Vacation In Connecticut
Going on vacations is something a lot of people enjoy. Taking time to travel and see new things can be nice and refreshing. But did you know there are some great vacation destinations that are within driving distance of the state of Connecticut? Here are just a few of my favorite vacation spots in Connecticut.
Families looking for a vacation in Connecticut should consider traveling to the towns of Cheshire, Weston, Madison and others. This leafy state provides plenty of opportunities for family fun and adventure.
What can you do to have an exciting and memorable vacation in Connecticut? Where could you go that is entertaining and enjoyable for the whole family? I recently had a chance to visit my hometown of New Haven, Connecticut and look forward to sharing some of my experiences with you.
The Nutmeg State is definitely a tourist’s haven. Visitors are enticed by the state’s charm, history and year-round attractions. While vacationing in Connecticut, you’ll find yourself near metropolitan cities surrounded by history and quaint New England towns with unique cultural offerings.
Whether you’re an out of staters or just considering a vacation in Connecticut, it’s important to know what’s ‘touristy’ and not. Today, I’m going to talk about some of my favorite places to visit in the state. I’ve been trying to find ways to make my website more visitor-friendly. So far, featuring local landmarks has proven effective. The best part is that it keeps eyes on my content and helps with SEO, too! I’ve already written a few articles centered around my home state of Connecticut (CT), but it’s time for another!
Vacation In Connecticut
Formally known as the Constitution State, Connecticut is home to some of New England’s best beaches, hiking trails, and nature reserves. Nestled between Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New York, and the Long Island Sound, this picturesque region also boasts a wide variety of charming towns, perfect for quick trips or romantic weekend getaways.
From quaint villages like Chester to bustling cities like Hartford, Connecticut offers something perfect for every weekend traveler. Those searching for culture will be rewarded by a multitude of impressive art, history, and science museums, especially if they head to some of Connecticut’s best cities, like New Haven.
Foodies will enjoy the vast array of top-notch restaurants, ranging from local eateries to upscale dining. Sea lovers can expect to be lulled by long walks on the sand, boardwalks, and seaports. And fans of a louder, busier environment will love a weekend spent shopping, dining, and attending concerts and comedy shows indoors at Mohegan Sun.
Not sure where to start? Begin with our list of top weekend getaways in Connecticut.
Note: Some businesses may be temporarily closed due to recent global health and safety issues.
1. Chester
This quaint rural town offers a panacea for stressed city dwellers. About two hours from both New York and Boston, tourists will feel their shoulders relax as they wander along the charming main street of this chart-topping weekend getaway in Connecticut.
Complete with cafés and cute gift shops, the town center is the perfect place to unwind.
Take the Chester-Hadlyme Ferry to East Haddam and visit Gillette Castle State Park, while you’re here. It’s an impeccably preserved, 24-room mansion with impressive views from atop one of the Seven Sisters hills.
Grab dinner nearby and catch a show at The Terris Theatre, then head back for a restful sleep at the Madison Beach Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton in nearby Madison, CT.
In the morning, rent bikes to explore the area, stroll along the private beach, or have a massage in the spa.
2. Mystic
Once a booming seaport essential for the region’s trade, Mystic now boasts an impressive array of maritime-themed attractions. An hour from New Haven, this harbor town is home to a wide array of great restaurants – you’ll be hard-pressed to find fresher seafood.
Movie buffs can enjoy a slice of pie at Mystic Pizza, the restaurant made famous by Julia Roberts’ film of the same name. Step back in time with a visit to the Mystic Seaport Museum. You could while away hours climbing aboard historic vessels, exploring exhibits, and visiting the shipyard.
Next stop: Mystic Aquarium, where you can come face to beak with a penguin, pet a shark, and marvel at a beluga whale. Then, set sail on a trip with Argia Mystic Cruises. When else will you be able to travel aboard a schooner?
When it’s time for bed, head to The Whaler’s Inn for a relaxing and romantic stay. Traveling with kids? Book the Main Inn Junior Suite – kids get their own alcove complete with bunkbeds and a TV.
Read More: Top-Rated Things to Do in Mystic
3. Hammonasset State Park
It’s easy to see why Hammonasset State Park tops the list of best state parks in Connecticut. Its main attraction is a stunning sandy beach that spans two miles of the Long Island Sound. It’s the largest, and one of the best beaches in the state, with plenty of space to unfurl your towel, splash in the waves, and enjoy a waterside picnic.
The Meigs Point Nature Center is another big draw at this top weekend getaway, especially for kids. Programs and activities are frequently on offer, introducing visitors to important concepts such as dune ecology, and helping them to identify local flora and fauna.
Not ready to leave? We don’t blame you. Luckily, this lovely park is one of the best places for camping in Connecticut, with over 500 campsites on offer.
If sleeping in a tent isn’t your thing, the Madison Beach Hotel’s plush rooms, high-end service, and expansive beachfront property is a more luxurious option.
4. Rocky Neck State Park
Yet another of Connecticut’s state parks tops our list of the best weekend getaways. This lovely spot also features an inspired beach, and boasts a boardwalk that’s perfect for romantic strolls. There’s a large concession area to grab snacks, as well as a restroom and showers that make it easy to spend an entire day (or more) at this refreshing oasis.
When you’re sick of picking sand from your bathing suit, lace up your walking shoes and head to one of the multiple hiking trails that pepper this 710-acre park. You’ll pass salt marshes bursting with unique wildlife (the crabs and turtles are especially adorable) and you’ll find plenty of spots perfect for bird-watching. Be sure to pack binoculars.
Like Hammonasset State Park, Rocky Neck State Park also ranks as one of the best places to go camping in Connecticut, so be sure to bring supplies if you’re looking to pitch a tent.
If you’d rather rest on a downy soft bed, book a stay at the adorable Bee and Thistle Inn and Lounge, a charming B&B located in Old Lyme, which lies close to Niantic.
5. New Haven
Two hours of calming views soothe the soul as your train speeds along the Long Island Sound from New York. Home to Yale University, New Haven is known for its up-and-coming foodie scene and impressive galleries.
The Yale University Art Gallery, for instance, boasts over 250,000 objects, including paintings by Cézanne, Degas, Monet, and Manet. Plus, it’s free. You won’t want to miss the Beinecke Rare Book & Manuscript Library, Yale Center for British Art, or Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History.
Whether you’re traveling with kids or are one at heart, spend a few hours at Jordan’s Furniture store. It houses one of the world’s largest indoor adventure ropes courses. At night, enjoy a show at the College Street Music Hall or Yale Repertory Theatre.
Accommodation: Where to Stay in New Haven
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6. Hartford
Once known as the House of Hope due to its position as a Dutch trading post, Hartford sits on the Connecticut River. Attractions in Connecticut’s capital are plentiful.
You’ll kick yourself for missing the Mark Twain House or Harriet Beecher Stowe House, but perhaps the most interesting place to visit is the Connecticut Science Center. Hold a butterfly in the greenhouse, design and test a heli-flyer, or journey through the galaxy – all within the center’s walls.
Other places to visit include the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art and West Hartford Reservoir, a peaceful nature reserve with walking trails. Talcott Mountain State Park is 20 minutes away. Hikers who make it to the Heublein Tower (1,000-feet up) are rewarded with spectacular views over the Farmington River Valley.