Water, water, everywhere...on the Connecticut shoreline, finding a great place to cool off is a given. Here are a few of the best local beaches, lakes, and watering holes:

Branford Point: Harbor Street, Branford. Crabbing, fishing, picnic area, swimming. Handicapped accessible. Open sunrise to sunset, to October. For info, visit branford-ct.gov.

Chatfield Hollow State Park: 381 Route 80, Killingworth. Hiking, fishing, picnic area, swimming. Handicapped accessible. Leashed pets permitted. Open sunrise to sunset, to October. For info, call 860-663-2030. Freshwater

Clinton Town Beach: Waterside Lane, Clinton. Open 9 a.m. to sunset, to Labor Day. Beach Pass Fee: $20 (residents); $25 (non-residents). Lifeguards on duty beginning Sunday, July 1.

Cockaponset State Forest: 18 Ranger Road, Haddam. Open sunrise to sunset. Swimming, biking, horseback riding, hiking, fishing. Limited handicap accessibility. Leashed pets permitted. For info, call 860-345-8521. Freshwater.

East Haven Town Beach: Cosey Avenue. Picnic tables, waterpark area. Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Labor Day.

Hammonasset Beach State Park: 1288 Boston Post Road, Madison. Largest shoreline park with 550 campsites, hiking, picnic areas, and nature center. Handicapped accessible. For info, call 203-245-1817.

Harvey's Beach: Great Hammock Road, Old Saybrook. Open daily to Labor Day. Parking: $10 (weekdays); $15 (weekends).Jacobs Beach: Seaside Avenue, Guilford. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Saturday; 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays. Picnic pavilions, playground, bathrooms, showers, athletic courts, boat racks. Fee: $7 per car (residents); $10 (non-residents).

Lake Quonnipaug: Route 77, North Guilford. 9:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Monday to Saturday; 11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Sundays. Picnic area, changing rooms, bathrooms, showers, trails, kayak, paddleboat. Fee: $7 (residents); $10 (non-residents). Freshwater.

Madison Surf Club: 87 Surf Club Road, Madison. Town-owned park with picnic, game, swimming, concessions. Park open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. For info, call 203-245-5623.

Rocky Neck State Park: 245 West Main Street, East Lyme. Open 8 a.m. to sunset. 160 campsites, food concessions, picnic tables. Handicapped accessible. Leashed pets permitted in picnic areas and hiking trails only. For info, call 860-739-5471.

Sound View Beach: 52 Lyme Street, Old Lyme. Concessions, handicapped access, picnic area. Open sunrise to sunset.