The Connecticut River divides the state in two. This makes Connecticut a stunning place to visit. Unfortunately, many tourists miss Connecticut and instead go to New York or Boston. You can experience New England’s authentic side without crowds.
It is one of the original thirteen colonies and home to many of America’s oldest settlements and towns. There are many fascinating historic tourist attractions and cultural landmarks in Connecticut. Many of Connecticut’s best places to see relate to its rich maritime history.
Many of the main cities are located on Long Island Sound. There is beautiful coastline for you to explore, and many state parks await you in its interior.
Stonington
The small Connecticut town of Stonington was founded in 1662. It is the oldest settlement in Connecticut. Stonington is worth visiting if your goal is to find a peaceful, quiet getaway.
It is situated on a narrow stretch of coastline, with Mason’s Island and Fischer’s Island just offshore. Therefore, it shouldn’t surprise that Stonington has a rich maritime heritage. It’s beautiful, old lighthouse is one of its most prominent attractions. This lighthouse was once used to warn fishermen about the dangers ahead.
Hammonasset Beach State Park
Hammonasset Beach State Park, the largest beach in the state is a great spot to relax and enjoy the warm rays. It is very popular, especially in the summer, but there is plenty of sand. There is also a peaceful, relaxing vibe to it.
The state park offers a wide range of recreational activities, including cycling, hiking, camping, and other outdoor pursuits. The calm waters are ideal for boating, fishing, and swimming.
Silver Sands State Park
Silver Sands State Park is located in Milford on Long Island Sound. It encompasses many different ecosystems and landscapes. The park borders the Atlantic Ocean shoreline and includes woods, dunes, and marshes. You will find many great trails to hike through the park’s rugged terrain.
Silver Sands State Park is a wonderful place to have a picnic and to swim in the ocean. Many different species of birds can be seen flying in the cool breeze from the Atlantic.
Mystic
The town is located on the banks of Mystic River and was once one of the largest shipbuilding ports in the country. Wealth poured in from all over the US.
There is beautiful architecture along the waterways. You can also see picturesque marinas with boats and yachts. Mystic’s maritime heritage shines through everywhere you go. The state’s Seaport Museum is the top attraction in the town. You should also visit the amazing aquarium in the town and the magnificent historic vessels that are moored at port.
Gillette Castle State Park
Gillette Castle is a stunning and unique sight to see. It was built by William Gillette between 1914-1919. The “medieval castle”, now a tourist attraction, was once William Gillette’s private residence. The interior is as special and unique as the exterior.
There are many treasures inside, including carved wooden light switches, Steampunk-like door latches, secret passageways, and custom-built furniture.
New London
New London’s strategic location at the Thames River mouth, right where the Long Island Sound meets Atlantic Ocean, has made it an important seaport for many years. This rich maritime history is evident everywhere you go.
Although the glory days of this city are long gone, there is still plenty of beautiful architecture around. You can still find the US Coast Guard Academy, and US Naval Submarine Base.
Hartford
Hartford, Connecticut’s capital, is located at the heart of the Knowledge Corridor. It stretches from Springfield, Massachusetts to Hartford. There are 29 colleges and universities in the region, which have around 120,000 students.
The city’s history is closely tied to the written word and learning. The city’s once-thriving publishing sector attracted such prominent names as Harriet Beecher Stowe and Mark Twain to Hartford.
New Haven
New Haven, Connecticut’s second-largest municipality, is known for its Yale University. The city’s beautiful parks and impressive buildings are what most people visit. It is a must to take a tour of the campus, which dates back 300 years. The campus has an amazing art gallery, as well as many museums, monuments, and libraries.
Although Yale University is the main attraction in New Haven, there are many great restaurants and bars around the vibrant downtown.