Growing up in eastern Connecticut, I have turned over every leaf in this region and explored every nook and cranny. And then I stumble upon somewhere I’ve never been, something I’ve never heard of. That’s the story about the picturesque and tranquil Pleasure Beach in Waterford, Connecticut.
Pleasure Beach is located just west of both Seaside State Park and Harkness Memorial State Park and just east of Niantic. I’ve visited Harkness way more times than I can count and was even married there. The fact that only a short distance away another beach (and neighborhood) exists was shocking to me.
Exploring for Pleasure (Beach)
As the beach itself is only accessible to Waterford residents, my visit occurred in the off-season. The Pleasure Beach neighborhood centers around Shore Road which travels the western side of the largest Waterford peninsula. It borders Jordan Cove, separating it from the Millstone area of East Lyme.
The village itself is mostly residential with Riverside Grocery the largest commercial enterprise. From Shore Road, go west on Dock Road to get to the lot for Pleasure Beach. What’s interesting is the initial views. From the parking lot, the most prominent feature of this seaside locale is the smokestacks of the Millstone Nuclear Power Plant across the cove. Hmmm? This didn’t seem like the gorgeous photos I had seen online.
To see that view, and the expanse of Pleasure Beach, I headed south of the boat ramp to where the beach begins. It provides a sandy border to the whole neighborhood, and looking south, gorgeous glimpses into Long Island Sound. Unfortunately for any non-Waterfordites, looking at the beach is all we can do in season.
Back in the car, I drove New Shore Road south heading toward Harkness. On this road, take in views of mansions en route to the state park. Or stop at Seaside State Park which is located back on Shore Road (sounds confusing, look at a map) and is a former sanitarium.
