Need a relaxing coastal day trip or weekend escape in Connecticut? I say you head to Madison! I’ve lounged on its sandy beaches and wandered through its charming downtown—and I think you’d love it too. You can soak up the sun at Hammonasset, stroll through peaceful parks, or take your time exploring local boutiques and cafés. When I need a little shoreline serenity without the crowds, Madison is my go-to spot for small-town charm and coastal beauty.
Best Time to Visit
If you ask me, late spring through early fall (May to October) is the sweet spot. I’ve spent sunny afternoons on the beach and balmy evenings dining outdoors—it’s the kind of weather that makes everything feel easy. You’ll find the town buzzing with festivals, farmers markets, and the kind of energy that makes you want to slow down and enjoy it all. Trust me, you’ll want to stay longer than planned.
How to Get There
- If you’re driving: I usually hop on I-95—Madison’s only about 30 minutes from New Haven. Whether you’re coming from New York or Boston, it’s roughly a 2-hour ride, and worth every mile.
- Prefer the train? I’ve taken the Shore Line East before—it’s an easy ride that drops you right in town. You can even connect through New Haven if you’re coming from farther out.
- Flying in? I’d recommend Tweed New Haven Airport if you’re arriving regionally—it’s just 30 minutes away. For more flight options, I’ve used Bradley International too, about an hour and a half drive.
Where to Stay
- Madison Beach Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton – If you’re in the mood to treat yourself, this place is a dream. I stayed here once and couldn’t get enough of the ocean views, spa treatments, and that upscale, breezy vibe.
- Tidewater Inn – For something cozier, I suggest the Tidewater. I’ve recommended it to friends who wanted that classic New England feel. You’ll love how close it is to the beach and town center—and the rooms have that personal touch you can’t get at bigger hotels.
Best Things to Do
1. Swim, Sun, and Stroll: Embrace Coastal Fun at Hammonasset Beach State Park
The Hammonasset Beach State Park in Madison, Connecticut is a recreation area open to the public and encompasses two miles of the beachfront along the Long Island Sound. The state park is the largest shoreline park in the state of Connecticut and is also one of the state’s most popular attractions with around one million guests every year. Hammonasset Beach State Park includes a nature center, a large campground, and an array of beach activities across its grounds. Activities possible at the state park include swimming, picnicking, hiking, fishing, boating, and bicycling. The campground contains more than five hundred units.
1288 Boston Post Rd, Madison, CT 06443, Phone: 203-245-2785
2. Meet the Locals: If You Love Wildlife Wonders, Then Visit Meigs Point Nature Center
The Meigs Point Nature Center is located within the large Hammonasset Beach State Park and is a vital and exciting learning center focused on environmental science. The nature center is open to visitors of all ages and is one of Connecticut’s most beautiful site in its state park system. The center features hands-on activities, an observation deck, and a seasonal touch tank where visitors can get up close and personal with some of the sea’s smaller wonder. Other wildlife include fish, crabs, amphibians, snakes, and turtles that are unable to be released back into the wild.
1288 Boston Post Rd, Madison, CT 06443, Phone: 203-245-8743
What to do if you are traveling with kids:
3. Bike, Walk, and Breathe: Explore Scenic Paths on The Shoreline Greenway Trail
The Shoreline Greenway Trail, running eastward from the city of New Haven, is part of an effort in collaboration with communities to create pedestrian, wheelchair-friendly, and bike connections, such as bike lanes and greenway trails to take people where they want to go. The Hammonasset section of this greenway trail is located in Madison, Connecticut and has been a showcase of what is possible with greenways in the state since it opened back in 2014. The Shoreline Greenway Trail is almost a mile in length and is one of the state’s most popular biking and walking trails, and a great place for birdwatching.
Madison, CT 06443, Phone: 203-481-3870
4. Taste Culinary Creativity: Savor Fresh Flavors with Chef Paul Barron
Visitors and locals alike can join one of the cooking classes offered by Chef Paul Barron in downtown Madison, Connecticut. Chef Barron offers a broad array of different cooking classes, basing his instruction on teaching technique and methods instead of only relying on teaching recipes. This allows those participating in the cooking classes to be able to transfer these skills they learn in their cooking at home. Chef Paul Barron’s cooking classes usually take place on Tuesdays and lasts around three hours. The classes are also limited to only six people, so pre-registration is necessary.
837 Boston Post Rd, Madison, CT 06443, Phone: 203779-5713
Activities and Attractions for Couples:
5. Shop with Heart: Find Art, Gifts, and Local Treasures at Creations
Creations is a retail space situated in the heart of Madison’s downtown shopping district. The space showcases the stunning work of over one hundred and eighty different artisans from throughout the country’s Northeast region. Creations aims to share the stories and products of these artisans to all visitors of the space. Creations seeks out the unique, strives to find the creative, and celebrates function and beauty. The retail space is owned and managed by Vista Life Innovations, which is an organization focused on supporting people with disabilities. All proceeds from the sales at Creations go towards supporting the organization’s services and programs.
6. Farm-to-Table Fresh: Experience Authentic Agriculture Adventures at Field House Farm
The Field House Farm in the town of Madison along the state shoreline is a family owned and operated farm. Visitors will find a farmhouse built back in the year 1720, the grounds of which have been utilized to create a sustainable farm operation. The grounds include a large garden for produce, as well as several different animals, including a donkey, a llama, pigs, Alpine goats, heritage turkeys Hampshire and Shetland sheeps, and chickens. Field House Farm practices responsible and humane animal care and farming practices. Many different programs for adults and children are offered at the farm as well.
623 Green Hill Rd, Madison, CT 06443, Phone: 203-779-9187
7. Gear Up for Adventure: Discover Birding Essentials and More at The Audubon Shop
The Audubon Shop in Madison is the state of Connecticut’s original birding store, founded in 1986. The shop is owned and managed by Jerry and Janet Connolly and is housed within a historic house near the Long Island Sound. Just a stone’s throw away to the east is the Hammonasset Beach State Park, which is one of the state’s best sites for birding, as well as one of the Atlantic Coast’s most significant migratory bird stopover and breeding areas. The Audubon Shop offers bird walks on a seasonal basis in addition to its selection of bird feeders and other birding supplies.
907 Boston Post Rd, Madison, CT 06443, Phone: 203-245-9056
8. Hit the Trails: Hike, Bike, and Connect with Nature at Rockland Preserve
In North Madison, sitting to the west of Route 79, is the beautiful Rockland Preserve, a much-loved nature destination for locals and visitors alike in Connecticut. This preserve is filled and characterized by impressive, wooded areas, glorious round, and rocky hills, as well as eye-catching ledges and precipitous gray cliffs. Hikers and leisure walkers can access Rockland through roads that have been long abandoned in the past and were once used by the city’s earliest occupants. At the center of the Rockland Preserve sits the Coan Pond that is surrounded by lovely rare flowers and wildlife. Also found at the preserve are the Singletracks of Rockland, which is open to trail runners and mountain bikers, as well as the Rockland Bike Park, which is frequented by avid mountain bikers of all levels. The bike park features spectacular pump tracks, berms, rollers, and a skills area.
Off Route 79, Madison, Connecticut 06443, Phone: 202-245-5623
Where to Eat:
9. Dine French-Style: If You Crave Parisian Flavors, Then Book a Table at Bar Bouchee
Bar Bouchee is a popular restaurant in Madison for both the authentic, yet affordable bistro fare and the boisterous, yet intimate atmosphere. It has become a place where people gather and “neighbors act neighborly, friends encounter old friends and make new ones.” Imported from France, the zinc bar at Bar Bouchee makes a dramatic statement, but is also often packed with some of the restaurant’s regulars as they enjoy a lively conversation, great wines, and unique cocktails. Bar Bouchee is inspired by the “bouchons,” or neighborhood bistros, of the city of Lyon in France, and features authentic bistro decor.
8 Scotland Ave, Madison, CT 06443, Phone: 203-318-8004
10. Feast on Seafood Favorites: Enjoy Casual Coastal Eats at Lenny & Joe’s Fish Tale
Lenny & Joe's Fish Tale had its beginnings as a simple roadside clam stand back in 1979 with only four picnic tables for customers. During that time, the owners made an important promise to every customer, a promise to serve only the freshest and finest seafood available, keep prices reasonable, provide friendly and prompt service, and offer generous portions.
1301 Boston Post Rd, Madison, CT 06443, Phone: 203-245-7289
Must-see if you are a first-time visitor:
- Stroll the Madison Green Historic District – If you’re in town, I highly recommend walking through the Madison Green Historic District. The colonial architecture is charming, and you can pop into boutique shops and art galleries as you explore downtown.
- Browse RJ Julia Booksellers – Book lovers will adore RJ Julia Booksellers. It’s one of Connecticut’s most beloved independent bookstores, and they often host author events that you won’t want to miss.
Where to Eat
- Bar Bouchee – For a taste of authentic French cuisine, head to Bar Bouchee. The intimate setting makes it a perfect spot for a relaxing meal near downtown Madison.
- Stefano's Restaurant – If you’re in the mood for hearty Italian meals or fresh seafood, Stefano's is a local favorite. The friendly service will make you feel right at home!
- Moxie – For something a bit more trendy, check out Moxie. It’s the perfect spot for craft cocktails, small plates, and New American dishes in a lively, artsy atmosphere.
If you are interested in local events:
- Madison Chamber of Commerce Summer Concerts (July–August) – If you’re visiting in the summer, make sure to catch the free outdoor concerts on the Madison Green. It’s a great way to enjoy the community vibe.
- Madison Arts Barn Events (Year-Round) – The Madison Arts Barn is a gem for youth-focused arts, music, and performance events. You’ll find a variety of shows throughout the year!
- Hammonasset Festival (September) – If you’re around in September, don’t miss the Hammonasset Festival. It’s a wonderful celebration of Native American heritage, culture, and environmental awareness at Hammonasset Beach State Park.
If you are looking for unique day trips within 30 Minutes of Madison, Connecticut:
- Guilford, CT (10–15 min) – Just a short drive away, Guilford is perfect for a day trip. Browse the art galleries, explore the historic town green, or even go kayaking along the coast.
- Clinton, CT (10–15 min) – Clinton is known for its charming marina and the Clinton Premium Outlets. A visit here offers the perfect mix of shopping and coastal views.
- Old Saybrook, CT (20–25 min) – Old Saybrook offers a mix of history and culture, including the Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center. Explore the historic sites along the water while you’re there.
- Essex, CT (25–30 min) – If you’re into trains, Essex is home to the famous Essex Steam Train. Stroll along the picturesque riverfront village for a truly charming experience.
- New Haven, CT (30 min) – New Haven is just a short drive from Madison. Visit Yale University, explore top-rated museums, and dine at some of the area’s best restaurants.
- Westbrook, CT (15–20 min) – Head to Westbrook for peaceful beaches, outlet shopping, and fresh seafood dining. It's a lovely place to relax along the coast.
- Branford, CT (20–25 min) – For something unique, visit Branford and take a boat tour of the Thimble Islands. Afterward, you can relax at cozy cafés downtown.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Where is Madison, CT located?
- Madison, CT is located just a short distance from New Haven, along the beautiful shores of the Long Island Sound. It’s the perfect escape with a blend of history and coastal charm.
- What makes Madison a special destination?
- Madison is a hidden gem. Aside from its pristine beaches, the town offers plenty of activities, from arts and culture to shopping and dining.
- Is Madison a walkable town?
- Yes! Madison is a compact, culture-filled town where most attractions are within walking or biking distance. It’s perfect for exploring at a leisurely pace.
- What outdoor activities can visitors enjoy in Madison?
- Madison is especially great for outdoor lovers. Take a stroll along Hammonasset Beach State Park or simply enjoy the fresh sea breeze and natural beauty of the area.
Plan Your Trip