Bristol Beaches

Heading out to a beach in Bristol, CT can be made into a fun-filled adventure and has plenty of benefits for yourself and your friends. Spending time splashing in the waves, building sandcastles, throwing the frisbee, flying a kite, going on walks, or simply soaking up the sun, beaches are a source for many different fun activities.

Locating a beautiful swimming beach in Bristol with plenty of space for activities on the beach is not too difficult. The following is a list to help you find a beach near you. Get started, by entering a zip code in the following box above the table.

Bristol Beaches

If there has been an excessive amount of rain, blocked sewage drains, or stormfall runoff lately, it can impact water quality levels. Be sure you visit the beach’s website for details about water quality alerts.

Keep in mind that the weather on a beach is usually different than in the city. Wind is usually colder and unpredictible when it’s coming off the water.

Bristol, CT Beach Rules

While each beach in Bristol will have various guidelines for using the beach, be prepared to adhere to the following rules for any beach in Bristol that you visit:

  • Never disobey an order from the lifeguard on duty. If they tell you to get out of the water, then you have to do it.
  • Only swim inside the permitted regions for beach goers.
  • Do not visit the beach whenever it’s not open.
  • Any glass containers are prohibited on beaches.
  • Don’t forget, if you take something to the beach, you’re expected to not leave anything behind.
  • Even if a lifeguard is on duty, understand that you’re entering the water at your own risk.

Bristol Beach Tips

  1. Store items in a mesh bag. It’s convenient to grab a backpack, grocery bag, or water-resistant travel bag to store beach gear such as beach towels, water toys, flotation devices, and snorkeling gear. But these types of bags keep moisture from escaping, causing mildew growth or just keeping beach gear from drying out.
  2. Find a shady spot. If you think that finding a shady area may be difficult, or if you think that there may not be many shady areas available, pack your own! Use a beach umbrella, shaded tent, or some sort of equipment that blocks sunlight. Be sure that you bring something that has great air ventilation.
  3. Remember the towels. Beach towels are essential for a great time at the beach. when visiting an ocean beach or a large body of water which experiences rip tides. Learn the warning signs and know how to survive if you are caught in one.
  4. Insects like the beach too. If you want to visit the beach in the morning or late in the day, there’s a good chance that mosquitos, biting flies, fleas and other annoying insects could be a problem.
  5. Avoid Littering. Do not be a part of the issue of litter on the beach. When you bring something to the beach, you are required pick up after yourself. Be sure to dispose of your litter in an appropriate waste or recycling bin.
  6. Where are the public bathrooms. Bathroom locations are probably the least of your concerns when you plan your beach trip. But you don’t want to be stuck in a spot when you must go to the bathroom soon but there isn’t one in sight. If you’re unable to locate bathroom details on the beach’s website, then you should plan on the fact that a public bathroom or porta potty isn’t available. Make sure you use the bathroom prior to leaving for the beach.
  7. Bring the proper sunscreen. Even if the weather forecast says it won’t be sunny it is important to always bring your sunscreen – because you can get sunburned even when it isn’t sunny.
  8. Is there a lifeguard on duty? Many sizeable Bristol beaches staff a lifeguard on duty, however you shouldn’t count on a lifeguard being present. If you are concerned about yourself, young kids or anyone else that you bringing to the beach, it is a smart idea to take along correctly fitted Personal Floatation Devices for those that need them, and also understand that you are swimming at your own risk.