Quick Summary:

  • What is the history of Connecticut?
    • Originally a Dutch colony, Connecticut is a small state with big impact on the country’s art, politics, history, and culture.
  • What makes Connecticut a popular destination?
    • Its breathtaking beauty, from Bear Mountain to Long Island Sound, and the proximity to large East Coast urban centers, make Connecticut a popular weekend destination for families, couples, and those seeking solitude.
  • What attractions can visitors explore in Connecticut?
    • You will find romantic tall ships in Mystic, priceless art at the Farmington’s Hill-Stead Museum, Connecticut flea markets, and diverse activities at Lake Compounce.


  • Updated with new information since originally published.
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  • Our editors recommend these diverse local experiences.

1. Historic Downtown Mystic ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Attractions
Historic Downtown Mystic | Things to Do in Connecticut
© Courtesy of pabrady63 - Fotolia.com

2. Essex Steam Train & Riverboat ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Activities
Essex Steam Train & Riverboat | Things to Do in Connecticut
© Courtesy of Jeff Schultes - Fotolia.com

3. The Glass House

The Glass House | Things to Do in Connecticut
© The Glass House

4. Florence Griswold Museum

Category: Museums & Culture
Florence Griswold Museum | Things to Do in Connecticut
© Florence Griswold Museum

5. New England Air Museum

Category: Museums & Culture
New England Air Museum | Things to Do in Connecticut
© New England Air Museum

6. Lyman Allyn Art Museum

Category: Museums & Culture
Lyman Allyn Art Museum | Things to Do in Connecticut
© Lyman Allyn Art Museum

7. Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art, Connecticut

Category: Museums & Culture
Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art, Connecticut | Things to Do in Connecticut
© Courtesy of Phil Cardamone - Fotolia.com

8. Charles W. Morgan

Charles W. Morgan | Things to Do in Connecticut
© Courtesy of AndreasJ - Fotolia.com

9. Hill-Stead Museum

Category: Museums & Culture
Hill-Stead Museum | Things to Do in Connecticut
© Hill-Stead Museum

10. Lake Compounce: An Amusement Park in Bristol

Category: Activities
Lake Compounce: An Amusement Park in Bristol | Things to Do in Connecticut
© Courtesy of Jacob Lund - Fotolia.com

11. Rocky Neck State Park, Connecticut

Category: Activities
Rocky Neck State Park, Connecticut | Things to Do in Connecticut
© Courtesy of Ann Kimmel Photography - Fotolia.com

12. Maritime Aquarium

Category: Attractions
Maritime Aquarium | Things to Do in Connecticut
© Courtesy of Jacek - Fotolia.com

13. New Britain Museum of American Art, Connecticut

Category: Museums & Culture
New Britain Museum of American Art, Connecticut | Things to Do in Connecticut
© New Britain Museum of American Art

14. Stamford Museum & Nature Center

Category: Activities
Stamford Museum & Nature Center | Things to Do in Connecticut
© Stamford Museum & Nature Center

15. Arethusa Farm

Category: Activities
Arethusa Farm | Things to Do in Connecticut
© Arethusa Farm

16. Shore Line Trolley Museum

Category: Museums & Culture
Shore Line Trolley Museum | Things to Do in Connecticut
© Shore Line Trolley Museum

17. Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History

Category: Museums & Culture
Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History | Things to Do in Connecticut
© Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History

18. U.S. Navy Submarine Force Museum

Category: Museums & Culture
U.S. Navy Submarine Force Museum | Things to Do in Connecticut
© U.S. Navy Submarine Force Museum

19. Beardsley Zoo

Category: Kids & Family
Beardsley Zoo | Things to Do in Connecticut
© Courtesy of ondreicka - Fotolia.com

20. Mystic Aquarium

Category: Attractions
Mystic Aquarium | Things to Do in Connecticut
© Courtesy of dejavudesigns - Fotolia.com

21. Mark Twain House and Museum

Category: Museums & Culture
Mark Twain House and Museum | Things to Do in Connecticut
© Courtesy of f11 photo - Fotolia.com

22. Yale University Art Gallery

Category: Museums & Culture
Yale University Art Gallery | Things to Do in Connecticut
© Yale University Art Gallery

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