Looking for classic New England charm, maritime heritage, and scenic escapes? Head to Connecticut! From coastal towns like Mystic and Old Saybrook to rolling countryside in Litchfield Hills, Connecticut is rich in history, beauty, and culture. Whether you’re museum-hopping, beachcombing, or leaf-peeping, the Constitution State has something for every traveler.
Connecticut Highlights:
- For Maritime Fans: Visit Mystic Seaport Museum – Explore historic ships, a recreated seafaring village, and the nation’s leading maritime museum.
- For Outdoor Lovers: Hike Sleeping Giant State Park – Enjoy trails, panoramic views, and picnic spots near New Haven.
- For History Buffs: Tour the Mark Twain House & Museum – Discover where America’s literary legend wrote his greatest works in Hartford.
- For Beachgoers: Relax at Hammonasset Beach State Park – Connecticut’s largest shoreline park with sandy beaches and walking trails.
- For Wine Enthusiasts: Explore the Connecticut Wine Trail – Sample local vintages at scenic vineyards across the state.
Best Time to Visit Connecticut
The best time to visit Connecticut is in the fall (late September–October) for stunning foliage and harvest festivals. Spring (April–June) offers pleasant weather and blooming gardens. Summer is perfect for beach days and outdoor concerts, while winter brings cozy inns and light snow ideal for a quiet retreat.
How to Get to Connecticut
- By Air: Bradley International Airport (BDL) near Hartford is the major gateway. New Haven’s Tweed Airport (HVN) serves regional routes.
- By Train: Amtrak and Metro-North provide service to cities like New Haven, Stamford, and Hartford from NYC and Boston.
- By Car: I-95 runs along the coast, while I-91 and I-84 connect the interior. Connecticut is ideal for a New England road trip.
Where to Stay in Connecticut
- For Coastal Relaxation: Saybrook Point Resort & Marina – Waterfront spa resort with fine dining and scenic views near the mouth of the Connecticut River.
- For Historical Charm: The Griswold Inn (Essex) – One of the oldest continuously operating inns in the U.S., full of colonial character.
- For Nature Lovers: Interlaken Inn (Lakeville) – A countryside resort near lakes and hiking in the northwestern Litchfield Hills.
Best Things to Do in Connecticut
1. Historic Downtown Mystic - 2 hours from Boston or NYC
Rating: ★★★★★
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
2. Essex Steam Train & Riverboat
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
3. The Glass House
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
4. Florence Griswold Museum - 45 minutes from Hartford
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.
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:
5. New England Air Museum - 20 minutes from Hartford
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
6. Lyman Allyn Art Museum - 2.5 hours from NYC
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
7. Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art, Connecticut
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:
8. Charles W. Morgan
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 38th 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
9. Hill-Stead Museum
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
10. Lake Compounce: An Amusement Park in Bristol
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
Plan Your Trip