwise, carpool! If you're craving a beach day, this is definitely the place to go while it's warm out. It's clean, it's neat, there are lifeguards, and there are plenty of shells for picking! read more

Ocean Beach Park - Ocean Beach - Parks Near Me - New London, Connecticut

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I loved the arcade and the water park it's so FUN I had so much fun and it has a field and its a BEACH so BEUTIFUL

The place is good, I do not enjoy the hot weather and the large groups of people. But this cold weather makes it worth it for long walks with my husband. I will definitely return to this place to enjoy it while the cold weather is still here. read more

Ocean Beach Park - Parks Near Me - New London, Connecticut

We were on vacation from upstate NY and can't say enough how disappointed we were with our visit. This beach is indeed beautiful and you can tell that once in its prime, was the place to be. Today, while our day started off peaceful, it ended with people feeding, kicking sand at, and taunting the seagulls. Additionally, we listed to several people yelling and swearing loudly about the bees. It was disappointing to see the high levels of litter along the beach and in the water as well. I would love to get my 30$ back and head to RI. read more

Beach is close, got a resident pass. Smells and sounds like you are in Springfield , weed and blasting music. Great to go during the week like 10 and leave at 1 read more

We were surprised how large Ocean Beach Park is. There is an Olympic size swimming pool (additional fee), a playground, amusement rides, a boardwalk, a pavilion and more. Not to mention a beautiful, sandy, clean beach! The beach water was shallow for several feet and we did not experience any high tides which made it perfect for swimming. The beach was crowded on a Saturday afternoon but we did not have to 'fight' for a place to relax as other reviewers mentioned. There was more than enough space for all to enjoy the beauty of the ocean. read more

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It wasn't crowded and was quiet. Wave wasn't big. The restroom wasn't clean and hard to find. read more

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Beach itself is nice. This place is stuck in a time warp. Very outdated. Was here on a Monday, free entrance due to the "car show" aka people burning out and doing donuts in the parking lot. I felt a little unsafe. I can't believe they charge $30-$35 per car typically for entrance! Where is that money going, certainly not back into the place or regular maintenance. read more

Went with my family and was surprised at what a beautiful beach it was! There was soft sand, clear water and lots to do. We didn't use the pool or amusement rides or mini golf this time because the beach was so nice but it was great to see it all there. Will definitely go back. read more

My family had a great evening at Ocean Beach Park. There's so much to do. Sand beach and swimming. The playground. The splash ground. Crossing the little creek to the other side and climbing the rocks was fun too. There are bathrooms here, and also the snack shop and ice cream store. You pay by the carload. Pack 'en in and have fun! Then park is a family spot. No meat market here. read more

I love how the beach is clear and the water is clean & how beautiful it looks during the day time

Went here on August 2nd, it has rained in the morning and was still pretty cloudy when I got there. This worked in my favor because I got an excellent parking spot and there was beyond enough room on the beach to sit wherever I wanted. It was nice enough out and the sun eventually came out so it was successful! They have a nice creamery and cafe, as well as splash pad, arcade, and rides. Parking is a little steep, I paid $17 for the weekday, goes up to $23 on the weekend, so I docked a star. But this isn't just a beach, there is so much to do and food to eat, the price isn't so bad in comparison. The seagulls though, those were a problem. Obviously nothing can be done about it except for you to be vigilant. I saw multiple people get food stolen right from their hands by those birds....so watch out!! I'd recommend this beach to everyone, great location in relation from the parking lot and actual boardwalk and beach. read more

Ocean Beach Park - Me studying on the beach! - Parks Near Me - New London, Connecticut

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Hands down might be one of my favorite beaches that's commutable from Worcester. Most beaches around the Worcester area are usually about an hour and a half drive so finding an enjoyable beach is important especially during the summer season! Ocean beach is a little on the pricey side with admission costs of $17 on a weekday, this includes parking. Other beaches I've gone to have separate parking and entrance fees so this was a plus. This beach has children friendly area with carousel and kiddy pool, I believe swimming in the pool is an extra $8 on top of the $17 you pay for the beach entry. Overall, super pretty beach with a wide variety of kid friendly alternative entertainment. read more

I have been going to this beach for many years. We have a season pass and ever since they gave new London residents cheap passes there are younger crowds openly drinking and smoking weed,can't sit and read because instead of using earbuds many people have blasting boom boxes. Sometimes it's 3 or 4 at a time. There used to be a bathroom near the playground,one by the gym and portable's by mini golf. Last 2 years only 1 was open and was almost always dirty and out of paper. This year's prices are $25 weekdays and $30 weekends. They are talking in a lot of money and need to clean and police this place. read more

This beach has always been my favorite. First the water is always clean and the sand white and perfect. There is a swimming pool if the water is to cold or has jelly fish in it. So you still get to swim. There is picnic areas, amusement park, good food. There is nothing to dislike about this beach. You can't stop people from saying bad words. But this beach is the best! read more

Clean beach. White sand. Polite beach goers. Stayed at a beachfront AirBnB after Labor Day so I'm not sure how much parking is. I do know every single attraction and restaurant on the beach are gone after Labor Day. read more

This beach is okay. It has a boardwalk, but it's not that great. The gift shop is terrible, really not much to do but swim and sunbathe. We saw quite a few jellyfish, which I actually enjoyed. You can catch little crabs by the rocks as well. I would probably rate it a star higher if they didn't have the $18 dollar entry fee, it is definitely not worth the price. read more

Some days, there will be someone at the gate to make you pay a lot to park. But on the upside, sand is fine and soft and the water is cold. There are smells buoys aligned near the shore. So you aren't allowed to swim out enough to actually swim. read more