This small state is fewer than 60 miles from top to bottom and only about 100 miles to cross. Yet within its compact borders, Connecticut contains a rich history and an abundance of natural beauty. From shoreline beaches, forested hills, farmland, urban skylines, historic villages, and Ivy League schools, there is so much to experience in Connecticut. In this travel guide, you will find the best things to do and see in Connecticut plus a travel itinerary to help you plan your adventure.
What to Do and See
Mark Twain’s House
The Mark Twain House and Museum is a captivating destination for literature and history enthusiasts. This stunning 19th-century Victorian Gothic mansion was home to Mark Twain from 1874 to 1891, during which he wrote some of his most famous works, including The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. Visitors can explore the beautifully preserved rooms filled with intricate woodwork, period furnishings, and personal artifacts that offer a glimpse into Twain’s life and creative process. Join one of the daily guided tours to explore the home and learn more about his life. You can find more information and book tour tickets here.
Connecticut State Capital
Visiting the Connecticut State Capitol in Hartford is a captivating experience for history and architecture enthusiasts alike. Completed in 1879, this National Historic Landmark is a stunning example of High Victorian Gothic architecture, crowned with a gleaming gold dome that dominates the city skyline. Inside, visitors can marvel at intricate stained glass windows, historic statues, and ornate woodwork that reflect the state’s rich heritage. The building houses the Connecticut General Assembly, the Governor’s office, and the State Senate Chamber, offering an opportunity to witness government in action. Guided tours provide fascinating insights into the state’s political history and the symbolic details woven throughout the Capitol’s design. You can find information about the tours here.
Connecticut Science Center
A visit to the Connecticut Science Center in Hartford is an exciting adventure for curious minds of all ages. This state-of-the-art facility features more than 165 hands-on exhibits spanning topics like space exploration, robotics, biology, and the environment. Highlights include the immersive Butterfly Encounter, where visitors can walk among live butterflies, and the River of Life exhibit, which explores Connecticut’s waterways and ecosystems. The Science Center also boasts a stunning rooftop garden with panoramic views of Hartford and an advanced 3D theater showcasing captivating science films. You can find more information here.
White Memorial Conservation Center
This 4,000-acre nature preserve is an excellent place to hike, explore, and learn. Visitors can explore its engaging natural history museum, featuring exhibits on the region’s wildlife, ecosystems, and geology. The surrounding property boasts over 40 miles of trails winding through diverse landscapes, including woodlands, wetlands, and picturesque Bantam Lake. Popular trails include Mallard March and Little Pond Trail, White Memorial Nature Trail, and Ice House Ruins Loop. Whether hiking, birdwatching, or enjoying a peaceful picnic, the center provides countless opportunities to connect with the outdoors. You can find more information here.
Kent Falls State Park
This stunning natural retreat is known for its cascading waterfalls and scenic beauty. The park’s highlight is the 250-foot waterfall, which gracefully tumbles down a series of rocky tiers, surrounded by lush greenery. A well-maintained trail with wooden bridges and observation points allows visitors to hike alongside the falls. Perfect for picnicking, photography, or simply unwinding in nature, the park also offers spacious grassy areas and shaded spots by the Housatonic River. Open year-round, Kent Falls State Park showcases the changing beauty of each season, from vibrant autumn foliage to peaceful winter landscapes, making it a favorite destination for outdoor enthusiasts and families alike. You can find more information here.
Ferris Acres Creamery
Arguably the best ice cream in Connecticut, Ferris Acres Creamery is located on a massive family-owned dairy farm. The menu includes over 60 regular and special flavors. The creamery is typically open from May through September. You can find more information and check out the menu here.
Sherwood Island State Park
Connecticut’s first state park, Sherwood Island State Park is a spectacular recreation area along the Long Island Sound. The 1.5 miles of sandy beach is the main attraction here, but the park also has a variety of other activities to experience. For example, visitors can learn about the area at the nature center, observe marsh life from an observation platform, swim in the Long Island Sound, and sunbathe while taking in views of the water. You can find more information about the state park here.
Yale University
Visiting Yale University offers a fascinating glimpse into one of the world’s most prestigious academic institutions. Founded in 1701, Yale’s historic campus features stunning architecture and informative museums. Guided tours provide insights into Yale’s rich history, traditions, and academic achievements. The Yale University Art Gallery and the Yale Center for British Art boast world-class collections that are free to the public. You can find more information and make reservations here.
Lyman Orchards
This beautiful and scenic farm offers both delicious food and fun experiences for all ages. Depending on the season, you can wander through a corn or sunflower maze and take a hay ride. You can also pick your own seasonal fruits – honeyberries, strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, jostaberries, peaches, pears, apples, and pumpkins. Another highlight is the Apple Barrel Market, open year-round, to shop locally grown fruit and produce, delicious bakery items, and so much more. You can find more information here.
Gillette Castle State Park
This 24-room hilltop castle was built between 1914 and 1919 by the eccentric actor and playwright William Gillette. In his will, he demanded that the castle not fall into the hands of “some blithering saphead who has no conception of where he is or with what surrounded.” The castle and adjoining property were purchased by the state of Connecticut in 1943 from the executors of Mr. Gillette’s will. Today, visitors can tour the medieval-like fortress and hike the forest trails surrounding the castle. From the end of May to the beginning of September, visitors can book a guided tour of the interior of the castle. You can find more information here.
Devil’s Hopyard State Park
The highlight of this 860-acre park is Chapman Falls, a cascading waterfall that drops nearly 60 feet. Although the falls rush year-round, they tend to become weaker during extremely dry weather. There are two popular theories surrounding the name of the park. The first theory dates back to Colonial times when residents in the area believed that the symmetrical potholes surrounding the falls were caused by the devil’s footprints. The second theory claims that a nearby farmer named Deebe grew hops. Over time, Deebe’s Hopyard morphed into Devil’s Hopyard. Popular activities here include bird-watching, picnicking, camping, hiking, and biking. Popular hiking trails include Vista Trail and Devil’s Oven Loop and Chapman Falls Loop. You can find more information here.
Essex Steam Train and Riverboat
This experience offers some of the best views of the Connecticut River Valley from a vintage steam locomotive and an old-fashioned riverboat. The tour begins at the 1892 Essex station and follows along the Connecticut River for 12 miles from Essex to Deep River Landing. At Deep River Landing, passengers have the option to board the riverboat for a 1.25-hour cruise along the Connecticut River. Highlights of the riverboat cruise include Gillette Castle, Goodspeed Opera House, and Haddam Swing Bridge. The combined trail and riverboat tour is 2.5 hours. The train-only option is a one-hour round-trip tour. You can find more information and purchase tickets here.
Hammonasset Beach State Park
The largest of the state’s public beach parks, Hammonasset Beach State Park has two miles of beautiful white sandy beach. There are many activities to do here. Swim in the Long Island Sound, stroll along the boardwalk, and learn about the area’s flora and fauna at the nature center. With over five hundred campsites and several cabins, Hammonasset is a very popular camping spot. You can find more information here.
Mystic Pizza
This pizza restaurant has been around since 1973 but reached overnight fame after the box office film of the same name was released in 1988. The movie, starring Julia Roberts, was written by Amy Jones who was inspired by Mystic and the pizza restaurant during her summer vacation in Connecticut. She chose Mystic Pizza as the setting for her story about the friendship of three young waitresses. Once the movie was released, the future of this pizza restaurant completely changed. To keep up with the high demand, a second restaurant was opened in North Stonington. Mystic Pizza is a worthwhile stop to have “a slice of heaven.” You can find more information here.
Mystic Seaport Museum
Visiting the Mystic Seaport Museum is like stepping back in time to the golden age of maritime history. As the largest maritime museum in the United States, it offers a unique blend of interactive exhibits, historic ships, and a recreated 19th-century seafaring village. Highlights include climbing aboard the Charles W. Morgan, the last wooden whaling ship in the world, and exploring the museum’s extensive collection of nautical artifacts. Visitors can watch traditional shipbuilding demonstrations, sail on the Mystic River, or immerse themselves in hands-on activities like rope making. You can find more information here.
Mystic Aquarium
Known for its impressive collection of marine life, Mystic Aquarium features fascinating exhibits, including beluga whales, playful African penguins, and an interactive stingray touch pool. Guests can explore the immersive “Jurassic Giants” exhibit, which showcases life-sized animatronic dinosaurs, or watch captivating sea lion shows that combine education with entertainment. With its blend of hands-on activities, state-of-the-art exhibits, and opportunities to connect with extraordinary creatures, Mystic Aquarium is a must-visit destination that inspires awe and a deeper appreciation for the underwater world. You can find more information here.
Connecticut Travel Itinerary
Are you ready to plan your Connecticut adventure? Start by downloading our free Connecticut travel itinerary. Easily make changes to the template to make it fit your schedule and interests.