The area just past East Haddam is fun also....on the other side of the little island. That usually has quite a few boats, but be careful of the sandbar, getting in there can be a tad bit tricky.

I stand corrected! The river is a great place for hanging out, tubing, exploring islands, and if you have not seen Selden creek you are missing a scenic wonder. When my kids were young and I had a 19' open bow runabout it was great and we spent a lot of time there. My point was the river s not a great place for "Go Fast" boats cruising as the no wake zones and speed limit are a PITA! The only place I know of to beach / anchor and play in the sand on the CT side is Napatree beach, and it is in RI. It's worth the trip though.

There is always Sound View....but it's a little trashy, but the scenery can be "nice"!

Soundview is always a good time.

On the CT side in Fairfield county you have the Crabshell in Stamford(very hot place to roll up to by boat on Thursdays and Sundays) & Captains Cove in Bridgeport. There are some places on the Housatonic river in Stratford as well(Knapps Landing, Outriggers(great food) and Margarita Grill). There is a Fountain dealer at Margarita grill. Not a whole lot else in my neck of the woods.