20 Best Things to Do in Stratford, Connecticut

© Two Roads Brewing Company

Two Roads Brewing Company is a locally owned and operated brewery in Stratford that produces a variety of year-round, seasonal, Tanker Truck Sours, and limited releases. Founded in 2012 by four friends, the Two Roads Brewing Company is helmed by award-winning Brewmaster and 27-year craft beer veteran, Phil Markowski, who has created an extensive lineup that takes a unique twist on classic beer styles. Signature brews include Ol'Factory – Pils, Worker's Comp - Farmhouse Ale, Lil'Heaven - Session IPA, No Limits – Hefeweizen, Honeyspot Rd. - IPA, Road 2 Ruin - Double IPA, and Expressway - Cold Brew Coffee Stout. The brewery offers guided brewery tours of the facility, beer tasting in the modern tasting room, and casual cuisine from several food trucks that park outside the brewery on various days.

1700 Stratford Ave, Stratford, Connecticut 06615, Phone: 203-335-2010

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The Lordship Seawall, also known simply as The Wall, is a seawall along Beach Drive in Stratford that offers beautiful ocean views.

53 Beach Dr, Stratford, CT 06615

© Boothe Memorial Park and Museum

Boothe Memorial Park and Museum is a 32-acre public park that overlooks the Housatonic River and offers several architecturally unique buildings and attractions. Situated in the Putney section of Stratford, the park was once the estate of the Boothe family, after which it was named, and willed to the town in 1949 for the community to enjoy. The park is home to the Boothe Museum which is built on the foundations of a house dating back to 1663, along with other attraction such as award-winning rose gardens, a genealogy library, and outdoor concerts and Shakespearean plays are hosted in the spring and summer months. Seasonal guided tours of the historic buildings can be arranged.

5800 Main St, Stratford, CT 06614

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Short Beach is a lovely community beach located next to the mouth of the Housatonic River that offers a range of outdoor activities such as swimming, fishing, beachcombing and more. The southern part of the beach features picnic areas, a calisthenics course, and a children’s playground, along with a recreation complex housing a golf course, softball fields, and basketball, paddleball, tennis, and volleyball courts. The southernmost section of the beach is used to provide sailboard lessons, and there are showers close by. The northern section of Short Beach is home to least tern and piping plover nesting areas, and the intertidal zone between the beach and the main boat channel harbor is good for fishing. This area of the beach provides handicapped access.

1 Dorne Drive, Stratford, CT 06615

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Roosevelt Forest is a 401-acre park and town-owned forest with children’s playgrounds, picnic shelters, a tranquil pond, hiking and walking trails, benches, and good wildlife viewing. Established during the depression in the 1930s, the remarkable town-owned forest is located at the end of Peters Lane in the northern section of Stratford and is home to a wealth of natural flora and fauna including mixed deciduous forests of coniferous and deciduous broadleaf hardwoods, and small mammals, amphibians, and reptiles. Several events are held in the forest throughout the year such as the Enchanted Forest Ultra Trail Run.

700 Peters Ln, Stratford, CT 06614, Phone: 203-385-4085

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Long Beach stretches nearly 1.5 miles along the edge of a barrier island which protects the Great Meadows Marsh from the open waters of Long Island Sound. This beautiful stretch of beach is equally appealing to humans and shore birds and parts of the beach have restricted access to protect several rare birds during the nesting season. The long white beach is pristine – just as nature intended and visitors are requested to bring along everything they need for a fun day in the sun and to carefully remove all their litter. Most activity occurs at the eastern end of the beach where locals and visitors can enjoy swimming, sail-boarding and fishing.

Long Beach, Oak Bluff Road, Stratford, CT 06615

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Long Beach is a 1.5-mile coastal barrier beach in Stratford that is situated between the waters of Long Island Sound and the Lewis Gut. Located at the end of Oak Bluff Road in the Lordship section of Stratford, the eastern end of the beach is designated as a public beach area and is used for swimming, sailboarding, and fishing, while the middle sections of the beach are maintained as shorebird nesting areas and are home to nesting piping plovers and least terns. The beach can be reached by car; however, parking permits are required.

Oak Bluff Road, Stratford, CT 06615

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The National Helicopter Museum is dedicated to showcasing the history of the helicopter and aviation industry in Stratford and the surrounding region. Founded in 1983 by Dr. Raymond Jankowich and Robert McCloud, the museum housed in one of the old buildings at the Stratford station and features an extensive collection of images and objects related to the rich history of the aviation and helicopter industry. Exhibits at the museum highlight the evolution of the rotary wing from early designers such as Leonardo da Vinci to the modern helicopters of today and boast displays of models of aircraft by Bell, Boeing, the Robinson Helicopter, and Kaman Aircraft. Other notable exhibitions at the museum include a working cockpit of the Sikorsky S-76 helicopter and small gas turbine engines of helicopters such as the Boeing CH-47 Chinook and Huey.

2480 Main St, Stratford, CT 06615, Phone: 203-375-8857

© Academy Hill

Academy Hill is a historical district in Stratford that boasts a well-preserved concentration of historic buildings which represent the architectural development of a typical seaport town over 300 years. The district is bounded by major streets such as Academy Hill, Broad Street, Elm Street, East Broadway, Main Street, Judson Place, and White Street and the center of the district features a substantially intact 17th-century village plan. Architecturally significant buildings in the area include Federal period town-houses, early-20th-century suburban houses, Greek Revival and Victorian villas, and 17th and 18th-century homesteads, creating a fascinating mix of architectural styles.

Corner of Academy Hill and Elm Street, Stratford, CT

© Captain David Judson House

The Captain David Judson House is a historic house in the Academy Hill Historic District that dates back to 1750. Built by David Judson in the mid-1700s in a colonial Georgian style, which was popular throughout the American colonies during this time, the beautifully restored house still features the massive central stone chimney from the original house which was built in 1639 with lug poles. The cellar of the house, which is now the first floor was thought to have been used as slave quarters during the early 18th century. The home features period pieces of furniture of Stratford origin, dating from the 18th century, including a piano which belonged to William Samuel Johnson and various other works of historical and artistic significance. Captain David Judson House is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is open to the public as a historic house museum and research library by the Stratford Historical Society.

967 Academy Hill Rd, Stratford, CT 06615, Phone: 203-378-0630

© Perry House

The Perry House is a historic home that was built circa 1690 by Benjamin Beach and stands as the gateway and symbol of Colonial heritage. Today, Stratford’s oldest structure is home to the Stratford Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center and special programs and events that pertain to the rich history and heritage of the town and its ability to adapt to the challenges and opportunities of the century. Managed by the Perry House Foundation, the house is a base for programs that aim to increase public awareness of the history of Stratford and the region and offers self-guided tours. The house is also used as a unique setting for special events such as weddings, parties, fundraising events, and corporate functions, with a capacity for up to 100 people. Free parking is available.

1128 West Broad Street, Stratford, CT 06615, Phone: 203-377-3779

© Connecticut Air & Space Center

The Connecticut Air & Space Center displays vintage aircraft, memorabilia, and aviation-related artifacts that pertain to Connecticut. Founded by George Gunther in 1998, the Connecticut Air & Space Center occupies two buildings at the complex formerly known as the Stratford Army Engine Plant, which was once a WWII aircraft factory. Located across Main Street from the Igor I. Sikorsky Memorial Airport, the center is based on eight acres of land that is home to six buildings, two of which are operational. The Connecticut Air & Space Center documents the history of the Stratford Army Engine Plant through an outstanding display of archives and exhibits, including 14 aircraft on display and eight engines that were built at the plant.

550 Main St, Stratford, CT 06615, Phone: 203-380-1400

© Ruby and Calvin Fletcher African American History Museum

The Ruby and Calvin Fletcher African American History Museum provides an in-depth look at the many trials and tribulations faced by African American citizens of the US through several centuries. The museum was established by Jeffrey Fletcher, a life-long resident of South Eastern Connecticut, and is named for his parents. Throughout his long career in the city, Jeffrey Fletcher amassed a huge collection of artifacts, photos, documents and other memorabilia, which he now shares with the public. The exhibits document the turbulent times during slavery, the Civil Rights Movement and later segregation.

Ruby and Calvin Fletcher African American History Museum, 952 East Broadway, Stratford, CT 06615, 203 843 3102

© Biagio's Osteria

Located in Ryders Landing, Biagio's Osteria is a rustic Italian restaurant that serves organic, seasonal dishes along with hundreds of casual and rare wines in an elegant setting. The restaurant serves a farm-to-table tasting menu of five courses daily, as well as a regular a la carte menu of innovative and traditional Italian fare. Signature dishes include antipasti of calamari fritti, Sicilian eggplant, and lobster bisque souffle, and entrées of a braised rack of lamb crepinette, Chilean Sea Bass with avocado relish, and osso buco Milanese of slowly braised veal shank in red wine. Biagio's Osteria is open for lunch Monday through Friday and dinner, seven days a week.

88 Ryders Ln, Stratford, CT 06614, Phone: 203-375-9071

© Riverview Bistro

Overlooking the Housatonic River, the Riverview Bistro is a contemporary restaurant with an elegant dining room and a charming seasonal patio with picturesque views that offers an exclusive dining experience. The stylish spot serves a classic creative dishes presented with contemporary flair, including fresh seafood, handmade pasta, prime steaks, burgers and wraps, and fresh salads in an airy and inviting environment. Decadent desserts are prepared from scratch daily, and exceptional culinary creations are offered throughout the week. The delectable cuisine is accompanied by a list of fine wines, craft beers, and handcrafted cocktails. A beautiful, private banquet room is available for private events and functions. The Riverview Bistro is open for lunch and dinner, seven days a week.

946 Ferry Blvd, Stratford, CT 06614, Phone: 203-690-1616

© Station House Wine Bar and Grill

Conveniently tucked inside the Stratford Train Station, the aptly named Station House Wine Bar and Grill is a casual restaurant and bar that serves traditional Italian cuisine along with artisan Japanese sushi to create a unique and eclectic dining experience. The innovative restaurant features a fully-stocked New York City-style bar, and hosts live entertainment every evening to accompany the sublime menu of exceptional dishes such as fresh seafood platters, premium sushi rolls, handmade pasta and sauces, prime Angus steaks, and veal entrées. The bar boasts happy hour with cocktails and appetizers every evening and special functions such as trivia nights and wine and beer tastings are held each week. The Station House Wine Bar and Grill is open for lunch and dinner, seven days a week.

2520 Main St, Stratford, CT 06615, Phone: 203-377-1648

© Athletic Brewing Company

The team at Athletic Brewing is on a mission to change the way people drink beer. Their range of small-batch, alcohol-free craft beers are brewed to perfection and are actually healthy for you. The brewery came about because owner Bill Shufelt decided to cut alcohol out of his life and quickly realized that there was a void in the market when it came to great-tasting alcohol-free beer. Athletic Brewing Company plans to fill that void. You can come and learn about the process of brewing a great alcohol free beer and enjoy a tasting at their Tap Room in Stratford.

Athletic Brewing Company, 350 Long Beach Blvd, Stratford, CT 06615, 843 507 4783

© Riley’s by the Seawall

Located right on the sea wall alongside Lordship Beach, Riley’s is a popular meeting place for Stratford locals and visitors. The restaurant has a large indoor dining area for colder days and a brilliant outdoor deck for alfresco dining in summer. The menu changes with the seasons, featuring cooling frozen cocktails, salads and fresh sea food in summer and hearty winter warmers during the colder months. A few of the most popular dishes include their Maryland Crab Cakes, Scampi Flatbread, Sesame Crusted Tuna Salad and mouth-watering Lobster Rolls. There is also a selection of sandwiches and burgers as well as steak, chicken and pasta dishes.

Riley’s by the Seawall, 14 Beach Drive, Stratford, CT 06615, 203 693 9255

© Stratford Veterans Museum

Established to honor all veterans from Stratford, the Stratford Veterans Museum endeavors to tell the many personal stories of all these brave men and women. The museum is primarily aimed at teaching school-age children about the sacrifices all these people have made in order to make America the great country it is today. Museum exhibits cover a wide range of subjects and time-lines, stretching from the Revolutionary War, the War of 1812, the Civil War, World Wars I & II, the Cold War and all the most recent conflicts. The museum is open on Wednesday afternoons and on Saturdays and Sundays, or by prior arrangements.

Stratford Veterans Museum, 5952 Main Street, Stratford, CT 06614, 203 385 4052

© Gaetano's Deli

Gaetano's Deli is an authentic Italian deli and market offering imported charcuteries and cured meats, cheeses from around the world, gourmet sandwiches, and other delicious prepared meals. Established over 20 years ago by owners Guy Catalano and Milanno Ukehaxhaj, Gaetano's Deli focuses on providing freshly prepared and curated fare, such as freshly baked bread, a large assortment of imported and domestic cheeses and cured meats, including Boars Head, and mouthwatering dishes such as lasagna. Boasting three locations in Connecticut, namely Stratford, Monroe and Westport, the true Arthur Avenue Style Italian deli won’t disappoint.

1478 Barnum Ave, Stratford, CT 06614, Phone: 203-377-8860