Things to Do in Connecticut

Location: Mystic, CT

Recommended For: History lovers, families, maritime enthusiasts, foodies, and coastal explorers.

What I Love: ♥ “You can feel the history everywhere—cobblestone charm, tall ships, seaside streets, and seafood that tastes like tradition. It’s New England nostalgia at its best.”

• Discover Mystic’s maritime roots at the historic seaside village and Mystic Seaport Museum, where tall ships and a recreated 19th-century village bring the past to life.
• Visit the Mystic Aquarium to see beluga whales, dolphins, and seals in immersive exhibits.
• Explore Olde Mistick Village, home to quaint Colonial buildings, seafood restaurants, boutiques, and a truly walkable historic setting.
• Enjoy kayaking on the Mystic River, local galleries like the Mystic Museum of Art, and free concerts at Mystic River Park. For nightlife or gaming, head to Mohegan Sun just a short drive away.

Cost: Many attractions are free to stroll; Seaport and Aquarium tickets range from $20–$35 per person.

Best time to visit: Late spring through early fall for outdoor fun, maritime events, and waterfront dining. December is also magical with holiday lights and seasonal festivals.

Local tips: Arrive early on weekends for parking in downtown Mystic, and consider combo tickets if visiting both the Seaport and Aquarium. Kayak rentals available seasonally along the Mystic River.

Distance: About 1 hour from Providence, RI; 2 hours from Boston or New York City.

How to Get to Mystic: Take I-95 to exit 90 for Mystic. Follow signs toward downtown, the Aquarium, or Olde Mistick Village depending on your destination.

Address: Mystic, CT 06355
Visitor Info: thisismystic.com

Location: Essex, CT

Recommended For: Train lovers, families, photographers, history buffs, and river cruise fans.

What I Love: ♥ “It’s like stepping into a storybook—vintage train cars, a gentle river cruise, and views that make you forget the modern world ever existed.”

• Ride in original 1920s-era coaches pulled by a steam locomotive, and take a scenic journey through the Connecticut River Valley.
• Cruise aboard the Becky Thatcher for a 1.25-hour ride on the Connecticut River, passing sites like Gillette Castle and the Goodspeed Opera House.
• Begin your adventure at the 1892 Essex Station, a charming historic depot full of character and nostalgia.
• Choose from additional excursions offered by the Valley Railroad Company, including train-only or boat-only trips, seasonal rides, and themed events.

Cost: Prices vary by season and class of service; combination tickets start around $40 for adults, $25 for kids.

Best time to visit: Late spring through fall for foliage, sightseeing, and comfortable weather. Special holiday-themed rides offered in winter.

Local tips: Book in advance, especially for fall foliage weekends and holiday trains. Arrive early to explore the station and gift shop.

Distance: About 1 hour from Hartford, 2.5 hours from New York City or Boston.

How to Get to Essex Steam Train & Riverboat: From I-95, take exit 69 to CT-9 North. Exit at #3 and follow signs to Essex Station on Railroad Avenue.

Address: 1 Railroad Ave, Essex, CT 06426
Phone: 860-767-0103

Location: New Canaan, CT

Recommended For: Architecture enthusiasts, art lovers, design students, photographers, and history buffs.

What I Love: ♥ “It’s like walking inside a thought—clear, geometric, and visionary. The Glass House isn’t just a home—it’s a quiet revolution in steel and glass.”

• Tour the iconic Glass House, designed by Philip Johnson in 1949, and considered a landmark of modern architecture.
• Admire the minimalist structure and clean use of steel and glass, a bold early example of industrial materials used in residential design.
• Explore the 49-acre property, home to 14 structures, a curated collection of 20th-century sculptures and paintings, and occasional temporary exhibitions.
• Learn the history of the site, which is a designated National Trust Historic Site, and delve into Johnson’s influence on American design.

Cost: Tours start at around $25 for basic access; specialty tours and private visits available at higher rates.

Best time to visit: May through November, when the site is open for guided tours and the landscape is in full bloom.

Local tips: Reservations are required—book early, especially in fall. Wear walking shoes to comfortably explore the expansive grounds.

Distance: About 1 hour from New York City or 1.5 hours from Hartford.

How to Get to The Glass House: Take the Metro-North New Haven Line to New Canaan Station. The Visitor Center at 199 Elm Street is within walking distance.

Address: 199 Elm Street, New Canaan, CT 06840
Phone: 203-594-9884

Location: Old Lyme, CT

Recommended For: Art historians, culture seekers, American Impressionism fans, and museum lovers.

What I Love: ♥ “It’s more than a museum—it’s a storybook of brushstrokes. Walk the halls where artists lived, painted, and turned doors into canvases.”

• Step into the former boardinghouse of Miss Florence Griswold, where American Impressionists lived, painted, and even adorned the walls and doors with their work.
• Learn about the Lyme Art Colony, the most famous American summer art colony and heart of the American Impressionism movement.
• See works by celebrated artists like Childe Hassam, Henry Ward Ranger, Willard Metcalf, and Edward Charles Volkert.
• Explore the Florence Griswold Museum today, home to the renowned Hartford Steam Boiler Collection with 157 oil paintings, 31 works on paper, and 2 sculptures.

Cost: General admission ranges from $5 to $12; children under 12 free. Discounts available for students and seniors.

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for garden strolls and plein air painting events; winter for quiet gallery visits and rotating exhibitions.

Local tips: Don’t miss the artist-painted doors inside the main house. The riverside garden is perfect for sketching or a picnic. Check the website for seasonal art programs and lectures.

Distance: About 45 minutes from Hartford; 2.5 hours from New York City.

How to Get to the Florence Griswold Museum: Take I-95 to exit 70 for Lyme Street. Follow signs into Old Lyme and continue to 96 Lyme Street.

Address: 96 Lyme St, Old Lyme, CT 06371
Phone: 860-434-5542

Unique Museums:

Location: Windsor Locks, CT

Recommended For: Aviation enthusiasts, families, kids, history buffs, and STEM learners.

What I Love: ♥ “It’s a hands-on history lesson in flight—sit in a cockpit, test the controls, and watch real aircraft being restored. You don’t just see aviation here—you feel it.”

• Visit the New England Air Museum at Bradley International Airport and explore the evolution of aviation through dynamic exhibits.
• View over 65 aircraft across three hangars, from pioneering biplanes and jet aircraft to helicopters and ultra-lights.
• Explore large collections of aircraft engines and detailed displays on the history of commercial aviation, with engaging videos for all ages.
• Engage with interactive exhibits like flight simulators, kid-friendly games, and cockpit experiences where you can try the controls.
• Watch aircraft restorations in progress and stop by the gift shop for aviation-themed souvenirs.

Cost: General admission ranges from $10 to $18; discounts available for children, seniors, and veterans. Free parking onsite.

Best time to visit: Open year-round; weekdays are quieter, while weekends often feature family-friendly activities and themed events.

Local tips: Give yourself at least 2 hours to explore all three hangars. Don’t miss the kid activity zone near the simulators—great for younger visitors!

Distance: About 20 minutes from Hartford; under 2 hours from Boston.

How to Get to the New England Air Museum: From I-91, take Exit 40 (Bradley Airport Connector) and follow signs for Route 75. Turn onto Perimeter Road to reach the museum.

Address: 36 Perimeter Road, Windsor Locks, CT 06096
Phone: 860-623-3305

Location: New London, CT

Recommended For: Art lovers, families, students, educators, and cultural explorers.

What I Love: ♥ “From 19th-century American landscapes to 17th-century European prints, this museum quietly surprises—elegant, thoughtful, and rich with history and meaning.”

• Visit the Lyman Allyn Art Museum, founded in 1926 by Harriet Upson Allyn to promote a love for art and culture in the community.
• Explore Southeast Connecticut’s most important collection, including European, non-Western, and American fine and decorative art.
• Admire standout works like 19th-century American paintings, 17th-century European artworks on paper, and a growing selection of contemporary pieces.
• Join one of the museum’s many educational programs, offering workshops, tours, and classes for all ages.
• Tour the historic Deshon-Allyn House, an 1829 Federal-style home once occupied by the Allyn family, located on the museum grounds.

Cost: Admission is $12 for adults, $9 for seniors and students, and free for children under 12.

Best time to visit: Year-round; check the calendar for rotating exhibitions, family days, and community events.

Local tips: Parking is free, and the museum is near Connecticut College and the Arboretum—perfect for pairing art with nature. Ask about family activity guides at the front desk.

Distance: About 1 hour from Hartford; 2.5 hours from New York City or Boston.

How to Get to the Lyman Allyn Art Museum: Take I-95 to Exit 83. Follow Williams Street north to the museum entrance near Connecticut College.

Address: 625 Williams St, New London, CT 06320
Phone: 860-443-2545

Location: Hartford, CT

Recommended For: Art lovers, history buffs, culture seekers, and anyone exploring world-class museums.

What I Love: ♥ “Step into America’s oldest public art museum and see where it all began—Hudson River landscapes, Surrealist masterpieces, and 5,000 years of creativity under one majestic roof.”

• Visit the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art, founded in 1842 by Daniel Wadsworth, and recognized as America’s oldest continuously operating art museum.
• Discover a legacy of firsts—it was the first U.S. museum to acquire works by Caravaggio, Dalí, Miró, Frederic Church, and Joseph Cornell, and the first to exhibit Surrealism and Italian Baroque art.
• Explore a vast collection of over 50,000 works spanning 5,000 years, from ancient artifacts to modern art movements.
• Admire key collections including Baroque and Surrealist paintings, the Morgan collection of Roman and Greek antiquities, and one of the world’s best Hudson River School landscapes selections.

Cost: General admission is $5–$15; free for Hartford residents and youth under 18. Check for free admission days and programs.

Best time to visit: Year-round; weekdays for a quieter experience, or weekends for tours, family days, and special exhibitions.

Local tips: Take advantage of the museum’s mobile app for self-guided tours. The gift shop features unique art-inspired gifts and books. Public parking garages are nearby.

Distance: Located in downtown Hartford, walkable from Union Station; about 2 hours from NYC or Boston.

How to Get to the Wadsworth Atheneum: From I-84 or I-91, follow signs to downtown Hartford. The museum is on Main Street across from City Hall and near Bushnell Park.

Address: 600 Main St, Hartford, CT 06103
Phone: 860-278-2670

What to do if you are traveling with kids:

Location: Mystic, CT

Recommended For: Maritime history lovers, families, educators, tall ship fans, and cultural heritage travelers.

What I Love: ♥ “You don’t just tour the Charles W. Morgan—you step into a time when wind powered the world. Standing on its deck is like standing inside a living chapter of American maritime history.”

• See the Charles W. Morgan, the last surviving vessel of America’s once-mighty 2,700-ship whaling fleet.
• Learn about its origins—launched in 1841 from the Jethro and Zachariah Hillman yard in New Bedford, MA.
• Explore its impressive specs: 107 feet long, 27-foot beam, and 7,134 square feet of sail, once crewed by 35 international sailors.
• Experience the below-deck quarters, where sailors endured stifling heat in cramped living conditions.
• Witness maritime preservation in action—the ship underwent a five-year restoration and sailed again in 2014 for its 38^th voyage.

Cost: Included with general admission to Mystic Seaport Museum. Discounts available for seniors, children, and military members.

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for best weather and access to the full outdoor exhibits. Weekdays are quieter for deeper exploration.

Local tips: Join a guided tour to learn sailor stories and ship functions. Don’t miss the blacksmith shop and nearby shipyard demonstrations at Mystic Seaport.

Distance: About 1 hour from Providence; 2.5 hours from NYC or Boston.

How to Get to the Charles W. Morgan: Located within Mystic Seaport Museum. Take I-95 to Exit 90, follow Route 27 to Greenmanville Avenue.

Address: Mystic Seaport, 75 Greenmanville Ave., Mystic, CT 06355
Phone: 860-572-0711

Location: Farmington, CT

Recommended For: Art collectors, architecture buffs, garden lovers, and history enthusiasts.

What I Love: ♥ “French Impressionist masterpieces in a preserved Colonial Revival mansion? Yes, please. Every room feels like a time capsule wrapped in elegance and culture.”

• Tour the Hill-Stead Museum, a stunning Colonial Revival estate designed in 1901 by trailblazing architect Theodate Pope Riddle.
• Admire original artworks by Monet, Manet, Degas, Mary Cassatt, and Eugène Carrière—all collected by the Pope family.
• Discover the home’s 19 intact rooms filled with furniture, prints, and decorative objects just as they were during Theodate’s life.
• See remarkable engravings by Albrecht Dürer and take in rotating exhibitions that complement the permanent collection.

Cost: General admission is $18 for adults; discounts available for students, seniors, and children. Free for members and children under 6.

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for blooming gardens and outdoor tours. The museum is open year-round with seasonal programs.

Local tips: Don’t miss the Sunken Garden and walking trails on the estate. Guided tours provide deeper insight into the architecture and collection.

Distance: About 20 minutes from Hartford; 2 hours from New York City.

How to Get to the Hill-Stead Museum: Take I-84 to Exit 39. Follow signs to Farmington center, then head west on Mountain Road to the museum entrance.

Address: 35 Mountain Rd, Farmington, CT 06032
Phone: 860-677-4787

Location: Bristol, Connecticut

Recommended For: Thrill-seekers, families, amusement park fans, waterpark lovers, and roller coaster enthusiasts.

What I Love: ♥ "Historic charm meets adrenaline rush. Boulder Dash flying through forested hills? Unreal. Plus, Crocodile Cove cools things down with lazy rivers and wave pools—it’s a perfect blend of nostalgia and now."

• Ride Boulder Dash, voted the world’s best wooden coaster—an exhilarating plunge through the woods.
• Cool off at Crocodile Cove, Connecticut’s largest water park, with slides, a lazy river, and wave pool.
• Explore over 50 rides and attractions, including kid-friendly classics like Drum Circus and Flying Elephants.

Cost: Ticket prices vary by season and package—check the official website for current rates.

Best time to visit: Late spring through early fall for full water park access and optimal weather.

Local tips: Arrive early to beat the lines for Boulder Dash and Phobia; bring water shoes for Crocodile Cove.

Distance: About 30 minutes southwest of Hartford, CT; 2 hours from Boston.

How to Get to Lake Compounce: Take I-84 to Exit 31 in Bristol, then follow signs for Enterprise Drive and Lake Avenue to the main entrance.

Address: 186 Enterprise Dr, Bristol, Connecticut 06010
Phone: 860-583-3300