12 x Best Places to Visit in Connecticut

Last Updated On June 23, 2023

Many people associate the Constitution State with money. Connecticut, after all, is home to New England coastline charm, affluent communities that frequently drop down to New York City, and, of course, Yale University, a world-renowned Ivy League institution of higher learning. However, activities in Connecticut are not limited to the wealthy.

Noank, Groton, CT, USA, Mystic River as it empties into Fisher Island Sound. It is located in far southeastern Connecticut

Photo by Rusty Watson on Unsplash

Families can enjoy many beaches, many state parks, and woodlands, while history fans will appreciate cities with architecture dating back to the 17th century. There are plenty of exciting things to do in Connecticut, and we've compiled a list of some of the state's finest attractions to get you started.

1. Greenwich

There is a reason why Greenwich is regarded as one of the most excellent places to live in the United States. Greenwich, founded in the 17th century and only a half-hour train journey from New York City, is a lovely, elegant town on Long Island Sound's coast. It's ideal for a romantic weekend in one of the charming Victorian B&Bs, or a quick excursion with the kids to see sea turtles or otters at the Maritime Aquarium in Norwalk.

2. Devil’s Hopyard State Park

3. Enders State Forest

4. Stamford

Stamford offers a vibrant downtown area in the fall and all year. There are over 80 restaurants, pubs, theaters, stores, galleries, and services here, making it an excellent choice for a low-cost family holiday. Cove Island Park, which features train rides, beaches, volleyball, and a lawn ideal for kite flying, is a popular attraction.

To learn about wildlife and engage the whole family, visit the Sound Waters Aquarium, the Stamford Museum & Nature Center, and the Bartlett Arboretum and Gardens. The Twin Meadows Boundless Playground is a terrific spot for youngsters to play.

5. Hartford

6. New Haven

7. Lake Waramaug State Park

8. Mystic

The Mystic Seaport is one of the best places visit in Connecticut, so make time to see this living historical village while in town. Tour ancient ships, residences, a schoolhouse, and authentic town businesses in this 18th-century maritime hamlet. There's plenty more to do in Mystic, such as art galleries, pizza joints, boutiques, and the aquarium. Every year, the Mystic Outdoor Art Festival attracts tens of thousands of tourists who visit the stalls and exhibitions of local artists.

9. Talcott Mountain State Park

10. Rocky Neck State Park

The Rocky Neck state park is a paradise for wildlife and outdoor enthusiasts. A day at Rocky Neck is well-spent, with stunning white-sand beaches, hiking paths galore, marshland platform vistas, and tranquil picnic places.

You can schedule activities such as crabbing, fishing, hiking, birdwatching, and saltwater swimming into your visit to Rocky Neck. Rocky Neck also includes seasonal camping grounds in both open and wooded regions.

11. Old Saybrook

Old Saybrook is a Connecticut beachfront village ideal for a weekend escape. It has old homes, old-fashioned fixtures, and pleasant people, as do many Connecticut communities. Katharine Hepburn once lived there. Visit the historic lighthouse and the soda fountain since the late 1800s. There's a charming Main Street with locally owned mom-and-pop shops to explore.

12. Hammonasset Beach State Park