There is an absolute tons of things to do all across Connecticut and some key places you can’t miss while travelling around the state. So, to make your trip to Connecticut nice and easy, I’m sharing our top spots you can’t miss as you explore.
Connecticut might not always be the obvious choice when it comes to states to visit. That’s not because it’s not worth visiting, but it can sometimes get sidelined for big-hitting neighbour states like New York.
The great thing about the Northeastern states is that you can easily travel between them on a road trip or train. So, don’t just think you need to visit a single state, especially if you’re travelling from an international context. For instance, you can easily visit New York, the beautiful Cape Cod and Boston from Connecticut.
Anyway, enough rambling! I’m including our favourite places in Connecticut that you can’t miss below. As always, feel free to message us if you need any more tips on the state. We’ve always loved our visits there.
1.) Mystic
Although relatively small, Mystic is easily my favourite place to visit in Connecticut. It’s perched right on the shorefront and has heaps to do for a day trip or even an overnight stay.
Once here, make sure to explore the Mystic Seaport Museum. It’s a gorgeous museum that’s great for an hour or so of wandering around. Around the museum is a heap of history, ships, and buildings that help you better understand the wider Connecticut area.
For lunch, make sure to stop at Mystic Pizza. It’s the best pizza in all of Connecticut, and I don’t say that lightly! Make sure to go for their ‘build your own’ pizza. It is delicious and made fresh with all the ingredients you like most.
If you’re after beach time, drive out of Mystic to nearby Esker Point Beach. It’s lovely, sandy, and totally amazing in the summer. However, I do always find the East Coast waters a little chilly.
Oh, and don’t forget to stop off at the Oyster Club for supper. Their oysters are fresh and from the eastern seaboard – plus, they’re reasonably priced! We loved them with a dash of Tabasco. Just make sure to book a reservation if
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2.) New Haven
Home to Yale University, New Haven is a relatively small Connecticut city that’s well worth staying for a few days. You see, there’s heaps to do around the area and the city has such a nice vibe. Plus, it’s really easy to visit as you travel the coastal route along Highway 95.
After arriving, make sure to head straight over to the Yale University Museums. We absolutely loved the Yale Peabody Museum, which is totally free to enter (just remember it’s closed on Monday).
Inside, you’ll find a treasure-trove of exhibits, from the Burke Hall of Dinosaurs to their Eygypt exhibition, which is so interesting.
Also, don’t forget about visiting the Yale Center for British Art. It houses the largest collection of British art outside the United Kingdom and is well worth seeing. They have installations from historical and modern artists, and it’s actually really well done. Visits to the Yale Center will take around 60 minutes.
Getting hungry? Head over to Louis’ Lunch. It’s something of an institution in Connecticut and has been serving dishes since the 1800s. Now, what makes them really famous is their burgers. It’s the very birthplace of the hamburger!
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3.) Gillette Castle State Park
Open in the summer months, Gillette Castle is a stunning place to visit while in Connecticut. It is situated on the broader grounds of Gillette Castle State Park. It’s gorgeous and feels a million miles away from the more prominent urban centres you might be used to on the East Coast.
Around a 1-hour drive from New Haven, Gillette Castle is the former home of William Hooker, aka the first actor of the iconic character Sherlock Holmes. Nowadays, you can peek around the castle on their organised tours that you can book on their website. It’s well worth visiting for a little stop, especially as it’s such a unique property in Connecticut.
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4.) Hatford
In the heart of Connecticut, Hartford is the capital and one epic place to explore if you want a weekend trip away. It’s got quite a young crowd, and the city is filled with museums and many cafes but is still really relaxed (if that makes sense). You can easily spend a day or so exploring the city or a few days for a slower trip.
After you arrive, make sure to visit the Mark Twain House & Museum. He moved into the home in the 1800s, and you can easily explore the Victorian-style house today. It’s well worth it to experience a period property and learn more about the state’s history.
Also, you’ve got the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art, which is right in the heart of Hartford.
It houses heaps of collections and European, American, and contemporary art in its rooms. Give yourself around 90 minutes to stroll through the rooms and keep your eyes peeled for their seasonal events throughout the year. They even host a ‘behind the scenes’ tour, which is just fantastic.
For a bite to eat, head to Black-Eyed Sally’s for their delicious Southern comfort food. It’s a casual eatery, but their beef brisket sandwich is so tasty.
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5.) Bristol
Bristol is not too far from Hartford. It’s a relatively small city that’s great for a stopover on a wider road trip. Now, I can’t say I’d make a dedicated trip to visit Bristol – but that doesn’t mean it’s a bad place to visit. It’s just that there’s no need to spend lots of time here, does. Does that make sense?
After parking up, head over to the Carousel Museum, which is actually a quirky little museum filled with all things Carousels. It’s not open on Monday or Tuesday, so keep that in mind. Visits will take around 45 minutes and is a pretty unique museum to explore.
Oh, and for a fun-fuelled afternoon with the kids, head to Lake Compounce. It’s an entertaining amusement park and home to the famous Wildcat Coaster, and it’s great to visit if you’re on a Connecticut road trip with the family.
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6.) Groton
Don’t let the rather unpleasing name of Groton fool you. It’s not at all ‘grotty’ but an absolute gem to explore in Connecticut. Facing the shores of Long Island and the glorious Hamptons area of New York, it’s a place that’s so easy to visit either by the Cross Sound Ferry from Orient Point (in the Hamptons) or while driving Highway 95.
Once in Groton, you’ll want to head to the nearby Submarine Force Museum and see the USS Nautilus. It’s one of the largest submarine museums in the United States. It’s totally incredible to visit, especially as you get to board an actual submarine, which is impressive to see. Plus, you get to wander around at your own pace, which is really great.
Getting peckish? Head to Norm’s Diner for brunch or lunch. It’s an old-school diner, and their chicken fried steak is so good.
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7.) Mashantucket Pequot Museum
North of Groton, the Mashantucket Pequot Museum focuses on the Mashantucket Pequot nation today. It’s incredible to learn about the history, culture, and rich heritage the Mashantucket Pequot still holds strong.
While here, you can explore Pequot Village and experience life on a Reservation. You’ll also learn so much more about the Pequot War, which occurred in the 1600s and was an awful time for local First Nation and American Indian populations on the East Coast.
Visits will take around 2 hours and are great while you head further east through Connecticut.
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8.) Ridgefield
Right on the border with New York state, Ridgefield is pretty easy to visit if you’re around Bridgeport or Stamford. However, don’t expect the hustle and bustle of a city in Ridgefield—it has a more suburban (even rural) feel.
If you are passing through, head to the Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum. It houses local and international art. Plus, the hallways are well worth seeing! Visits take around 30 minutes, so it’s friendly and easy if you’re stopping off along a wider route.
For a yummy bite, head to Bailey’s Backyard for their Buttermilk Chicken. Plus, their apple cider mimosas are so tasty.
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9.) Milford
Right on the coast, southwest of New Haven, Silver Sands State Park is the big draw for stopping here. The boardwalk is stunning and a beautiful place to explore, especially with the beautiful beach. You can easily spend a few hours here, especially on a sunny day.
Also, make sure to stop off at Lasse’s Restaurant for lunch. Their hot roast-beef sandwiches are legendary.
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10.) Rowayton
We visited Rowayton during our visit from Manhattan. We caught the train from Grand Central and got off at Norwalk to explore the broader area of Connecticut. It was all so easy, especially if you’re only fancying a day trip to Connecticut itself.
After arriving, head over to Rowayton Seafood for their yummy lunches. Their crab cocktail and oysters are so good. Plus, they do a tasty Hamachi Crudo. You’ll leave stuffed.
If you’re visiting in summer, head to Bayley Beach, a cute little cove perfect for soaking up the sun.
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