4 Star Places To Visit in Connecticut, United States (50)
4.5Mystic Seaport Museum(3.418 reviews) - October Visit Thursday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks • History Museums
Winter Hours: Monday-Wednesday: CLOSED. Thursday-Sunday: 10a.m.-4p.m. North Campus Open Featuring: Charles W. Morgan Mystic Seaport Museum in Mystic, Connecticut is the largest martime museum in the United States. It is notable for its collection of sailing ships and boats and for the re-creation of the crafts and fabric of an entire 19th-century seafaring village.See more..
With exciting games, world class cuisine, electrifying entertainment, shopping & 5-star service, Foxwoods is the largest and top resort in the Northeast.See more..
4.0Mystic Aquarium(2.884 reviews) - A great place to spend a morning Thursday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Aquariums
Mystic Aquarium, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, is counted among the nation’s leading aquariums, offering exemplary care to a variety of species while also serving as the northeast’s premier marine mammal rescue and rehabilitation center. Robust conservation and education programming along with unparalleled visitor experiences serve to strengthen personal connections to the animals and their environments. The mission of Mystic Aquarium is to inspire people to care for and protect the ocean planet through conservation, education and research, and introduces approximately 800,000 guests annually to thousands of animals through structured interpretations, specially curated exhibits and hands-on interactions. As a leading research organization, Mystic Aquarium employs a full staff of scientists engaged in projects focused on the conservation and sustainability of our ocean planet.See more..
4.0Olde Mistick Village(1.720 reviews) - Fun place away from the squeeze of the "downtown" area. Thursday: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM Historic Sites
This recreated 18th-century New England village offers a refreshing change from shopping malls as we know them. Browse or buy in the more than 60 small shops or dine in one of this charming setting's many eateries.See more..
4.5The Mark Twain House & Museum(1.676 reviews) - Grand house tour Thursday: 10:30 AM - 4:30 PM Spent 2-3 hours Historic Sites • History Museums
The Mark Twain House & Museum, a National Historic Landmark in Hartford, Connecticut, was the home of America's greatest author, Samuel Clemens (a.k.a. Mark Twain) and his family from 1874 to 1891. It is also where Twain lived when he wrote his most important works, including Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, The Prince and The Pauper and A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court. A stunning example of Picturesque Gothic architecture, the 25-room home features a dramatic grand hall, a lush glass conservatory, a grand library and the handsome billiard room where Twain wrote his famous books. The Webster Bank Museum Center at The Mark Twain House & Museum offers visitors an opportunity to learn more about Mark Twain, his family, the historic house, and the author's legacy. This state-of-the-art facility houses our ticket desk; the Aetna Gallery with a permanent exhibition on Twain's life and work; a rotating exhibition hall, The Hartford Financial Services Theatre, showing a Ken Burns mini-documentary on Twain; classroom space; the lecture hall-style Lincoln Financial Auditorium; The Mark Twain Store; entertaining spaces like the soaring Hal Holbrook and the sunny second floor cafe/patio area.See more..
4.0Mohegan Sun(1.495 reviews) - Beautiful casino with lots of slots, tables, and restaurants Thursday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent 2-3 hours Casinos
Mohegan Sun, owned by the Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority, is one of the largest, most spectacular entertainment, gaming, dining and shopping destinations in the United States. Situated on 185 acres along the Thames River in scenic southeastern Connecticut, Mohegan Sun is home to three unique casinos, a 34-story, 1,200 room luxury hotel, a world-class spa and golf course, over 75 shops, restaurants and bars as well as three award-winning entertainment venues including a 10,000-seat Arena. Mohegan Sun is within easy access of New York, Boston, Hartford and Providence and located 15 minutes from the museums, antique shops and waterfront of Mystic Country.See more..
4.5The Maritime Aquarium(1.039 reviews) - Time well spent Thursday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Aquariums
Easy access from I-95 or Metro-North Railroad, convenient covered parking next door, warm and spacious with two on-site cafes, gift shop and a 4D Theater, the Aquarium is a most excellent family outing, date or solo visit! The marine population we exhibit includes varieties of sharks, big and small, stingrays, harbor seals, sea turtles, game fish, jellies, crabs, lobsters, mollusks and more. We also exhibit tropical travelers that follow the Gulf Stream north to our waters. Plus we have some other fun animals, from tamarins to meerkats. We offer lots of touch experiences including stingrays, sharks, jellyfish and intertidal animals.See more..
4.5The Submarine Force Museum(888 reviews) - Take your time and enjoy your visit Thursday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Speciality Museums
The home of the world's first nuclear submarine has several other exhibits on the history of submarines.See more..
4.5Yale University(826 reviews) - What an Amazing Insitution Educational sites
One of the country's oldest and most prestigious universities.See more..
4.0Lake Compounce(824 reviews) - Pretty, clean and well-maintained Temporarily closed - Closed until Apr 29, 2023 Spent More than 3 hours Amusement & Theme Parks • Water Parks
With over 402 acres of fun, Lake Compounce is the oldest continuously operating amusement park in North America, welcoming families since 1846. Lake Compounce has ten cozy catering pavilions and plenty of room to host your next birthday, party, family reunion, and corporate event! Lake Compounce combines unique and exciting thrill rides and coasters for all ages with a full-sized water park—all for one low price. As the park continues to delight families from all around the New England area and beyond, the balance of evolution and tradition continues to play an important role at the nation’s first amusement park.See more..
4.5Mohegan Sun Arena(817 reviews) - Frankie Valle and the Four Seasons Arenas & Stadiums
Mohegan Sun Arena is now ranked consistently among the top venues in the world according to Billboard Magazine, Pollstar and Venues Today. It has won "Casino of The Year" at the Country Music Awards in 2008 & 2010 and in 2013, was voted "Arena Of The Year" at the G2E Global Gaming Conference in Las Vegas. Also in 2013, Mohegan Sun won "Casino of The Year" in 2 categories at the Academy of Country Music Awards. For more information on concerts and other great events visit Mohegan Sun.See more..
Though I don't know if I would call the Mystic River Bascule Bridge an attraction, it is right smack in the middle of downtown Mystic (a great place to walk around). We were actually able to see it open up a few times over a couple of days, and you couldn't help but stop and watch the process (or the cool boats go by). So, though I wouldn't necessarily go out of my way to go see it, if you are in downtown Mystic, it's worth it to stop and watch the bridge in action. See more..
4.5Gillette Castle State Park(769 reviews) - Tickets sold out for castle tour but still worthwhile Thursday: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM Historic Sites • State Parks • Parks
This 24-room mansion has undergone extensive renovations.See more..
4.5Essex Steam Train & Riverboat(750 reviews) - lovely old fashioned train ride with a narrated enjoyable river cruise Boat Tours • Scenic Railroads
On a fall clear day this little ride on a steam train and then onto a narrated river cruise is just the "ticket" ;) My friend and I started at Gillette Castle first and then on to the train/boat cruise which is a perfect combo. The views are stunning from the Castle home and well worth visiting. Downtown Essex for lunch in between is also well worth it. Enjoy, fellow travelers.See more..
4.5Historic Downtown Mystic(698 reviews) - Off season- great time to visit! Scenic Walking Areas
One of my favorite places to go to do some early Christmas shopping, still pretty crowded as it was a beautiful October Saturday. We were fortunate to find a spot on Main! Friday night we tried the new brewery Bank and Bridge. Cool use of an old Bank building- vault intact. Good food and great craft selection Missed Drawbridge Ice cream this time - we were off to some local wineries —need to plan another day trip!See more..
The Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art is your place to connect with amazing art. You will find us in the heart of Hartford, CT with our castle doors open. Home to a collection of nearly 50,000 works of art spanning 5,000 years, the Wadsworth is the oldest continuously operating public art museum in the United States, founded by Daniel Wadsworth in 1842 and welcoming the public since 1844. With over 50,000 square feet of gallery spaces and a collection that ranges from Greek and Roman antiquities, European and American decorative arts, world-renowned Baroque and Surrealist paintings, an unparalleled collection of Hudson River School landscapes, European and American Impressionist paintings, Modernist masterpieces, and Contemporary Art, the Wadsworth offers a visual experience for every taste.See more..
This museum has a diverse collection ranging from Indian artifacts to Egyptian art to a large bird collection.See more..
4.0PEZ Visitor Center(560 reviews) - Best 5 Bucks you can spend on a fun time!! Thursday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Visitor Centers
Come see and experience the PEZ brand in person. Over 4,000 square feet dedicated to all things PEZ! See the largest, most comprehensive collection of PEZ memorabilia on public display in the world, PEZ motorcycle built by Orange County Choppers, the world's largest PEZ dispenser, viewing area into our production area, PEZ trivia game, factory store, interactive historical time line and much more. Learn about the brand that has been inspiring and innovating since 1927! Open 7 days! Easy access off I-95 at exit 41 in Orange, Connecticut. Plenty of free parking!See more..
4.0Beardsley Zoo(469 reviews) - Cute but quiet during COVID Thursday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Zoos
My husband and I came here as something to do during the pandemic, and they seemed pretty prepared (or as least as much as is possible in these times). You buy timed tickets for a specific block of time, and there are plenty of hand sanitizer stations and paths that measure out physical distancing. A lot of the exhibits are closed, which is understandable, but also made the experience a bit disappointing. Maybe the zoo could have taken off more than a dollar from the entrance fee, or offered something else as enticement? Altogether, though, I’m glad that the zoo is open and functional right now.See more..
Silver Sands State Park is a lovely recreational area that's great for a relaxing stroll by the sea. You'll find a picturesque 1.5-mile boardwalk that runs along the coastline, and a well-maintained beach, marsh, and grassland to explore. It's perfect to visit year-round, whether you're looking to take in some fresh air, have a picnic, or catch a stunning sunset. Plan your visit during low tide from mid-September to April when you'll be able to walk across the sandbar to Charles Island. Take your time to explore the island but make sure to watch when the tide comes back up. – TripadvisorSee more..
4.5Elizabeth Park(425 reviews) - Kathy (Director of Park Operations) Thursday: 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM Parks • Gardens • Jogging Paths & Tracks
This walkers' haven, with several gardens along its wildflower trail, a lovely pond and sports and concert facilities, is best known for its magnificent rose garden, with 800 varieties of roses.See more..
Pequot Museum, located in an ancient cedar forest minutes away from Foxwoods Resort Casino, is the largest Native American museum in the world. REOPENING MAY 19TH!!See more..
4.5Connecticut Science Center(406 reviews) - Grammy and Popi Summer Camp Thursday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Science Museums
Our first visit which we took advantage of due to free entry for children and one adult CT resident in July/August. We did pay $7 for parking (convenience-elevator brings you right up to the centers lobby) paid for one adult and extra for the butterfly experience (totally worth it and no time limit). Our grands are 6 and 8 yr old girls and they loved it. Lots of hands on , some restricted to younger kids) but sanitizer and restrooms abundant. Crowded due to some camp groups. Some activities got taken over a little roughly by older kids. Staff didn’t do much and not all adults stayed with their kids. Overall a great afternoon ! Snacks on first floor were outrageously expensive but after a few hours they were hungry. Don’t miss the rooftop gardens with a spectacular views over Hartford and the Ct RiverSee more..
4.0Ocean Beach Park(395 reviews) - Fun in sun Piers & Boardwalks • Parks
New England's finest beach and boardwalk attractions including mini golf course, rides, water slides, kiddy spray park, olympic pool, arcade, gift shop, food concessions, cafe with restaurant, banquet and catering facilities, picnic area, health club, nature walkSee more..
4.5Yale Center for British Art(367 reviews) - Great collection in a remarkable building. Thursday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Art Museums
As a COVID-19 precaution, the Yale Center for British Art is closed until further notice. We are committed to the health, safety, and well-being of our visitors and staff. Note that all March and April tours are canceled, and many upcoming programs are canceled or postponed. We apologize for the inconvenience. Thank you for your support and understanding. Please continue to check britishart.yale.edu for updates. Posted: March 13, 2020See more..
We were at the Falls during February when they were frozen. It was beautiful. We returned last weekend to see them in spring. They were very impressive. There is a walking path that goes to the top of the falls forxa really nice view. The surrounding park has picnic tables, bathrooms and lots of open space for recreation. Parking is good but on a really busy day it will fill up quick. There is no admission fee to vehicles with Connecticut plates. Well worth a trip especially when there is plenty of water coming over the falls.See more..
4.0Gouveia Vineyards(353 reviews) - Great discovery! Thursday: 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM Wineries & Vineyards
Welcome to Gouveia Vineyards. Our winery is located high atop 140 sun-kissed acres. Built of stone and old timbers. The Stone House winery and location command spectacular 360 degree panoramic views of lush woodland, open fields and over 32 acres of pristine vineyards. Bring food, family and friends to enjoy a glass of one of our 11 award winning wines. Picnic in the summer or cozy up to a warm fire in the winter. Come relax and savor the charming surroundings of Wallingford, CT.See more..
4.0Quassy Amusement & Waterpark(331 reviews) - Great family amusement park for younger kids! Thursday: 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM Amusement & Theme Parks • Water Parks
Family amusement park offers great rides, waterpark, beach, arcade, food, entertainment and games. Home of the award-winning Wooden Warrior roller coaster and new thrill rides Frantic and Reverse Time. Several new slides in the waterpark.See more..
4.5Thimble 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. – TripadvisorSee more..
4.5New England Air Museum(310 reviews) - Excellent examples of historic aircraft. Thursday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums • History Museums
The New England Air Museum houses over 80 aircraft in three large hangars and outdoor display area, as well as an extensive collection of engines, instruments, aircraft parts, uniforms and personal memorabilia. Plan a visit today to check out exciting aircraft, displays, exhibits and programs that are perfect for all ages!See more..
4.0Harriet Beecher Stowe Center(310 reviews) - Tour Guide Rocks Thursday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Gardens • History Museums
Harriet Beecher Stowe was the best-selling author of the anti-slavery novel "Uncle Tom's Cabin." A 21st-century museum and program center, the Stowe Center offers interactive and engaging tours and programs designed to inspire action on social justice issues. Specialized tour experiences and discussion-based contemporary issue programs are regularly offered.See more..
4.5Sheffield Island Lighthouse(301 reviews) - Very nice Spent 2-3 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks • Lighthouses
The Norwalk Seaport Association has owned, restored and maintained Sheffield Island Lighthouse and is the official U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Friends group for the Norwalk Islands.Sheffield Island with its historic lighthouse, beaches and wildlife refuge offers abundant summer fun for visitors. From May through September, visitors can board the Seaport Association's catamaran for a cruise to the island then tour the lighthouse, observe wildlife in their natural habitat in the Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge, hunt for shells along the beach, dine on a picnic lunch, play on the lawns around the lighthouse and just have a good time. The lighthouse tower provides magnificent views of Long Island Sound and, on a clear day, of the New York City skyline. Join us for one of the most exciting tours that the Norwalk Harbor Islands area has to offer! During this unforgettable adventure tour of Sheffield Island and Lighthouse, you'll step directly from the boat into the past.See more..
4.5Sleeping Giant State Park(300 reviews) - Beautiful Fall Hike Thursday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM State Parks
A beautiful spot to view the autumn foliage.See more..
4.5Stamford Museum & Nature Center(299 reviews) - Great outdoor activity for urban families. Thursday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Speciality Museums
Seasonal fun awaits you at the Stamford Museum & Nature Center. The 118-acre property is home to Heckscher Farm, an 18-acre working farm; Overbrook Nature Center; the Bendel Mansion, with changing exhibitions and pieces from the Museum’s permanent collection; an otter pond; Nature’s Playground; the Stamford Observatory; Animal Embassy; and more than 80 acres of hiking trails. The Wheels in the Woods Trail provides a universally accessible nature trail. Come discover, learn, and enjoy!See more..
4.5Palace Theater(263 reviews) - First show in a while Thursday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Theaters
Had an opportunity to see Waitress this week (great cast, hysterical and touching show). Great seats rear orchestra with no one in front of us. Have sat elsewhere at this venue and there doesn’t appear to be a bad seat in the house. Every volunteer/employee from the parking attendants to the greeters was so welcoming and helpful. Very organized I did wear my mask though not required at this time I do miss the paper Playbill though— Beautifully restored building - close as you can get to Broadway (and more reasonably priced!) Great to be back in the live theater experience!!See more..
4.0The Dinosaur Place at Nature's Art Village(260 reviews) - GREAT Dinosaur Experience for the Entire Family Thursday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Amusement & Theme Parks
Fun Family Activities Encounter over 50 life-sized dinosaurs on our 1.5 miles of Dinosaur Trails in our unique dinosaur park, monkey around at Monty's Playground, get lost in our A"Maze"asaurus, and cool off at the Splashpad (New England's largest zero-depth water playground)! If you get hungry, fill up at Monty's Munchies or grab a sweet treat at the Ice Cream Shop. Whether it is an outing with the family, or your child's birthday there are fun family activities for every age.See more..
4.5Dinosaur State Park(258 reviews) - The real thing! Thursday: 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums • Natural History Museums
In August of 1966, bulldozer operator Edward McCarthy was excavating a rocky site for a state building. He turned over a slab of gray sandstone and saw something very exciting: six large, three-toed footprints. Within a few weeks of the discovery, state officials decided to preserve the site as a state park. Two seasons of careful excavation resulted in one of the largest on-site displays of dinosaur tracks in the world. Fossil tracks are named independently from fossil animals. No skeletal remains were found at the Rocky Hill site so scientists speculate that the animal was similar to Dilophosaurus based on the shape and size of the footprints and the age of the sandstone where they are found. Hear more during our interactive track talk! The Park offers school field trips, as well as family-oriented programming on weekends, school vacations, and during the summer months. The Park has several days where admission is free over the summer in June and August!See more..
4.5Stepping Stones Museum for Children(253 reviews) - Very accommodating of medical needs Thursday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Children's Museums
Stepping Stones Museum for Children ignites a child's love of learning through play. Open your world to our hands-on exhibits and exciting programs. With our five main galleries and over 100 hands-on activities, children become wide-eyed with wonder. As they see, hear, touch, feel and do, their ever-growing minds venture to amazing new places. Our Traveling Exhibit Gallery changes every few months so you can always expect new and fascinating adventures. Stepping Stones mission is to broaden and enrich the educational opportunities for children ages ten and under and to enhance their understanding of the world. The museum seeks to create an environment that inspires lifelong learning and supports parents, caregivers and educators as facilitators of children's explorations. Stepping Stones is open daily between Memorial Day and Labor Day, and CLOSED Mondays between Labor Day and Memorial Day (School Year Hours) Hours are 10:00 am - 5:00 pm.See more..
4.5Lyman Orchards(247 reviews) - A Connecticut Treasure Thursday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Speciality & Gift Shops • Farms
Set on 1,100 scenic acres in central Connecticut, we're a year-round destination for great food, wholesome family fun and beginner and championship public golf. Established in 1741 and now in its 9th generation, Lyman Orchards is recognized as the twelfth oldest family owned business in the USA. Shop in the Apple Barrel market for fresh farm produce and award-winning Hi-Top Apple Pies; enjoy picking fresh fruits in season, and golf on our two 18-hole championship courses, designed by Robert Trent Jones, Sr., and Gary Player; or learn the game of golf or improve your stroke at our new Golf Center and Apple Nine course. One visit and you'll see why Lyman Orchards is "Connecticut's Sweet Spot!"See more..
4.5Jones Family Farm(247 reviews) - Good Winery Visit Thursday: Spent 1-2 hours Wineries & Vineyards • Farms
Established in 1850. We offer a variety of seasonal crops: * Strawberries in Jun/Jul * Blueberries in Jul/Aug * Pumpkins in Oct * Christmas Trees from Thanksgiving to Christmas. Winery Tasting Room is open mid-March through December, closed January till mid-March. Visit our website for hours of operation as they expand through the months into summer and fall. Jones Family Farms consists of 3 farm locations in Shelton that are in close proximity, but with unique street addresses as you plan your visits. * Homestead Farm - 606 Walnut Tree Hill Road * Pumpkin Seed Hill Farm - 120 Beardsley Road * Valley Farm - 555 Walnut Tree Hill RoadSee more..
4.5Hill-Stead Museum(234 reviews) - Wonderful Treasure! Thursday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Art Museums
This museum houses a large collection of French Impressionist paintings.See more..
Connecticut's leading venue for the performing arts is known for its community programs and being an important advocate of music, dance and theatrical productions.See more..
Just a great way to spend a Sunday morning in fall. They are very covid conscious and I felt safe the entire time. I got such great things and it was fun to meet the vendors. There are some amazingly unique items for sale from church windows to grammas hamper. It’s there!See more..
4.5Connecticut State Capitol(227 reviews) - Nice place for a quick visit Architectural Buildings • Government Buildings
A tour of the gold-leaf-domed capitol includes the Hall of Flags and, when they're in session, a chance to see the state senate and house of representatives in action.See more..
4.0Chamard Vineyards(221 reviews) - The Gem of Clinton CT Thursday: 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM Wineries & Vineyards
This french/american restaurant is a gem of Clinton, very friendly staff and they always have something new in their menu. Food is very exquisite and delicious with beautiful plate presentation. I spent my birthday there many times and it's always fantastic, love to seat outside in the balcony in the summer, nice sunsets. Also you can order your food and seat outside near the vineyard. I definately recommend this restaurant.See more..
4.5Wickham Park(218 reviews) - I always love wakling in the different gardens in such a peaceful setting. Thursday: 9:30 AM - 7:00 PM Parks
I try to go yearly to take photos. The best time for photos of the gardens, I would say, is July and early August. The park is beautiful, serene, and very well-maintained. My only complaint is the little zoo that houses birds could e better maintained. Their cages aren't well maintained, and their water dishes were dirty. The Peacock cages were too small for them. When they spread their tail feathers, they touched the top and the sides of the cage.See more..
4.5West Hartford Reservoir(211 reviews) - Pleasant walk around Reservoir No. 6 Hiking Trails
On an unseasonably warm sunny afternoon in March, we took a very nice stroll around the reservoir. The sun reflected off the water, the woods, it was very enjoyable. The trail is about 3 1/2 to 4 miles around. You can connect to the Matabasset trail up to Talcott Mountain. It is a very level, easy walk (unless you head up to Talcott Mountain). We started at the south end and walked around the west side first. I would suggest going the other way, as we had the sun in our eyes and the wind in our faces coming back around the east sideSee more..
We went for our first hike of the year on January 1, 2020 at Bluff Point. We started on the higher trail, which includes a hill, and looped around to the lower trail along the water - maybe next time, we'll start on the lower trail because it's flatter. The trail is well-maintained, though muddy in some places this time of year. All in all, we hiked almost 4 miles along the scenic trail. There were many people out that day, several of whom were walking their leashed dogs or pushing strollers. No admission fee & there was ample parking.See more..