Things to do & places to visit in Branford, Connecticut, United States

Branford city in Connecticut, United States. Timezone: America/New_York, current date and time: Thursday, May 02, 2024, 7:41.

Top things to do (23)

Top places to visit (20 attractions)

5.0 Thimble Island Cruise (115 reviews)
- I Wish All Cruises Were Like This
Boat Tours

This is among my favorite of island/harbor cruises. The smaller than average boat gets quite close to the islands. Everything you need is aboard, though you'll be busy looking and listening. You have the option of sitting on the upper deck to catch the sun or below deck. The steps to the upper deck are very steep. While the boat is somewhat handicapped accessible, there is a small step to get in and out, as well as steps to the head. There is parking right off the dock though it fills up quickly. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable. Tickets can be reserved by calling a number on their website. Cash is collected at the end of the cruise. The cost is very reasonable. I highly recommend this cruise especially for those visiting the Connecticut coast line for the first time. See more..
5.0 Captain Dave's Thimble Island Cruises (34 reviews)
- Get to know Branford, CT
Boat Tours

Lovely 45 minutes! The stellar crew and detailed narration made a very pleasant start to this Sunday morning. We hadn’t a reservation but were accommodated as there was plenty of room for the 10:15 departure. The line was much longer for 11:15 so get your reservations to be safe Highly recommended for all. See more..
5.0 Sail-Works (11 reviews)
- Overnight Sail in Thimble Islands
Boat Tours • Boat Rentals • Nature & Wildlife Tours

I emailed Eric with a unique request asking if our group of 2 couples could do an evening sail with dinner on the boat and stay overnight. I fully expected that my idea would be too expensive to make a reality, but Eric responded quickly, and offered a plan to sail to the Thimble Islands, including allowing us to stay alone on his beautiful boat overnight! We moored in a secluded cove at dusk and he guided us through parts of the boat we’d need before riding off in the dinghy to stay with friends. We thoroughly enjoyed Eric’s company but it was very exciting to feel like the boat was ours for a night. It was like a little slice of heaven: eating dinner under the stars listening to music, watching the sun rise, and swimming in the cove in the morning. The whole experience felt serendipitous and we all left wishing for more. Couldn’t recommend sail-works more highly. See more..
5.0 Cue & Brew (4 reviews)
- Fun place to go!
Bars & Clubs

Would go back again! Bring a date. Play some pool and had a beer. People are very nice there. Great food too! See more..
5.0 Aura Day Spa (1 review)
- Me time!!!
Spent 1-2 hours Spas

A cozy Day Spa nestled along the shoreline. We have a warm and earthy atmosphere with candlelit rooms. We pride ourselves in the cleanliness of our spa, the eye for detail, and the attentive licensed staff. We specialize in Couples Massage, Hot stone or Swedish. We have been Voted "The Best of Shoreline" the last 2 years for our Facials.We offer pedicures,brazillian waxing, and make up. See more..
5.0 Brandford Antiques & Home Design (1 review)
- One of my favorite Antique Stores
Thursday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality & Gift Shops • Antique Shops

Branford Antiques and Design is a family operated small business that offers antique and vintage furniture, paintings, jewelry, accessories and handcrafted pieces. In addition, we provide estate, restoration and design consultation services. See more..
5.0 Legacy Theatre (1 review)
- Legacy Theatre is a Hit!
Concerts • Theaters • Cabarets • Theatre & Performances

Legacy Theatre provides professional repertory theatre on the Connecticut shoreline as well as educational programming for children and adults in fully restored, state of the art historic theatre. See more..
4.5 Thimble Islands (318 reviews)
- Great day on the water
Islands

Take a boat tour around this stunning archipelago off the Connecticut coast. You’ll learn about the area’s history and spot picturesque houses and plenty of marine life along the way. Tours last about 45 minutes and are best enjoyed on sunny days, as the water spray can be somewhat chilly. Alternatively, rent a kayak and paddle all the way to Outer Island, which is home to a wildlife refuge. Here, you’ll get to walk along the rocky shore and have a picnic in the woods. Visit the Thimble Islands in the summer to watch sailing races every weekend. – Tripadvisor See more..
4.5 Stony Creek Brewery (161 reviews)
- Regular stop when in CT
Spent 1-2 hours Breweries

Hubby and I discovered this gem on our way back to NJ after a weekend getaway in CT. I wish I knew there was food available and we wouldn't have settled for stopping at a diner first. When we arrived we saw that you could order burgers, fries, etc. from Munchies food truck. But I digress. We came here for the beer! Had a flight with Crum, Imperial Stony Joe, Snow Hole, and 922 Export Stout. All of them were drinkable but the two standouts were Joe and Crum. Joe was offered in 16 oz bottles to go and we also got a crowler of Crum. The brewery itself is in a great space that I can only imagine is packed on a warm, sunny day as it's right on the river and there appears to be ample seating outside. I could've spent a few hours inside enjoying the beer, food, and the two-man band playing chill music but had to get back on the road. We will return to Stony Creek now that we found it. See more..
4.5 Route 146 Scenic Drive (78 reviews)
- Beautiful and calming
Scenic Drives

This 12-mile scenic drive encompasses salt marshes, forest and seascape. See more..
4.5 Stony Creek Museum (15 reviews)
- Enjoying the history of Stony Creek
Thursday: Speciality Museums

The Stony Creek Museum celebrates the history of a small seaside village where European immigrants settled to quarry the famous pink granite used in the base of the Statue of Liberty and many Manhattan skyscrapers. The beautiful Thimble Islands offshore display a wonderful history of their own. A visit to the museum is an educational and enriching experience. See more..
4.5 Branford Trail (3 reviews)
- A hike in the woods
Hiking Trails
You get to see nature beyond some of the most exclusive neighborhoods in Branford.The sites are varied and stunning. See more..
4.0 Thimble Islands Brewing Company (67 reviews)
- Nice menu of beers
Thursday: 3:00 PM - 8:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Breweries

Had a nice experience here. The first room when you enter was very crowded and I initially thought I wouldn't necessarily be comfortable given the circumstances, but then I was pointed to the second room which was much more spacious with tables plenty far apart for safety. For food, there was a truck outside with basics (quesedilla, burgers, hot dogs) so that you could have food, meet the state requirements, and not spend a ton of money. There was an extensive menu of other snacks and brewery items as well. Had a couple of delicious beers - very good stop! See more..
4.0 Duvig (19 reviews)
- Not bad
Breweries

Went here with a group - keep in mind there is limited space. We got a flight of beers - some were good, while others left something to be desired. See more..
3.0 BY the SEA Day Spa (3 reviews)
- Sweet spa
Spas

Cute spa in New England town of Branford just outside of New Haven did not disappoint! Lots of fun gift, skin care, and CBD products were on display in entry. Steven was an excellent massage therapist and I left feeling so relaxed! See more..
2.5 Regal Cinemas Branford 12 (2 reviews)
- Outdated
Thursday: 10:00 AM - 12:00 AM Movie Theaters

I was trying to buy some tickets to watch a kids movie with my wife and two kids. My go to spot is another movie theater closer to home, but I could not find any available seats the day that I wanted to go. So, I started looking at other movie theaters nearby. That's how I ended going here. It is located about 15 minutes away from New Haven going North thru I95. The facilities outside and inside could use a paint and/renovation. It is very outdated. It reminds me of movie theaters thst I used to go when I lived in n Puerto Rico. I bought the tickets online, so all I had to do was show my phone. The restrooms are very tight and small. The service was good, even though the popcorn was not as hot as i would've liked. The ticket prices are cheap, but the concession prices are high (as expected). Seats are not very comfortable, but the area was clean. See more..
Captain Morgan's Boat Training & Charters, LLC (0 review)
Safaris • Taxis & Shuttles • Boat Tours • Fishing Charters & Tours • Private Tours • Nature & Wildlife Tours • Speed Boats Tours • Day Trips

See more..
Polished Boutique (0 review)
Thursday: 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Speciality & Gift Shops
Polished Boutique is a catch all for beautiful pieces for the contemporary woman who has a love for fashion and an appreciation for unique finds. Consistently ensuring that both style and quality are the first concerns of the brands that they carry, Polished provides unique, trendy pieces that won't wear away. See more..
Branford River Resort and Spa (0 review)
Thursday: 9:30 AM - 7:00 PM Spas
Services include massages facials wraps hydrotherapy oxygen pod Microblading semi permanent make up pedicures manicures airbrush tanning. See more..
Nightjack Sportfishing LLC (0 review)
Fishing Charters & Tours

See more..