Beach?

So can someone explain to me how the beaches work here? We just had an awful experience trying to visit a beach in Branford, where we were rudely spoken to and insulted by a security guard. Having just moved from from California where all beaches and shoreline are public this is a real shock. So what’s the deal here?!?

UPDATE: Hey all thanks for the responses. Just wanted to clarify, I don’t mind paying for parking. That’s expected. What I have a problem with is when someone in an official capacity says, “ you don’t belong here, turnaround and leave” and “go back to East Haven.” And then laughs after both statements.