May has arrived, which means that sandy shores around the state will soon be packed with beachgoers looking to enjoy the weather. Most of Connecticut's beaches start charging admittance during May with the Memorial Day holiday marking the unofficial beginning of the season.

Though its easy enough to pick up towels and a lunchbox to head to the beach, some Connecticut beaches require advanced planning (and passes) in order to access these amenities.

When do I have to start paying to go to the beach in Connecticut?

Though many Connecticut beaches are open year-round to visit, May, specifically Memorial Day weekend, is often viewed as the kickoff of the beach and summer season in the state. During this time, many Connecticut beaches will require beach or resident passes in order to park at and access the beach. Non-residents can also access some of these beaches, albeit at a premium. Each town and city has its own span of dates when beach passes will be required.

Some beaches, including Cove Island in Stamford, Old Mill Beach in Westport, Lighthouse Point Park in New Haven and Walnut Beach in Milford have already begun to require passes in order to access them ahead of the summer season.

Concessions, bathrooms and changing areas typically only open during the beach season. Each town lists their own opening dates for these amenities. Additionally, lifeguards are only available during the beach season, with schedules available on a town-by-town basis.

Where can I go to the beach for free in Connecticut?

If you own a Connecticut-registered car, you can access any of Connecticut's state park beaches for free, which includes Sherwood Island State Park in Westport, Hammonasset Beach State Park in Madison, Rocky Neck State Park in Niantic and Silver Sands State Park in Milford among other state-owned parks.

How do I get a beach pass for my local beaches?

Each town has its own rules for obtaining beach passes for the upcoming season. Cities and towns may require proof of residency via rental or lease agreements, tax bills or vehicle registration. Though many towns still issue physical stickers and emblems for cars to access beach areas, some towns, like West Haven for example, have adopted license plate scanners in order to validate cars.

Can I get a beach pass for a town that I don't live in?

Many Connecticut beaches offer both season and day passes for out-of-town visitors. Prices vary depending on the town.

What if I lose my beach pass?

Each Connecticut town or city has its own policy on lost or stolen beach passes. For example, the town of Westport has a form for residents to fill out if they cannot find their beach pass in order to receive a replacement one. Non-resident season passes for Connecticut state parks will not be replaced — meaning a new pass would need to be purchased, according to the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.

Are dogs allowed at Connecticut beaches?

Most Connecticut beaches ban dogs and other pets during the summer months. Individual beaches list specific dates when dogs can no longer be on the beach. Some state parks, such as Silver Sands State Park in Milford and Hammonasset Beach State Park in Madison allow dogs in certain areas of the park such as campgrounds and picnic areas, but not on beaches.

If I have a beach pass, can I use it to go fishing at the beach?

A separate fishing license must be obtained in order to fish off of a beach in Connecticut. Fishing license can be purchased through the DEEP website.

What is the average water temperature in Long Island Sound in May?

The average temperature in May ranges from 53.5 to 59.1 degrees, according to data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. As of May 1, the water temperature in New London was recorded by NOAA to be 58.6 degrees while the water in New Haven was 51.6 degrees.

Where are Connecticut's beaches?

The Connecticut tourism office's website lists all of the beaches — including beaches not on Long Island Sound — that are available in the state. The website allows users to filter their beach search by town, region, amenities, accommodations and things to do.