This island is only 45 minutes from NYC and is the perfect, summer island getaway…or overnight camping trip! There are 4 “public” beaches in Greenwich, CT. Greenwich Point Beach (i.e. Tod’s Point), Byram Beach, Island Beach (also known as Little Captain’s Island), and Great Captain’s Island. The latter 2 are only accessible by ferry from the bottom of Greenwich Avenue and you can even camp on the island’s overnight…yep, you heard that right! I use the word “public” in quotations because they are technically private beaches for Greenwich residents, but guests and non-residents can buy day passes and/or parking passes online and join residents during the summer. They’re open to the public during the winter without a pass. For the purpose of this article, we’ll be focusing on the 3.9 acre Island Beach, also known as Little Captain’s Island.
How to Get to Island Beach in Greenwich, CT from New York City
Getting to Island Beach from New York City could not be any easier. You don’t even need a car. That’s why so many people who work in New York live in Greenwich, CT, also known as the “Gateway to New England.” It’s the first CT town after New York and is a short 42 – 55 minute commute from Grand Central (depending on if you’re taking a peak or off-peak train). The MTA takes you from Grand Central straight to Greenwich. The train drops you off at the bottom of Greenwich Avenue and you’re a 5-10 min walk from the Arch Street Dock where you hop on the ferry to Island Beach. Your escape could not get any easier. Just remember to purchase tickets in advance, more on that below.
History Behind Island Beach, Little Captain’s Island
Island Beach has a long history that has passed through many hands. One of it’s most fun memories was being an amusement park island in the early 1900s. It had a merry-go-round, shooting gallery, booth games, dance hall, restaurant and more. The carousel was operated by hand, but was eventually removed because someone was injured on it. With WWI the amusement park closed over time. The island was eventually bought by 2 families and donated to the town of Greenwich, CT. Shortly after in 1920 and then again in 1937, another two residents donated the two public ferry that are still in service to this day – Indian Harbor and Island Beach ferry.
Fun Fact
The pavilion that is still on the island today was where the merry-go-round used to be!
Interesting to note how the Town of Greenwich is never the one to actually purchase the many public services available to Greenwich residents. It’s usually wealthy families who purchase them and donate them to the town (thank you to those families!). Island Beach became so popular that people from NYC started to visit the island, which is why the resident and one day beach passes got implemented.
You will notice a small house on a solo island connected to Island Beach, sometimes connected via a sandbar at low tide. This island is called Wee Captain’s Island and is a privately-owned property. It was named after Captain Daniel Patrick, a pre-Revolutionary War commander.
Access, Hours, Where & How to Buy Day Passes
Parking for the islands is available across from Arch Street. In order to access the islands, you need to buy a single entry park and ferry ticket for anyone age 5 and up. You can order both at the dock, but you risk showing up and there being no availability. I recommend you pre-purchase the $10 – $13 single entry ticket before showing up to the ferry dock. You can purchase the ferry tickets in person at the Arch Street Ferry Dock at the bottom of Greenwich Avenue, where the ferry departs from. The ferry runs from the second Saturday in June through mid-September. Tickets are required for the islands and are sold online Monday through Friday from 9AM – 5PM. You can find the ferry schedule here. On weekdays, the ferry runs every hour, while on weekends every half hour 10AM – 7PM.
Island Beach is accessible by Island Beach and Indian Harbor Ferries and Great Captain’s Island is accessible by the Islander II Ferry.
Cruise to Nowhere
If you don’t want to stop at a beach, you can do the 2-hour $20 Cruise to Nowhere for 2 hours that takes you around the islands. Those usually take place on Wednesday’s rom 5-7PM, but occasionally also happen on a Friday or Saturday. Check the schedule!
The Ride to Island Beach
The ride to Island Beach has to be one of my favorite things to do in all of Greenwich. From the ferry, you can see the Greenwich marina, sail by the Delamar and the beautiful Indian Harbor Yacht Club, and most importantly cruise by some of the stunning houses (or more precisely – Mansions) of Belle Haven. The one on the tip even has a replica of the Brooklyn Bridge as it’s one private boating dock. The houses are stunning to see.
The Beach
Island Beach offers two beach areas. The main one facing the town of Greenwich, CT has a few pavilions on it for shade and plenty of space to lounge. The second beach area faces Wee Captain’s Island and is a bit smaller, but more secluded and private.
Recommendation
Wear beach shoes. This isn’t your typical Caribbean soft sand beach. It has plenty of rocks and if you don’t have tough callusy feet like me, you’ll need a pair of water shoes or beach shoes for the sand.
Beach Concessions
If you don’t decide to bring snacks, there is one concession stand that offers your typical beach fare from hamburgers, hot dogs, veggie burger, and fries to ice cream. The concession stand is run by a company that promotes inclusive employment, so is managed and staffed by adults with disabilities and area teens.
Picnic Area and Charcoal Grills
If you’re not in the mood for concession stand food, you can bring your own food and drinks and enjoy them on the beach and picnic tables in the expansive and grassy, shaded, park area behind the beach, or can use one of the many available charcoal grills (just remember to bring your own charcoal). The grassy area also offers a playground and swings for younger kids and even locker rooms.
Dixieland Jazz Band Concert
You can enjoy a 2 hour jazz cruise from 4PM – 6PM aboard the ferry twice a year in Greenwich, CT. The Dixieland Jazz Band Concert will take place Sunday, July 14, and Sunday, August 11, 2024.
Camp Overnight…
One of the coolest things you can do on Island Beach is camp overnight, if you’re the camping in a tent type of person! I’m unfortunately not. I’m more of a glamper. Greenwich residents can overnight on the island from mid-June to mid-September. You can only book one evening per season and set-up from 7:30PM to 9AM the next morning, but need to submit a camping permit application. You’re usually charged a rental fee of $60 plus a cost per participant of $21 p/person with a max. 25 people. Reservations open in February and book up fast, so if you’re interested, I’d look into it sooner rather than later. The tickets include camping, ferry, and parking.
The pavilion on Island beach has outlets, but the caretaker only keeps the power on until 10PM, so come prepared with flashlights.
Can you anchor or dock your boats around the area?
You can anchor your boat next to Island Beach, but you cannot dock it. The dock is reserved exclusively for the public ferry. You can swim or float to the shoreline from your boat if you’d like, but most of the time people stay on their vessels.
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