McCook Point Park - Niantic, Connecticut

McCook Point Park: A Jewel in Niantic, CT

Nestled in the charming coastal town of Niantic, Connecticut, McCook Point Park is a hidden gem that offers a perfect blend of relaxation, recreation, and natural beauty. This 42-acre waterfront park is a local favorite and a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a peaceful escape by the sea. Let's delve into the details of this picturesque park and explore what makes it a beloved spot for residents and visitors alike.

Main Services

• Family-friendly Park: McCook Point Park provides an ideal setting for family picnics, games, and relaxation. With its expansive green spaces, it's perfect for tossing a frisbee, playing catch, or simply lounging on a blanket.
• Public Beach Access: The park offers a beautiful, sandy beach along the Long Island Sound. Beachgoers can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, or exploring the shoreline.
• Camping Facilities: McCook Point Park features a campground with 20 tent sites and 10 RV sites, providing an opportunity for visitors to enjoy the great outdoors and wake up to stunning coastal views.
• Event Venue: The park's spacious facilities and scenic backdrop make it an excellent choice for weddings, corporate events, and other special occasions. The park offers several rental options, including a large pavilion and a smaller picnic shelter.

Location and Access

McCook Point Park is located at 129 Neck Road, Niantic, CT 06357, in the heart of theNiantic River area. The park is easily accessible from Interstate 95, with exits 71 and 72 both providing convenient access to Niantic. Once you've arrived in Niantic, follow signs for the Niantic River and you'll find the park along Neck Road. The park offers ample parking, including a designated handicapped parking area.

Public transportation is available through the southeastern Connecticut Transit District (SECTA). The Niantic Park & Ride lot, located at 651 West Main Street, is a short distance from the park and offers bus service to various destinations in the region.

Featured Characteristics

• Wheelchair Accessibility: McCook Point Park is committed to ensuring that all visitors can enjoy its amenities. The park offers wheelchair-accessible entrances, picnic tables, and restrooms, as well as a designated handicapped parking area.
• Picnic Facilities: The park features numerous picnic tables and grills, making it an ideal spot for a family gathering or a casual get-together with friends. Additionally, two picnic shelters are available for rent, providing a perfect setting for larger group gatherings.
• Playground and Recreation: Children will enjoy the park's playground, which features slides, swings, and other age-appropriate play structures. The park also offers a variety of recreational activities, such as tennis courts, a basketball court, and a walking trail that winds through the park's wooded areas.
• Dog-friendly: McCook Point Park welcomes four-legged friends, making it an excellent destination for dog owners. The park offers a designated dog park where pets can run and play off-leash.

Practical Information

McCook Point Park is open year-round, with hours varying depending on the season. During the summer months, the park is typically open from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM, while in the winter, hours are generally shorter. The park's beach is lifeguard-protected from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, with lifeguards on duty from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

The park offers daily, seasonal, and annual parking permits, as well as discounts for residents and senior citizens. Daily parking fees are $50.00, with a discounted rate of $25.00 for vehicles with a valid Connecticut disabled parking placard or license plate. Seasonal and annual parking passes can be purchased at the park office or online through the Town of East Lyme website.

Positive Aspects from Reviews

"Beautiful beach, very quiet and clean. The parking lot is $50.00 but it is worth it, the beach is well maintained, it is not so crowded and the views are very relaxing. I drove 2.5 hours to get here and it was totally worth it."

Visitors consistently praise McCook Point Park for its cleanliness, well-maintained facilities, and the stunning views it offers. The park's tranquil atmosphere and lack of excessive crowds are frequently cited as highlights, making it an ideal destination for those seeking a peaceful escape by the sea. Additionally, the park's wheelchair accessibility and dog-friendly policies have been lauded for their inclusivity.

With its picturesque setting, diverse amenities, and commitment to accessibility, McCook Point Park is a true gem in the Niantic area. Whether you're a local resident or a visitor to the region, this enchanting park is a must-visit destination that promises a memorable experience for all who venture there. So pack your picnic basket, grab your sunscreen, and head to McCook Point Park for a day of relaxation, recreation, and natural beauty.

👍 Reviews of McCook Point Park

Jorge R. P.

5/5

Beautiful beach, very quiet and clean. The parking lot is $50.00 but it is worth it, the beach is well maintained, it is not so crowded and the views are very relaxing. I drove 2.5 hours to get to the beach and it was well worth it. As a bonus, the water was not too cold. I have attached pictures as a reference. It is a beautiful place.

Jocelyn P.

5/5

This is my favorite park in Niantic. There's a paid parking lot for parking. There are picnic tables and benches. There's pathways to walk around the park. Of course you can't forget the gorgeous beach! Wonderful views from the sand and the hill! It's such a nice spot, it's a must visit every time I'm in town.

Credible C.

4/5

Nice local beach with some green space for children to play or take a rest from the sand and sun. There are benches around and along the water edge. There is a decent stage for music or play in the park in the summer. Local talents would come here and practice their craft. We enjoyed a pocket concert or two on this stage over the years...
Good place for a short walk, or a quick dip in the ocean. Shady spot for a picnic as well.
This is as good as it gets for a local beach in New England...

T H.

5/5

Great beach. Well kept. Even has a playground. Can get to it by Toby D's or from the boardwalk. My daughter likes to swim out to the dock, which has a ladder to jump off. Although it doesn't have a life guard or one, I have seen when we went. Great music entertainment in the summer. Have camps at times. My daughter and I prefer this beach to all the other ones. Can Walk around has a walkway, and you can access the boardwalk for a longer walk or run. It has areas to sit within the park area. It can be tranquil looking out at the water. Something about water being soothing. All around great place.

Yasmin C.

5/5

Omg absolutely beautiful place to spend with the family or even if you just wanna relax alone is cleaning lots of shaded areas they have on-site grills as well not many ocean beaches have grills lol

Ayon I.

4/5

Beautiful vistas off the cliff, and it's got a (clean!) bathroom. However, parking is a little tricky to figure out - you'll need to drive down to the beach area first.

Gib B.

5/5

Terrific night, Aug. 23rd at McCook Point. Mystic Dead played for 2 hours, great vibe!! Well done, Niantic!

Monique H.

5/5

First time I was ever a here and I love it! ♥️💛♥️You have the best of both worlds - picnic area and access to 3 beaches - white sand and clean! I had a wonderful time.

Ryan S.

4/5

Nice small beach. Dogs allowed on leash October 1st - April 30th.

Jorge R. P.

5/5

Beautiful beach, very quiet and clean. The parking lot is $50.00 but it is worth it, the beach is well maintained, it is not so crowded and the views are very relaxing. I drove 2.5 hours to get to the beach and it was well worth it. As a bonus, the water was not too cold. I have attached pictures as a reference. It is a beautiful place.

Tom L.

5/5

Exceptionally beautiful. Great park on the hill and lovely little beach.

Jocelyn P.

5/5

This is my favorite park in Niantic. There's a paid parking lot for parking. There are picnic tables and benches. There's pathways to walk around the park. Of course you can't forget the gorgeous beach! Wonderful views from the sand and the hill! It's such a nice spot, it's a must visit every time I'm in town.

Ben N.

5/5

Great beach, well-maintained and not at all rocky. Gentle wave action so it's good for little learning swimmers. Just back your car up, open the tailgate and relax.