Natural swimming hole
Jacobs Beach
Ocean cove · Connecticut
About this swimming hole
Guilford's 25-acre municipal park on Long Island Sound, with 430 feet of shoreline and a guarded swimming area in calm, shallow water. Facilities include a boardwalk, bathhouse, outdoor showers, picnic shelters, a playground and sports courts. Town rules allow swimming only when a lifeguard is on duty and prohibit swimming beyond the jetty.
Good to know
| Water type | Ocean cove |
|---|---|
| Best season | Summer |
| Fees | Paid parking in season — a daily fee applies to visitors (reported up to $50 in 2025 coverage) and season passes are sold to residents; check Guilford Parks & Recreation for current rates |
| Reservations required | No |
| Hours | 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. weekdays and 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. weekends in season, per town beach hours |
| Parking | Park lot at 140 Seaside Avenue, Guilford |
| Amenities | restrooms, lifeguards, picnic tables, playground, showers |
| County | New Haven County |
| Nearest town | Guilford |
| Safety notes | Swimming is allowed only when a lifeguard is on duty and only inside the swim area; no swimming beyond the jetty, and walking on the jetty or rocks is prohibited (town beach rules). |
Map
Official information
Official park / agency page ↗ — check current conditions, fees, and reservations here before you go.
Nearby swimming holes
Frequently asked questions
Can you swim in Jacobs Beach?
Yes — Jacobs Beach is listed as a natural swimming spot in Connecticut. Heads-up: Swimming is allowed only when a lifeguard is on duty and only inside the swim area; no swimming beyond the jetty, and walking on the jetty or rocks is prohibited (town beach rules).. There are rarely lifeguards at natural swimming holes — verify conditions locally before you go.
Does Jacobs Beach require reservations?
No reservations are required at Jacobs Beach based on current information — but verify before you go.
Is there a fee to visit Jacobs Beach?
Reported fee info: Paid parking in season — a daily fee applies to visitors (reported up to $50 in 2025 coverage) and season passes are sold to residents; check Guilford Parks & Recreation for current rates. Fees can change — confirm with the official link.
When is the best time to visit Jacobs Beach?
The best season is typically Summer.