9 Incredible Vacation Spots In Connecticut

From colorful fall foliage to New England coastal landscapes, Connecticut is beautiful year-round. The state is a geographical wonder, with 60% of the state covered in trees and much of its land resting against the coast. This makes for a lot of natural beauty for travelers looking for adventure, whether that's a hike through the woods or a rest on the beach. Along with its natural beauty, Connecticut holds many stories, such as those of Harriet Beecher Stowe and Mark Twain. These historic figures wrote some of their most famous novels here, and you can walk through their homes to immerse yourself in their otherwise untold stories — the story of their home, told in bricks, kitchen tables, and portraits. Keep reading to discover nine incredible vacation spots in Connecticut and find the perfect match for your ideal holiday.

Mystic

The sea is the muse of Mystic, inspiring everything it has to offer. Mystic is the perfect place for travelers who want to immerse themselves in all things aquatic. This seaport village has such a palpable charm, from its restaurants to its beaches. Williams Beach Park is a great place to swim, simply relax in the sun, or take a seaside stroll. Visit a historically accurate recreated New England coastal village and explore old ships and other seafaring artifacts at Mystic Seaport Museum, the largest maritime museum in the country. The town of Mystic has been immortalized through the film “Mystic Pizza”, which is based on a real pizza restaurant in this charming village.

Essex

Essex is the perfect getaway for anyone who wants to comfortably experience the Connecticut of times long past. Stay at Griswold Inn, a historic inn that's been welcoming travelers since 1776. Enjoy the food and drinks at the Inn’s tavern and wine bar. For a truly dreamy and nostalgic journey, board the Essex Steam Train & Riverboat, a vintage voyage that encapsulates the perfect New England romantic getaway. The steam-powered train takes tourists around the Connecticut River Valley, offering passengers a unique experience and beautiful views.

Kent

With rolling hills and lush waterfalls, Kent is a beautiful place to take a vacation. If your idea of a fun vacation is natural exploration, Kent is the perfect Connecticut spot. Walk through Kent Falls State Park to find a 250-foot waterfall that cascades into the Housatonic River. The park also has hiking trails, picnic tables, restrooms, and a trail to the base of the falls. To savor the tastes of the region, go to Ore Hill, a unique and intimate farm-to-table restaurant. After dinner, you can see the place that The New York Times calls “the linchpin of Litchfield County’s art scene" by visiting Morrison Gallery. The artful space is full of influential paintings and intriguing sculptures. From natural creation to human creation, Kent has it all.

New Haven

Famous for its Ivy League university, Yale University, New Haven has so much more to offer than the gorgeous campus. The proximity to Yale does come with some advantages, though, such as one of the world's largest natural history museums. Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History has over 13 million objects, including dinosaur fossils and rare gems. These fossils and gems tell the story of our earth's colorful and powerful history, all displayed in lifelike exhibitions. For another unique experience, head to Beinecke Rare Book & Manuscript Library. The rarest books are located here; in fact, the library holds one of the largest collections of rare books and manuscripts on Earth.

Guilford

Guilford is alive with fun, shoreline, and flavor. To truly appreciate the beauty of this coastal town, head to Jacobs Beach. The 25-acre shoreline park is much more than a beach. It also has playgrounds, a boat rack, and a pavilion full of picnic tables and grills. The beach is the perfect spot for paddleboarding, kayaking, fishing, and picnics. To taste the flavors of this little beach town, pick your own fruit at Bishop's Orchards, a local favorite that has been family-owned since 1871. If you aren't interested in picking your own fruit, attend Bishop’s farmers market, or drink a glass of wine at their winery. Also, visitors might consider checking out the oldest house in Connecticut: the Henry Whitfield State Museum; the home was built in 1639. Whichever activity you choose to do, vacationing in Guilford will leave you feeling like a local.

Old Saybrook

Located at the confluence of the Connecticut River and Long Island Sound, beaches and downtown boutiques merge to make up the town of Old Saybrook. Europeans first settled this area in 1635 (the Saybrook Colony), although the town itself wasn't incorporated until 1854. Old Saybrook is a window into the past. To truly appreciate the historic nature of this town, step into the Gen. William Hart House, one of the oldest structures in Old Saybrook that has been preserved as a time capsule. Along with historic structures, the town is nestled against the river. Plum Bank Beach is a perfect beach for anyone who wants a private walk among the Connecticut River’s peaceful shores. This beach is much more secluded than other Connecticut beaches, offering a quiet and serene experience.

Bridgeport

Connecticut’s largest city (population of about 148,000) has the perfect mix of waterfront views and nightlife, making it a great vacation destination. Seaside Park offers incredible views of the Long Island Sound from three miles of idyllic New England shores. Head to Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater to see a show, where national productions and concerts tour. Though smaller, the Downtown Cabaret Theatre also offers shows for any who seek a more intimate live performance. For nightlife options, visit Downtown Bridgeport, where you’ll find plenty to choose from, from Irish pubs like Murphy’s Law to fine wine at Nouveau Monde. Bridgeport has such varied entertainment and cuisine that any traveler can find their new favorite spot here.

Chester

Chester, Connecticut, is a small town with a walkable downtown area, making it an ideal vacation spot for anyone who wants to explore on foot. Chester’s downtown district streets are lined with local restaurants, cafes, boutiques, and numerous art galleries that host exhibits and events. Theater fans will love seeing a show at the nearby — and critically acclaimed — Goodspeed Opera House. In fact, the Goodspeed is so highly acclaimed that it was the first regional theatre in the United States to receive two Tony Awards. For a more peaceful option, board the Chester-Hadlyme ferry for a scenic ride across the Connecticut River. While the ride itself is beautiful, the destination is even more breathtaking. The ferry takes you to Gillette Castle, a medieval-style castle made of steel and stone.

Hartford

Hartford is the dream vacation spot for studious travelers and literature lovers. Mark Twain wrote some of his best-known works in Hartford, including "Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" and "A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court." Twain’s home still stands where it did in the 19th century and is open to the public for tours at the Mark Twain House and Museum. For travelers looking for information in a different literary and historically interactive and engaging setting, Hartford offers historic home tours of the final home of Harriet Beecher Stowe at the Stowe Center for Literary Activism. Here, you will learn about the author of "Uncle Tom's Cabin" and be encouraged to discuss past social issues and how they tie to the present while learning about the life of the writer and abolitionist.

Final Thoughts

From beach getaways to historic tours, Connecticut has so much to offer. Travelers looking for charm and to connect with history and literature will find the perfect place to visit in this beautiful state. Walk with the ghosts of literary legends through Hartford, read rare texts in New Haven, or walk the stone halls of a castle in Chester. No matter which location you choose on this list, between the gorgeous scenic walks and the immersive museums, Connecticut’s views will leave a lasting impression on your heart and mind. Take a trip to one or all of these nine incredible vacation spots in Connecticut.