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West Haven is a city of about 55,000 people on Long Island Sound, just southwest of New Haven, Connecticut. Settled in the 1640s as part of New Haven, it became a separate town in 1921 and a city in 1961. During the American Revolution, British troops landed on its shore in 1779 to attack New Haven.
West Haven has the longest stretch of public beach in Connecticut, with about 3.5 miles of shoreline. A paved boardwalk runs along Savin Rock, once home to a famous amusement park that drew crowds from across New England from the 1870s to the 1960s, and Bradley Point Park and Sandy Point are popular for walks, fishing and birdwatching.
Sandy Point's beach and salt marsh are an important nesting area for shorebirds such as American oystercatchers, least terns and plovers. The University of New Haven is in the city, the First Congregational Church stands on the town green, and downtown New Haven, with Yale and its famous pizza, is only minutes away.
A paved shoreline walkway of about 3.5 miles along West Haven's beaches on Long Island Sound, on the site of the old Savin Rock amusement park. It is popular for walking, jogging and biking, with benches, sandy beaches and views to New Haven harbor. Parking is free along most of the route.
A shoreline park with a sandy beach, lawns, picnic tables and a stone marker noting where British troops landed during the 1779 raid on New Haven. It is a good place to start a walk along the promenade. Beaches have lifeguards in summer, and there is free parking along Captain Thomas Boulevard.
A sandy spit at the mouth of New Haven harbor protected as a bird sanctuary, where piping plovers and least terns nest in summer and many shorebirds stop during migration. Walk carefully and follow posted closures during nesting season. Bring binoculars, and come at low tide for the best birdwatching.
A small museum and learning center on Captain Thomas Boulevard telling the story of the Savin Rock amusement park, which drew crowds from the 1870s to the 1960s, with photos, models and memorabilia of rides, dance halls and food stands. It keeps limited hours, so check before visiting. Admission is free.
The historic town green at the center of West Haven, with the First Congregational Church, monuments and shady lawns, where Revolutionary War events and many community celebrations took place. It is a pleasant stop with cafes nearby on Campbell Avenue. Events like holiday lightings are held here.
A private university whose main campus is in West Haven, known for its criminal justice and forensic science programs, with modern buildings around a central quad. Visitors can walk the grounds and attend games and events. Parking for visitors is limited when classes are in session.
A long-running seafood and hot dog restaurant on the West Haven shore, known for its split-grilled hot dogs, fried clams, lobster rolls and views over the water. It is a link to the old Savin Rock amusement days. Expect crowds on summer weekends, and sit by the windows for views of Long Island Sound.
An annual summer festival on the West Haven shoreline honoring the old amusement park, with carnival rides, food vendors, live music and fireworks over Long Island Sound. It draws big crowds from across the region. Arrive early to find parking along the shore, and check the dates each year.
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Photo: Paul Danese, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Paul Danese, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Paul Danese, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Paul Danese, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Paul Danese, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Paul Danese, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
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Photo: Paul Danese, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Paul Danese, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Paul Danese, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Paul Danese, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Paul Danese, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Pedro Xing, Wikimedia Commons, CC0
Photo: Pedro Xing, Wikimedia Commons, CC0
Photo: Pedro Xing, Wikimedia Commons, CC0
Photo: Pedro Xing, Wikimedia Commons, CC0
