With July 4th behind us and the summer home stretch right in front of us, you might be looking for a weekend beach getaway to reset after the holiday festivities!
And no, we’re not talking the classic Hamptons trip or insane four-hour drives south just to reach the sand.
One of the best-kept coastal secrets in New England is sitting right over the Connecticut border, and it feels like your own private island getaway.
Island Beach in Greenwich is the ultimate summer day trip that clocks in at just over an hour from Grand Central Terminal, offering an exclusive maritime vibe that feels worlds away from the concrete jungle.
The 2026 season is officially in full swing, with fresh reasons to make the trek across the Long Island Sound this summer.
Here are all the details and how to plan your weekend escape!
Getting there is half the adventure
Unlike a typical beach day where you spend your morning stressing over parking lots and traffic taillights, reaching Island Beach is actually part of the fun.
Once you get there via MetroNorth (more on that later), you’ll hop on a scenic 15-minute ferry ride from the Arch Street dock in downtown Greenwich.
As the boat pulls away from the harbor, city stress melts away and you are treated to breezy, panoramic views of Long Island Sound and neighboring Great Captain Island.
Once you step off the dock onto the 3.9-acre island, you are greeted by nearly 1,000 feet of soft sandy shoreline and calm, lifeguarded swimming waters.
What makes this spot a true standout is how relaxed and uncrowded it feels compared to standard mainland beaches, without ever making you rough it.
You will find shaded grassy lawns perfect for afternoon naps, charcoal grills to fire up your own seaside barbecue, covered pavilions, clean dressing rooms and restrooms, a playground for the kids, and a classic concession stand serving up coastal summer staples.
Why summer 2026 is the time to visit
Ferry service for the 2026 season is officially running daily from June 13 all the way through September 13, giving you a massive window to plan your coastal escape.
But if you time your visit right, you can tap into some incredible seasonal programming that turns a standard beach day into a full-blown experience:
- Live Dixieland Jazz on the Sound: On July 19 and August 16, 2026, the town is hosting its signature “Concert on the Sound” sailings. The ferry departs the dock at 4 pm with a live brass band playing right on the boat deck, followed by a waterfront concert on the island before returning at 6 pm.
- The $25 “Cruise to Nowhere”: If you want to experience the water without even getting sand in your shoes, the town runs these beloved two-hour evening cruises around the local islands and harbor estates throughout the summer. Tickets are sold right at the Arch Street Ferry Dock for just $25 per person.
- Mainland summer concerts: If you head back to the mainland after your beach hours, you can catch Greenwich’s weekly free summer concerts happening in town parks like Roger Sherman Baldwin Park and Binney Park throughout June, July, and August. More details here.
- Overnight island camping: For the ultimate summer adventure, the town even issues camping permits for the island, allowing overnight guests to pitch tents and sleep under the stars right on the water. More details here.
Make a day of it on Greenwich Avenue
To turn your island excursion into an all-day itinerary, pair your beach hours with a stroll through downtown Greenwich.
The ferry dock sits just a short walk from Greenwich Avenue, a charming, walkable thoroughfare that locals often call the “Rodeo Drive of New England.”
Before you board the boat, walk up the avenue to grab iced lattes and pack a gourmet picnic basket from one of the incredible local delis or bakeries.
After you catch the evening ferry back to the dock with kissed-by-the-sun cheeks, wind down your night with cocktails and outdoor patio dining at one of the avenue’s lively restaurants before hopping the train back to the city!
How to get there and score your 2026 passes
As hinted at earlier, you don’t even need a car to make this beach day happen.
Simply take the Metro-North New Haven Line from Grand Central Terminal to Greenwich Station.
The ride takes about 60 minutes, and from the station, it is a breezy 10-minute walk or a two-minute rideshare down to the Arch Street Ferry Dock.
Because this is a town-owned park, access requires a little bit of advance planning.
While the island is open to the general public, non-account holders must purchase a single-entry park and ferry combo ticket online Monday through Friday via the Town of Greenwich website or in person at the Cos Cob Dockmaster Office.
If you already have your park access secured, you can also handle your ferry ridership tickets right at the Arch Street dock before stepping aboard and sailing away to your new favorite summer sanctuary!
🏖️ For more information on ferry tickets to access the beach, head here!