Harkness Memorial State Park is 230 acres of gardens, green houses, grass, and scenic ocean front. This peaceful paradise is an ideal location to tour the mansion, stroll, and enjoy the views, but is not ideal for beach swimming. The beach area does not allow swimming due to the strong under tow. Beach sand has minimal shells and pebbles mixed in, and there is a light band of seaweed from the changing tides. The grade to the water is minimal with small waves due to the Long Island Sound and a strong undertow.