CT Home To One Of America's 100 Top 'Secret' Beaches: New Report

CONNECTICUT — With Memorial Day weekend looming near and large, thousands of Connecticut families have begun breaking out their blankets, bikinis and boogie boards for a beach road trip.

And therein lies the problem, as many Connecticut sun worshipers are on a quest for some Long Island Shoreline that's not swamped by every Archie and Jughead kicking up sand from Greenwich to Groton.

For these flip-flop aficionados, there are the "secret" beaches, those isolated enclaves of sun fun that are off the beaten track, known only to Connecticut's true coastline cognoscenti.

Fortunately for the rest of us, travel advice website Family Destinations Guide compiled a roundup of "America’s Favorite 100 Secret Beaches," and one Connecticut beach made the grade.

Coming in at No. 92 on the list, duBois Beach in Stonington is a "perfect destination for those seeking to escape the crowds and enjoy a relaxing beach day," according to FDG.

The website had high praise for the Stonington beach's "clean and soft white sand, clear blue waters, and gentle waves (where) visitors can enjoy a range of outdoor activities, including swimming, sunbathing, and playing beach games, as well as exploring the nearby nature trails and birdwatching."

FDG's editors were also keen on the local fauna, noting that "the area is rich in wildlife, with many species of shorebirds and marine life calling the area home."

One TripAdvisor reviewer described duBois as a "pretty small and quiet beach, but it fit the vibes of Stonington perfectly. The water is really cold, which is saying something because we are used to Colorado mountain lakes." Other armchair travel guides heaped particular praise on the sunsets, calling them "picturesque" and "spectacular."

If you're looking to flex your pecs, you'll be disappointed with the lack of action at duBois, according to one pundit. He made it clear that "it’s a family beach, no beach scene here."

What makes duBois Beach "secret"? It's not the easiest stretch of Long Island Sound shoreline to access, for one. One motorist groused that the "extremely narrow road makes it a little difficult to get to." And Stonington itself sits at the most southeastern point of the state, so it's not likely even a "Plan C" in the weekend playbook of the NYC commuter crowd.

For residents, however, it's just a stroll down to the southernmost tip of Water Street, and despite its magnificent views of Stonington Harbor, Fisher's Island Sound, and Little Narragansett Bay, it's frequently deserted. Parking is free of charge in the public lot adjacent to the beach.

Online, it's those residents who seem to hold duBois in the highest regard.

"I grew up in the village, this was my home where I have my first swimming lesson, played with my siblings as my mom watched over us," one reviewer reminisced. "What a Norman Rockwell life. I was so blessed to have growing here. Dubois beach is a place of serenity and beauty. Just park your car and enjoy the beach and the ocean view."

Not surprisingly, beaches found in Florida and Hawaii dominated the Family Destinations Guide Top 100. At No. 1 was the Aloha State's Awahua Beach, "known for its crystal clear turquoise waters and soft, white sand that stretches for over a mile." It's location on the island of Molokai surrounded by towering cliffs ensures its "secret" status will remain mostly safe.

duBois Beach is owned by the Stonington Village Improvement Association and operated by the Stonington Community Center ("the COMO"), both nonprofit organizations. It will open for the weekends beginning Saturday, May 27, with lifeguards on duty from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The beach will open full-time beginning Monday, June 19. Day passes are only valid on the date of purchase, and may be purchased online from the COMO website, which urges beach goers to wait until arriving in case the duBois is closed due to inclement weather. Children 18 and under are free. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.