50 Epic Ways to Experience the Connecticut Shoreline—and Beyond

From salty breezes and shucked oysters to secluded beaches and heritage towns, Connecticut’s shoreline has a rhythm all its own. Whether you’re a long-time local or a first-time visitor, let this be your ultimate guide to the must-dos, must-eats, and must-sees across the shoreline and just inland. From Branford to Stonington and everywhere in between, here are 50 ways to savor the charm, flavor, and adventure of the Connecticut Shoreline in 2025.

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Coastal Adventures

Discover Connecticut’s incredible coastal landscapes, from tranquil beaches to thrilling boat tours. Whether you’re exploring lighthouses, kayaking the Connecticut River, or spotting seals, these adventures bring you closer to nature.

1. Sleep inside a Lighthouse – Stay overnight at Greens Ledge Lighthouse.

2. Sail the Thimble Islands – Experience a scenic boat tour from Thimble Island Cruise I Experience the Shoreline from the Water

3. Sunset at Hammonasset Beach – Enjoy the calm beauty of Madison’s largest beach. Hammonasset Beach State Park I Best Sunset Spots on the CT Shoreline

4. Rocky Neck State Park’s Secluded Shores – An idyllic beach for families in East Lyme. Rocky Neck Park I 6 State Parks on the Connecticut Shoreline

5. Hike Bluff Point State Park – Explore this hidden gem in Groton, offering panoramic water views. 10 Stunning Day Hikes in Connecticut

6. Get Out on the Water with the Mystic Seaport Museum – Head out on a tour or be your own captain. I Explore the Mystic Seaport Museum

7. Explore the Mystic River – Rent a powerboat from Mystic Boat Adventures I Experience the Shoreline from the Water

8. Climb the Old Saybrook Lighthouse – Visit the iconic lighthouse and surrounding natural beauty.

9. Witness a Seal Release – Experience the Mystic Aquarium’s conservation efforts up close. Explore the Mystic Aquarium

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Eat and Drink Like a Local

Connecticut’s culinary scene is vibrant and diverse. From fresh seafood and farm-to-table dining to artisanal ciders, these experiences highlight the best food and drink the shoreline has to offer.

1. Lobster Rolls at Lobster Landing – Get a taste of the best lobster rolls in Clinton. Lobster Landing I Best Lobster Rolls on the Connecticut Shoreline

2. Grab a Sweet – Savor sweet and savory delights. Sift Bake Shop

3. Eat at a Food Boat – Grab a seat at this BYOB waterside “food boat” in Clinton. Shanks Waterfront Dining

4. PYO at Bishop's Orchards – Pick-your-own and shop for local goods in Guilford. Bishop’s Orchards

5. Sip Cider at B.F. Clyde’s Cider Mill – Taste award-winning hard cider in Old Mystic. B.F. Clyde's Cider Mill

6. Sample Craft Brews at Little House Brewing – Enjoy beers and bites at this Chester-based brewery. Little House Brewing

7. Eat from Farm to Sea at The Oyster Club – A must-try in Mystic for fresh seafood. The Oyster Club

8. Barbecue at Bear’s Smokehouse – Savor smoky, tender BBQ in New Haven. Bear’s Smokehouse

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Culture and Creativity

Connecticut’s shoreline boasts a vibrant arts and cultural scene. From art museums to historic theaters, these destinations will connect you with the state’s creative spirit and rich heritage.

1. Visit the Florence Griswold Museum – Celebrate American Impressionism in Old Lyme. Florence Griswold Museum

2. Experience Broadway – Catch an off-broadway performance at the Shubert Theatre. Shubert Theatre

3. Meet Dinosaurs – Explore the Peabody Museum at Yale University. Peabody Museum

4. Visit a Historic Maritime Seaport– Explore maritime history in Mystic. Mystic Seaport Museum

5. Walk the Grounds of Harkness Memorial State Park – Perfect for scenic photography and picnics. Harkness Memorial

6. Explore the Henry Whitfield State Museum – Connecticut’s oldest house in Guilford. Henry Whitfield Museum

7. Ride the Rails – Hop aboard Essex’s historic steam train (Bonus point if you ride The Polar Express). The Essex Steam Train

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Sports and Outdoor Adventures

From paddleboarding in peaceful coves to biking coastal trails and casting a line at sunrise, Connecticut’s shoreline is made for active days. Whether you're chasing waves, hiking seaside bluffs, or cheering on a hometown baseball team, there's no shortage of ways to get moving in the salty air.

1. Hike the New England Trail – A 235-mile hiking trail from the Long Island Sound to the MA/NH border. NE Trail

2. Spot Migrating Birds at McKinney National Wildlife Refuge – A haven for birdwatchers in Old Saybrook. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge

3. Become a Husky - Cheer on one of Connecticut’s national champion basketball team! UCONN Women’s Basketball

4. Cheer on a Yard Goat - Grab a seat at Dunkin Park for Connecticut’s minor league team. Hartford Yard Goats

5. Ski Connecticut – Explore the slopes in both winter and summer. Ski Mount Southington

6. Pick Your Course – Take on Lyman Orchard’s 45 holes of golf. Lyman Orchards Golf Center

7. Grab a Seat at “The Game” - Join a rivalry that began in 1875. Yale vs. Harvard Football

8. Join the Wolf Pack - Head to Hartford’s XL Center the home of the Hartford Wolf Pack. Hartford Wolf Pack

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Small Town Finds

Connecticut’s coastal towns are full of charm, offering a mix of local boutiques, antique shops, and picturesque streets. Take a leisurely stroll, discover hidden treasures, and enjoy the laid-back vibe that these towns are famous for.

1. Wander through Essex – Explore the charming downtown and antique stores. Visit Essex

2. Explore Stonington Borough – This historic district is full of shops and eateries.

3. Shop Local in Madison – Discover unique finds at local boutiques and art galleries.

4. Browse Antique Shops in Old Saybrook – Hunt for treasures at Old Saybrook Antique Center.

5. Stop at RJ Julia Booksellers – This bookstore is a Connecticut institution in Madison. RJ Julia

6. Discover the Scent of Lavender at Lavender Pond Farm – Visit Madison’s lavender farm for a relaxing stroll. Lavender Pond Farm

7. Enjoy Ice Cream at Arethusa Farm Dairy – Delight in artisanal ice cream in Litchfield. Arethusa Farm Dairy

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Boating and Watersports

The waters of Connecticut’s shoreline are perfect for boating and watersports. Whether you’re sailing, paddleboarding, or whale watching, these activities will help you experience the coast in the most thrilling ways.

1. Rent a Boat at Essex Boat Works – Explore the Connecticut River. Essex Boat Works

2. Paddleboard at Hammonasset Beach – Take in the ocean views from a board.

3. Take a Scenic Cruise in Mystic – Cruise the Mystic River on a historic boat. Mystic River Cruises

4. Ferry Across the Long Island Sound – Head out from New London and enjoy a day trip on Long Island’s North Fork. Cross Sound Ferry

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Festivals and Events

Connecticut’s shoreline offers a variety of vibrant festivals and annual events that celebrate food, music, and culture. From summer celebrations to winter carnivals, there’s always something exciting happening along the coast.

1. Niantic Bay Oyster Festival – Celebrate summer on the shoreline with oysters, beer, and live music. Niantic Bay Oyster Festival

2. Mystic Outdoor Art Festival – Over 200 artists gather every August in Mystic. Mystic Outdoor Art Festival

3. Guilford Fair – Experience the quintessential New England fair. Guilford Fair

4. Stonington Vineyards Food & Wine Harvest Festival – Bring a blanket and enjoy live music among the vines. Stonington Vineyards

5. Durham Fair – One of the largest fairs in the state, held every September. Durham Fair

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Stay and Relax

After exploring all Connecticut’s shoreline has to offer, unwind at one of the area’s luxurious resorts and spas. These stays offer the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure for your coastal getaway.

1. Book a Room at The Saybrook Point Resort & Marina – Luxury and coastal views await in Old Saybrook. Saybrook Point

2. Retreat at The Spa at Water’s Edge – Indulge in a relaxing spa day in Westbrook. Water's Edge

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