Connecticut, located on the Eastern Seaboard, is a hidden treasure with its beautiful shores, state parks, historic sites, and cultural landmarks. In addition to its natural beauty and lovely beaches, the state offers a variety of fascinating museums, aquariums, and even amusement parks.
As one of the original Thirteen Colonies, Connecticut is dotted with charming old seaports and cities that have attractive historic houses. Most of these are situated along the scenic Long Island Sound, while the capital, Hartford, sits in the middle of the Connecticut River Valley and Knowledge Corridor.
22. Mark Twain House & Museum
In the West End of Hartford, you’ll find one of the city’s top attractions—the remarkable Mark Twain House & Museum. Filled with genuine artifacts and interesting exhibits, they provide a captivating glimpse into the life, era, novels, and characters of the renowned author.
From 1874 to 1891, Samuel Langhorne Clemens and his family lived in this charming yet diverse American High Gothic house. It was in this residence that he penned iconic works like The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, using his pen name Mark Twain. Now recognized as a National Historic Landmark, the interior has been meticulously restored, showcasing original furnishings, photographs, and personal memorabilia.
Guided tours of this beautiful property offer insights into the life and legacy of one of the nation’s most cherished writers. Expert guides not only share details about the building’s design and decoration but also highlight exhibits in the visitor center that delve into his classic novels and characters.
21. Kent Falls State Park
Kent Falls State Park is a peaceful and beautiful place to explore. It is named after the waterfalls that are located in the park. The park is in the northwest part of the state, near the Housatonic River. There are many hiking trails, picnic areas, and fishing spots in the park. It is in the Litchfield Hills region of the southern Berkshires.
The park is centered around a series of waterfalls, with the largest one being seventy feet tall. Besides enjoying the beauty of the waterfalls and taking pictures, you can also hike on the nature trails and go fishing in the pools.
Additionally, the park has a replica of a covered bridge, where you can walk across and there are picnic areas, benches, and bathrooms throughout the park.
20. Mystic Pizza
Mystic Pizza is a restaurant that is loved by both locals and tourists. It became famous after it inspired a hit movie in 1988, also called Mystic Pizza. Although you won’t see Julia Roberts working there, the restaurant is filled with items from the movie and they serve really good pizza.
It is located on Mystic Main Street and has been making delicious pizza since the 1970s. The restaurant caught the attention of screenwriter Amy Jones, who wrote a script about the lives of three young waitresses.
This made the restaurant even more popular, and people have been coming from all over to try their tasty pizzas with different toppings. While you wait for your food, you can check out the walls covered with pictures of famous movie stars.
19. New England Air Museum
You can visit the New England Air Museum, which is located near Windsor Locks. This museum has a lot of engine parts, instruments, and educational exhibits. The museum is close to Bradley International Airport and has big hangars that hold over a hundred vintage aircraft, helicopters, and early flying machines.
It was established in 1959 and its main purpose is to tell the story of aviation, from its beginnings to its impact and change over time. There are various exhibits that focus on different aspects, such as World War II glider planes, fighter squadrons, the Windsor Locks Tornado, and women pioneers, pilots, and astronauts.
It is a great experience to walk around and see the big bombers, shiny jets, and camouflaged choppers, with informative plaques and accompanying displays. You can even climb into the tight cockpits, try out flight simulators, and see old uniforms, photos, and personal belongings.
18. Sheffield Island Lighthouse
The Sheffield Island Lighthouse is located at the southern end of the Norwalk Islands. It has been keeping watch over the surrounding channels, reefs, and rocks for nearly 200 years. You can reach the island by taking a scenic ferry ride. Once there, you can explore the historic lighthouse, as well as the wildlife refuge and beaches.
The original light was built in 1828, but the current limestone dwelling and tower were constructed in 1868 in a Victorian-style. Inside the building, there are ten rooms filled with furniture from that time period. You can take photos of the charming lighthouse and learn more about its history through small displays and a friendly curator.
Although the lighthouse was deactivated in 1902, you can still enjoy the wildlife refuge and relax on the beach before returning to Norwalk on the ferry.
17. Mystic Seaport
The charming Mystic Seaport, with its rich maritime history, is a must-visit spot in Connecticut. Spread along the riverbanks near the ocean, you’ll find numerous centuries-old buildings and boats to explore.
Once a significant shipbuilding and whaling hub, this waterfront town has been well-preserved and transformed into a museum. Along the sparkling harbor, you’ll discover not only captivating historic buildings but also an impressive aquarium and several delightful seafood restaurants.
In addition to strolling through the recreated nineteenth-century seafaring village, visitors can witness live demonstrations and visit a working shipyard. The marinas are home to hundreds of historic vessels, with the oldest being the massive 1841 Charles W. Morgan.
16. Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art
The Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art is located in the center of Hartford and it is filled with impressive paintings, porcelains, and sculptures. It is actually the oldest art museum in the country and has been open since 1842. The museum was established by the wealthy Wadsworth family who had a great interest in art.
Inside the museum, there are numerous galleries that are housed in a remarkable castle-like building downtown. In total, there are about 50,000 artworks in the museum, covering over 5,000 years of art history.
Visitors to the museum can see masterpieces by famous artists like Dali, Monet, and Renoir, as well as contemporary works by Andy Warhol and Jackson Pollock. Additionally, there are ancient Egyptian, Greek, and Roman art pieces on display, along with beautiful landscapes from the Hudson River School.
15. Mashantucket Pequot Museum
If you want to learn about Native American history and culture, you absolutely must visit the Mashantucket Pequot Museum. This museum belongs to the tribal nation of the same name and is located near the Foxwoods Resort Casino on the reservation.
People always praise this museum for its amazing displays and models, and it is actually the largest Native American museum in the world. It was founded in 1988 and has grown a lot over time, with interactive exhibits, photos, and videos that perfectly complement its huge collection.
The best part is the recreation of a Pequot village from the 1550s. As you walk through, you’ll see life-sized figures doing things like sharpening arrows, weaving mats, and carving canoes.
There are also exhibits about the Ice Age and a caribou hunt that can help you learn more about the lives, culture, history, and heritage of Native Americans in the US and Canada.
14. Submarine Force Museum
Located just across the Thames River from New London, the Submarine Force Museum is a remarkable place to visit. It is famous for being home to the world’s first nuclear submarine and contains a vast collection of artifacts, exhibits, and old equipment parts.
The museum is managed by the Naval History & Heritage Command division of the Navy and has been open to the public since 1955 in a modern facility. The USS Nautilus, which launched in the same year, eventually found its way to the museum after being decommissioned in 1980.
While exploring the interior of the submarine is the main highlight, the museum also offers interesting exhibits that delve into the history and development of the ‘Silent Service’ in the US.
Visitors can learn more about this fascinating topic through artifacts, uniforms, photos, and film clips that provide additional information about this National Historic Landmark.
13. Dinosaur State Park
If you head just south of Hartford, you will come across an amazing place known as Dinosaur State Park in Rocky Hill. This park is not just any ordinary park – it is home to one of the largest dinosaur track sites in North America! Visitors can explore miles of beautiful nature trails and outdoor areas within the park.
The story of how this park came to be is quite fascinating. Back in 1966, while digging the site for a new office, a bulldozer operator stumbled upon six large footprints with three toes. As they continued digging, they were astonished to find hundreds more footprints.
To protect these incredible findings, the state park was established a few years later, complete with a giant geodesic dome.Today, visitors can marvel at over 500 footprints that are estimated to be over 200 million years old. Alongside these footprints, there are life-sized dioramas depicting plants and creatures from the time of the dinosaurs.
Additionally, there are interactive exhibits that offer information on dinosaurs, fossils, and the history of the site.After exploring the park and its exhibits, take a leisurely stroll through its beautiful grounds.
Before you leave, make sure to visit the gift shop where you can purchase a fun dino dig kit – the perfect souvenir to remember your visit to this incredible place.
12. Lake Compounce Amusement Park
Lake Compounce, the nation’s oldest continuously operating amusement park, offers a wide range of attractions and entertainment for guests since 1846. Located near the small city of Bristol, the park features thrilling rides, food stalls, souvenir shops, and the largest water park in the state.
Situated by the lake and surrounded by lush woods, visitors can enjoy the charm of the park’s historic wooden roller coaster, beautifully carved carousel, and rides designed for children. Families can also immerse themselves in live shows and have fun in wave pools and rapids.
Those who love amusement parks can even choose to camp overnight or attend the park’s seasonal events in its scenic, green complex.
11. Gillette Castle
One of the remarkable historic houses you should visit is the Gillette Castle in Connecticut. Located in the south-center of the state, it offers breathtaking views of the Connecticut River. The castle is now part of a state park and is worth exploring due to its unique architecture and interior design.
Surrounding the castle are beautiful gardens and woods that add to its charm. A famous actor named William Gillette designed and constructed the castle between 1914 and 1919, and it showcases an impressive medieval-style architecture. The castle’s exterior resembles a craggy fortress, which is visually stunning.
However, its interior is what truly makes it extraordinary. Inside, you’ll find grand rooms adorned with custom-made fittings and furniture, along with secret doors and passageways. The park provides an opportunity to admire the castle’s stone tower, facade, and enjoy views of the rushing river below.
With its combination of art, architecture, history, and nature, the Gillette Castle is a must-see attraction. Furthermore, it is conveniently located within an hour’s drive from both Hartford and New Haven.
10. The Glass House
If you head to the western part of New Canaan, you’ll find a really interesting and impressive building called ‘The Glass House’. It was designed by architect Philip Johnson, who is famous for it. The house was completed in 1949 and is considered a very important example of modern architecture.
The walls of the house are made mostly of glass and steel, so you can see through them and enjoy the beautiful landscapes outside. The design is minimalistic and unique, using transparency, reflection, proportion, and geometry to create its stunning appearance.
Besides the visitor center in downtown New Canaan, there are also outdoor sculptures and other buildings to explore in the estate.
9. Connecticut Wine Trail
After exploring and participating in various outdoor activities, it is important to take a break and relax while indulging in some delicious wine. In Connecticut, there are 25 wineries that are part of the Connecticut Wine Trail.
This region is experiencing rapid growth in the wine industry, resulting in the emergence of top-notch vineyards all around. Grapes thrive in both the warm climate of the Connecticut River Valley and the coastal area along the Long Island Sound, as well as in the rugged Litchfield Hills.
This diverse geography and favorable conditions allow for the production of a variety of wines including Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Gris, and Riesling. The wineries offer tours of their vineyards and production facilities, followed by the opportunity to savor their exceptional wines in the tasting rooms and on the terraces.
8. Hill-Stead Museum
The Hill-Stead Museum is known for its beautiful artworks, architecture, and grounds. It is located just outside of Farmington, a fifteen-minute drive from Hartford. Many people visit the museum to see its impressive collection of paintings, prints, furniture, and photos.
The museum also has a wide variety of decorative arts and French Impressionist masterpieces. The historic house itself is stunning, with its Colonial Revival architecture and tastefully decorated rooms. The mansion is surrounded by picturesque gardens with lush lawns, flowerbeds, and ponds.
During tours, knowledgeable guides provide information about the family, the building, and point out interesting features of the artworks.
7. Foxwoods Resort Casino
If you’re looking for a fun and exciting place to game and have a great time, then you should check out Foxwoods Resort Casino. It has seven different casinos, a variety of restaurants, and thrilling live shows, so there’s always something exciting to do.
The casino is owned and operated by the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation and has grown a lot since it opened in 1992. It’s now one of the biggest gaming resorts in the US and offers more than just shops and restaurants. You can also find top-quality spas, theatres, and golf courses.
If you decide to stay at the resort’s lavish hotels, you can enjoy playing games in the arcades, try out ziplining, or race go-karts. However, the main draw for many visitors is the numerous casinos, which offer a wide variety of table games and thousands of slot machines to choose from.
6. Silver Sands State Park
Silver Sands State Park is a stunning place in Milford, with a variety of landscapes and ecosystems to explore. You can enjoy outdoor activities like hiking and swimming while surrounded by beautiful beaches, dunes, marshes, and woods.
The park has a peaceful atmosphere and the sandy beaches and rolling dunes stretch out to meet the wild waters of the Atlantic. You can also spot a variety of birds and wildlife while exploring the woods and marshes. During low tide, many visitors like to walk across the sandbar to Charles Island, which is located further away.
5. Maritime Aquarium, Norwalk
After you get off the boat, don’t forget to visit the Maritime Aquarium in the seaside city. It is located in South Norwalk and has many exhibits with freshwater and saltwater animals. Families really like this place, which opened in 1988 and now houses almost 7,000 animals of around 360 different species.
You can see seals in Pinniped Cove, sandbar sharks in Shark Haven, and many other animals like jellyfish, sea turtles, and river otters in large tanks. In addition to the 75 great exhibits, which mainly focus on the Long Island Sound, the aquarium also offers exciting opportunities to interact with animals and watch feeding demonstrations. There is also a 4D theater where you can watch educational movies, and a gift store to stop by before leaving.
4. Yale University Art Gallery
The Yale University Art Gallery in New Haven is filled with amazing artworks from famous artists like Degas, Hopper, Picasso, Rubens, and van Gogh. It is located on the campus of Yale University and has many different buildings to explore.
Being the oldest art museum in the Western Hemisphere, it has an impressive collection of over 200,000 objects that range from ancient to modern. Some galleries showcase artworks from ancient Egyptian, Greek, and Roman civilizations, while others focus on contemporary paintings, photos, and prints.
In addition to that, the gallery also has African artifacts, sculptures, and a collection of Mediterranean masterpieces. Since it opened in 1832, both students and tourists have been visiting the gallery to see its diverse range of artworks, which are continuously updated and expanded.
3. Hammonasset Beach State Park
Hammonasset Beach State Park is a popular and peaceful destination located alongside the beautiful Long Island Sound. It is the largest beach in the state and attracts both locals and tourists during the summer. The beach has soft sands and dunes filled with seashells, and it is surrounded by salt marshes, tidal creeks, and grassy hills.
Some people come here to relax on the pristine beach and swim in the sea, while others enjoy hiking and cycling. There are many camping areas available as well. Additionally, visitors can go fishing and boating and enjoy breathtaking views of the ocean from various viewpoints.
The park also features the Meigs Point Nature Center, where people can learn about the local ecosystems and interact with adorable animals in the touch tank.
2. Essex Steam Train & Riverboat
A great way to explore the city and its surrounding areas is by taking a peaceful train or riverboat ride through the beautiful countryside of Connecticut. These trips offer the chance to see historic sites, stunning natural spots, and charming New England towns.
Starting from the charming 1892 Essex Station, old steam locomotives and vintage coaches slowly take guests through the Connecticut River Valley. Along the way, you pass through quiet towns like Deep River and Chester, and get to admire the tidal wetlands of Pratt Cove and Chester Creek.
At Deep River Landing, visitors can board the Becky Thatcher steamboat, which leisurely cruises through scenic marshes, coves, and inlets of the river. Throughout the journey, knowledgeable guides provide insights into the history of the trains, riverboats, and the region.
1. Roseland Cottage
In the heart of Woodstock sits the beautiful Roseland Cottage, painted in a lovely shade of pink. The house museum offers an interesting glimpse into the lives of wealthy Americans in the 1800s. Rather than a small cottage, this Gothic Revival building is more like a grand mansion.
It was originally owned by businessman Henry Chandler Bowen and his large family, who used it as their summer residence. Built in 1846, the house has been incredibly well-preserved, and its interior maintains its elegance.
Inside, you’ll find the oldest surviving indoor bowling alley in the country, as well as numerous beautifully decorated rooms filled with exquisite furniture and artwork. The property also boasts around twenty sprawling gardens, which are a joy to explore.
As you wander along the winding paths, you’ll encounter flowerbeds, neatly trimmed hedges, and perfectly manicured lawns.