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Hammonasset Beach State Park is named for the Hammonasset tribe of eastern woodland Indians, one of five tribes that inhabited the shoreline area of Connecticut. The Indian word "Hammonasset" means "where we dig holes in the ground," a reference to the tribe's agricultural way of life.

In 1919, the Connecticut Park and Forest Commission began to acquire the lands that would comprise Hammonasset State Park. By the end of the year, 565 acres had been purchased at a cost of $130,960. On July 18, 1920, the park opened to the public. About 75,000 people visited the park during its first year.

The park nearly doubled in size in 1923 with the acquisition of an additional 339 acres.

During World War II, Hammonasset served as an army reservation and aircraft firing range and was closed to the public. It reopened to beach lovers after the war and quickly began to break attendance records.

Today, Hammonasset Beach is particularly crowded on summer weekends, but you can always find a spot to spread your blanket and soak up the sun. On mild days in the off-season, it is a great place for a quiet, reflective walk by the sea.

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