20 Things You Can't Miss in Connecticut

Explore Mystic Seaport in Connecticut for a fascinating journey through maritime history. The museum, located on the Mystic River, features art exhibitions, interactive activities, and historical vessels, including a 92-foot whaleship keel assembly. Kids can enjoy climbing aboard replicas of a sailing ship, tug boat, and fishing dragger.

Additionally, the 19-acre grounds include the historic whaling ship Charles W. Morgan and guided boat tours, providing a comprehensive experience for all ages, making it one of the to do things in Connecticut.

Gillette Castle State Park provides outdoor activities like hiking and biking. Two scenic trails, Gillette Castle Trail and Railroad Trail, offer views of the Connecticut River and surrounding forests. Explore the historic train trail, following the three-mile-long narrow gauge railroad built by William Gillette.

Moreover, Biking enthusiasts can enjoy 13 cycling routes, including the View to Lynda Point Lighthouse loop and the Little House Brewing Company loop. Whether you're into hiking or biking, this State Park offers a picturesque and adventurous outdoor experience for all.

Visiting Yale University allows you to explore one of the world's top academic institutions. The 300-acre campus with over 100 buildings provides a scenic backdrop for a leisurely walk or a guided tour by current students.

Apart from academic excellence, Yale has a vibrant community with numerous campus organizations, including sports teams, performance groups, and cultural associations, enriching campus life. Whether you're interested in history, architecture, or cultural events, a visit to this Ivy League university ensures a memorable experience.

The Mark Twain House & Museum in Hartford, is a National Historic Landmark, once home to the famous author Mark Twain (Samuel Clemens). The 25-room Victorian house, where he lived from 1874 to 1891, features interior decor by Louis Comfort Tiffany.

Here, visitors can take guided tours, explore the museum center, and enjoy The Nook Café. Additionally, the museum store offers Twain memorabilia and books. Also, special programs and Victorian holiday decorations are available from late November to January.

Enjoy a creative day at Fairfield's Penfield Beach by building a sandcastle. Nestled along the coastline, this activity invites beachgoers to showcase their artistic flair in the sun-soaked sand. With the soothing sound of waves as your backdrop, create intricate structures and sculptures, letting your imagination run wild.

Whether you're a seasoned sandcastle architect or a first-time builder, the sandy shores of Penfield Beach provide the perfect canvas for a fun and relaxing beach day, making it one of the fun activities to do in Connecticut.

The Essex Steam Train & Riverboat offers a unique 2.5-hour journey starting at the historic Essex Station. The steam train takes passengers through picturesque New England towns, while the riverboat provides an eco-excursion along the Connecticut River Valley.

Afterward, the steam train returns to Essex Station, offering various seating options for families and individuals to enjoy a fun adventure, exploring the region's rich history and natural beauty. Embarking on this journey is one of the fun things in Connecticut.

The Hill-Stead Museum in Connecticut offers diverse programs and educational activities for all ages, including virtual or in-person field trips covering art, history, language arts, women's history, agriculture, and farming. They host events like concerts and film experiences, providing a personal view of masterpieces and decorative arts.

Additionally, the museum offers exclusive private tours on select Saturdays and has a museum shop open during museum hours. The museum is home to a magnificent collection of Impressionist masterpieces, Japanese woodblock prints, and decorative arts, all in an intimate family setting.

Dive into fun at Candlewood Lake in Connecticut! Whether you prefer swimming for a leisurely dip or scuba diving to explore underwater wonders, the lake's clear waters and diverse marine life offer a unique experience.

Whether you're a beginner looking for a relaxing swim or an experienced scuba diver eager to discover underwater wonders, this lake promises a memorable and immersive water experience in the heart of Connecticut.

Catch a live performance at the Goodspeed Opera House for a fantastic theater experience. Known as a hub for American musicals, the theater produces three shows each season, featuring world premieres and commissioned works through their GoodWorks program.

Beyond musicals, the venue hosts events like cabaret performances, seminars, and the annual Festival of New Musicals. Committed to equity, diversity, inclusion, and justice, the theater is actively participating in the cultural shift following recent events.

Have a blast at Lake Compounce, a family-friendly amusement park and water park in USA Bristol, with a history of over 175 years. The park offers a variety of attractions, including classic and kiddie rides, thrilling roller coasters, and Connecticut's largest water park. Notably, Boulder Dash, a top-rated wooden roller coaster, is a must-try.

To make the most of your visit, consider getting Speedy Passes for line skipping and advanced ride reservations. With endless fun for all ages, this amusement park is the perfect place to create lasting memories and enjoy an exciting day.

Explore Gouveia Vineyards in Wallingford, a charming winery on 140 acres with a Stone House offering stunning views. Established in 1999, it features award-winning wines like Cayuga and Chardonnay. Open daily with extended hours on weekends, visitors can enjoy wine, picnics, and winter coziness.

Moreover, visitors can bring their own food and chairs to this dog-friendly vineyard. Additionally, hosting live music on Fridays and Sundays, the vineyards is conveniently located just 5 minutes from the highway, making it a perfect destination for all.

Mohawk Mountain is a hub for outdoor activities. In winter, enjoy skiing and snowboarding with 25 trails and a 650-foot vertical drop. Tubing and snow sports lessons are available. In warmer months, Mohawk Mountain State Forest State Park offers hiking, picnicking, fishing, and birding, including a birdwatching trail and a 2-hour moderate hike.

Additionally, the park features a scenic overlook, fishing pond, stream, and lookout tower. Whether winter or summer, the mountain provides diverse recreational opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts, which makes the visit here one of the fun things to do in Connecticut.

Enders Falls in Granby is a tranquil park with diverse trails and a beautiful waterfall. The falls include horsetails, cascades, plunges, and slides, with the highest drop at around 30 feet. The challenging hike attracts nature enthusiasts and hikers, leading to five separate sections, ending in a popular summer swimming hole.

Part of Enders State Forest, the park offers a serene natural setting. While swimming isn't allowed, this is one of the attractions in Connecticut that is ideal to relax and appreciate the waterfalls and surrounding trails of varying difficulty levels.

Elizabeth Park Rose Garden in Connecticut, the first U.S. municipal rose garden and the third-largest nationally is part of Elizabeth Park's 100 acres. The garden boasts 1,000+ rose varieties, free for public enjoyment from late May to early October.

Visitors can stroll through formal gardens, and green spaces, and enjoy recreational facilities. Also, special events, concerts, tours, lectures, and workshops, many free, are offered here. Additionally, the Pond House Café provides dining options amid the garden's beauty.

Hammonasset Beach State Park in Madison is the state's largest shoreline park, featuring over two miles of sandy beach, a vibrant campground, and a peaceful nature preserve. Visitors can enjoy activities like swimming, strolling along the boardwalk, and relaxing in the sun. The park also offers opportunities for fishing, kayaking, biking, and bird-watching.

Moreover, leashed pets are allowed in picnic areas year-round and on the beach from September 30 to April 1. Open daily, this state park is a perfect destination for beachgoers looking to relax and unwind on one of the best beaches in The USA.

Discover Connecticut's beauty and history with a scenic cruise along the Connecticut River. Enjoy the serene beauty of the landscapes as you glide on the river's waters, taking in the natural charm and historic surroundings.

Whether it's a daytime exploration or a sunset cruise, this activity offers a tranquil and captivating experience for those seeking a peaceful escape and a closer connection to the scenic wonders, making it one of the most amazing things to do in Connecticut.

Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo in Bridgeport, the state's only zoo, houses 350 animals from North and South America. With diverse exhibits like the tiger habitat, South American Rainforest, and New England Farmyard, the zoo offers educational programs for all ages. The Peacock Café and Carousel have separate operating hours.

Additionally, children can participate in Zoo Patrol, Zoo Tots, and birthday parties to learn about animal care and conservation. Overall, a visit to this zoo promises a unique and educational experience, making it a fun stuff to do in CT.

Experience the tranquility and beauty of the Thimble Islands in Connecticut with a relaxing cruise, like the Sea Mist Thimble Island Cruise, LLC. These 45-minute narrated sightseeing tours provide a close-up look at the islands, sharing their history and significance. Enjoy picturesque views and informative narration by the captain and crew.

Operating from April to October, the cruises include options like foliage cruises, seal watch cruises, and party or dinner cruises. The Thimble Islands are a beloved summer attraction, providing visitors with a delightful way to spend their time.

Mystic Aquarium houses over 300 marine species, including mammals, fish, birds, invertebrates, and reptiles. Visitors can engage with marine life through touch tanks, where they can closely interact with sharks, rays, and invertebrates like hermit crabs.

Moreover, the aquarium offers educational exhibits, like the Ocean Solutions gallery, focusing on ocean conservation. Additionally, there are immersive VR experiences and interactive exhibits for family enjoyment, making it one of the best family-friendly activities to do in Connecticut.

Explore the enchanting beauty of Litchfield Hills, as the region boasts scenic landscapes, charming towns, and a range of activities. Take a road trip to discover unique attractions like the White Memorial Conservation Center, Litchfield Distillery, Topsmead State Forest, Our Lady of Lourdes' Shrine, and the Tapping Reeve House and Law School.

Enjoy natural, historical, and cultural experiences, along with outdoor activities such as hiking, kayaking, and canoeing. Litchfield Hills, with its antique shops and art galleries, provides a rejuvenating experience throughout the seasons, making it one of the best places to visit in the USA.