Long Beach Park is 1.5 miles in length with the beach being segmented into three parts. The eastern end of the beach is closest to the entrance and is for public use, from sunbathing and sail-boarding to fishing. The middle section and west sections are maintained as bird nesting areas with the west section designated as an important bird area by the National Audubon Society. Sand in the eastern part of the beach has a heavy mix of crushed shells and pebbles throughout the beach area. The crushed shells are in bands near the water’s edge where the waves are small due to Long Island Sound; the grade to the water is steeper than most Connecticut beaches but manageable.