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The Fairfield Beach neighborhood is located along the coastline from the Post Road and Old Post Road heading south. This area lends itself to the convenience and walkability to the beach, Town Hall, as well as to the retail stores and dining haven of downtown Fairfield. This is a highly desirable place to live where families can walk or bike through the area to enjoy the beaches, parks, and surrounding neighborhoods. The high-value homes in this area range from the original beach bungalows to charming capes and colonials to new construction luxury properties on smaller lots. Much of the new construction is built in the Craftsman or Nantucket style by the top builders in the area.
The Fairfield Beach neighborhood has 3 public beaches, Jennings and Penfield Beach being the largest and most frequented. The Jennings Beach area, largest of the two beaches with 27 acres, includes a concession stand, bathroom facilities, volleyball poles, sailboat racks, and offers swimming lessons. Jennings Beach is home to Fairfield’s 4th of July fireworks, which are displayed over the water and can be seen from all of Fairfield public beaches. In addition, Jennings Beach hosts the Sand Jam Family Fun Dance and Family Movie Nights hosted 4 times a year by the Recreation Department. Not to be missed is the experience of having your own bonfire on the beach during the summer months. Make reservations early as this popular activity books quickly. Located next to Jennings Beach is the Henry Rowland Memorial Playground, home of the Sandcastle Playground, Skate Park and walking trails. Jennings Beach is also located near South Benson Marina. The marina accommodates 600 boats, has a boat launch ramp, bathroom facilities, picnic tables, bait shack and a fishing pier.
A favorite of Fairfield residents, Penfield Beach is a 3.5-acre beachfront property. A great place to swim and sun along the Long Island Sound, it offers a long stretch of sandy beach. There are picnic tables and charcoal grills set up on the beach for visitor use on a first-come, first-serve basis. There is also a concession where visitors can purchase variety of meals and snacks. Along with swing sets for the kids, Penfield Beach is the site of The Sandy Ground: Where Angels Play’ Project, built to honor the victims of the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary. The playground in Fairfield celebrates the life of Jessica Rekos. Penfield Beach also offers beach lockers to rent for the summer season. There are 167 lockers large enough to change in as well as store beach chairs and other items. Penfield also offers sailboat racks, a large covered deck, handicapped accessibility, and bathroom facilities. Seen from the shores of Penfield Beach is the Penfield Beach Lighthouse which was built in 1874. A favorite activity at low tide is to walk the 1.1-mile-long reef to the light house. But be mindful of the change in tides, as they come in quickly. Be sure to watch the video on the history of the Penfield Beach Lighthouse – click here for the video.
The Penfield Beach property boasts two waterfront banquet facilities, the larger of the two is the Penfield Complex. The Penfield complex accommodates up to 300 guests for cocktail parties and 180 guests for seated functions. With its cathedral ceiling and clean, modern feel and covered deck with unobstructed views of the water it serves as the perfect backdrop for any function. Jacky Durrell Pavilion, the smaller of the two pavilions, has a rustic style all its own. Warm wood tones and sweetheart vaulted ceilings work harmoniously to create a warm, intimate atmosphere. The space itself accommodates up to 125 guests and features a wraparound deck for cocktails, mingling and breathtaking views of the beach and sound.
Residents of the neighborhood are represented by several active neighborhood organizations, including the Fairfield Beach Residents Association, which includes the entire beach area, and the Fair Acres Association, which includes residents residing within the blocks between Rowland Road and Penfield Road. These associations help maintain the beauty and safety of the area.
Located in the beach neighborhood is the private Fairfield Beach Club nestled between Penfield and Jennings Beach offering beach service, dining, and tennis. At the corner of Fairfield Beach and Reef Rd, you will find The Inn at Fairfield Beach. A beautiful, family-owned hotel that flawlessly blends New England charm and New York City sophistication. And located next to the inn is a neighborhood landmark, the Seagrape Cafe and Bar, a favorite of residents for forty years. Other walkable amenities include a liquor shop, and take-out restaurant.
South Pine Creek Beach is the third and smallest of all the beaches. There are bathroom facilities, a small parking lot and life guard on duty. All beaches allow dogs and horses October through March.
The Burr Homestead, which includes the stately Burr Mansion and the Burr Homestead Gardens, is located on the Old Post Road at the corner of Penfield Road and situated in the heart of Fairfield’s Old Post Road Historic District. The property is ideal for both small and large gatherings. The more than four-acre garden provides picturesque scenery, including a renovated 19th century fountain. The Fairfield Museum, also located on the Old Post Road, uses the power of history, art, and humanities to inspire the imagination. Rotating exhibitions range from photography to regional history to shows about fascinating issues such as immigration, climate change and war. This dynamic cultural resource includes a permanent exhibition about local history, a research library, rental facilities, and the Museum Shop. Families are invited to enjoy the Museum’s ongoing exhibition, Creating Community: Exploring 375 Years of Our Past, the annual Holiday Express Train Show, “Legends and Hauntings” walking tours, summertime historical walking tours, Halloween on the Green and the annual Memorial Day picnic. Lectures, Museum After Dark openings, a family party and a variety of community events also take place throughout the year. Located next to the museum is Fairfield’s historic Old Town Hall and Town Green.
The Bigelow Center for Senior Activities is located on Mona Terrace. The senior center is a community facility where older adults come together for services and activities that reflect their experiences and skills, respond to their diverse needs and interests, support their independence, and encourage their involvement in the center and in the community.
Veterans Park is located on Reef Road and offers a softball field, playground, horseshoe courts, picnic tables and tennis courts. Another wonderful amenity of the beach area is a Par 3 public town golf course. The Par 3 is a delightful place for golfers of all abilities and is located on South Pine Creek Road.
If you’re looking to live on or near the beach, love an active lifestyle, and desire easy access to downtown and commuting, the beach neighborhood is a perfect fit.
Go to my Fairfield page to view other neighborhoods in Fairfield.
Neighborhoods in Fairfield
Here are additional links for further information:
Fairfield Beaches
Jennings Beach
Penfield Beach
South Benson Marina
Penfield Lockers
The Pavilions at Fairfield Beach
Fairfield Beach Residents Association
Fairfield Beach Club
Inn at Fairfield Beach
Burr Homestead
Bigelow Senior Center
Par 3 Golf Course
Burr Mansion Rentals
Fairfield History