The tombolo connecting the park to Charles Island is a rare geological formation that completely submerges at high tide.
Charles Island is reputed to be the site of Captain William Kidd’s buried treasure, purportedly hidden there in 1699.
The park serves as a critical nesting ground for the state-threatened Piping Plover and Least Tern.
Evidence of indigenous occupation, specifically by the Paugussett people, has been historically documented in the region.
The island was once home to a religious retreat and a summer resort before becoming a state-protected bird sanctuary.
The park was created in 1960 and has since undergone massive land reclamation to restore the coastal salt marshes.
Silver Sands State Park is a 297-acre coastal site in Milford featuring a public beach, extensive boardwalks, and a unique sandbar leading to Charles Island. The park protects critical salt marsh ecosystems and provides a protected bird sanctuary area. Visitors access the shoreline via a half-mile boardwalk that connects the main parking area to the Long Island Sound. The park is highly popular for swimming, surf fishing, and birdwatching. During low tide, a natural tombolo—a sandbar path—emerges, allowing hikers to walk directly to Charles Island. The island itself is off-limits during nesting seasons to protect shorebirds like the Piping Plover. The park is managed by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. It features zero-entry swimming areas and remains a regional hub for migratory bird species.
The elevated boardwalk overlooking the salt marshes during golden hour.
Check local tide charts before walking to the sandbar; the tide returns quickly and can trap hikers on the island.
Bring polarized sunglasses to better spot marine life and shorebirds along the salt marsh boardwalk.
Wear sturdy, water-resistant footwear if you plan on traversing the sandbar.
Attempting to reach Charles Island when the tide is rising, as the current across the tombolo becomes dangerous.
The sandbar to Charles Island is strictly closed annually from early May through late August to protect nesting birds.
Stay on marked trails to protect sensitive dune vegetation; dogs must be on a leash and are prohibited on the beach during summer months.
