No need to search for a concrete pool – there are plenty of places to swim in Connecticut that let you enjoy the scenic outdoors, all while escaping the summer heat. These gems are always a great pick for making a splash (and a whole lot of memories). They also make some great day trip destinations, which is why you’ll want to pack a picnic, so you can spend all day enjoying the clearest, most pristine water in Connecticut. You’re guaranteed to have a good time!
- Lake Lillinonah (Newtown)
Morrow Long/Flickr This list is all about the clearest, most pristine water in Connecticut and Lake Lillinonah is a great place to start. The second largest lake in the state, there’s plenty of room for everyone at this scenic spot. It’s perfect for folks seeking a quiet escape and calm waters. For more information, click here.
- Indian Wells (Shelton)
Trenten Kelley/Flickr There’s a shaded picnic grove here, complete with tables, a sandy entrance to the brook, and lifeguards, making it a must-visit during summer in Connecticut. The more adventurous visitor will make the hike to the falls, but it certainly isn’t required. Hang out at the brook or discover this nature-made retreat. It’s up to you. For more information, click here.
- Lake Waramaug (New Preston)
Wendy D./Yelp Located in a picture-perfect small town, few swimming holes in Connecticut are more beautiful than this. There are 77 camping sites here, so why not extend your trip? In addition to swimming, you can also fish, kayak, and hike the surrounding area. It’s beautiful! For more information, click here.
- Bigelow Hollow State Park (Union)
siv t./Yelp The 9,000 acres of natural beauty that exist here are no secret. Praised as a fall foliage destination, it’s also a great choice for the summer months since it boasts some of the clearest, most pristine water in Connecticut. You can swim, boat, and scuba dive in these crisp, cool waters. Or just hang out on the dock with a good book and enjoy the serenity. For more information, click here.
- Riga Falls (Salisbury)
Decaseconds/Flickr It’s just a short hike to this spot, which will make you feel like you’ve been transported to a tropical island. The cold, clear water cascades in to a calm pool, and the sound of birds chirping in the distance lulls you in to relaxation. This is easily one of the best swimming holes in Connecticut, and it’s perfect for folks who prefer sitting in the shallow end to swimming laps. For more information, click here.
- Harvey’s Beach (Old Saybrook)
CEGoodman/TripAdvisor Boasting soft, white sand and some of the clearest, most pristine water in Connecticut, this place is perfect for all ages. One of the best beaches in the state, adults will love being in the ocean, but the kids will love the pools that pop up when the tide is low. Likened to a nature-made splash pad, you’ll never forget your visit here. For more information, click here.
- Mashamoquet Brook (Pomfret Center)
Don Rogers/Flickr Last, but certainly not least, this site has long been a family favorite. There are areas for exploring, sun bathing on the rocks, swimming, and just floating along. If you like water parks but hate crowds you will love this spot. For more information, click here.
These swimming spots boast the clearest, most pristine water in Connecticut, making them perfect for a refreshing dip. So, what do you think? Do these places have the clearest, most pristine water in Connecticut? Where are your favorite places to swim in Connecticut?
Morrow Long/Flickr
This list is all about the clearest, most pristine water in Connecticut and Lake Lillinonah is a great place to start. The second largest lake in the state, there’s plenty of room for everyone at this scenic spot. It’s perfect for folks seeking a quiet escape and calm waters. For more information, click here.
Trenten Kelley/Flickr
There’s a shaded picnic grove here, complete with tables, a sandy entrance to the brook, and lifeguards, making it a must-visit during summer in Connecticut. The more adventurous visitor will make the hike to the falls, but it certainly isn’t required. Hang out at the brook or discover this nature-made retreat. It’s up to you. For more information, click here.
Wendy D./Yelp
Located in a picture-perfect small town, few swimming holes in Connecticut are more beautiful than this. There are 77 camping sites here, so why not extend your trip? In addition to swimming, you can also fish, kayak, and hike the surrounding area. It’s beautiful! For more information, click here.
siv t./Yelp
The 9,000 acres of natural beauty that exist here are no secret. Praised as a fall foliage destination, it’s also a great choice for the summer months since it boasts some of the clearest, most pristine water in Connecticut. You can swim, boat, and scuba dive in these crisp, cool waters. Or just hang out on the dock with a good book and enjoy the serenity. For more information, click here.
Decaseconds/Flickr
It’s just a short hike to this spot, which will make you feel like you’ve been transported to a tropical island. The cold, clear water cascades in to a calm pool, and the sound of birds chirping in the distance lulls you in to relaxation. This is easily one of the best swimming holes in Connecticut, and it’s perfect for folks who prefer sitting in the shallow end to swimming laps. For more information, click here.
CEGoodman/TripAdvisor
Boasting soft, white sand and some of the clearest, most pristine water in Connecticut, this place is perfect for all ages. One of the best beaches in the state, adults will love being in the ocean, but the kids will love the pools that pop up when the tide is low. Likened to a nature-made splash pad, you’ll never forget your visit here. For more information, click here.
Don Rogers/Flickr
Last, but certainly not least, this site has long been a family favorite. There are areas for exploring, sun bathing on the rocks, swimming, and just floating along. If you like water parks but hate crowds you will love this spot. For more information, click here.
These spots may have the clearest, most pristine water in Connecticut, but they’re not the only impressive places to swim in Connecticut. Read about another spot that boasts the state’s bluest waters.
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Address: Lake Lillinonah, Connecticut, USAAddress: Indian Well State Park, 1 Indian Well Rd, Shelton, CT 06484, USAAddress: Lake Waramaug, Connecticut, USAAddress: Bigelow Hollow State Park, 298 Bigelow Hollow Rd, Union, CT 06076, USAAddress: Berkshire Dr, Salisbury, CT 06068, USAAddress: Harveys Beach, Old Saybrook, CT 06475, USAAddress: Mashamoquet Brook, Pomfret, CT 06259, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Clearest, Most Pristine Water In Connecticut April 19, 2021 Daniella DiRienzo Where else can I find swimming holes in Connecticut? The spots mentioned above may have the clearest, most pristine water in Connecticut, but there are tons of other places to swim in Connecticut, including Burr Pond State Park. Located in Torrington, the park’s namesake pond is the perfect place for a refreshing dip. As an added bonus, there are trails that encircle the pond, making for a full day of outdoor fun. Another pond that shouldn’t be missed can be found at Squantz Pond State Park in New Fairfield. A summertime favorite, it can get crowded during the hot days of summer, so make sure to arrive early. Situated on the shore of Lake Zoar, Kettletown State Park in Southbury is another prime spot for a swim. Much more than a great swim spot, though, the park also boasts several miles of hiking trails as well as dozens of campsites. Are there any other places to swim in Connecticut? When you’ve got to combat the summer heat, Martin Park Beach in Ridgefield is a great place to start. A true hidden gem, it’s been dubbed a “diamond in the rough” – and that it is! The centerpiece of the beach is a natural spring-fed pond, which is both cool and refreshing. Silver Sands State Park in Milford is another option for a day of fun in the sun…and water. Spend your time at the park strolling along sandy shores and boardwalks, surrounded by seashells, shorebirds, and other beachy keen sights. What are some other things to do during the summer in Connecticut? Nothing says “summer” like a visit to Connecticut’s beloved amusement park, Lake Compounce in Bristol. Offering unlimited family fun, the park boasts everything from thrilling favorites, like roller coasters, to classic rides, such as the Ferris wheel. An on-site water park only adds to the fun. The Essex Stream Train and Riverboat is another great place to visit during summer in Connecticut. As the name implies, it offers both train rides and riverboat rides. Or, for the ultimate adventure, you can combine the two! The 2.5-hour train-and-boat tour begins at the historic 1892 Essex Station. Along the way, you’ll enjoy a narrated train ride, visit Selden Neck State Park, which is accessible only by boat, and lots more.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Clearest, Most Pristine Water In Connecticut
April 19, 2021
Daniella DiRienzo
Where else can I find swimming holes in Connecticut? The spots mentioned above may have the clearest, most pristine water in Connecticut, but there are tons of other places to swim in Connecticut, including Burr Pond State Park. Located in Torrington, the park’s namesake pond is the perfect place for a refreshing dip. As an added bonus, there are trails that encircle the pond, making for a full day of outdoor fun. Another pond that shouldn’t be missed can be found at Squantz Pond State Park in New Fairfield. A summertime favorite, it can get crowded during the hot days of summer, so make sure to arrive early. Situated on the shore of Lake Zoar, Kettletown State Park in Southbury is another prime spot for a swim. Much more than a great swim spot, though, the park also boasts several miles of hiking trails as well as dozens of campsites. Are there any other places to swim in Connecticut? When you’ve got to combat the summer heat, Martin Park Beach in Ridgefield is a great place to start. A true hidden gem, it’s been dubbed a “diamond in the rough” – and that it is! The centerpiece of the beach is a natural spring-fed pond, which is both cool and refreshing. Silver Sands State Park in Milford is another option for a day of fun in the sun…and water. Spend your time at the park strolling along sandy shores and boardwalks, surrounded by seashells, shorebirds, and other beachy keen sights. What are some other things to do during the summer in Connecticut? Nothing says “summer” like a visit to Connecticut’s beloved amusement park, Lake Compounce in Bristol. Offering unlimited family fun, the park boasts everything from thrilling favorites, like roller coasters, to classic rides, such as the Ferris wheel. An on-site water park only adds to the fun. The Essex Stream Train and Riverboat is another great place to visit during summer in Connecticut. As the name implies, it offers both train rides and riverboat rides. Or, for the ultimate adventure, you can combine the two! The 2.5-hour train-and-boat tour begins at the historic 1892 Essex Station. Along the way, you’ll enjoy a narrated train ride, visit Selden Neck State Park, which is accessible only by boat, and lots more.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
The spots mentioned above may have the clearest, most pristine water in Connecticut, but there are tons of other places to swim in Connecticut, including Burr Pond State Park. Located in Torrington, the park’s namesake pond is the perfect place for a refreshing dip. As an added bonus, there are trails that encircle the pond, making for a full day of outdoor fun. Another pond that shouldn’t be missed can be found at Squantz Pond State Park in New Fairfield. A summertime favorite, it can get crowded during the hot days of summer, so make sure to arrive early. Situated on the shore of Lake Zoar, Kettletown State Park in Southbury is another prime spot for a swim. Much more than a great swim spot, though, the park also boasts several miles of hiking trails as well as dozens of campsites.
Are there any other places to swim in Connecticut?
When you’ve got to combat the summer heat, Martin Park Beach in Ridgefield is a great place to start. A true hidden gem, it’s been dubbed a “diamond in the rough” – and that it is! The centerpiece of the beach is a natural spring-fed pond, which is both cool and refreshing. Silver Sands State Park in Milford is another option for a day of fun in the sun…and water. Spend your time at the park strolling along sandy shores and boardwalks, surrounded by seashells, shorebirds, and other beachy keen sights.
What are some other things to do during the summer in Connecticut?
Nothing says “summer” like a visit to Connecticut’s beloved amusement park, Lake Compounce in Bristol. Offering unlimited family fun, the park boasts everything from thrilling favorites, like roller coasters, to classic rides, such as the Ferris wheel. An on-site water park only adds to the fun. The Essex Stream Train and Riverboat is another great place to visit during summer in Connecticut. As the name implies, it offers both train rides and riverboat rides. Or, for the ultimate adventure, you can combine the two! The 2.5-hour train-and-boat tour begins at the historic 1892 Essex Station. Along the way, you’ll enjoy a narrated train ride, visit Selden Neck State Park, which is accessible only by boat, and lots more.
