10 Best Things To Do in Connecticut

Connecticut is located in Southern New England, with a beautiful contrast between coastal cities and rural areas. Mystic is one of Connecticut’s most famous towns, home to the Seaport Museum and Mystic Aquarium. And you can’t think of Connecticut without considering Yale University in New Haven.

Connecticut’s diverse landscape makes it the perfect place to visit for everyone from beach-goers to historians and hikers. Whether you are looking to explore the museums and historical landmarks of Connecticut, hike in the state parks or see fall foliage, there is a little bit of something for everyone in Connecticut. Today we are sharing the best things to do in Connecticut, so you can make the most of your next trip to Southern New England.

10 Best Things To Do in Connecticut

Mystic Aquarium

Mystic is one of the most popular towns to visit in Connecticut for good reason. There are so many things to do in Mystic, CT. Mystic Aquarium is known for it’s extensive Beluga Whale exhibits and is a great family-friendly place to go with kids and adults of all ages. Experience are wide variety of marine life and fun exhibits and shows. Not to mention, unique experiences like the Behind the Seas Tour and Animal Encounters with seals, penguins, sea lions, reptiles and more. Visit Mystic Aquarium and see for yourself!

Mystic Seaport Museum

Also in Mystic, is Mystic Seaport Museum. Mystic Seaport is the largest maritime museum in the United States. Explore the 19th century Seaport Village, the Shipyard, historic vessels and the marina, and enjoy workshops, classes and exhibits. Mystic Seaport is home to the world’s last whaling ship: Charles W. Morgan and an amazing collection of maritime artifacts. Mystic Seaport is one you won’t want to miss!

Yale University

You can’t pass through the Long Island Sound and New Haven without stopping for a tour at Ivy League research university, Yale University. Founded in 1701, Yale is the 3rd oldest institution of higher education in America. It also boasts a gorgeous campus with true Harry Potter vibes. You can truly feel the history and magic in the making on the Yale campus.

Mark Twain House and Roseland Cottage

“A House with a Heart and a Soul” is the perfect way to describe the Mark Twain House and Museum in Hartford, CT. Home to famous author, Samuel Clemens (Mark Twain) this 25-room Victorian home is where he lived with his family and wrote some of his best work from 1874-1891. Some of Twain’s most influential works include: Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, and A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court. With a step back in time, visit this beautifully restored and preserved home to feel inspired and captivated by the incredible author and historian Clemens truly was.

Roseland Cottage located in Woodstock, Connecticut is a Gothic Revival style home built in 1846. It was he summer home of Henry and Lucy Bowen and their young family. The house is instantly recognizable for its pink exterior and is a National Historic Landmark.

Hiking

The combination of beautiful coastal cliffs and rural areas with rolling hills make Connecticut one of the best places to hike in New England. Mattabessett Trail is a favorite for gorgeous views in Central Connecticut. This moderate hike takes you to the top of the famous taprock ridges. Bigelow Hollow State Park in Union, CT is another favorite for hikers with plenty of trails. The Nipmunk Trail is a 6 or 7 mile loop that runs out and around Breakneck Pond with gorgeous views. Mattatuck Trail in Wolcott is a beautiful escape from the busy highway as it runs along the Mad River, if you preserve you can make it all the way to Buttermilk Falls in Plymouth a secret swimming hole that you won’t want to miss.

Connecticut Beaches

Hammonasset Beach State Park is the perfect place for camping, swimming and strolling beachside. With 2 miles of sandy beach to explore, a campground and nature preserve there is plenty to see and do at Hammonassett Beach. Compo Beach and Ocean Beach Park are other favorite beach options for both locals and visitors. Lighthouse Point Park & Carousel is an 82-acre waterfront park in New Haven, Connecticut with nature trails, historic lighthouse, picnic grove, bird sanctuary, sandy beach and historic carousel.

Fall Foliage

Connecticut is a favorite New England destination for fall foliage. Enjoy leaf peeping at it’s best in some of Connecticut’s most scenic locals. The best time to see fall foliage in Connecticut is in the months of September and October. Although fall foliage changes year to year your best bet at seeing gorgeous displays of color is the end of September through early November. Connecticut shows off its fall colors in the more rural wooded areas of the state. The Northwest Hills, Dennis State Park, hilly Eastern parts of the state (north of Mystic) and Fairfield County.

Covered Bridges

It doesn’t get anymore quintessential New England than covered bridges. Connecticut has nine authentic covered bridges, three of which are historic bridges. Check out Bulls Bridge, Cornwall Bridge and the pedestrian bridge at Kent Falls State Park.

Essex Steam Train

Essex Steam Train is New England’s heritage steam train and river boat founded in 1868. Enjoy special rides for the whole family including dinner trains and themed experiences.

Gillette Castle State Park

Gillette Castle State Park is William Gillette’s inspired mansion located along the beautiful Connecticut River with opportunity for camping, hiking, picnicking, historic experiences and more.

---

With so much to see and do in Connecticut you can’t go wrong! Explore the outdoors, learn from Connecticut’s rich history and enjoy fun experiences for the whole family! Connecticut awaits!