Five Awesome Day Trips: Connecticut

Connecticut offers visitors historical points of interest, arts and culture, and outdoor recreation spanning five diverse travel regions. The state is credited with being influential in the founding of America and has an extensive maritime history that can be seen throughout the coastal cities and small towns. Our day trip recommendations take you from Hartford in central Connecticut to destinations south and east along the coastline from New London to Fairfield Counties. Connecticut might be one of the smallest states, but there is something to do for everyone and memorable experiences around every corner.

Here are five great day trips around the Nutmeg State:

Essex (Tours & Experiences)

The historic small town of Essex is located 40 miles southeast of Hartford and is home to the Essex Steam Train & Riverboat. Since 1971, the Valley Railroad Company has providing scenic rail trips on steam locomotives pulling vintage coaches through the picturesque towns of Deep River and Chester. Another fun option is to board the Becky Thatcher riverboat at Deep River Landing for a delightful cruise along the Connecticut River. New for 2020, rent your own Pedal-a-Rail-Bike for a 4-mile round trip adventure on the rails. Check the website for other unique experiences, including dinner train charters as well as seasonal and holiday adventures. Complete your day trip with a visit to historic downtown Essex, a quintessential New England small town with unique shops and restaurants.

Madison (Small Town Experience)

Hammonasset Beach State Park is located 40 miles south of Hartford and is one of the most popular state parks in Connecticut. The state’s largest coastal park offers over two miles of sandy beach and a boardwalk along the Long Island Sound. This is the perfect place for swimming or just enjoying some fun in the sun while strolling along the boardwalk. Madison is one of the best small towns in New England. After a day at the beach, spend the evening downtown exploring the boutique stores, gift shops, cafes, coffee shops, and restaurants.

Mystic (Museums & Attractions) 

The picturesque seaside town of Mystic is located just 60 miles southeast of Hartford and is one of the best day trip destinations in all of New England. Our recommendations will keep you busy for the morning and afternoon, leaving just enough time to visit the historic downtown. The Mystic Seaport Museum is the largest maritime museum in the United States. The museum includes four historic ships that are National Historic Landmarks, more than 60 restored historic buildings, and insightful maritime exhibitions. This is your chance to see the last remaining whaling ship in the world; board the Charles W. Morgan and learn about New England maritime history. The next stop is the Mystic Aquarium, home to a wide range of marine aquatic life in both indoor and outdoor exhibits. Spend a few hours exploring the aquarium at your own pace. Don’t miss the beluga whales, sea lions and African penguins. To get up close and personal with your favorite mammals, book an animal encounter tour to go behind the scenes at this AZA-accredited aquarium. A visit to the downtown historic district is a great way to end the day, stopping in a few unique shops before experiencing the local culinary scene. While downtown, get “a slice of heaven” at the original Mystic Pizza, made famous by the 1988 movie. 

New Haven (Museums & Attractions)

The second largest city in Connecticut and the first planned city in the United States, New Haven is located 40 miles south of Hartford. Yale University’s campus encompasses a large portion of the historic downtown and also includes exceptional museums. This day trip focuses on art and learning, with visits to the Yale School of Music’s Collection of Musical Instruments, Beinecke Rare Book & Manuscript Library, and Yale University Art Gallery. A few of the museums’ highlights include an original Gutenberg Bible, a violin by Antonio Stradivari, and a collection with over 13,000 artifacts from the ancient Mediterranean. No day trip to New Haven is complete without having a slice of pie from one of the well-known pizzerias in town. A few your options are Frank Pepe’s Pizzeria, Sally’s Apizza, Zeneli Pizzeria, and Abate’s Apizza.

Wilton (Parks & Recreation)

Weir Farm National Historic Park is located in Wilton just 70 miles southwest of Hartford. The site preserves the home and studio of America’s most beloved impressionist, J. Alden Weir. Tours of the property (that the artist described as the “Great Good Place”) are offered seasonally by the National Park Service. The park is open year-round for self-guided tours. Pick-up a brochure and explore the beauty of the surrounding area that provided inspiration for Weir’s artwork. Visitors are encouraged  to create their own art at Weir Farm 365 days a year. Bring your own art supplies or pick up a set of free-to-use art supplies from the visitor center porch during open hours. Colored pencils, pastels, and paper are offered on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, and watercolor paints are available on weekends.

**Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, hours at attractions may be limited. Make sure to check the websites and add to your list for future travels!