Town 02 of 06

Madison

Hammonasset's dunes and a beloved Main Street.

Madison pairs Connecticut's longest public shoreline with a Main Street people actually walk — the rare shore town that is busy in February as well as July.

The salt marsh from Pent Road, looking across toward Hammonasset at sunset.
The salt marsh from Pent Road, looking across toward Hammonasset at sunset.

What Madison is known for

  • Hammonasset Beach State Park, the largest shoreline park in Connecticut, with roughly two miles of beach and dunes.
  • A Main Street anchored by R.J. Julia Booksellers, a long-standing independent bookstore.
  • The Madison Green and the Scranton Memorial Library.
  • East Wharf and West Wharf — small, old-fashioned town beaches.

Quick facts

Sits on
Long Island Sound, between Guilford and Clinton
Known for
Hammonasset Beach State Park, Main Street
Rail
Shoreline East
Feel
Beachy but year-round; strong town center

Common questions about Madison

What is Madison, Connecticut known for?

Madison is known for Hammonasset Beach State Park — the largest shoreline park in Connecticut, with about two miles of beach — and for a walkable Main Street anchored by the independent bookstore R.J. Julia Booksellers.

Does Madison have public beaches?

Yes. Hammonasset Beach State Park is open to the public, and the town also maintains the smaller East Wharf and West Wharf beaches.

Is Madison a year-round town or a summer town?

Both. Madison has a genuine year-round community and a working town center, but its beach neighborhoods fill considerably in summer.

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