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November 14, 2023 By Lyndsay

15 Fun Day Trips from New Haven, Connecticut

• 1.1 1. Mystic, Connecticut
• 1.2 2. Branford, Connecticut
• 1.3 3. Bridgeport, Connecticut
• 1.4 4. Norwalk, Connecticut
• 1.5 5. Essex, Connecticut
• 1.6 6. Old Saybrook, Connecticut
• 1.7 7. East Haddam, Connecticut
• 1.8 8. Stamford, Connecticut
• 1.9 9. Hartford, Connecticut
• 1.10 10. Uncasville & Ledyard, Connecticut
• 2.1 11. New York City, New York
• 2.2 12. Poughkeepsie, New York
• 2.3 13. Boston, Massachusetts
• 2.4 14. Newport, Rhode Island
• 2.5 15. Providence, Rhode Island
• 3.1 How to spend a day in New Haven?
• 3.2 Is New Haven worth a visit?
• 3.3 What is New Haven best known for?
• 4 Day Trips from New Haven: Wrap-Up

This post may contain affiliate links! I will receive a commission, at no extra cost to you, if you purchase something recommended here.

Are you looking for the perfect day trip from New Haven?

Located in southwestern Connecticut, New Haven is a charming town with a beautiful arts and culture scene, world-famous pizza, and a stunning location near the Long Island Sound.

But if you’re looking to explore more of Connecticut and the surrounding areas, there are plenty of exciting day trips from New Haven.

Whether you’re interested in exploring historic coastal towns, hitting the beach, or taking a scenic drive through the countryside, there are so many interesting options within easy reach of the city.

When I was growing up in New Haven county, my family and I enjoyed all of these excellent day trips from New Haven.

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In-State Day Trips From New Haven

1. mystic, connecticut.

Mystic is a charming coastal town known for its historic seaport, which features a recreated 19th-century village, tall ships, and a maritime museum.

You can also explore the Mystic Aquarium, which displays various marine life.

One of the state’s largest living history museums, the Mystic Seaport, showcases maritime history for all those history buffs.

Since it’s one of my favorite Connecticut day trips with my mother, I have several resources to help you plan a day in Mystic , including recommendations on things to do , my favorite beaches nearby if you’re going in the summer, and my favorite autumn activities if you’re going in the fall.

2. Branford, Connecticut

Branford is a small town located just east of New Haven, and it is an excellent place to visit for a day trip.

You can take a stroll along Branford Green, a beautiful park surrounded by historic homes and buildings.

In the summer, you can enjoy one of the town’s several beautiful beaches that are perfect for swimming and sunbathing.

You can also take a tour of the Thimble Islands.

This small Connecticut archipelago is a collection of granite islands that sailors once used.

Now, you can enjoy a boat tour to admire the luxury homes that dot the islands.

3. Bridgeport, Connecticut

Bridgeport is a city home to several museums, including the Barnum Museum, which is dedicated to the life and work of P.T. Barnum.

You can also visit the Beardsley Zoo, which is home to many different kinds of wild animals.

4. Norwalk, Connecticut

Norwalk is another coastal city located along the Long Island Sound.

The major landmark here is the Maritime Aquarium , which has a wide variety of marine life.

More than 7,000 animals call the aquarium home, and it’s the only one of its kind focused on the aquatic life of the Long Island Sound.

You can also explore the Norwalk Islands, a group of islands located just off the city’s coast.

Kayaking, bird watching, and camping are just a few activities you can enjoy on these islands.

5. Essex, Connecticut

Famous for its historic district, which features several 18th and 19th-century homes and buildings, Essex is an easy day trip from New Haven.

When you go, you must ride on the Essex Steam Train & Riverboat, which will take you through the beautiful Connecticut River Valley.

Step back as you board the train at the historic 1892 station.

The 12-mile narrated ride takes you through the charming towns of Deep River and Chester, offering glimpses of the hidden gem, Selden Neck State Park, accessible only by boat.

6. Old Saybrook, Connecticut

Old Saybrook is a small beach town along the Connecticut coastline.

The town has several nature areas to explore, like The Preserve, the Plum Bank Marsh Wildlife Area, Ragged Rock Creek Marsh Wildlife Area, Harvey’s Beach, and Town Beach.

You can also walk through the historic district.

7. East Haddam, Connecticut

East Haddam is one of my favorite towns for a day trip from New Haven!

It’s home to the Tony Award-winning regional theater, the Goodspeed Opera House. This historic theater features a wide variety of performances throughout the year.

You can also explore Gillette Castle State Park, a beautiful castle built in the early 20th century by actor William Gillette.

8. Stamford, Connecticut

Stamford is one of the state’s major cities near New York City .

Several museums here, including the Stamford Museum and Nature Center, are housed in a 1920s mansion, which hosts various nature and cultural exhibits.

You can also visit the Cove Island Wildlife Sanctuary, a beautiful park and beach area home to several species of birds and other wildlife.

9. Hartford, Connecticut

You’ll find a nice mix of colonial history and modern architecture in the state capital, Hartford.

The Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art showcases over 50,000 works of art, including paintings and textiles.

There’s also The Mark Twain House & Museum. The famous author lived here in the late 1800s and wrote several of his masterworks here, like Adventures of Huckleberry Finn and A Connecticut Yankee .

Along with the art and history, you can find the XL Center and Xfinity Theatre; they host conventions, concerts, and sporting events.

10. Uncasville & Ledyard, Connecticut

If you’re looking for exciting day trips from New Haven, Connecticut, you’re in luck, as there are two outstanding world-class casinos just a short 15-minute drive apart.

Over on the east side of the state, you can find the Mohegan Sun in Uncasville and Foxwoods in Ledyard.

These destinations offer many activities, including great dining, sports events, live performances, and traditional casino games, all while surrounded by the region’s scenic beauty.

In Ledyard, you’ll discover Foxwoods Resort Casino, one of the largest casinos in the area.

Located on Mashantucket Pequot tribal lands, this casino pays homage to its Native American heritage with the fascinating Mashantucket Pequot Museum and Research Center.

The casino at Foxwoods boasts sprawling gaming floors, top-notch performance venues, and a diverse range of dining experiences.

If you’re a shopaholic, you’re in for a treat, as Foxwoods houses an entire Tanger Outlets mall right inside the casino.

Just next door in Uncasville, you’ll find Mohegan Sun, another impressive casino constructed on Mohegan Native American lands.

While slightly more intimate than Foxwoods, Mohegan Sun is far from small.

It offers a variety of family entertainment areas, multiple concert halls, and a selection of fantastic restaurants.

Don’t forget to visit the Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana location inside Mohegan Sun, a beloved New Haven, Connecticut apizza destination.

Both of these casinos make for a great inside destination during wintertime in this region.

Out-of-State Day Trips From New Haven

11. new york city, new york.

New York City is the best choice if you’re looking for a day trip from New Haven out of Connecticut.

It takes just under 2 hours to take a train from New Haven to New York City.

Once you arrive, you can explore everything the city offers, from its most iconic landmarks, like the Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, Central Park, and Times Square, to small boutiques and neighborhoods.

You can also visit some of the city’s world-renowned museums, such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Museum of Modern Art, and the American Museum of Natural History.

As a licensed New York City tour guide, I have so many resources on how to get around the city and the best things to do once you’re there.

Take a look at all of my guides for more ideas!

12. Poughkeepsie, New York

Up in New York State’s Hudson Valley, Poughkeepsie is a charming town.

You can explore the town’s historic architecture, such as the Poughkeepsie Railroad Bridge, now a pedestrian bridge called Waalkway Over the Hudson River.

Also, did you know the 32nd President of the United States was from Poughkeepsie?

Visit the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum, the Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site, and the Cunneen-Hackett Arts Center.

Take a look at my guide on the best things to do in the area for more ideas.

13. Boston, Massachusetts

Are you interested in more beautiful New England towns?

Boston, Massachusetts, is a historic city that still shows its Colonial past.

You can explore the city’s historic landmarks, such as the Freedom Trail, the USS Constitution Museum, and the Paul Revere House.

Alongside its colonial landmarks, the city has several world-renowned universities, such as Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

14. Newport, Rhode Island

The seaside city of Newport, Rhode Island, is another exciting choice for spending a day away from New Haven.

You can explore the city’s historic mansions, such as The Breakers, Marble House, and Rosecliff, built during the Gilded Age.

Take an opportunity to walk along the Newport Cliff Walk, a scenic trail that runs along the coast and offers stunning ocean views.

In the center of town, you’ll find many cute boutiques, artisan shops, and restaurants serving local New England fare– especially in the summer .

15. Providence, Rhode Island

Providence is the capital city of Rhode Island and another fantastic city to spend a day away from New Haven.

You can explore the city’s Roger Williams Park Zoo, the Museum of Natural History and Planetarium, and the WaterFire Providence, a popular art installation that lights up the city’s rivers.

Or, visit landmarks like the Rhode Island State House and the Providence Athenaeum.

One of my favorite things to do in Providence, though, is go shopping at Providence Place, the largest mall in the state.

Day Trips From New Haven: FAQs

How to spend a day in New Haven?

If you have a day to spare in New Haven, plenty of activities fill your time. u003cbru003eu003cbru003eStart your day by exploring the beautiful campus of Yale University, which boasts impressive architecture and a rich history.u003cbru003eu003cbru003eStroll through East Rock Park or Lighthouse Point Park in the afternoon for stunning views and fresh air.u003cbru003eu003cbru003eEnd your day with a classic New Haven experience at Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana, which serves some of the most delicious pizzas in the United States.u003cbru003eu003cbru003eYou can check out my u003ca href=u0022https://thepurposelylost.com/your-guide-to-things-to-do-in-new-haven-ct/u0022 data-type=u0022postu0022 data-id=u00221672u0022u003elist of activities in New Havenu003c/au003e if you’re trying to develop more ideas!

Is New Haven worth a visit?

Absolutely! New Haven is a must-visit destination in the state of Connecticut.u003cbru003eu003cbru003eIt’s home to the prestigious Yale University, which is worth exploring for its impressive architecture and rich history.u003cbru003eu003cbru003eThe city is also known for its delicious and authentic pizza, making it a foodie’s paradise.u003cbru003eu003cbru003eAnd with its location on the Connecticut coast, offering beautiful views and plenty of outdoor activities.

What is New Haven best known for?

New Haven is best known for being the home of Yale University, one of the most prestigious universities in the world, as well as its delicious and authentic apizza, which attracts foodies from all over the country.

Day Trips from New Haven: Wrap-Up

Connecticut’s treasures offer a slice of history, the beauty of nature, and vibrant cultural experiences, all within a stone’s throw from New Haven.

And when you’re ready to spread your wings a bit further, neighboring states beckon with their unique charms, adding new dimensions to your day trips.

But day trips aren’t just about the places you visit; they are about the memories you create, the connections you forge, and the personal growth that comes from stepping outside your comfort zone.

Whether you stay within the Nutmeg State or venture just beyond its borders, one thing is sure: the world is full of remarkable places waiting to be discovered, and adventure is just a day trip away.

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A Day Trip to New Haven, Connecticut

For most people, the first thing that might come to mind when hearing Connecticut is Yale University, Mark Twain, or Gilmore Girls if you’ve binge-watched the show on Netflix or in real-time. Whether you’re a pop culture fan or simply a history buff , The Constitution State offers fun for everyone, and a visit to New Haven happens to be first on the list of places to see. With an amazing selection of unique eateries, shops, historical landmarks, museums, and galleries, New Haven, Connecticut is the perfect place to visit — all year round.

New Haven is about a 2-hour drive from Hoboken and Jersey City. If traveling by train or bus, the ride can range from 2.5 to 3.5 hours each way — especially during rush hour in the Tri-State area. Below are some essential spots to visit in New Haven — R ead on for a guide on how to spend a day in New Haven, CT. 

Disclaimer: For the most up-to-date info, please contact places directly. 

Places to Eat

Bar | 254 crown street.

{Photo credit: @bar_newhaven }

A staple in the New Haven community, BAR has so much to offer and is truly a multi-faceted venue. It’s a nightclub, restaurant, microbrewery, and popular pizza joint all rolled into one. It has spacious indoor and outdoor seating, a lounge, a dance floor, and more. Serving traditional New Haven-style, thin-crust, brick-oven pizza, BAR’s famous mashed potato pizza is a must-try. After enjoying a mashed potato pizza pie from BAR, we really can’t disagree.

Claire’s Corner Copia | 1000 Chapel Street

{Photo credit: @clairescornercopia }

This adorable and appropriately named vegetarian eatery has been around since 1975 and the owners’ mission is to provide delicious, healthy, ethically, and sustainably sourced food for customers. The restaurant’s origin story is a sweet one that tells the tale of a couple { Claire LaPia and Frank Criscuolo} so in love that they were inseparable and working together was the ideal way to stay close. Both came from Italian-American families that prioritized using clean ingredients in their food to ensure living long and happy lives. The menu is extensive with options for all palates. The Vegan Whole Grain Pancakes and the Farmer’s Frittata are both affordable {$11} and tasty options for breakfast and a Hippie Hummus Wrap {$10} makes for the perfect lunch. Claire’s serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Donut Crazy | 290 York Street

{Photo credit: @donutcrazy }

This delicious doughnut shop is family-owned and operated, and creates over 45 varieties of fresh, specialty doughnuts each day at the stores. Opened in 2015, Donut Crazy has expanded to many different parts of south CT. Every month, Donut Crazy comes up with a list of creative and tasty donut flavors, apart from the usual menu options like the Boston creme and glazed. HG Tip: The Cannoli Donut and the Stuffed Maple French Toast are both amazing choices. Food Network even named Donut Crazy’s Cannoli Donut the best donut in Connecticut. The shop also offers breakfast items and coffee to complement your doughnuts. 

Read More: How to Spend a Day in Port Jervis, NY

Things to Do

International festival of arts and ideas | 160 temple street, new haven.

The International Festival of Arts and Ideas will take place May 14 – June 27, 2021, and the 200+ events are 80% free. The festival will feature Jacob’s Pillow-awardee choreographer Ronald K. Brown, Indigenous playwright and Forbes “30 under 30″ theater director Madeline Sayet, as well as a high drama, high fashion Hair Art show. The full May and June programming line-up will be posted later this spring when events are open for reservation. The festival is usually held in person, but because of the on-ongoing pandemic, it has been virtually modified.

Skull and Bones | 64 High Street, New Haven

Located on the Yale campus, the Skull and Bones building, legend has it, is the home of one of the most famous undergraduate secret societies at Yale University — which many elite and powerful people are said to be a part of, including certain former presidents, senators and more. Founded in 1832, the secret society went on to inspire the making of the movie, The Skulls . According to Yale’s website, “ In 1992, when the still exclusively male secret society tapped six women along with nine men, the alumni association changed the locks on the doors. After a short standoff and society vote, both men and women were finally admitted.” The Skull and Bones location, a windowless, crypt-like edifice that gives off creepy vibes {also called “The Tomb”}, is now a designated New Haven landmark, one that is accessible to anyone who’d like to see it in person — just not from the inside.

Square with Four Circles Art Installation at Temple Plaza | 160 Temple Street

Definitely a trippy sight, Square with Four Circles at Temple Plaza is a cool stop in New Haven. Installed in 2010, Square with Four Circles is a 110 ft tall, multi-dimensional wall painting, created by world-renowned Swiss artist, Felice Varini. The exhibition of the artwork is on view indefinitely. The site of Square with Four Circles includes the pedestrian passageway from Chapel Street into Temple Plaza and the exterior surfaces of the sculptural concrete exit ramp of the Crown Street Garage. The site of the artwork is stationed across the street from New Haven Green and is surrounded by eateries and shops.

See More: How to Spend a Day in the West Village, NYC

The Shops at Yale | New Haven

{Photo credit: @theshopsatyale }

The Shops at Yale offers a one-of-a-kind collection of more than 60 boutiques, national retailers, cafes, casual eateries, award-winning restaurants, and world-renowned theaters, galleries, museums at Yale University in the heart of historic downtown New Haven. Visitors will find stores like Campus Customs and The Yale Bookstore for all your Yale merch, as well as New Haven cultural gems like the Yale Repertory Theatre , The Yale University Art Gallery , the Shubert Theatre , and so much more. 

Yale Center for British Art | 1080 Chapel Street

{Photo credit: @yalebritishart }

Founded in 1929, the Yale Center for British Art is the largest museum outside of the United Kingdom devoted to British art. The museum is free and open to the public {it is currently closed due to the pandemic}. Located in the last building designed by Louis I. Kahn, the museum is a great place to learn about modernist architecture. Collections include more than 2,000 paintings, 250 sculptures, 20,000 drawings + watercolors, 40,000 prints, and 35,000 rare books and manuscripts. Works on view include masterpieces by Joshua Reynolds, George Stubbs, Thomas Gainsborough, J. M. W. Turner, and John Constable, as well as major artists from Europe and America who lived and worked in Britain.

Yale University | 149 Elm Street

The last spot on the list alphabetically should probably be the first stop on your trip, because you can’t go to New Haven and not visit Yale University’s campus, founded in 1701— also the third-oldest university in the USA. Situated in the heart of New Haven and surrounded by delicious eateries, bookstores, and artisanal shops, Yale’s campus is easy to take a stroll throughout. A n Ivy League school, Yale is highly-coveted by many prospective students each year but is also a stunning campus. Student-led walking tours of the Yale Campus last an hour and covers history, architecture, and student life. Access to class buildings and dorms is off-limits to non-students and outsiders, especially during the pandemic, but there is still plenty to see. Virtual tours are also available online.

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Yarleen is a proud Jersey girl with Cuban roots. She’s an actor and freelance writer with an affinity for poetry, astrology, and fried plantains. Born in Jersey City and raised in West New York, where she currently resides, this Hudson county native can usually be found with an Americano in hand, or any caffeinated beverage really. A St. Peter’s University alum with a degree in Communication and Media Culture, Yarleen was News Editor of her college newspaper, while also reporting for the Hudson Reporter and The Jersey Journal. When she’s not on stage, enjoying a new hobby {currently rollerskating}, or typing away on her laptop, you can catch her running along the waterfront listening to the Red Hot Chili Peppers or exploring NYC galleries.

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The 10 Best Things to Do in New Haven, Connecticut

Denis Tangney Jr. / Getty Images

Yale University is New Haven's claim to fame and the source of much of its entertainment, indeed, but rest assured there's more to do in this New England city than just study. The stunning sliver of coastline on Connecticut's Long Island Sound has cultural riches, a thriving culinary scene, and a wealth of historic attractions, from the site of the alleged first-ever hamburger to an antique carousel, still in operation.

New Haven is easily accessible from other major New England cities, being only hours away from New York City, Newark, Philadelphia, and Boston. And while it may not top the list of vacation destinations in this region, it's worthy of a day trip if you find yourself exploring the Connecticut shore.

Visit Lighthouse Point Park

Lighthouse point park.

The New Haven beachfront is anchored by a majestic lighthouse, erected in 1847, which lends its name to the 82-acre park that surrounds it. Open year-round, this area of East Shore is an oasis for bird watchers and butterfly observers (it's conveniently located right on the Atlantic flyway), as well as beachgoers, boaters, and view seekers, as it looks out toward downtown in the distance. One of its highlights is the century-old Lighthouse Point Carousel, running since 1911. Operating seasonally—from Memorial Day through Labor Day—the carousel includes 69 horses, one of only three camels in the world, and two chariots. It's one of less than 100 still in operation from the 1920s today.

Stargaze at the Leitner Family Observatory and Planetarium

Yale Astronomy

Leitner Family Observatory and Planetarium

A facility of the Yale Department of Astronomy, the Leitner Family Observatory and Planetarium is equipped with two permanently mounted telescopes, a digital theater that uses a high-tech Spitz SciDomeHD system to simulate the universe, and a lecture hall where classes and open-invitation talks are held. While the facility is not exactly meant for public use, on Tuesday nights anyone can come to watch an hour-long show in the theater, then get a close-up look at planets, stars, and nebulae through the institution's top-notch telescopes.

Conquer One of the World’s Largest Indoor Ropes Courses

It adventure ropes course.

Perhaps the most exhilarating thing to do in New Haven is to embark on one of the largest ropes courses in the world, It Adventure. The indoor park is composed of a maze of tightropes, zip lines, and rope bridges, with options for all ages. Once you learn to trust your harness, you can spend unlimited time mastering more than 100 challenges. Once you've completed the course, you're welcome to kick back and watch the mesmerizing liquid fireworks, music, and dancing fountains while you recoup.

Tour Yale University

Topic Images Inc. / Getty Images

The Mead Visitor Center

New Haven is best known as the home of Yale University, America’s third-oldest university. Founded down the road in Old Saybrook, in 1701, Yale moved to New Haven in 1718, and its three-centuries-old campus is a must-visit for anyone interested in history, books, art, or architecture.

There are two ways to tour Yale, both free: by downloading the Yale Campus Tour App and enjoying an audio walking tour, or by taking a 75-minute, student-led tour, offered every day of the week, sometimes twice daily. Student guides take visitors to iconic campus locations, such as the Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library, which counts a Gutenberg Bible among its treasures. They also share insights about college life and Yale traditions, including the university’s famed secret societies like Skull and Bones, some of which date back to the 1830s.

After your tour, swing by one of Yale's three museums, each with collections that rival those of top American museums. The Peabody Museum of Natural History is where science obsessives will find a Great Hall of Dinosaurs, Egyptian antiquities, and interactive exhibits for kids, whereas the Yale University Art Gallery and Yale Center for British Art might appeal more to creatives.

Taste History at Louis’ Lunch

Louis' Lunch

Louis' Lunch

The claim is disputed, but if you believe New Haven lore—and even the Library of Congress does—the hamburger was invented by New Haven luncheonette owner Louis Lassen in 1900 when an on-the-run customer requested a meal to go. At Louis’ Lunch, you can taste burgers made the same way as the groundbreaking original. Lassen’s descendants still use antique cookers to flame-sear burgers, which are served up between two slices of toast. Asking for ketchup is a big no-no, but order a “cheese works” just like the locals, and the sandwich comes topped with cheese, onions, and tomato.

Choose a Side in the Pizza War

Frank pepe pizzeria napoletana.

You can't visit New Haven without embroiling yourself in the city’s most significant debate: which restaurant makes the best pizza? Back in 1925, Italian immigrant Frank Pepe created New Haven’s signature style of thin-crust, coal oven–baked tomato pie topped with grated cheese. Many Connecticut residents believe the “apizza” (pronounced “ah-beets-a”) at Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana in the city’s Wooster Square Italian neighborhood is still the one to beat. Sally’s Apizza , however—founded in 1938 and owned by the same family for nearly 80 years, until it changed hands in 2017—has long been vying for the top spot. Though these are the two top pizza institutions in New Haven, many locals will also tell you the pies at Modern Apizza are equally delicious. And to add another contender into the mix,  BAR is heralded for its mashed potato pizza. Might as well try all four and decide for yourself.

Applaud Theater in a Dramatic Setting

Yale Repertory Theatre

Long Wharf Theatre

Before you head to New Haven, check the Long Wharf Theatre , Yale Repertory Theatre , and Shubert Theatre 's calendars. For more than 50 years, people have ventured to a waterfront warehouse to see reinterpreted classics and new works debut by Long Wharf. The venue itself has nurtured dozens of productions over the years, some of which have made the leap to Broadway and off-Broadway theaters.

The 478-seat Yale Rep auditorium, located inside a former Baptist church, is an intimate and fascinating place to see a Yale Repertory Theatre performance. Since 1966, the theater has acted as an impressive incubator for emerging playwrights, including Athol Fugard and Christopher Durang. But if musicals enthrall you, the Shubert Theatre is a beautifully restored 1914 venue where history has repeatedly been made with beloved performances like "Oklahoma!" and "The Sound of Music," both of which had their world premieres here.

Attend a Concert

SpaceHedge / Flickr

Toad's Place

Toad’s Place is a legendary music dive where Bob Dylan played his storied career’s longest show, and the Rolling Stones famously kicked off their 1989 Steel Wheels tour. These days, the standing-room-only concert venue hosts eclectic, lesser-known acts, but it’s still a cool place for cheap drinks and live bands.

If jazz is more your jam, Firehouse 12 is the destination. This acoustically superb venue—housed in a 1905 firehouse with a retro bar—only seats about 70, so be sure to buy tickets online in advance.

Have a Drink and a Smoke at the Owl Shop

The owl shop.

At the enduring Owl Shop , you can sink into a deep leather chair, order a cocktail, grab something to nibble on, and then light up a cigar. Although Connecticut outlawed smoking in bars more than a decade ago, this comfy spot was a long-established tobacconist, and so it's exempt from the rule. The shop is famed for late Master Tobacconist Joe Lentine, who was on-site from 1964, serving up his custom blends that attracted celebrity fans, including Arnold Schwarzenegger. Today, live jazz is an added enticement on Tuesday and Wednesday nights.

Savor the View from East Rock Park

Walter Bibikow / Getty Images

East Rock Park

Want a stunning aerial view of New Haven? East Rock Park is named for a 350-foot traprock ridge that overlooks the city, and you can reach the summit via a short walk, bike ride, or drive. At the top, you'll see East Rock itself, a landmark made from molten rock about 200 million years ago. The view from the summit is particularly stunning during Connecticut’s fall foliage season. Admission to the 425-acre park is free and leashed dogs are welcome.

Connecticut History. "Yale University from Colonial Times to the Present." January 19, 2014

Library of Congress. "Connecticut: Louis' Lunch (Local Legacies)." Retrieved March 31, 2021

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Where to Eat, Stay, and Play in New Haven 

Now is the perfect time to introduce the new New Haven. Nicknamed the Elm City thanks to the stately trees that line its streets, this Long Island Sound–hugging spot is rich with history and character. Of course, Yale University has served as the city’s academic and cultural touchstone from its founding in 1701, thanks to its free museums and quintessentially New England campus perfect for strolls with coffee in-hand. Then there’s the many historic neighborhoods, including Wooster Square—overflowing with cherry trees, and its Little Italy eateries slinging perfect slices of pizzas —and oystermen houses along the waterfront area of the Hill neighborhood. Even with all that history, the last few years have seen a renaissance rollicking through the city.

With a veritable buffet of bold new restaurants—fare from Peru to Japan and back again—foodies are finding a new culinary capital within the city. And that’s not to detract from the mealtime mainstay of New Haven pizza, with a distinct, chewy crust that sets it apart from its New York-style neighbors. What’s more, a flurry of new design-forward hotels offer a chance to lay your head down in surroundings that combine couture and comfort. Much more than just a stopover on your way to well-loved Mystic , here are the best ways to enjoy a weekend in this haven by the water.

Getting to and around New Haven

Petite Tweed New Haven Airport (HVN) is just a ten-minute drive from downtown New Haven. The only catch? HVN’s single carrier, Avelo Airlines, services only fourteen destinations, mostly down the east coast, along with Nashville and Chicago ; about 90 minutes by train and bus in nearby Windsor Locks, all the major airlines fly through Bradley International Airport, or BDL. John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in Queens is a three-hour Long Island Sound-skimming train ride away.

Once in New Haven, the city is imminently walkable; a compact downtown in close proximity to other neighborhoods means that many attractions are within a twenty-minute walk from each other. Multiple bus routes service the city seven days a week, and Uber and Lyft are available, too.

The brutalist Beinecke Rare Book & Manuscript Library houses the public exhibition hall archives, including a glass vault of rare books.

The best things to do in New Haven

At Yale, the storied Ivy League institution, your assignment is to soak up some of the campus’s ornate gothic buildings to transport to another century. Harkness Tower’s bells chime each day at noon and 6:00 p.m., and you can request a free tour up the imposing stone cathedral tower to see how the Yale University Guild of Carilloneurs play them. The brutalist marble and granite exterior of the Beinecke Rare Book & Manuscript Library holds a stunning steel and glass vault of tomes; peruse the public exhibition hall archives, including a rare Gutenberg Bible. Steep in culture at the free, three-floor Yale University Art Gallery to gaze at ornate tapestries from the permanent African art collection before wandering the sculpture gardens.

The New Haven Museum offers a deep-dive on the history of Elm City—permanent collections include exhibits of ornate colonial furniture. The kids, meanwhile, can jam on musical instruments at the Connecticut Children’s Museum , and join story time in the linguistic room, which is a life-sized recreation of the bedroom from the classic tale, Goodnight Moon.

In the historic neighborhood of Wooster Square stands grand Greek Revivals and Queen Anne manors. Stop into the square’s serene park for local produce and craft goodies at the weekly farmer’s market. No visit to this historically Italian-American neighborhood is complete without a pilgrimage to Lucibello’s Italian Pastry Shop for crave-able cannolis.

Newcomers to the bustling Shops at Yale—home to both behemoths and local brands—include Üni-Home Life , which opened in May 2022 and offers gifts and snacks from across Asia. Bookstore and equality-minded community space Possible Futures , which opened late 2022, joins shops like beloved Atticus Bookstore Cafe —which also boasts an all-day breakfast and stellar wine list to pair with a new paperback—as the latest literary hub. And after all the excitement, the New Haven Symphony Orchestra—with outdoor performances, family-oriented concerts, and orchestral offerings each season—ends your trip on a high note. Chances are that you’ll likely stumble upon a free concert at the New Haven Green, too.

Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana has been a mainstay in Wooster Square since the 1920s. 

New Haven pizza and global restaurants

While it’s hard to spotlight one signature cuisine in a region with a bit of a culinary identity crisis—celebrating both New York style Italian-American joints and New England fare—the Elm City is famous for one dish: New Haven pizza. Or, more accurately called “apizza” at restaurants like the legendary Sally’s Apizza , which has been slinging the particular pies since 1938. Though similar to the thin Neapolitan pies all over New York City , notable New Haven trademarks include a chewy crust, oblong shape, and edges charred from the coal oven. Wooster Square’s Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana has been a mainstay since 1925.

The past few years have seen a bounty of restaurants roll into the city—each a feast for the eyes as much for the belly. For fiery gra pow and other northern Thai dishes try NOA , which opened in August 2022 in a dramatic dining room of hanging red umbrellas. White and yellow curries sizzle among larger plates, while a cooling papaya salad steals the show of shareable bites.

At Chacra , a fine-dining Peruvian spot that opened in October 2022, savor center-cut tuna loin and crispy pork belly with yucca fries as you sip pisco straight-up or subbed in for well-loved liquors in classic cocktails. In the Westville neighborhood, alongside dinner Thursdays through Saturdays, newcomer Manjares brings the Nuevo Latino vibes for breakfasts of burritos, pancake sandwiches, and eggs served with mashed plantains.

Snag reservations for Hachiroku Shokudo and Sake Bar , the stylish Japanese eatery that opened May 2022. Overwhelmed by the near novel-length sake menu? Take flight with a staff-curated sake flight, sipping between bites of deep-fried tofu with dashi broth, and roasted duck breast. A star on the main menu includes grilled black cod with a hint of smoke, served with seasonal sides. Though, you may be tempted to traipse only through the daily specials, where you might find yuzu ceviche balanced by earthy shiso leaf.

BLDG restaurant at the Bauhaus-style Hotel Marcel New Haven serves modern American cuisine and cocktails.

Where to stay in New Haven

The latest hotels here offer a chance to time travel. Take the Hotel Marcel New Haven, Tapestry Collection by Hilton , a Bauhaus beauty that you could easily mistake for a concrete sculpture levitating by the waterfront. Once an office designed by Brutalist master Marcel Breuer that was completed in 1970, the building was reimagined as a hotel which opened in May 2022. Inside, the 165 guest rooms and public spaces pay homage to Mad Men -esque sleekness and earth-toned minimalism. The frills are firmly here-and-now, with panels by the doorway to control the room’s lighting and window shades.

The Graduate , the 72-room boutique hotel that opened in 2019, aces its collegiate-chic vibe. Wood paneling, leather furniture, and vintage décor hat-tips to the downtown building’s 1894 origin. The Blake Hotel , which also opened in 2019, exudes vintage elegance with its marble and lobby and tufted headboards in its 108 rooms.

Though not new, the views offered by the Omni New Haven are enough of a reason to stay at the towering gem by the New Haven green. From the gleaming, art-deco inflected lobby, take the elevator up to the 19th floor where John Davenports serves sweeping vistas alongside regional fare.

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21 Best Things to Do in New Haven, Connecticut (Full Guide!)

Last Updated on March 26, 2024 by Kelly

The city of New Haven is one of the oldest cities in the United States and is also the home of Yale University . As a result of hosting an ivy-league university, the city is filled with lots of parks, museums, and galleries. New Haven also has a strong reputation for being one of the best pizza cities in the country. I lived in New Haven for several years, and I really enjoyed the city’s proximity to the ocean and its numerous activities. In this post, I’ll share with you my picks for the 21 best things to do in New Haven, Connecticut .

About New Haven, Connecticut

The area surrounding New Haven was first settled by the Quinnipiac tribe . In 1638, English Puritans arrived to the harbor. The settlement was originally named Quinnipiac but later changed to Newhaven.

The city of New Haven was one of the first planned cities in the United States. The town was built on a grid of nine squares , with the center square serving as a public common area. That center square, now called The Green, is still the city’s central gathering place.

In 1701, Yale University got its beginnings as the Collegiate School in Old Saybrook. The school was then moved to New Haven. In 1718, after a wealthy merchant named Elihu Yale donated much of his money to the university, the name was changed to Yale College. 

New Haven used to be co-capital of the state of Connecticut, serving alongside the city of Hartford from 1701 to 1873. However, Hartford eventually became the sole capital city of Connecticut. Today, New Haven is known as the “Cultural Capital of Connecticut.”

New Haven also survived the Revolutionary War, unlike many small towns in Connecticut. When British troops occupied New Haven during the Revolutionary War, British General Charles Garth decided not to burn the city because it was “too beautiful a town to burn.”

The city of New Haven has seen its fair share of economic downturns and revivals over the years. Today, it is known for its cultural, historic, and educational significance. There’s much to learn about New Haven’s history, so it’s definitely worth visiting one of its many museums!

My Favorite Things to Do in New Haven

1. yale visitor center tour.

One of the best things you can do while visiting New Haven is to sign up for the Yale Campus Tour.  I’ve been on the campus tour several times over the years. Whenever I had family or friends visiting from out of town, I made sure to sign up for the tour. It was always a hit! You’ll get to see several of the famous sites listed below, and your guide will be able to give you all the relevant history. You can also take a self-guided walking tour with their map.

2. Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library

Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library is one of my absolute favorite spots at Yale University. I might be a bit biased because I already love to hang out at book stores and libraries, but Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library is truly a stunning library. The entire library is solely dedicated to rare books and manuscripts , and it’s one of the largest libraries in the world dedicated to rare finds. 

The library was built in 1963 and named after three brothers that attended the university: Edwin Beinecke, Frederick Beinecke, and Walter Beinecke. Inside the building, you’ll see a spectacular glass-enclosed tower of book stacks that’s six stories tall. On the main floor, you can see an original copy of the Gutenberg Bible . (There are less than 50 copies in existence today.) On the ground floor, you can find books from the 18th century that were part of the original Yale library. 

The white, gray-veined marble panes of the exterior are one and one-quarter inches thick and are framed by shaped light gray Vermont Woodbury granite. These marble panels filter light so that rare materials can be displayed without damage.

The library’s exterior is comprised of square marble panes. The marble filters light so that the rare books are protected from the sun. If you visit inside the building on a sunny day, the marble panes seem to glow.  

Visiting Beinecke is free. Public exhibitions do not have an admission charge.

3. Sterling Memorial Library

Sterling Memorial Library is Yale’s largest library and one of the most iconic buildings on the campus. This gothic-style library looks more like a cathedral than a library. There are over 3,000 stained glass windows in the library! Each of the decorative panes was inspired by famous book sources from around the world. 

Sterling Memorial Library was built in 1930 and it was named after John William Sterling, a New York attorney and Yale alumni (Class of 1864) who left a sizable portion of his estate to the university. 

The main entrance was designed to look like a nave, similar to a European cathedral. The nave is complete with cloisters, clerestory windows, and side chapels. Inside, there is a tall tower that contains 16 levels of book stacks. The main entrance hall tells the story of the history of Yale Library. Many of the rooms were also designed to reflect their reading topics. For example, the English Study room has window decorations depicting King Lear, Lady Macbeth, and Hamlet. 

4. Yale Center for British Art

The Yale Center for British Art is the largest museum of British art outside of the United Kingdom . The museum contains thousands of paintings, prints, books, and sculptures by British artists. Admission to the museum is free for everyone. 

5. Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History

The Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History has recently re-opened after a multi-year renovation. Notably, it will be open to the public with free admission in perpetuity. The gallery space was expanded by over 50%. They’ve also recently added a Wall of Glass that will bring significantly more natural light into the museum.

The Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History was founded in 1866, and it contains over 14 million objects from 10 different collections. The museum is known for its Great Hall of Dinosaurs , where you can see the fossils of several different types of dinosaurs.

I really enjoyed my visit to the Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History, and I hope to return once it re-opens!

6. East Rock Park

For one of the best views of New Haven, head to East Rock Park. If you drive up the hill to the upper parking lot, you’ll have a sweeping view of New Haven, Yale University, and New Haven Harbor. The park is open from sunrise to sunset and has picnic facilities.

The summit of East Rock is approximately 350 feet higher than the Mill River below it. The Soldiers & Sailors Monument at the top of the rock can be seen from almost anywhere in the city. The monument serves as a memorial for soldiers that died in the Revolutionary War, the War of 1812, the Mexican War, and the Civil War.

The top of East Rock is easily accessible by car or by bicycle. If you’d like to hike to the top, you can take the Giant Steps Trail which has a total climb of 285 feet. (You can access the trail at the English Drive gate.)

If you’re in town during the 4th of July, there’s typically a celebration with fireworks at East Rock Park. I attended that event my first year living in New Haven, and it was a lot of fun!

The East Rock neighborhood is a popular place for Yale faculty, interns, residents, and fellows to live. There are lots of great restaurants on Whitney Avenue and Orange Street to check out!

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I may earn commissions from qualifying purchases.  

TIP: When I moved to New Haven, I brought a travel guide book and it gave me so many ideas for weekend adventures. I highly recommend getting one! I wrote notes in the margins of mine, as well as the dates of when I visited each place. It’s now a treasured souvenir from that chapter of my life.

7. Edgerton Park

Edgerton Park is located right on the border of New Haven and Hamden. I used to live right next to this park, so it was a place I frequented often!

The park is styled after 18th century English landscape gardens. The property was originally owned by Eli Whitney and was later bought by Frederick Brewster. He constructed a large English-style Tudor home that he named “Edgerton” because it was located on the edge of town. Brewster gifted the estate to the city of New Haven after his death. The mansion was torn down to create a public park, but the carriage house and several other buildings still remain in the park. There are several greenhouses in the park currently.

I would often play frisbee at Edgerton Park or lay in the grass and read. It was the perfect place to go when it snowed, because there was lots of pristine snow untouched by the city. I also really enjoyed watching Shakespeare in the Park there on summer evenings.

8. Yale University Art Gallery

At the time of this writing, admission to the Yale University Art Gallery is free to the public Tuesday through Sunday. There are a number of exhibitions and collections that display more than 4,000 pieces of art. The museum contains a wide variety of artworks, including international pieces, historic pieces, and modern art. The museum also has a rooftop terrace and a sculpture garden.

9. The Green in Downtown New Haven

Visiting New Haven’s Green is an essential part of any visit. New Haven was one of the first planned cities in the United States, and the city began as a 9-square grid. The Green was established in the center of that grid, and it continues to be an important gathering place in downtown New Haven. 

The Green is 16-acres and is surrounded by historic buildings. There are 3 churches on the Green that were all built in the early 1800s. These include the United Church, the Center Church, and the Trinity Episcopal Church. Each of the churches has a unique architectural style: Federal style, Georgian style, and Gothic Revival style.

As you walk across the Green, you may not know its history as the original graveyard for the city of New Haven. As the city grew, the gravestones were moved to Grove Street Cemetery, but not the bodies! Scholars estimate that there are between 4,000 to 5,000 people buried under the Green. When I lived in New Haven, one of the oak trees fell down and they found a skull and bones beneath its upended roots! You can also learn more about New Haven’s spooky history by taking a ghost tour . 

The Green has been listed as a National Historic Landmark and is also on the Connecticut Register of Historic Places.

10. Grove Street Cemetery

The Grove Street Cemetery was established in 1797 and it was the first cemetery in the United States designed with family plots. Many of its tombstones date back to the 1600s. The cemetery is a National Historic Landmark. There are tours of the cemetery. Be sure to see the Egyptian Revival Gateway to the cemetery.

11. Louis’ Lunch

261 Crown St, New Haven, CT 06511

Louis’ Lunch was established in 1895 and is thought to be the place where the hamburger was invented! If you’re a foodie, you have to visit Louis’ Lunch for its historical significance to American dining! Be sure to check their website for operating hours. 

The restaurant is one of the oldest family businesses in the United States, and is currently under 4th-generation ownership. The Liberty of Congress has officially recognized Louis’ Lunch as the Birthplace of the Hamburger Sandwich.

The hamburger got its beginning when a man in a hurry asked owner Louis Lassen for a meal on-the-go. Louis placed steak trimmings between two pieces of toast, and the rest is history! If you go to Louis’ Lunch, you’ll find that the burgers are still served on plain white toast. 

12. Shubert Theatre

The Shubert Theatre has been a hub of performing arts since 1914. Many of the country’s most popular actors got their start at the Shubert Theatre, including Humphrey Bogart and Clark Gable. Check the Shubert Theatre’s schedule to see what is showing during your visit to New Haven! 

13. Listen to the Whiffenpoofs

The Whiffenpoofs in an a capella group that is comprised of 14 Yale senior students. It’s the world’s oldest collegiate a capella group. Check out their website to see if you can catch one of their shows! We got to see them perform live and it was truly a memorable experience!

14. Wooster Square and Little Italy

Wooster Square and Little Italy are located to the east of downtown New Haven. Wooster Square is a historic park located in the neighborhood. New Haven’s Little Italy is also located in this neighborhood. Little Italy contains some of New Haven’s most famous pizzerias: Pepe’s and Sally’s. (More on those below!)

15. Eat New Haven-Style Pizza

New Haven is one of the biggest pizza cities in the United States and can hold its own against cities like Chicago and New York. New Haven pizza is often called  apizza (pronounced ah-beets ), to stay close to its Italian roots. New Haven pizza is known for a chewy thin crust, simple tomato sauce, and just a bit of cheese.

There are a handful of very famous pizza restaurants in New Haven, and we personally recommend that you try all of them. We’ve been to all of them, and we honestly can’t pick a favorite. Our best advice is to just eat at all of them at least once!

The main pizza rivalry in New Haven is between Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana and Sally’s Apizza. They’re located on the same block in Wooster Square in the Little Italy district.

It’s believed that Frank Pepe, an immigrant from Italy, is the inventor of New Haven’s style of pizza. He topped his signature pie with olive oil, crushed tomatoes, pecorino romano cheese, and herbs. If you visit Pepe’s, be sure to try the White Clam Pizza and the Frank Pepe’s Original Tomato Pie. The white clam pizza was invented in the 1960s and it’s one of their most popular pizzas! The pizzeria is still a family-owned business. There’s often a line out the door, so get there early and enjoy!

Sally’s Apizza made me question everything I ever knew about pizza. Their classic pie has tomato sauce and toppings, but I was surprised to learn that melted cheese is not necessarily a staple ingredient. And you know what? I didn’t even miss it! The pizza I tried was delicious, and our server was absolutely hilarious. The restaurant was established by Sal, Frank Pepe’s nephew, in 1938.

We also have to mention the pizza at BAR. We visited frequently for their mashed potato pizza, and I brought almost all of my visiting guests to Bar to try it. Make sure to order a white pie with mashed potatoes, garlic, mozzarella, and bacon. This is the place where all the Yalies take their friends and family!

16. New Haven Museum

The New Haven Museum is located off of Whitney Avenue. At the time of this writing, an adult admission ticket costs $4 and the museum is open to the publicW Wednesday through Saturday. The museum focuses on exhibitions that highlight New Haven’s history. 

17. Eli Whitney Museum & Workshop

The Eli Whitney Museum & Workshop is technically located in the city of Hamden, right at the border between New Haven and Hamden. The museum focuses on experiential exercises. The museum is located on the land in which Eli Whitney built the first American factory back in 1798.

18. Lighthouse Point Park

The lighthouse at Lighthouse Point Park was built in 1847. It’s a great place to go for a picnic or a beach walk.

19. IT Adventure Indoor Ropes Course

IT Adventure Indoor Ropes Course is the perfect activity for a rainy day! All of the ropes courses are located indoors, and it’s actually the world’s largest indoor ropes course. There are 4 levels of courses that have dozens of challenges.

20. West Rock Ridge State Park

In addition to East Rock, there’s also a West Rock! The park has a lot of trails, including the famous Regicide Trail. (West Rock served as a hide out for several regicide judges of King Charles I after they fled England.)

21. Toad’s Place

Numerous music legends have played at this New Haven night club. Check out the Toad’s Place calendar to purchase show tickets.

Hotel Recommendations

• Omni New Haven Hotel at Yale : While I was living in New Haven, I observed that this was the most popular hotel for visiting guests. I even stayed there myself when I interviewed for my position! The hotel is within walking distance to Yale University, the New Haven Green, and Union Station. Be sure to grab breakfast on the weekend at John Davenports at the Top of the Park. The restaurant is located on the 19th floor and has sweeping views of the city!
• The Blake Hotel : This boutique hotel is also centrally located to Yale University’s campus. The hotel was named after Alice Blake, who was the first woman to graduate from Yale Law School. The Blake Hotel also has a cool rooftop bar (High George) that is open seasonally.
• The Study at Yale : This 4-star hotel is located near the Arts Campus, which is where you can find many of New Haven’s museums and libraries.

Best Restaurants in the New Haven Area

Below are our picks for some of the best restaurants in New Haven. We’ve personally been to each of these restaurants and can attest to their deliciousness!

• Bar: Get the mashed potato pizza! I crave this pizza all the time and wish I could go back to Connecticut to eat it.
• Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana: Order the white clam pizza!
• Prime 16 Tap House + Burgers: We would frequently visit this restaurant for gourmet burgers.
• Louis’ Lunch: Birthplace of the hamburger, you have to visit at least once. 
• Bella’s Cafe: This is our favorite brunch spot in New Haven. Everything we ate there was absolutely incredible. One of the hardest parts about leaving New Haven was leaving Bella’s!
• Sally’s Apizza: Easily one of the best New Haven pizzerias!
• Modern Apizza: This is another one of New Haven’s famous pizzerias. You have to add it to your list!
• 116 Crown: A popular bar that makes excellent craft cocktails.

You also need to try a Connecticut-style lobster roll while you’re in New Haven. The lobster meat is served warm on a bun with melted butter on top. They are the best!

How to Get to New Haven

New Haven is located in the state of Connecticut on the northern portion of Long Island Sound . The city is located right off of New Haven Harbor and the Quinnipiac River runs alongside the eastern portion of the city.

If you’re traveling to New Haven from New York or Boston, it’s very convenient to take the train . New Haven’s Union Station has multiple Amtrak routes. The train from New Haven to New York is about 1 hour and 45 minutes long. The train from New Haven to Boston is about 2 hours and 30 minutes long. I took the train to both New York and Boston frequently from New Haven, and I found it to be very convenient! 

You can also fly to New Haven. Tweed New Haven Airport (HVN) is located just 5 miles east of New Haven. The airport is fairly small and has just a handful of regional flights. When I was flying back and forth between my hometown of Seattle and New Haven, I would often fly into Bradley International Airport (BDL). Bradley International Airport is located 53 miles north of New Haven. You can either rent a car and drive down I-91 to New Haven, or you can book a shuttle to take you. 

Finally, you can drive to New Haven. The city has easy access to both I-91 and I-95 .

Attractions Near New Haven

Below are some nearby attractions we visited while living in Connecticut. These make for easy day trips from New Haven.

Mystic Seaport

The Mystic Seaport Museum is home to historic vessels and a charming marina village. The seaport was constructed to appear as a 19th-century village. The buildings were not re-created, but rather original buildings that were transported to Mystic. I took my parents to the Mystic Seaport Museum during their visit, and it was one of their favorite things we did in Connecticut. The museum features a number of maritime exhibitions, the marina is filled with historic vessels, and there are two 19th-century period gardens. Children will especially enjoy the planetarium and the children’s museum. Be sure to check the events schedule prior to your visit. 

Pez Visitor Center

The Pez Visitor Center has a large collection of Pez dispensers. Take the self-guided tour through the 4,000 square building and learn all about this famous candy. 

New England Fall Foliage

The best time to see the fall foliage in New England is late September through early November. If you’re able to visit New Haven during this time, you absolutely have to go for a drive to see the autumn leaves. You can even schedule a dinner train to fully take in the beauty!

Sleeping Giant State Park

If you’re looking for a hike near New Haven, check out Sleeping Giant State Park. The profile of the mountain resembles a “sleeping giant.” The Sleeping Giant Tower Trail will take you to the top of Mount Carmel where you’ll find a concrete tower. The trail is about 3.1 miles long out-and-back, with about 600 feet of total elevation gain. This was my husband and I’s first trail together!

Hammonasset Beach State Park

Hammonasset is Connecticut’s largest beach state park. During the summer, this is where I would often go for a beach day. The beach is located on the northern shore of Long Island Sound. The park contains over two miles of sandy shoreline. It’s the perfect place for beach walks, sunbathing, and picnics. You can even camp there. The campground has 556 grassy campsites, and there are 8 cabins that can be rented.

Mystic Aquarium

Mystic Aquarium is an aquarium that hosts a number of marine animal exhibits, including beluga whales, steller sea lions, penguins, sharks, and rays. At the time of this writing, advanced tickets are required.

Harriet Beecher Stowe Center

The Harriet Beecher Stowe Center is dedicated to preserving Stowe’s Hartford home and her legacy. The center is open 3 days a week at the time of this writing. During the interactive tour, you’ll learn all about her life and her novel Uncle Tom’s Cabin. Her home, which she lived in for 23 years, is a National Historic Landmark. At the time of this writing, a general admission ticket costs $20. 

Mark Twain House

The Mark Twain House and Museum will teach you all about the life and writing of author Mark Twain. He lived in the house from 1874 to 1891, and it was at this house that he wrote The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn and The Adventures of Tom Sawyer . The home is a National Historic Landmark. We toured the home and would absolutely recommend it to others.

Gillette Castle State Park

If you want to see a medieval-looking castle in Connecticut, head to Gillette Castle State Park. Tours of the castle resume May 28, 2022 through September 5, 2022. The castle was built under the direction of WIlliam Hooker Gillette, who was an actor, novelist, and playwright. Gillette was heavily invested in the creative process of its construction, and as a result, he included a movable table on tracks and built-in couches. There are also numerous trails surrounding the estate. We visited on a warm spring day and really enjoyed strolling around the property.

Savin Rock Park

Located in West Haven, Savin Rock Park is easily accessed from New Haven. The park used to serve as an amusement park with an appearance very reminiscent of Coney Island. The park has a boardwalk along the waterfront and is a nice place to go for a walk.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is new haven worth visiting.

New Haven is definitely a city worth visiting. If you’re into history, you’ll enjoy the town’s many museums. Many of the museums focus on the city’s role even prior to the Revolutionary War. If you’re into food, you’ll enjoy the many pizzerias that make New Haven famous. And if you’re into the arts, Yale University is home to many art galleries, theaters, and museums.

When is the best time to visit?

The best time to visit New Haven is between late September and early November. The fall foliage will be at its peak and it makes the whole city incredibly picturesque. I personally enjoy late September because the city buzzes with excitement at the start of each academic year.

Is New Haven a fun city?

New Haven is a fun city because there are numerous restaurants, bars, theaters, galleries, and museums. Because it is home to Yale University, there are plenty of cultural events that occur throughout the year.

Where’s the best place to live in New Haven?

If you’re looking to move to New Haven, we highly recommend the East Rock neighborhood. The neighborhood is easily accessible to downtown New Haven and Yale University. There’s tons of restaurants along Orange Street and Whitney Avenue, and there are several parks that are within walking distance. We lived in the East Rock neighborhood off of Whitney Avenue for 3 years and we really enjoyed the neighborhood! It’s a popular neighborhood for Yale interns, residents, fellows, and faculty. 

When I moved to New Haven, I wasn’t sure what to expect from this small city in Connecticut. I ended up really enjoying the city. I found that there was always tons of things to do in New Haven, and big cities like Boston and New York were only a quick train ride away. I hope you found this guide helpful as you plan your own trip to New Haven!

Disclaimer: We always strive for content accuracy. Since the time of publishing, travel-related information regarding pricing, schedules, and hours may have changed. Please look up such information directly from each vendor or institution for the most current information.

Hi, I’m Kelly!

After studying abroad in Spain, I became passionate about international travel. Since then, I’ve traveled to 6 continents and 36 states within the United States. When I’m not travel blogging, you can find me hiking, reading books in Spanish, or playing cribbage. I hope my blog inspires you to see the world!

15 Things to do in New Haven, Connecticut [With Suggested Tours]

The home of one of the most prestigious universities in the country. The second-largest city in Connecticut, and the sixth-largest in New England. This city will teach you a lot of information about the great history of the area. I’m talking about New Haven. If ever you’re wondering what to see in this city, we have it all for you!

We listed down the things that you can do and visit in New Haven, Connecticut. By looking at the list, you’ll have an idea of what to do when you decide to visit there. 

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Best Things to do in New Haven, Connecticut

1. yale university.

Experience a fun campus tour at Yale University! This university in New Haven is one of the oldest and most reputable universities in the country. Students will be your tour guide, you’d learn about the university’s history and get to see the facilities of the campus. The tour starts at 10 am and it’s free. 

Suggested Tour: Fitness Walking Tour of Yale and New Haven

2. Yale University Art Gallery

This is the oldest college art museum in America. Find amazing collections of Italian painting, African sculpture, modern art, and a lot more. This art museum is also huge that you could spend a whole day strolling around and looking at the displays. Admission is also free and open to the public!

3. Beinecke Rare Book & Manuscript Library

Truly a heaven for bookworms! Beinecke Rare Book & Manuscript Library is also located at Yale University. The smell of the rare books, when you enter, is one of the best feelings you could ever feel. The structure of this building is also very unique which makes this library stands out.

Suggested Tour: Let’s Roam’s New Haven Scavenger Hunt: Yale & Beyond!

4. Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History

A museum where even kids can enjoy. Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History is one of the oldest and largest university natural history museums in the world. It has a wide collection of Indian artifacts, Egyptian arts, and large birds. There are also fun activities inside. This museum was truly made to entertain children and people of all ages.

5. Yale Center for British Art

Yale Center for British Art is a public art museum in New Haven, Connecticut. It also has the largest collection of British Art that is outside the United Kingdom. You don’t have to be a British Art nerd to appreciate this place. The displays are already stunning, you’d definitely enjoy looking and learning about them.

6. East Rock Park

This quiet and peaceful park offers playgrounds and ballfields. There’s also a short but challenging climb to the top that has picnic areas and wonderful views of the city and the Long Island Sound. This is the ideal place to chill after a long tiring day.

7. Knights of Columbus Museum

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by This Brutal House (@thisbrutalhouse) on Oct 30, 2017 at 3:50pm PDT

A very interesting museum that exhibits about history, art, and faith. By going here, you’d learn more about the Knights of Columbus and their role in WW1. If you’re interested to visit this museum, you have to schedule a tour in advance. 

8. Shubert Theater

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Shubert Theatre (@shubertnewhaven) on Mar 19, 2020 at 1:03pm PDT

The ideal way to kill the time while having fun is to go here at Shubert Theater. It features Broadway shows that are very entertaining. There are also nearby restaurants which you could go to after watching the performances. 

9. Edgerton Park

This 20-acre public park contains conservancy, community gardens, plays or festivals, and greenhouses. The trees, the grass, the gardens, everything here is such a beauty. You could spend a magical day at this uncrowded park.

10. Pearl Harbor Memorial Bridge

A visit to this bridge, especially at night, is a must. Pearl Harbor Memorial Bridge, also called Q Bridge by locals, has a beautiful architecture. Never miss the chance to see this scenic bridge in New Haven. 

11. Chapel Street

This busy street in New Haven is filled with restaurants, great shopping, and museums. It’s a good way to hang out in this area to enjoy the vibrant energy of the place. 

12. Long Wharf Theatre

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Long Wharf Theatre (@longwharftheatre) on Mar 13, 2020 at 6:00am PDT

Another great way to entertain yourself. Watch a good performance or show with amazing actors. It features 2 stages, offers new plays & modern versions of classics. If you’re a fan of Broadway shows, then you should go here.

13. Center Church

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by yangxue (@arony_yx) on Mar 6, 2020 at 6:28am PST

Center Church is very historical and sacred. A short trip here is well worth it. The stunning architecture of this church is a plus. The public tour starts from 11 am until 1 pm, during the months of April through October. 

14. Grove Street Cemetery

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Geriana (@gerianavanatta) on Nov 16, 2019 at 9:45am PST

A beautiful historic cemetery that offers a peaceful walk. There are lots of interesting and beautiful monuments, and plenty of notable people are buried here. Although a tour at a cemetery might sound unusual, a visit here at Grove Street Cemetery is a must-do.

Suggested Tour: New Haven’s Ghost Walk

15. Little Italy

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Jennifer Bobiwash (@bobiwash) on Feb 9, 2020 at 6:19am PST

If you want to have that Italian vibe, then head to Little Italy in New Haven. And when we hear the word “Italy”, pizza comes to our mind first, right? Well, here, they have one of the best pizzas in the U.S. Never miss the chance to try their awesome pizza!

Things to do with 3 days in New Haven, Connecticut

Day 1 in New Haven, Connecticut

Knights of Columbus Museum – Gain more knowledge about the Knights of Columbus and their role in WW1 in this museum. You’d be amazed by its great history. 

Day 2 in New Haven, Connecticut

Yale University – When you’re in New Haven, you should definitely visit Yale University. On this campus, you can see a lot of interesting and educational facilities that would make your trip more exciting. When you are inside, don’t forget to go to Yale Center for British Art , Beinecke Rare Book & Manuscript Library , Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History , and Yale University Art Gallery . These facilities are very entertaining and informative. You could totally spend a whole day touring in this wonderful university.

Day 3 in New Haven, Connecticut

East Rock Park – Have a lovely last day of the trip at East Rock Park. You can have a picnic here with your family or friends or you can just chill while enjoying stunning views.

Frequently Asked Questions about New Haven, Connecticut

1. Is it safe to travel to New Haven, Connecticut?

Walking during the daytime in New Haven is generally safe. However, there are places that crimes still happen, although they’re rare. It is not recommended to walk alone late at night in the said city, even though you’re in a safer area. 

2. When is the best time to visit New Haven, Connecticut?

To fully enjoy your New Haven trip, it is advisable to go there during the summer season. Months of June to September have the warmest weather. But if you’re not good with warm weather, you can visit during the fall and spring season. 

3. How to get to New Haven, Connecticut?

Unfortunately, very few airlines fly directly to New Haven. You need to find a connecting flight in order to go there. The main airport in New Haven is the Tweed New Haven Airport. You can see more available flights in Skyscanner. 

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About the Writer

Hi there! I’m Fatima . My first major travel was in 2016 in the beautiful city of Cebu. After that, I got interested in traveling. Now I enjoy learning languages and other country’s cultures. My goal is to visit at least one country each year and to share my experiences with other people through writing or blogging. Witness my journey by following me on Instagram .

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Home » Travel Guides » United States » Connecticut (CT) » 15 Best Things to Do in New Haven (CT)

15 Best Things to Do in New Haven (CT)

Study a map of New Haven and you’ll see a four-by-four grid at its heart, dating from 1638 when this was the first planned city in America.

Since 1701 New Haven’s story has been intertwined with that of Yale University, the Collegiate Gothic campus of which is scattered across downtown.

Being a university town, New Haven has a certain dynamism on its walkable streets, and is imbued with culture and great places to eat and go out. On this note, I have to mention New Haven-style pizza, served at businesses that have been going strong since the 1930s.  

Crown Street and Temple Street have everything from pho to sushi and Cubans, and there’s a feast of a cerebral variety at museums like the Yale University Art Gallery, the Peabody Museum and the Yale Center for British Art.

New Haven is at the head of the namesake harbor on Long Island Sound, and has a coast lined with parks for waterside walks and beach trips.

1. Yale University

The largest employer in New Haven is the third-oldest institution of higher education in America.

Yale University was founded in 1701 and in its time has produced 61 Nobel Laureates, five U.S. Presidents and 19 U.S. Supreme Court Justices.

Touring the campus you’ll see that, apart from a few head-turning examples of modern architecture, the various schools and libraries are in a stately Collegiate Gothic style.

I was smitten with the regal mansions on Hillhouse Avenue and the 216-foot Harkness Tower, part of the Memorial Quadrangle, looming over High Street.

The Yale University Visitor Center, at 149 Elm Street, is in John Pierpoint House, the oldest private home in New Haven and where you can arrange a guided tour by a knowledgeable undergraduate.

2. Yale University Art Gallery

In a regal Tuscan Romanesque building a couple of blocks across from the Green is the Western Hemisphere’s oldest university art museum.

Across four floors, all epochs and cultures are covered by the Yale University Art Gallery. Still,  there’s an accent on French Impressionism, late-19th-century American Realism, African sculpture, early Italian painting and modern art.

I was thrilled with the gallery’s wild diversity, as you leap from Greek Archaic period urns from the 6th century BCE to The Night Café by van Gogh.

There’s everything from 17th-century Chinese landscape scrolls to Early Classic Period Mayan carvings, via late Medieval Italian ecclesiastical paintings, and works by Flemish and masters like Rubens and Frans Hals.

Sharing the third floor with those masters is a big dose of modern painting, exemplified by Joseph Stella’s Brooklyn Bridge (1919-20) and Kazimir Malevich’s The Knifegrinder (1912-1913).

3. Yale Center for British Art

The largest collection of British art outside the UK is held at this museum opposite the Yale University Art Gallery on Chapel Street.

The Yale Center for British Art has gathered more than 2,000 paintings and 200 sculptures. It  starts with the Elizabethan period in the 16th century but pays special attention to the time between William Hogarth’s birth in 1697 and J.M.W. Turner’s death in 1851, roughly correlating with the Georgian period.

Turner, Hogarth, Joshua Reynolds, Gainsborough and Constable are all represented, along with 20th-century artists like Barbara Hepworth and Stanley Spencer.

There’s also work by a roll-call of foreign artists who spent time in Britain, like Hans Holbein, Canaletto, Rubens and van Dyck.

The collections of drawings and prints are vast and contain pieces by Hogarth, Blake, John Ruskin, Paul Nash and the pre-Raphaelites, while among the books, manuscripts and maps is every book published by William Morris’s Kelmscott Press.

Illuminating recent exhibitions have dealt with depictions of Georgian and Victorian Prisons, British Castles, 18th-century marine painting and Romantic art from 1760 to 1860.

On my last visit, this museum was temporarily closed, but was due to open within a year.

4. Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History

Up there with the best university natural history museums in the world, the Peabody Museum started out in 1866 and recently received a $160m donation from the billionaire philanthropist Ed Bass.

You’ll come across wildlife dioramas and compelling permanent exhibitions for ornithology, mineralogy, Connecticut’s Native Americans and the evolution of humans and animals.

But what excites me most is the museum’s vertebrate paleontology collections, up there with the best in the country.

The Great Hall of Dinosaurs is commanded by a mounted skeleton of a juvenile brontosaurus, and has the astonishing, 110-foot Age of Reptiles Mural, painted over five years up to 1947 by Rudolph F. Zallinger.

5. East Rock Park

At the north end of the city stands a rugged diabase ridge, formed 200 million years ago, stretching out for 1.4 miles and reaching a maximum height of 466 feet.

The sedimentary stone fringing East Rock has gradually been worn away to reveal igneous bluffs with a reddish tint from their iron content.

You can visit the ridge at the 427-acre East Rock Park, skirted by the Mill River. This incorporates wetland areas, a space for birding, sports fields, a canoe launch and, atop the bluffs, the 1887 Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument.

I highly recommend heading up to the viewpoint just in front of the monument to bask in the views of Long Island Sound and the harbor.

6. The Green

Everything I’ve listed so far, except East Rock Park of course, is within a few steps of this 16-acre square with lawns, monuments and lots of tree cover on its margins.

The trees are relatively young elms, resistant to Dutch elm disease and planted in the 1980s after its historic predecessors died off from this fungus.

The Green is the central tile of New Haven’s planned city from 1638, and was laid out by its puritan founders to be large enough to accommodate 144,000 people. This was the total that they believed would be spared by the Second Coming of Christ.

Piercing the tree-line are the white towers of three early-19th-century churches, one of which we’ll cover later.

There are dining choices all along the south-west side (chains like Subway, Five Guys, Shake Shack, Chipotle, the Halal Guys), and in summer there’s always some sort of outdoor concert or festival.

A landmark in the calendar is the 15-day International Festival of Arts & Ideas in June, which is anchored here but spreads out across New Haven.

7. Lighthouse Point Park

On the east side of the entrance to New Haven Harbor is an 82-acre park that has beaches defended by rocky outcrops, vistas back over the water to the city and a couple of beautiful old monuments.

One is Five Mile Point Light (exactly five miles from New Haven Green), which guided maritime traffic in and out of the harbor from 1847 until it went dark in 1877. The 80-foot octagonal tower was restored in the 1980s and along with its keeper’s house is on the National Register of Historic Places.

Also cherished, and still operating on national holidays and weekends in summer, is the park’s carousel, dating back to 1911 and one of fewer than 100 still working today.

The ride’s carved figures include 69 horses, two chariots, and rarest of all, a single camel.

Another summer favorite for smaller visitors is the park’s splash pad, when there’s also a concession stand and pavilions for rental.

8. Sterling Memorial Library

Yale University’s main library building dates to 1931. This magnificent structure is in a fitting Gothic Revival style, designed by James Gamble Rogers and fronted by a 15-level book stack tower.

As with all of Yale’s libraries, the Sterling Memorial is free and open to the public Monday to Thursday, 8:30 AM – 7:00 PM and Friday 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM. 

I feel it’s a chance worth taking, to soak up the atmospheric architecture, especially in the main nave with its beautiful coffered ceiling and lofty pointed arches.

The ornamentation tallies with the purpose of each room, so the English study for instance has stained glass evoking Hamlet, King Lear and Lady Macbeth. Also with appropriate decor are the offices for the Babylonian Collection, one of the largest collections of Ancient Mesopotamian artifacts in the world.

This can be viewed by prior appointment and mostly comprises inscriptions on clay tablets, cones and prisms, in Sumerian, Akkadian and Hittite.

9. PEZ Visitor Center

The American base for the famous Austrian candy, PEZ, is right by the Yale West Campus in Orange. The visitor center at this modern facility is packed out with everything PEZ.

You can get a full run-down on the history of the brand starting in 1927, take part in interactive quizzes and games and see the high-tech packaging facility in action through viewing windows.

Display cases are loaded with decades’ worth of interesting PEZ memorabilia, all in the shadow of the largest dispenser in the world.

Also neat is a PEZ-themed motorcycle designed by the company from TV’s American Chopper. And of course, the store has the biggest stock of PEZ products I’ve ever laid eyes on.

10. Shubert Theater

Opened in 1914 by New York theater moguls the Shubert Brothers, the 1,600-seater Shubert Theater quickly became a testing ground for new shows before they opened on Broadway.

In the last 100+ years there have been more than 300 world premieres at New Haven’s Shubert Theater, as well as 50 American premieres and 600+ Broadway tryouts.

Liza Minnelli made her debut in a Broadway production right here in Flora the Red Menace in 1965, while three Barrymores (Ethel, John and Lionel) trod these boards, as well as the Marx Brothers in their vaudeville days.

When I was in town I took the chance to watch Chicago, an old favorite, in this palatial setting. 

Paired with the Broadway season is a helping of live music, from jazz to classical recitals, as well as activities like a summer theater and arts camp for kids throughout the month of July.

11. New Haven-style Pizza

Really, I don’t think it’s possible to visit New Haven and not seek out the city’s famous pizza. In fact people make the trip expressly for pizza crawls, calling at all of the iconic spots, like Sally’s Apizza, which opened in 1938, and Modern Apizza (1934).

Of all the regional pizza variations, New Haven-style may be the one with the most foodie cred. 

For one thing it’s derived from Neapolitan thin-crust, baked in extreme heat in coal-fired ovens, giving it a signature char. It’s essentially cold-fermented dough, tomato sauce, oregano and a coating of pecorino. Mozzarella is a topping rather than a base here.

12. Center Church on the Green (First Church of Christ)

The Center Church on the Green goes way back to within a year of New Haven’s creation, in 1639, and there’s evidence of the site’s great age underground in the crypt.

The fourth and current church building was constructed in a Georgian style in the 1810s on top of the town’s former burial ground, and all of the remains and gravestones were left in situ.

The oldest stone belongs to a Sarah Rutherford Trowbridge (d.1687), while Benedict Arnold’s first wife Margaret Mansfield (d.1775) is buried here, as well as one of Yale’s founders, James Pierpoint (d.1714).

13. Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library

A true modern wonder at Yale University is one of the largest buildings in the world devoted to rare books and manuscripts. The Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library was built in the International style in the 1960s. 

From the outside it’s maybe a little austere, but all the spectacle is on the inside. Here, sunlight filters in through the textured marble panels on the walls. It illuminates an awe-inspiring set of stacks with shelves loaded with invaluable books and manuscripts.

The library is open to the public seven days a week, and there’s a host of permanent and temporary displays. I was truly humbled to view a genuine copy of the Gutenberg Bible, other early printed books, and John James Audubon’s Birds of America.

14. Savin Rock Park

Another place to get the scent of the ocean, and look across Long Island Sound, Savin Rock Park is on the waterfront in West Haven.

From the 1870s to the 1960s, this was known as Connecticut’s Coney Island, with a 1,500-foot pier and an amusement park with five roller coasters on massive wooden frames.

The 1938 New England hurricane and West Haven’s later residential and industrial development put paid to the theme park.

But today’s Savin Rock Park is my go-to for a walk or to laze on a beach on a sunny day.

There’s a boardwalk, with benches and backed by a big patch of grassy foreshore that has hints of the huge amusement park that was here before.

If you’re in the mood you can walk out a few hundred feet to Bradley Rocks at low tide, just past the park’s west end.

15. Grove Street Cemetery

The world’s first private and non-profit cemetery is fringed by Yale University buildings a couple of blocks north of New Haven Green.

Grove Street Cemetery was set up in 1796 to replace the burial ground on the Green. It was among the first to have permanent memorials and a structured layout made up of ornamental gardens, plots owned by families and paved streets and avenues with names.

Fourteen Yale presidents are among Grove Street Cemetery’s many prestigious burials. These include high-achieving astronomers, theologians, mathematicians, paleontologists and chemists like Lars Onsager (1903-1976), who won the Nobel Prize in 1969. 

Perhaps the most important is Eli Whitney (1765-1925), who invented the cotton gin, while there’s a monument to bandleader Glenn Miller. He famously went missing in 1944 and had formed the 418th Army Air Forces Band at Yale in 1942.

My tip is to get a place on one of the guided tours, happening on Wednesdays and Saturdays, April through November.

15 Best Things to Do in New Haven (CT):

• Yale University
• Yale University Art Gallery
• Yale Center for British Art
• Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History
• East Rock Park
• Lighthouse Point Park
• Sterling Memorial Library
• PEZ Visitor Center
• Shubert Theater
• New Haven-style Pizza
• Center Church on the Green (First Church of Christ)
• Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library
• Savin Rock Park
• Grove Street Cemetery

18 Things to Do in New Haven, CT (Yes, Including Pizza!)

I’ve been to New Haven, Connecticut, a few times now, and the New England city continues to surprise me.

The food scene rivals that of larger cities, and that one prestigious university that makes New Haven home adds a slew of cultural opportunities to those yummy vibes, many of which are FREE.

New Haven is also an excellent base for all kinds of adventuring outside the city limits, for those of you out there with more time in town.

Explore all the best things to do in New Haven with this guide to the Connecticut town, whether you’re here on a New England road trip or a quick visit.

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links below may be affiliate links, including links through the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program . As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases . At no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I won’t recommend something I have not used/would not use myself, and any income earned supports the upkeep of this site.

Things to Do in New Haven

What is New Haven best known for? New Haven is most well known for Yale University and pizza. As the second largest city in Connecticut, it may have somewhat of a chip on its shoulder, but that only makes it feel that much scrappier.

You’ll see both the university and pizza represented here by the way.

Is New Haven worth visiting? New Haven is worth visiting for its food scene — including pizza and beyond that — and its cultural offerings. It’s also worth visiting for the adventures to be had within a short drive of the city.

Eat and explore your way through New Haven, Connecticut, with this guide to all of my favorite things to do.

Interested in a map of all the best things to do in New Haven, CT? Check out the Google map below for my favorite New Haven attractions!

GIMME THAT NEW HAVEN MAP!

Eat the best pizza in new haven..

I go into this one in detail in my guide to the best pizza in New Haven . In brief, though, we indulged in Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana , Sally’s Apizza , and Modern Apizza , the three most well-known pizzerias in the city.

If you’re all, “But I can only choose one!” go for Pepe’s.

I also feel sad for you. Plan better next time.

Try other New Haven Restaurants, too.

New Haven has more than pizza, you guys. I mean, if you’re only there for like a day, just eat some pizza. If you’re there for longer, explore New Haven’s delicious food scene in a little more detail.

Louis’ Lunch claims to have invented the hamburger, serving up the classic since 1895. Their version is on white toast, and the only toppings they offer are cheese, onion, and tomato, without exceptions.

The Camacho Garage is a lively Mexican restaurant known for their tacos and ceviche. Their beer-battered fish taco will remind you of the best taco shops in San Diego, if you’ve been lucky enough to indulge.

We’re usually on the hunt for Thai food no matter where we’re stopping. Sri Thai in West Haven is the best we found if you’re craving authenticity, and their plating is oh so pretty.

Meanwhile, the House of Naan Indian Kitchen & Bar is over there serving up modern Indian cuisine and playful appetizers like tikka fries and their house wings.

Feel like a kid at the PEZ Visitor Center.

If you’re traveling with kids, you’ll want to visit the PEZ Visitor Center in nearby Orange, a whimsical place that tops fun things to do in New Haven.

If you’re traveling without kids, you’ll still want to go. Who doesn’t like candy?

You won’t spend hours in this place, unless you get really invested in finding all of the crystal skull dispensers. In brief, each crystal skull dispenser comes with a letter or two that helps you solve a mystery message on a card you get when you check in.

Note: Don’t tell anyone, but we were able to guess the clue without finding all the skulls throughout the shop and exhibits. We got a free PEZ dispenser for our ingenuity.

If that sounds too intense for you, just spend some time admiring all of the fun dispensers over the year. Japan does not mess around!

Pretend like you attend Yale University.

You can’t visit New Haven without seeing the influence of Yale University on the town. For your own walking tour of campus, start at the iconic Harkness Tower.

Note: In normal times, summer tours take you inside the tower, climbing up 130 steps to get a closeup of the bells. In irregular times, like pandemics, those tours are only available to folks from Yale. Check the website if you’re interested in the hike!

If you like architecture, head to the Sterling Memorial Library next. It’s an excellent example of the Gothic Revival thing Yale has going on.

For some good people watching, settle in on the New Haven Green. We visited on a rainy day, but it was still remarkable to see a green space this size in the middle of the city.

Visit the three historic churches that surround the park: the United Church on the Green, the Center Church on the Green (First Church of Christ), and the Trinity Church on the Green.

The Amistad Memorial is also worth a look, just off the green .

See rare books at the Beinecke Rare Book & Manuscript Library.

There will be a few things here from the Yale University campus that deserve their own addition. The Beinecke Rare Book & Manuscript Library is one of those spots.

This place is stunning and culturally significant. Case in point: They have their own copy of a Gutenberg Bible.

Under normal circumstances, visitors are welcome in the mezzanine and entry hall. Only Yale folks are allowed in the other areas of the library.

Walk with dinosaurs at the Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History.

We weren’t able to make it to this one because it was closed for a “once in a lifetime” construction project. That only makes me want to return and see what all the fuss is about, as the museum seems like one of the more unique things to do in New Haven.

I’d go just for the museum’s centerpiece alone: the Great Hall of Dinosaurs.

I’ve only seen it in photo form, but the mural in the hall, The Age of Reptiles , looks spectacular. At one point it was the largest painting in the world.

Pretend some more at the Yale University Art Gallery.

This impressive free museum boasts art from around the world and across a number of time periods. See all of the masters, including van Gogh, Monet, and Rubens. Explore photography exhibits and contemporary art we still have a hard time wrapping our heads around.

Truly, it’s an impressive place that you spend a few hours in. Reserve your tickets in advance online if you’re visiting in the evening or on weekends.

Embrace your inner Anglophile at the Yale Center for British Art.

The Yale Center for British Art boasts the largest collection of British art that isn’t in the U.K. This place is a little bit overwhelming as a result, but it’s also free!

We went to this one after the Yale University Art Gallery, so were a little bit spent. The halls inside are worth a look alone, even if you’re not a connoisseur of British art.

Pop by the Atticus Bookstore Cafe after. They serve up hot mulled cider when the season calls for it, light snacks, and sandwiches, and books on the other side. It was busy with Yale students on our visit.

Feel the history at Grove Street Cemetery.

Also known as the Grove Street Burial Ground, the Grove Street Cemetery is the oldest cemetery in the country. A National Historic Landmark, it’s unique as the first cemetery to arrange the dead in family plots.

Fun fact: It’s also described as “The City of the Dead,” with cross streets marked so your map apps know where you’re going.

Notables include Civil War heroes and Amistad captives. There is a marker here honoring six men of the Amistad buried here, and a number of abolitionists who came after.

Learn about the town at New Haven Museum.

The New Haven Museum has been around In some form since 1862, when it opened as the New Haven Colony Historical Society. Since that time, it has aimed to educate visitors not only about New Haven, but the greater region.

Permanent exhibitions include New Haven’s roots in Puritanism, the city’s maritime history, and a gallery dedicated to Amistad rebellion.

The historical society also runs limited tours of the nearby Pardee-Morris House, which was burned down but rebuilt following a raid by British soldiers in 1779. The Whitney Library is open by appointment as the historical society’s research arm.

Grab something sweet at Marjolaine Pastry Shop.

If you’re looking for some of the best bakeries in New Haven, start at the Marjolaine Pastry Shop . You’ll easily spend quite a bit of money in here satisfying the sweet tooth of your spouse, but it’ll all be worth it when you sip on that hot chocolate you got just for you.

Yes, you’ll want whipped cream.

There’s a business inside this business, too. Pick up some truffles from the MELT Chocolatier counter while you’re at it.

Burn some calories at East Rock Park.

Explore 425 acres of scenic views and hiking trails at East Rock Park.

The park gets its name from East Rock, the traprock ridge here that (literally) rose to prominence thanks to climate change and erosion. It was formed about 200 million years ago, just as the continents decide to break apart .

The summit of the park can be reached on foot or by car. If you’re climbing, take the Giant Steps Trail for the 285 feet it’ll take you to get there. For another easy enough leg stretch, the East Rock Loop Trail is about 2.2 miles of just under 400 feet of elevation to city views.

Stroll Bradley Point Park.

Bradley Point Park offers lovely walking opportunities to green spaces and the nearby West Haven beaches — more on that in a sec — on top of impressive sunset views if you time things right.

If you need a destination while you’re there, check out the Veterans Walk of Honor, a series of memorials honoring veterans who served in the Korean and Veteran wars.

Fun fact: Keep your eyes peeled for a historic marker that shows an attack by the British on West Haven and Bradley Point Park back in 1776.

Explore West Haven beaches.

Once you’re done at Bradley Point Park, spend some time exploring the neighboring beaches of West Haven.

You’ll be within a short walk of Sea Bluff Beach and its atmospheric fishing spots, Savin Rock Park and its popular boardwalk, and Oak Street Beach, a wonderland for crabs.

What? Crabs deserve their due.

We found West Haven to be an excellent respite from the busier parts of New Haven proper, especially if you’re there outside of the summer months.

Visit Lighthouse Point Park.

Lighthouse Point Park is an 82-acre park on the Long Island Sound that features, you guessed it, a historic lighthouse.

The New Haven Lighthouse here was built in 1847. You may see it labeled as Five Mile Point Light on your maps. That’s actually the distance between the lighthouse and the center of New Haven.

While you’re there, don’t miss the Lighthouse Point Carousel, a 1920s-era amusement for young and old alike. Take a ride if you want to relive those golden years.

Hot tip: If the park is too crowded, particularly at sunset, Pardee Seawall Park nearby offers lovely views of the harbor .

Sip at Stappa Vineyard.

The female-owned Stappa Vineyard in Orange was a must-stop for us as I love wine and fancy myself a feminist. The sips were delightful, and I won a round of a giant Connect 4 game on the lawn outside.

It was a really great afternoon.

If you come in the summertime, they serve up delicious sangria, as well. I had it in the fall without apology, though, so if you’re a fan, do indulge.

Visit the best New Haven breweries.

New Haven and its surroundings are an excellent place to do some brewery hopping. Our favorite was East Rock Brewing Company . They specialize in German-inspired beers in a fun setting with adult games and…delicious beer.

No Worries Brewing prides itself on that relaxed life with brews like their Hakuna Matata, a blonde ale, and their Even Flow lager.

BadSons Brewery is worth the short trek to Derby. It was chilly on our visit, but they have an excellent outdoor space where you can open up cans of their Big Whoop, a double IPA. If you’re hungry, order a pie from Roseland Apizza inside the bar.

Take a day trip.

If you have more time, don’t miss out on all the things to do near New Haven. You’ll have quite a bit of choice when picking day trips from New Haven, but explore some of my faves below.

The best of New England will be within reach during your New Haven stay :

• Hartford, Connecticut: Visit the Mark Twain House & Museum on one of their living history actor tours. We got Twain’s gossipy maid as our guide, and it was as much fun as you can imagine. If it’s open, don’t miss the Harriet Beecher Stowe Center next door. Bushnell Park and Connecticut’s Old State House are worthwhile stops back in the city center.
• Mystic, Connecticut: Whether you’ve seen Julia Roberts kill it in Mystic Pizza or not, Mystic is an adorable look at Connecticut’s maritime history. It basically seems like it’s been frozen in time. Explore more with my guide to Mystic and the surrounding scenic towns.
• Boston, Massachusetts: It’d make for a longer day trip , but if you really want a taste of that Freedom Trail, you can get to Boston in around two and a half hours. With that short a time, pick a museum you’ve been eyeing —  The Gardner Museum is a beauty inside and out —  and sample the city’s best lobster rolls.
• Providence, Rhode Island: Explore another cultural mecca in Providence, Rhode Island, in just about two hours’ time. If you get there early enough, kick things off at the historic West Side Diner . Continue your historical tour by walking Benefit Street, essentially an outdoor museum. The RISD Museum is top-notch for art fans.
• Newport, Rhode Island : Oh, are you fancy? Explore the mansions of Newport, or where Brian claims will be the first targets if we decide to eat the rich. You can be there in just about two hours from New Haven. The Breakers is the most well-known, but get tickets in advance if you want to see more than the outside.

Best Hotels in New Haven

Looking for a New Haven hotel? I generally recommend websites like  Booking.com  and  Hotels.com  for your accommodation needs, as both offer loyalty programs, and now offer listings that are more of the home or condo rental variety.

If you’re overnighting in New Haven, check out my top picks from  Booking.com :

• The Blake Hotel
• Courtyard New Haven at Yale
• New Haven Hotel
• Omni New Haven at Yale
• The Study at Yale, Study Hotels

Vrbo  has become my go-to Airbnb alternative. Interested in something more apartment-style? Check out these  Vrbo  picks:

• Cute Country Cottage for Getaway
• Large Historic New England Home
• Nathaniel Clarke Historic Homestead
• Spacious 2-Bedroom Close to Yale Bowl
• Westbrook Inn B&B

Seeking even more wallet-friendly accommodations? Try Hostelworld . Their picks are heavily vetted and reviewed to offer you a safe experience on a budget.

Did I miss anything in my list of things to do in New haven? What are your favorite spots in the Connecticut city? Most importantly, what’s your favorite New Haven pizza?

Share it all with me in the comments!

Photo credits: VillageHero (5), Ragesoss  (6), Sage Ross (9), New Haven Museum (10), shunyufan (15)

Ready to Visit New Haven?

Your Flight:  I use a variety of tools to find cheap airfare around the United States, but if you’re looking to book during a particular period of time, especially during busy times (e.g. leaf-peeping season in New England), you should search on  Skyscanner .

It’s great for searching when you’re more flexible, too, as it allows you to compare travel based on length of travel, departure date, etc.

Flights to New Haven proper are pricey and will likely involve connections. Seek out deals to any of the New York City airports or New Jersey’s Newark Liberty International Airport. You’ll be in New Haven and all of its most impressive places within a couple hours and potentially save quite a bit of cash for pizza.

Your Accommodations:  Scroll on up for my top picks for lodging while in New Haven.  Booking.com  and  Hotels.com  are my usuals, and Vrbo  is become my go-to Airbnb alternative.

Etc.:  For general travel goodies, visit my  Favorite Things  page. For more information on planning your travel, visit my  Travel Tools  page.

Plotting some New Haven travel? Pin me!

More New England Content!

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Agnes Groonwald

1 thought on “18 Things to Do in New Haven, CT (Yes, Including Pizza!)”

Absolutely loved your article. All the photos uploaded by you (especially the pizza one 😝) tempts us to visit New Haven soon. Could spend an eternity at the Beinecke Rare Book & Manuscript Library reading every single book. Would also love to visit the PEZ Visitor Center and unleash my inner child.

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One Weekend In New Haven, Connecticut: The Ultimate 3-Day New Haven Itinerary

The second largest city in Connecticut, New Haven is known as the home to Ivy League institution Yale University and as the “Pizza Capital of the World”. Located on the shores of Long Island Sound, New Haven is rich with historical sites, museums, outdoor recreations, and tons of activities the whole family will enjoy. I’m excited to share the ultimate 3-day New Haven itinerary, it’s the best way to spend one weekend in New Haven!

• _For the Home
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• _Home Decor
• _Entertaining
• _Motherhood
• _Shop My Paint Colors
• _Shop My Office
• _Shop My Bedroom
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Only have 24 hours In New Haven, CT? Here's Where You Have To Eat, What To Do And See

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17 Best Things to Do in New Haven, CT — Top Activities & Places to Go!

By: Author Charles Hayes

Posted on Published: May 9, 2021  - Last updated: August 21, 2023

New Haven is a rich and charming place. 

With its collegiate ambiance and sweeping landscapes, this town has a special kind of magic that I’ve had the pleasure of experiencing firsthand. 

Take Yale University, a staple of the city. 

I’ve meandered through its corridors, taking in the Art Gallery and the Museum of Natural History, and it’s a feast for the senses. 

But the charm of New Haven doesn’t stop at Yale’s gates. 

There’s the gorgeous panorama of Lighthouse Point Park waiting for you. 

If you find yourself in the neighborhood or scheming a swift weekend getaway, this guide will reveal the best things to do in New Haven. 

So, are you ready to take a leap into the extraordinary?

Check out my in-depth reviews below. 

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Best Things To Do In New Haven Compared 

Discover our top picks for family-friendly fun, from exploring renowned museums to strolling through picturesque parks. 

Uncover the hidden gems that await.

Editor’s Choice

New Haven’s Ghost Walk

Operated by Ghosts of New Haven, New Haven’s Ghost Walk is an ideal way to experience the chilling tales and spectral history of New Haven through the city’s eerie streets.

• Family-Friendliness: 4/5
• Affordability: 3/5
• Accessibility: 4/5
• Fun Factor: 5/5
• Educational Value: 3/5

#2nd Best Choice

Yale University Art Gallery

Being one of the country’s oldest college art galleries, Yale University Art Gallery holds up to 250,000 artifacts dating from the early prehistoric up to the modern and contemporary times.

• Family-Friendliness: 3/5
• Affordability: 2/5
• Fun Factor: 3/5
• Educational Value: 5/5

#3rd Best Choice

East Rock Park

If you’re looking for a cheap destination that features vast greeneries this weekend, East Rock Park may be the perfect one for you!

• Family-Friendliness: 5/5
• Affordability: 5/5
• Fun Factor: 4/5

Here are the top 17 things to do in New Haven, CT.

1. New Haven’s Ghost Walk (Editor’s Choice)

1070 Chapel St New Haven, CT 06510 (202) 780-7169 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Ratings Criteria

• Historical and cultural experience: It offers an immersive experience that allows participants to learn about the city’s spooky tales and legends, making it an exciting activity for history buffs and those interested in local lore.
• Engaging and entertaining: The guides are often enthusiastic and knowledgeable, creating an engaging atmosphere that keeps participants entertained throughout the tour. 
• Subject to weather conditions: If the weather is unfavorable, such as heavy rain or extreme cold, it can affect the overall experience..
• May not appeal to everyone: While the Ghost Walk can be an exciting experience for those who enjoy history, folklore, and the supernatural, it may not be everyone’s cup of tea.

Why You Should Go

New Haven’s Ghost Walk is a must for thrill-seekers and history enthusiasts alike. 

This captivating tour takes you on a chilling journey through the city’s haunted past, immersing you in eerie tales and spine-tingling legends.

Whether you’re a paranormal aficionado or simply seeking an exhilarating adventure, the Ghost Walk promises lasting memories and an abundance of goosebumps.

During the tour, immerse yourself in the haunting history of the city. 

Follow the guide through eerie streets and haunted spots, listening to chilling tales of paranormal activity. 

Keep your senses sharp, embrace the eerie atmosphere, and be prepared for unexpected encounters with the supernatural.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: The Study at Yale, Study Hotels

2. Yale University Art Gallery

1111 Chapel Street New Haven, CT 06510-2301 (203) 432-0600 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

• Extensive art collection: The Yale University Art Gallery houses an extensive collection of art spanning various periods, cultures, and mediums. 
• Educational and cultural enrichment: The gallery often hosts exhibitions, lectures, and workshops that further enhance visitors’ understanding and appreciation of art.
• Potential crowds: Large crowds can make it challenging to fully immerse oneself in the art and may lead to less enjoyable visits for some individuals who prefer a quieter and more contemplative experience.
• Limited parking options: Public transportation or alternative transportation options, such as walking or biking, may be more convenient for some visitors.

This art gallery comprises three buildings, including Louis Kahn’s masterpiece from 1953 which exudes modern architecture.

This awesome destination is definitely something you should not miss out when you get the chance to visit!

Visit and explore the great exhibitions in Yale University Gallery and be amazed with the various collections.

Learn about the most famous artists in Connecticut and learn about the historical era of how art evolved through time amidst the various attractions.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Graduate New Haven

3. East Rock Park

41 Cold Spring St New Haven, CT 06511 (203) 946-6086 Visit Website Open in Google Maps

• Scenic beauty and outdoor recreation: The park provides opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, picnicking, bird-watching, and rock climbing.
• Historical and cultural significance: It provides a chance to explore local history while enjoying the natural surroundings. 
•  Limited amenities: Visitors should come prepared with essentials such as water, snacks, sunscreen, and insect repellent.
• Seasonal limitations: Certain activities in East Rock Park, such as rock climbing, may be limited to specific seasons or require permits.

Enjoy the view of New Haven from high above in the East Rock Park–our top activity recommendation for those who are looking for amazing and thrilling free things to do in New Haven.

After sightseeing, you might want to take a walk and visit the Soldiers and Sailor Monument in the park to complete your tour around.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Omni New Haven Hotel at Yale

Also See: Best Things to Do in Norwalk

4. Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History

170 Whitney Ave New Haven, CT 06511-8902 (203) 432-3738 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

The Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History is one of the most fascinating things to see in New Haven because it is hailed as a prolific university natural history museum.

Ranging from Ethnic artifacts to Egyptian artifacts, the Yale Peabody Museum will definitely pique someone’s interest at any age.

From aged pieces of historical pieces to well-curated exhibits and galleries–this museum will not disappoint!

With lots of exhibits to offer, stroll around this educational destination while enjoying a worthwhile trip around the different areas within the museum that tackles diverse topics including art, history, culture, music and so much more.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: The Blake Hotel

5. Yale Center for British Art

1080 Chapel Street New Haven, CT 06510-2302 (203) 432-2800 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

From the Pre-Raphaelites period to modern art, the Yale Center For British Art is easily one of the best places to visit in New Haven because of the diverse art housed inside.

Admission within the venue is completely free, yet the exhibits surely won’t disappoint you.

Take a visit today and be amazed by their wide and massive art collection.

Participate and be educated about the history of British art ranging from different eras that have been preserved within the walls of this gorgeous institution.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: New Haven Hotel

Related: What to Do in Connecticut

6. Carousel at Lighthouse Point Park

2 Lighthouse Rd New Haven, CT 06512-4311 (203) 946-8327 Visit Website Open in Google Maps

For youngsters and children at heart, riding the Carousel at Lighthouse Point Park is among the most interactive and fun things to do in New Haven, Connecticut.

A great family quality time can be spent here at Lighthouse Point Park especially if the little ones are going with you.

After riding the carousel, you may stroll at the nearby park for a relaxing getaway or even have a peaceful picnic by the beach.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hampton Inn & Suites West Haven

7. Shubert Theater

247 College St New Haven, CT 06510-2405 (203) 562-5666 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

If you like watching theater musicals and the likes, visiting the Shubert Theater is one of our top recommendations for you if you’re looking for things to do in New Haven tonight.

If you’re heading downtown, the Shubert Theater has been renovated and restored to its vitality, giving you a pleasant vibe while watching a musical.

Pre-book a ticket for a musical of your choice and enjoy the night with your loved one in the Shubert Theater!

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Courtyard New Haven at Yale

8. New Haven Railroad Station

50 Union Ave New Haven, CT 06519-1754 (800) 872-7245 Open in Google Maps

The New Haven Railroad Station is a must-visit because of its iconic architectural design and the historical context behind it.

Going back to memory lane, this railroad station is worth the visit because of the intricate architecture, especially the interiors.

Appreciate the surroundings and the antique vibe around the area of New Haven Railroad Station.

9. Five Mile Point Light

Lighthouse Point Park – 2 Lighthouse Road New Haven, CT 06512 (203) 946-8019 Open in Google Maps

Catch the gorgeous sunset by the shoreline here at the Five Mile Point Light.

Astounding views, the sound of cascading waves, and a relaxing vibe—this place is definitely a great place to visit with your friends, family, or significant other.

Sightseeing and having a picnic date are among the things to do in New Haven for couples, friends, and the entire family; an amazing destination to just feel the serenity of nature around you.

Also See: Things to Do in Hartford, CT Things to Do in Mystic, CT

10. Edgerton Park

75 Cliff St New Haven, CT 06511-1318 (203) 946-8009 Visit Website Open in Google Maps

If you’re around the area, Edgerton Park will definitely pique your interest especially if you need a breath of fresh air.

Edgerton Park is an interesting place to go to because of the community gardens, historical spots, and festivals held inside.

When it’s raining or cold, you may want to retreat inside the greenhouse in this park for a terrific experience albeit the weather.

Related: Places to Go in Connecticut

11. Long Wharf Theatre

222 Sargent Dr New Haven, CT 06511-5941 (203) 787-4282 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Looming with entertaining shows and musicals, the Long Wharf Theatre is the place to go to especially if you want to stay indoors.

The Long Wharf Theatre is truly a hidden gem in New Haven because of the astounding and intimate shows and musicals being played here.

Watch and be entertained for the night in the local talents and outstanding performances you can witness at Long Wharf Theater.

12. The Green

250 Temple St New Haven, CT 06511 (203)-946-8020 Visit Website Open in Google Maps

The Green is a recreational area that can prove to be the perfect space for tons of stuff to do with your friends, family and significant other.

Being a remarkable site in New Haven, this place holds various concerts and festivals and is also the center for the most valuable spots in New Haven.

Visit the three historical churches in the Green and be amazed by their intricate architecture and gorgeous interior design.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Best Western Executive Hotel New Haven-West Haven

Related: Best Restaurants in New Haven

13. Sterling Memorial Library

120 High St New Haven, CT 06511 (203) 432-1775 Visit Website Open in Google Maps

Offering a wide selection of books, the Sterling Memorial Library is a must-visit for all ages with your friends, family, or significant other.

If you’re craving historical finds and facts then the Sterling Memorial Library houses more than 30 floors of various books, prints, and more, perfect if you want to study what New Haven is all about!

Visit their massive collection of print materials that will literally take you a whole day to explore and experience.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Homewood Suites By Hilton Orange New Haven

Also See: Things to Do in Storrs, CT Things to Do in Darien, CT What to Do in Waterbury

14. PEZ Visitor Center

35 Prindle Hill Rd Orange, CT 06477 (203) 298-0201 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

For youngsters and kids at heart, the PEZ Visitor Center is a spectacular place to visit for sweets, snacks, and candies.

The PEZ Visitor Center in New Haven, Connecticut, is the largest PEZ memorabilia center–our top destination for those who are on the hunt for the top things to do in New Haven with kids !

Explore and be educated about the history of PEZ candy dispensers and see how they are made.

Grab a sweet candy or two for you or your kids for the perfect experience.

15. New Haven Museum

114 Whitney Ave New Haven, CT 06510 (203) 562-4183 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Founded in 1862, the New Haven Museum showcases the city’s history, culture, and arts.

If you’re in the area or a tourist, the New Haven Museum is a place to visit to know the rich culture, history, and art of New Haven, Connecticut.

Be educated as you explore the different exhibits displayed inside this museum.

Opt in to pick up a few materials readily available around the museum and read while you explore for the perfect experience!

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hyatt Place Milford/New Haven

16. Grove Street Cemetery

227 Grove St New Haven, CT 06511 (203) 787-1443 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

If you’re looking for a peculiar place to visit, then the Grove Street Cemetery is the place to go to!

The Grove Street Cemetery is among the oldest cemeteries in the nation and also showcases Egyptian moldings in its architecture.

Stroll around the Grove Street Cemetery and witness the sculpture works and history encased in the burial sites in the area.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hilton Garden Inn Milford

Related: Best Hotels in New Haven

17. Beinecke Rare Book & Manuscript Library

121 Wall St New Haven, CT 06511-8917 (203) 432-2977 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Beinecke Rare Book & Manuscript Library is the place to visit the past, present, and future through the numerous book collections inside.

One of the best things to do in New Haven, CT, is to visit the Beinecke Rare Book & Manuscript Library because of the astounding interiors and massive collection of books inside.

Engage and witness the remarkable books and print materials inside the collections of Beinecke Rare Book & Manuscript Library to find the best stories and spend a relaxing day away from the daily hustle and bustle.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Homewood Suites by Hilton Stratford

Also See: Things to Do in Manchester, CT What to Do in Groton

Activity Guide 

Comparing attractions: which one is right for you.

New Haven is a city bursting with fascinating activities for families. 

During our visit, we went on the thrilling Ghost Walk tour, led by a friendly guide who shared spine-chilling tales of New Haven’s haunted history. 

As we strolled through the dimly lit streets, goosebumps covered our arms, and we couldn’t help but be captivated by the stories of restless spirits that still roam the city.

A highlight of our trip was exploring the Yale University Art Gallery, a treasure trove of artistic wonders. 

We marveled at stunning masterpieces by renowned artists, and my kids were drawn to the interactive exhibits. 

It was a perfect blend of education and entertainment, leaving us all inspired.

For outdoor adventure, we headed to East Rock Park, hiking along scenic trails and taking in breathtaking views of the city skyline. 

Our kids were thrilled to spot wildlife along the way. 

We even enjoyed a picnic surrounded by the soothing sounds of nature.

How I Picked The Activities

During my time in New Haven, I’ve explored the vibrant cityscape and discovered an array of exciting activities. 

From strolling through the prestigious Yale University campus to indulging in delectable cuisine at the renowned local eateries, I’ve immersed myself in the city’s charm. 

By researching and conversing with other travelers, I’ve uncovered the best attractions and hidden gems that New Haven has to offer. 

Our Rating Method 

I rate these attractions based on the following criteria: 

• Family-Friendliness: I use this criterion to assess the family-friendly appeal of every activity. Is it suitable for families with kids? Is it safe, engaging, and fun for children? I ask myself these questions in order to rate family-friendliness. 
• Affordability: This is used to evaluate the attraction’s affordability. Will visitors get a lot of bang for their buck? Is it free or cheaper compared to the other options? Does it offer discounted rates, special promotions, or free entry? I consider these factors when rating affordability.
• Accessibility: This evaluates the activity’s accessibility. Is it easily accessible by public transportation? Are there plenty of parking spaces available? Is it wheelchair accessible? I ask myself these questions when assessing the attraction’s accessibility.
• Fun Factor: I use this to evaluate how enjoyable the attraction is for visitors. Will it create positive and memorable experiences? Is it engaging, fun, and exciting? I use these questions to evaluate this criterion. 
• Educational Value: This assesses the educational benefits of the activity. Does it provide learning opportunities to kids? Will it teach visitors lessons in science and history? I ask myself these important questions when rating educational value. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is new haven best known for.

New Haven is best known for being the home of Yale University, one of the world’s most prestigious educational institutions. It is also renowned for its historic architecture, vibrant arts scene, and its renowned pizza.

How Do You Spend A Day In New Haven CT?

Spending a day in New Haven can include visiting the picturesque Yale campus, exploring the collections at the Yale University Art Gallery and the Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History, enjoying a stroll along the scenic New Haven Green, and indulging in the city’s famous pizza at establishments like Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana or Sally’s Apizza.

Is New Haven Worth A Visit?

New Haven is definitely worth a visit, especially for those interested in history, art, and academia. The city offers a unique blend of cultural attractions, including world-class museums, stunning architecture, and a thriving food scene. With its rich history and vibrant atmosphere, New Haven provides a memorable experience for visitors.

Conclusion 

It’s safe to say that the lively city of New Haven has plenty of amazing attractions to choose from. 

But if you’re looking for an unforgettable experience that combines history, excitement, and a touch of the supernatural, the Ghost Walk is the best activity to do in town. 

Out of this list of the best things to do in New Haven, nothing quite compares to the eerie charm of this ghostly adventure. 

From knowledgeable guides to spine-tingling tales, the Ghost Walk offers a unique and captivating journey into New Haven’s haunted past. 

• Things to do in New Haven, CT | New Haven Visitors Guide

Things to do in New Haven, CT: Top 23 Most Unique Spots

• April 25, 2024

Yes, the university, one of the oldest in America, and its many museums and collections are a huge draw.

But the list of activities, attractions, and things to do in New Haven, Connecticut, doesn’t end with Yale.

English Puritans founded the city in 1638 as the first planned city in America. They wanted to create a colony separate from the rest of Connecticut.

Today, this very walkable college town is a dream for:

• History lovers
• Even the outdoorsy

And it’s only an hour drive from Greenwich, Connecticut, making it one of the most ideal Connecticut day trips .

Curious about New Haven, including the many secret places and gems that seem to tie-in with the mystery of Yale and the town?

Then watch our quick introduction to New Haven, CT; then scroll down of you map, and read on for the details.

A Brief History of New Haven, Connecticut

New Haven is located in New Haven County in the state’s southernmost region, along the Long Island Sound. The English Puritans who established New Haven Colony in 1638 laid out the town on a grid known as the “Nine Square Plan,” which allowed for future growth. As such, New Haven is America’s first planned town.

Take that, Savannah, Georgia.

Early New Haven was a thriving port and mercantile center, as well as the home of Yale College, later Yale University.

Industry dominated the nineteenth century. By the mid-nineteenth century, after the industrial decline had altered many cities, New Haven had taken the lead in federal urban renewal programs.

The independent colony of New Haven

Prior to European settlement, New Haven was home to the Quinnipiac tribe of Native Americans, who supported themselves through local fisheries and maize farming. Dutch traders visited the area briefly in 1614 but did not settle permanently. A group of Puritans led by Reverend John Davenport and Theophilus Eaton sailed into the harbor in 1638 to establish a theological community and capitalize on the area’s port potential.

Locals renamed the town, New Haven by 1640 and it became the capital of the New Haven Colony. In contrast to the Connecticut Colony, the Colony forbade the establishment of other churches. Settlers from here founded other towns along Long Island Sound:

• Guilford, Connecticut
• Milford, CT
• Branford, Connecticut
• Greenwich, CT
• Stamford, Connecticut
• And even Southold, NY, on Long Island

The town faced economic disaster when its first ship of goods failed to arrive in England in 1646. That disaster is blamed for New Haven’s inability to compete as a major New England port with New York City or Boston.

The Regicides who signed Charles II’s death warrant fled to New Haven for safety in 1661, and Hopkins School was founded in 1660.

As part of the Connecticut Colony

Post-colonial period and industrialization.

In 1784, New Haven incorporated as a city. Eli Whitney, a Yale graduate who invented the cotton gin and established a gun-making factory in the city’s northern outskirts, contributed to the state’s manufacturing economy. Because of the invention of the automatic revolver in 1836, the state became known as “The Arsenal of America.”

The Farmington Canal was built in the early 1800s to transport goods into Connecticut and Massachusetts. A plan for the first African American college in New Haven was thwarted by Yale Law School founder David Daggett. That said, the city was a focal point for the anti-slavery movement, with Abraham Lincoln delivering a speech on the subject in 1860.

The American Civil War was another boost to the local economy. Profits for local manufacturing, like the Winchester Repeating Arms Company, soared. By the turn of the century, the population had more than doubled, with Italian-Americans accounting for roughly half of the total, centered around Wooster Street.

Post-industrial era and urban redevelopment

New Haven experienced significant growth during the two World Wars. After World War II, the city reached its peak population, with African Americans and Puerto Ricans constituted the majority of its residents. It also faced challenges typical of American cities then, such as:

• The flight of middle-class workers to the suburbs
• And the construction of Interstate 95 and the Oak Street Connector, dividing the city

Then-mayor Richard C. Lee launched major urban renewal projects in 1954. It brought more museums, office towers, hotels, and shopping malls to town.

Unfortunately, it didn’t stem the bleeding.

From the 1960s to the late 1990s, New Haven’s central areas continued to decline economically and in population, resulting in a sharp increase in crime rates.

The downtown has steadily revitalized with new restaurants, nightlife, and small retail stores since 2000.

Connecticut and Massachusetts were awarded state and federal funds in 2010 to build the Hartford Line, a high-speed intercity passenger rail project that aims to connect New Haven up to the knowledge corridor of the Pioneer Valley in Massachusetts.

Best things to do in New Haven, CT

New Haven fits a lot into a relatively small package. There’s so much to do here, in fact, that a one day visit may not suffice.

Focus on what’s most important to you for a few hours of New Haven activities, of course.

For a tour of the most heavy-hitting points of interest in New Haven, the next section has a quick itinerary of the most unique attractions in New Haven.

Top 3 most unique things to do in New Haven

A day would barely scratch the surface of exploring some of the spots that make New Haven such a unique place.

That said, one day would be enough to get some major sightseeing in, and possibly even fit a visit to Ikea for that lamp you’ve been eyeing.

Below is this writer’s curated itinerary for a day trip when he’s showing visitors around New Haven and wants to be sure their visit impresses.

Yale University

The two older universities are Harvard and the College of William and Mary, this writer’s alma mater.

Over the course of its history spanning three centuries, it has helped to intellectually develop:

• Five American Presidents
• 19 US Supreme Court Justices
• 61 Nobel Laureates

Today, this Ivy League member is worth a visit, if only to walk around the campus.

Except for a few striking modern edifices, the majority of the campus is Collegiate Gothic style. The architects designed the buildings to be reminiscent of Gothic cathedrals. The idea follows the medieval tradition that universities were temples of learning.

In actuality, that tradition, like many in Connecticut, was pilfered from England.

When Yale’s campus was built, designers wanted to age the stones quickly to match the campuses in Cambridge and Oxford.

So, they poured acid down the walls.

While the acid did a fantastic job of aging the stones, it also quickly degraded the mortar. The builders had to start from scratch after stones started to dislodge and fall on passersby.

They reconstructed the stone faces, but left nature to do the work of aging the stones.

A modern-day, free tour of Yale University

A nice walk along the stone sidewalks while bells chime as students rush by reminds one of the prestigious English colleges.

Walking the entire 260-acre campus in downtown New Haven would take a while, but major points to check-out include:

• The mansions on Hillhouse Avenue, labeled one of the prettiest streets in America
• Harkness Tower, a 217-foot structure towering over High Street in the Memorial Quadrangle
• Sterling Memorial Library, the largest of the libraries at Yale. The cloisters, arches, and 60-foot ceiling provide the drama of a European cathedral
• Old Campus, a 4-acre courtyard that includes the oldest academic building on campus, Connecticut Hall
• John Pierpont House, the oldest private home in New Haven, just across from the New Haven Green

The John Pierpont House also serves as the Yale University Visitor Center. When there isn’t a dangerous pandemic, visitors can schedule a tour of the campus, led by a Yale undergraduate. It’s one of the best free things to do in all of Connecticut .

The above list doesn’t include any of Yale’s impressive collections, like the Yale University Art Gallery.

More to follow.

See at least one Yale museum or collection

Many of these attractions are free, or nominal in cost to enter:

Yale University Art Gallery

Yale center for british art, yale peabody museum of natural history, beinecke rare book and manuscript library.

• Yale Collection of Musical Instruments
• Cushing/Whitney Memorial Library
• Leitner Family Observatory and Planetarium

Of this list, I’d probably recommend hitting-up the Yale University Art Gallery first. The rest are very impressive, but that one is something else.

Enjoy some of America’s most iconic food where it all began

Typical of any port city, New Haven has always played host to, and been more open to diverse ideas and people. And that has led to the molding and refashioning of some staples that at this point seem too American to associate with any one location.

Louis Lunch

In 1900, a customer approached Louis Lassen’s lunch cart in downtown New Haven. The customer asked for a quick lunch that he could carry.

Mr Lassen took trimmings from his steak sandwiches, put them between two pieces of toast, and sold the first hamburger in America.

While there’s been some controversy regarding whether it was actually the first , Louis Lunch is, according to the Library of Congress.

Currently, a fourth-generation member of the Lassen family runs Louis Lunch. They still cook their burgers on the unique, vertical stove towers in use since 1898.

And the only condiments available to top their burgers are cheese, tomato, and onions.

Don’t waste your time asking for others at Louis Lunch.

Before you get too excited, pizza wasn’t invented in New Haven.

But Italian immigrants from around Naples, in southern Italy, introduced a unique style of pizza to America at the turn of the 20th century.

Called Apizza, it is a thin crust pizza cooked using a coal fire. While it’s similar to New York-style pizza, avoid conflict in New Haven by recognizing that it’s different thanks to its:

• choice of toppings

Apizza style has spread throughout Connecticut and into the Hudson River Valley, and for good reason.

Asking a New Haven native their favorite pizza is as risky as asking someone their favorite sports team or political affiliation.

Few dispute that Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana either originated the pie, or has been making it the longest, first opened in 1925. Frank Pepe’s Pizzeria Napoletana and Sally’s Apizza regularly win slots on national best-of lists. And they’re both close to each other, on Wooster Street in the Italian neighborhood of Wooster Square.

Some more modern contenders for best pizza in New Haven include:

• Nightclub-brewery combination BAR

A local favorite that combines two classic Connecticut ingredients is the clam pizza. Typically, it’s a white pizza topped with fresh littleneck clams and is surprisingly delicious.

If you want to keep exploring, or want to spend more than a day in New Haven, keep reading the list!

10 of the best hidden gems and secret places in New Haven

Some of the most unique spots in and near New Haven include:

Skull and Bones

Of Yale University’s many tomb societies, or elitist and secretive student-run societies, Skull and Bones is the most famous.

The tomb-like structure, built in the mid-1800s, has hosted many illustrious members, including:

• Three American Presidents, including both members of the Bush family
• Presidential cabinet members
• Congressmen
• Titans of the finance and media industries
• Supreme Court Justices

The inside of the Skull and Bones Tomb is rumored to be covered in the macabre: skulls, coffins, and similar funereal decor.

Many more rumors swirl around Skull and Bones. One, that the students stole the skull and bones of Apache war chief Geronimo became widely believed. So much so that Geronimo’s descendants sued the organization to get his remains back.

East Rock Park

Two reddish ridges surround New Haven, appropriately named East Rock and West Rock.

From the Yale University campus, pass through the tony East Rock neighborhood to reach East Rock Park.

The 425 acre East Rock Park, centered on the 365-foot, one and a half mile East Rock, offers sweeping views of the city and Long Island Sound.

The Soldiers and Sailors Monument honors those who gave their lives in America’s wars atop East Rock Park, and is visible from much of New Haven. It was built in 1887, so it only commemorates battles before that date. But this Civil War Soldiers Monument is one of the most impressive military monuments in the country.

The other peaks here aside from East Rock are Indian Head Peak, Whitney Peak, and Snake Rock, all accessible via hiking trails.

Whitney Peak and Lake Whitney, at the mountain’s western base behind the dammed Mill River, are named after Eli Whitney. The inventor of the cotton gin was a former New Haven resident. At the dam’s base is the Eli Whitney Museum, a museum and workshop with hands-on projects and exhibits on Eli Whitney and A. C. Gilbert.

In June and July , the Pardee Rose Garden is in full bloom. After exploring the garden at the base of East Rock Park, follow one of the ten miles of hiking trails to reach the top.

Then, enjoy a gorgeous sunset view from the summit of East Rock Park, one of the most romantic things to do in Connecticut , especially with a picnic.

Judges Caves

While multiple factors led to the end of the independent New Haven colony, one of them was sympathy for regicide.

Several of the judges who voted to convict and execute King Charles I in 1649 later fled to New England after King Charles II ascended the throne.

But living in remote New England wasn’t enough to avoid the king’s wrath.

For an unknown period of time, three judges wound-up hiding in a large, cracked, boulder in  what is now West Rock Ridge State Park . Sympathetic locals brought them food to keep them alive until a panther forced their departure.

Even after the judges left New Haven’s care, the king refused to give the colony a royal charter, forcing it to eventually disband.

But the rock still stands, unsurprisingly.

The mini-cave is named, “Judges Cave”, and the trail leading to it is named, “Regicides Trail”.

Farmington Canal Trailway

New Haven merchants funded the construction of the Farmington Canal at the turn of the 19th century to help the city’s port compete with Hartford.

Eventually, the canal and parallel rail line connected New Haven all the way to Northampton, Massachusetts .

As other modes of transportation became more popular, the canal and railway first fell into disrepair. But creative minds converted much of it to one of the best things to do in New Haven.

The Farmington Canal Trailway stretches from the Yale University Campus to Farmington, CT . And plans are already in place to complete the remaining portions so that cyclists and walkers can travel to the old terminus of the railway.

The trail passes through charming towns, like Avon, CT , and Simsbury, Connecticut , and by delightful examples of the best breweries in CT , making it a delightful way to spend an afternoon.

West Haven Beaches & Boardwalk

Just to the west of New Haven’s harbor lies a quarter of all Connecticut’s public beaches. It even includes one that the Boston Globe awarded the title of one of the best in New England . And the Boston Globe knows a thing or two about weekend getaways from Boston , methinks.

West Haven connects its four public beaches via a boardwalk, so visitors can easily walk or cycle from one beach to another.

The beach that won an award in 2018 for one of the best beaches in New England is a birder’s paradise. Sandy Point Beach is a major stopping point for migratory birds, and an important breeding ground for shorebirds.

Savin Rock Park is also part of this constellation of parks. From the 1870s to the 1960s, this park was known as Connecticut’s Coney Island. Attractions included an amusement park with five massive wooden roller coasters and an almost 1,500-foot pier.

But hurricanes and West Haven’s development led to the park’s conversion into the tranquil spot it is today. A boardwalk, benches, and a greensward along the shore provide space for peaceful reflection.

The Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library is a jewel of Yale University’s assortment of collections.

The exceedingly rare and unique manuscripts in the collection are worth a visit, including:

• A Gutenberg Bible
• John James Audubon’s Birds of America collection
• The mysterious Voynich Manuscript, written in a code yet to be deciphered by experts

That said, the building of the manuscript library itself, perfectly designed to store these rare books and other precious works, is a marvel.

This library is a top pick on the list of the best free things to do in Connecticut , learn more there.

The Crypt at Center Church

At the center of New Haven Green, the Center Church is a Georgian-style marvel from the early 1800s.

United Church of Christ members often offer free tours for some of the more historically significant points of the church.

Some upstairs highlights include:

• The working pipe organ and harpsichord
• A Tiffany stained glass window
• Family pew of Eli Whitney, inventor of the cotton gin

But the hidden gem of the church is what lies beneath.

The congregation built this church in 1813 over a portion of the oldest burial ground in New Haven. Rather than risk desecrating the remains in the process of removal, the church simply installed a crypt.

The crypt is one of the best preserved in all of New England, with tombstones dating from 1687 to 1812.

While there is no documentation to prove this is one of the most haunted places in Connecticut , it is worth a tour.

Grove Street Cemetery

The Grove Street Cemetery is the first chartered cemetery in the United States. Other firsts assigned to this burial ground, as befit its founding in 1796, include being the first arranged in family lots. The named avenues and cross streets demonstrate another first, as the cemetery was designed within a city plan.

The Grove Street Cemetery is also the first private, non-profit, cemetery in the world.

This cemetery marked the beginning of “a real turning point… a whole redefinition of how people viewed death and dying”, according to historian Peter Dobkin Hall .

The Grove Street Cemetery is park-like, tranquil location in the heart of New Haven. It’s a perfect spot to contemplate life and appreciate some of the greats of Elm City’s society over the centuries.

While burial in Grove Street Cemetery was open to all, some notable members of the elite are also buried here. For example, the roster includes:

• Fourteen Yale presidents, including one buried in full samurai attire
• Eli Whitney, inventor of the cotton gin
• Noah Webster, of dictionary fame
• Charles Goodyear, inventor of vulcanized rubber
• Roger Sherman, the only Revolutionary War hero

• The Articles of Association
• The Declaration of Independence
• The Articles of Confederation
• The Constitution

The Grove Street Cemetery is ringed by a brownstone wall, constructed in 1845. The main gate is in the Egyptian revival style. The style was very popular in New England then. Building it around a cemetery tied-in well with the interest in both the afterlife and ancient Egypt, much admired in the mid-1800s.

PEZ Visitor’s Center

Remember those iconic candy dispensers from your childhood?

Founded in 1927 in Austria, the PEZ candy company has two headquarters:

• One in Traun, Austria
• The other is in Orange, Connecticut, just west of New Haven

And the PEZ Visitor’s Center is worth a detour if you’re interested in this memorabilia, or just feel like checking out a kitschy roadside attraction.

Some of the major things to spot include:

• A timeline of PEZ history
• The chance to check-out the PEZ factory floor
• A fourteen foot tall motorized PEZ dispenser

Top attractions in downtown New Haven

Aside from points like Grove Street Cemetery, the Yale University Art Gallery, and Yale University itself, what else is there to do in downtown New Haven?

Quite a lot, actually. Especially if you’re still starving for local eats.

New Haven Green

When the planners first laid-out the city in 1638, the New Haven Green sat at the center of a grid pattern of central town streets:

Chapel Street

• Temple Street
• College Street
• Church Street

What started as a central marketplace for Puritans acquired other uses over time:

• The New Haven Green was the first cemetery here
• Then a gathering place for society-approved places of worship

The cemetery is long-gone, with the exception of the Center Church’s crypt, one of the most haunted places in CT . And yet the historic churches from the early 1800s remain, lining Temple Street in the middle of the New Haven Green campus remain:

• Trinity Church
• United Church
• Center Church on the Green

Fun fact, New Haven Green is a spacious 16-acres. The Puritans planned for that size because they wanted to ensure that the New Haven Green could accommodate exactly 144,000 people.

That precise number was the total they believed would survive the Second Coming of Christ. They also apparently believed that only their community would be saved.

Until He returns, the New Haven Green is a delightful spot, with plenty of shady places to sit and relax. The trees at New Haven Green are young elms resistant to Dutch elm disease. They were planted in a hurry to replace the older ones that the afore-mentioned disease exterminated.

Just be on the lookout for panhandlers while you’re visiting the New Haven Green.

Several summer evening concert series or arts festivals happen on the New Haven Green or nearby:

• Music on the Green
• The 15-day International Festival of Arts & Ideas

With very few exceptions, the New Haven Green is within walking distance of everything else in the city center. Major points on Broadway Avenue, Chapel Street, and Whitney Avenue are all close-by to the New Haven Green.

But really, the main draw is the stretch from Temple Street or Church Street, around New Haven Green, to Park Street.

Either direction gets a little dodgy past that.

But that portion of Chapel Street is packed with:

• Victorian homes with large yards
• Restaurants
• Coffee shops
• Art galleries, especially the Yale University Art Gallery and Yale Center for British Art

There’s even a decent nightlife here.

Wooster Square & New Haven’s Little Italy

Wooster Square is the center of Little Italy, where you’ll find some of the most romantic restaurants in Connecticut .

It’s where the apizza style made its debut on this side of the Atlantic. The two oldest pizzerias are close to each other: Pepe’s , here since 1925, and Sally’s , established in 1938.

But the neighborhood is full of other Italian options, like the new rival for best pizza in Wooster Square, Zeneli’s .

The city of New Haven restructured historic Wooster Square to match its appearance at the turn of the 20th century, with one major exception.

A border of Yoshino cherry trees line the park, and a major festival marks their blooming each spring. Wooster Square hosts an annual fair celebrating Connecticut cherry blossoms in the park, one of the best spring festivals in Connecticut .

A springtime visit to New Haven is one of the best things to do in Connecticut in the spring .

Museums & Indoor Activities in downtown New Haven

As befits a city that’s hosted an Ivy League university for centuries, New Haven is an intellectual playground. All of Yale’s collection of galleries and curated collections make the list of the best indoor activities in all of Connecticut .

And they’re all within walking distance of the New Haven Green, if the weather’s not too bad.

The Yale University Art Gallery is also the oldest in the entire Western Hemisphere.

Established in 1832, the Yale University Art Gallery first occupied a  Romanesque building on Chapel Street.

Thanks to an ever-expanding collection, the Yale University Art Gallery rambles with multiple expansions on four floors.

The Yale University Art Gallery is an art museum in all but name.

Some of the largest collections in terms of pieces include art from:

• The ancient Mediterranean world (13,000 objects)
• The African continent (2,000)
• The ancient Americas (1,500)

• African sculpture
• 1800s American Realism
• French Impressionism
• Early Italian paintings
• Modern art, two of the most famous pieces being Kazimir Malevich’s The Knifegrinder and Joseph Stella’s Brooklyn Bridge

As befits an American institution, American art has a significant presence at the Yale University Art Gallery. There are even exhibits devoted to decorative furniture and arts from America, especially New England.

This writer can’t remember how many times he’s visited the Yale University Art Gallery. Like the Wadsworth Atheneum in Hartford, CT , this museum is a bit overwhelming for those with short attention spans, like this guy. So, the only way to approach the Yale University Art Gallery is in bite-sized chunks, over the course of a few visits.

Little, unassuming New Haven also hosts the largest collection of British art outside of the United Kingdom.

It seems ironic, considering it was a hotbed of anti-royal sentiment in the colonial era.

The collection at the Yale Center for British Art spans artistic history of the islands from the Elizabethan era to the present day.

That said, a large portion of the collection is from a period stretching from the end of the 1600s to around the 1850s. This period roughly matches what is called the Georgian period. Culturally, it witnessed huge upheavals in Britain with the start of the Industrial Revolution, around 1700. And the period’s art demonstrates it beautifully.

But even modern artists are represented in the exhibitions. There are even non-British artists who simply spent time and created works there.

The Yale Center for British Art sits across Chapel Street from the Yale University Art Gallery. Both are close to the rest of the Yale campus, and New Haven Green.

This museum was the coolest place ever when I was a little boy.

Anyone who aspired to be the next Indiana Jones could appreciate the Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History .

The Peabody Museum of Natural History started in 1866, with modest beginnings as a collection of mostly gemstones.

But it has since grown into one of the most respected and influential natural history museums in the scientific community.

Some permanent exhibitions in a building many refer to as “The Sistine Chapel of Evolution” include ones focused on:

• Native American populations in Connecticut
• The evolution of mammals and humans
• Ornithology

The Daily Life in Ancient Egypt gallery houses a large part of Yale’s Egyptology collection, first acquired in the late 1800s. Some of the pieces in this exhibition include:

• A mummy and coffin
• Black diorite bust of a Ptolemaic King
• Granite head of Osiris

It’s hard to say which exhibit captivated my childhood mind more: the Egyptians or the dinosaurs.

And yet the most famous permanent exhibition at the Peabody Museum of Natural History is the Great Hall of Dinosaurs.

The collection is one of the largest and also historically important fossil collections in the entire country. Othniel Charles Marsh, a founding member of the museum, gathered a large part of it in the Bone Wars .

The most mesmerizing is likely the mounted skeleton of a juvenile brontosaurus. The skeleton spans the length of the 155-foot Age of Reptiles mural.

Artist Rudolph F Zallinger painted the mural over the course of 5 years, completing it in 1947.

This museum is sure to be even more inspiring after its multi-year renovation is complete.

Sterling Memorial Library

At a place like Yale, even the libraries host impressive collections, because of course they do.

The university’s main library dates to 1931.

It fits in very well with the rest of the campus, in a Gothic Revival style of James Gamble Rogers’ design.

The Sterling Memorial Library creates a feeling of pious devotion to learning. The front features a tower hosting the sixteen levels of book stacks. The main nave of the library has lofty pointed Gothic arches and a gorgeous coffered ceiling.

Decorations of reading rooms evince different levels of scholastic study, be it monastic or leisurely. Meanwhile, stained glass windows throughout the building evoke literary greats, including:

• Lady MacBeth

One of the largest collections of Ancient Babylonian artifacts in the world is housed here, since its start in 1911.

Other interesting collections housed here include:

• The Yale Music Library
• Benjamin Franklin Collection and Papers
• Yale Film Archive

Even more Yale collections

A few more niche collections for the curious include:

• Yale Collection of Musical Instruments , featuring instruments up to 2,000 years old
• The Cushing Brain Collection, an assortment of abnormal brains   collected a century ago
• An extensive collection to document medicine’s history at the Harvey Cushing/John Hay Whitney Memorial Library
• The Leitner Family Observatory and Planetarium is great for observing the night sky

Some of these could be one of the best Connecticut date night ideas, depending on your date.

Blessed Michael McGivney Pilgrimage Center /  Knights of Columbus Museum

Michael McGivney was a Catholic born in Connecticut to Irish immigrant parents in the 1800s. He became a priest, and founded the Knights of Columbus.

Father McGivney founded this fraternal order of the Catholic Church in 1882 to serve its members by providing mutual aid to its members. Focus was on especially helping immigrants and their families.

Today, the organization that started in the basement of St Mary’s Catholic Church in New Haven has almost two million members worldwide.

But the headquarters is still in New Haven in a modernist building constructed in the 1970s, and hosts a free New Haven museum.

The exhibitions at the Knights of Columbus Museum change regularly. As befits the location, they are largely devoted to social and historic themes vis-à-vis the Knights of Columbus and the Catholic Church.

A major draw is during the holiday season, when the Knights of Columbus Museum displays crèche sets from around the world. It’s one of the best Christmas things to do in all Connecticut .

New Haven Museum

Curious to learn more about the history of New Haven itself?

Then head to the New Haven Museum while you’re in town.

Four permanent exhibits and changing exhibitions display the vast collections of the New Haven Museum. All are devoted to New Haven’s history as a center for shipbuilding, trade, and invention.

Furniture, silver, glass, textiles, and ceramics represent local crafts trades from the 1600s to the 1800s in New Haven. Meanwhile, the collections at the New Haven Museum also include:

• A full-sized, working version of Eli Whitney’s cotton gin
• One of the first Morse code receivers

Both invented by New Haven locals.

But you’ll also find plenty of fine arts, with drawings, paintings, prints, and watercolors from local artists at the New Haven Museum.

The New Haven Museum is a regular host of concerts from the New Haven Jazz Festival summer series. The festival celebrates the diversity of jazz music and culture in New Haven, and several of the concerts are free.

It Adventure Ropes Course

This is obviously not a New Haven museum.

But to have a ropes course hovering over a furniture store is one of the most unique combinations of businesses in the country.

It’s way more interesting than a combination coffee shop and bar.

And only a bit more dangerous.

Jordan’s Furniture is a New England chain of stores. The New Haven branch occupies the former New Haven Register newspaper building.

Each Jordan’s Furniture store hosts a different attraction. And in the case of the New Haven branch, it hosts It Adventure Ropes Course , the largest indoor ropes course in the world.

It’s perfect if you need a little physical activity after exploring museums. Or if you would like to purchase a couch and ride a zipline without making any stops.

It’s your trip, you do you.

New Haven Theater

Yale University continues to develop artists, many of whom settle at least temporarily in New Haven. And the theater scene is alive and well here.

Theaters in New Haven are less expensive than Broadway in Manhattan, and locals claim they’re just as good. My parents used to bring us to New Haven to see the occasional show on a day trip.

With four kids, it wasn’t cheap to try to make us cultured, so every opportunity to do so for less was worth the effort.

The jury’s still out on whether it was productive.

Shubert Theater

As the name implies, New York theatre magnates Shubert Brothers opened the 1,600 seat Shubert Theater in 1914.

In the intervening century, the Shubert Theater has hosted over 300 world premieres. Thanks to its proximity to the City, many new shows opened at the Shubert Theater before their debut on Broadway.

Some of the culturally impactful shows that first premiered at the Shubert Theater include:

• My Fair Lady
• The Sound of Music

Liza Minnelli fans will appreciate that she first performed in a Broadway production at the Shubert Theater in Flora the Red Menace, in 1965. The Marx Brothers performed at the Shubert Theater during their vaudeville days, as did a bunch of Barrymores (Ethel, John, and Lionel, to be exact).

Today, the Shubert Theater hosts varied productions, besides live acting. Some of the other productions you’ll enjoy at the Shubert Theater include:

• Classical recitals
• Broadway “out-of-town” tryouts
• National tours

Long Wharf Theater

Local theatre geeks took over a vacant warehouse on New Haven’s harbor in 1965 with the belief that theatre was for everyone. Using borrowed movie theater seats, they created a new performance space now known as the Long Wharf Theatre .

The two performance spaces at Long Wharf Theater host six plays per season, including new plays and modern updates of classics.

Yale Repertory Theatre

The Yale Repertory Theatre represents one of the highest regarded theatre programs in America.

The Yale Repertory Theatre is the Yale School of Drama’s professional-in-residence theatre company. It’s won a Tony Award for Excellence in Regional Theatre, as well as hosted over 100 premieres since it first opened in 1966.

While the ticket prices are reasonable, the small space in the former Calvary Baptist Church means no seat is bad. Just be sure to arrive early and plan to not leave your seat during performances.

Top outdoor activities in New Haven, Connecticut

After visiting East Rock Park and West Haven’s beaches, some more top parks and outdoor activities in New Haven include:

West Rock Ridge State Park

Aside from the Judge’s Cave, West Rock Ridge State Park also offers panoramic views of New Haven from the top of its ridge.

Another top trail circles Lake Wintergreen. Time your thirty to forty minute walk around the lake to catch the view close to sunset, with golden colors reflecting off this body of water.

Lighthouse Point Park

Lighthouse Point Park occupies a Revolutionary War battleground.  But the park is better known for being the city’s beach destination for over a hundred years.

Five Mile Point Light

This decommissioned Connecticut lighthouse earned its name by being located exactly five miles from New Haven’s Green.

It helped ship traffic to avoid the rocky outcroppings of this bluff from 1847 until 1877. The lighthouse and keeper’s cottage were restored in the 1980s and are now on the National Register of Historic Places.

While you can’t access the lighthouse, it’s a great focal point for your photos of the park, perched on the waters edge.

Lighthouse Point Carousel

Right next to the lighthouse is one of the few remaining antique carousels in the world.

First constructed in 1911, the antique carousel is still operating on national holidays and summer weekends. While New Haven added it when every town had a carousel, most were decommissioned to the point where only about a hundred still exist today.

72 restored mounts populate its 60-foot platform:

• 1 lonely but very determined camel

Lighthouse Point Park is also a major stopping point for many birds on their migratory routes, which draws birders in the spring and fall.

But with a fishing pier, a Long Island Sound beach, and well-shaded grounds for picnics, there’s something for everyone.

That said, the entrance fee is pricey for non-New Haven residents. And the neighborhood appears to be getting resentful of people parking on their streets for free to walk-in.

But the entrance fee is worth at least one visit, especially for the views of New Haven across the harbor.

This is also home to the Fantasy of Lights, one of the best Christmas lights displays in Connecticut .

Pardee Seawall Park

Drive along Townsend Avenue towards Lighthouse Point and you’ll pass this 1.3 mile park.

Pardee Seawall Park hugs the shoreline, offering gorgeous views of Morris Cove, New Haven harbor, and Long Island Sound. While swimming or using a restroom isn’t possible here (with no access to either), this is a free attraction, unlike Lighthouse Point Park.

It’s especially lovely at sunrise or sunset.

Boulevard Flea Market

New Haven’s flea market, on Boulevard Avenue, reminds this writer of massive markets in Malawi where anything and everything was sold.

Even coffins.

The New Haven Flea Market is not the place for quaint, charming finds. And yet, it’s a great place to shop for deals on produce and goods from all over, and all outdoors.

It’s on our list of the best flea markets in Connecticut for a reason.

Sleeping Giant State Park

Just north of New Haven, in Hamden, Connecticut, sits Quinnipiac College, the source of political polls.

Across the road from its campus is Sleeping Giant State Park . It’s so close, that you’re sure to pass many college students hiking on a nice weekend afternoon.

The traprock mountain earned its name because its shape gives the appearance of a large, sleeping, person. And t hat person is possibly of the giant persuasion.

The hike to the tower at the top of the ridge is fairly easy, and the view from the tower is lovely. This is one of the most popular and most visited state parks in Connecticut for a reason.

Top restaurants and places to eat in New Haven, CT

In keeping with its style of being a smaller, more manageable New York City, New Haven seems to have every culinary tradition imaginable.

International cuisine

Two of my favorite restaurants are on Temple Street:

• My favorite Laotian restaurant, Pho Ketkeo
• And a great Ethiopian restaurant with questionable service, Lalibela

There are plenty of Chinese, Turkish, Thai, even Caribbean options close to the Yale University campus, as well.

Or if you’d rather a smattering of global cuisine in one sitting (or standing), head to Food Truck Paradise .

This strip of Long Wharf Drive, wedged between the harbor and I-95, is where drivers on the highway will see hordes of colorful food trucks. While this is the most noticeable location, there are three others where over 150 food trucks gather around lunchtime each day:

• Yale-New Haven Hospital (on Cedar Street)
• Yale’s Trumbull College (on Elm and York Streets)
• Prospect and Sachem Streets, by Yale’s School of Management

Romantic restaurants in New Haven

Some of the most romantic restaurants in all Connecticut are here in New Haven, for different reasons:

• Shell & Bones Oyster Bar, for its seafood served in front of sweeping views of New Haven harbor
• Union League Cafe, a French restaurant with a Parisian brasserie ambience
• L’Orcio, for homemade Italian pasta in a charming and historic townhouse
• Tre Scalini, with a traditional romantic Italian restaurant atmosphere
• Mecha, for a more casual romantic dining experience, slurping ramen noodles

Miya’s Sushi even made the list of most unique restaurants in Connecticut , thanks to its menu devoted to the chef-owner’s vision of sushi in 2150.

More Italian restaurants in New Haven

More Italian restaurants in New Haven include:

• Consiglio’s Restaurant
• Basta Trattoria
• Olives and Oil Wine + Cucina
• Brazi’s Italian Restaurant

Vegan, Vegetarian, and Brunch in New Haven

Bella’s Cafe is perfect for brunch. Bella’s Cafe, a local favorite, has a great menu variety with hearty portions and unpretentious flavors.

Atticus Bookstore & Cafe offers vegetarian and vegan options to accompany your literary perusing.

American restaurant J.P Dempsey’s on State Street is one of the most dog friendly places in Connecticut .

New Haven Ice Cream

Finish your culinary tour (or start it, or what have you) at Arethusa Farm Dairy . An outpost from the very upscale creamery in Litchfield, CT , this ice cream parlor on Chapel Street is well worth the sugar low afterwards.

8 excellent day trips from New Haven

Located almost halfway between the CT shoreline, New Haven is an ideal starting point for various day trips in Connecticut .

There are more than a few bucolic towns nearby with some of the best Connecticut wineries , but any reason to explore the area is a good one.

Charming towns near New Haven

And they remain largely charming and quaint little Connecticut beach towns .

Between its charming downtown and green and gorgeous beaches on its list of attractions; Milford, CT ,  is a destination in and of itself.

Another cute town just east of New Haven, Branford has one of the best breweries in CT , Stony Creek. The town of Branford, CT , is also home to the Thimble Islands , small islands accessible only by boat, a holdover from the Victorian era.

Guilford is home to one of the best apple orchards in Connecticut , Bishop’s Orchards. It’s also where you’ll find The Place , without question one of the most unique places to eat in the entire state .

Another adorable beach town, Madison, CT , has a cute downtown and Hammonasset State Park, the largest of Connecticut’s beaches .

Old Saybrook

Sitting at the mouth of the Connecticut River Valley , the town of Old Saybrook, Connecticut , was a favorite haunt of Katharine Hepburn.

Our hometown is about an hour’s drive from New Haven, or about the same on the train. The list of attractions, activities, and things to do in Greenwich revolve around the lifestyles of the rich and (in some cases) famous.

About an hour in the other direction, Mystic is New England’s most charming tourist trap, made famous by the movie, Mystic Pizza. But there are way more things to do in Mystic than just grabbing a slice.

Drive 42 minutes inland from New Haven to reach Connecticut’s state capital, Hartford. This city enjoyed a heyday in the Victorian era, around the same time as New Haven. And many of Hartford’s top attractions are from that period.

Places to Stay in New Haven, Connecticut

About an hour’s drive along either the Merritt Parkway or I-95 will bring you to New Haven from our Greenwich, CT, bed and breakfast . It makes a fantastic day trip, or a stop along the way to Mystic, Connecticut , or other getaways in New England.

As far as inns and hotels in New Haven, aim for the center of downtown. The compact city means most attractions are within walking distance, so you’ll be able to park your car and leave it there for the length of your stay.

Reasonably priced considering its location, The Study at Yale offers a collegiate feel to its atmosphere. This 4-star hotel is well-decorated with a modern, calming vibe. Be on the lookout for their lobby area, which has a museum-like, study atmosphere, with comfy leather chairs and ottomans.

The Graduate hotel chain opens hotels in historic buildings near college campuses. And the Graduate New Haven is a great introduction to the brand. It occupies the former Hotel Duncan, a local landmark since 1894. That said, it has been stylishly restored while still evoking classic Ivy-League nostalgia.

Directions and how to get to New Haven, CT

Lyft and Uber are both available here.

If you’d prefer to take a train trip from Manhattan , that’s just as easy. The Metro-North line connects New York City to New Haven. Bring a book, as the trip takes a little over two hours. Amtrak also makes stops at New Haven’s Union Station.

Keep planning a trip to see the most unique things to do in Connecticut

Plan your trip based on the season:

• Fall in Connecticut
• Connecticut winter getaways and all the requisite CT winter activities
• Spring in Connecticut
• Summertime in Connecticut
• Or pick and choose from our list of unique things to do on your birthday in CT

Then keep exploring the most unique attractions, activities, and things to do in Connecticut. And be sure to download the free Connecticut Travel Guide.

Updated and republished: April 25, 2024

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Adventures in New England

A local's guide to savoring the history, culture, food and nature of the Northeast USA

15 Fabulous Day Trips in Connecticut

Connecticut is in southwestern New England. It has a big city, fancy suburbs of New York City, a pretty coastline, and rural farmland. I did my residency in Hartford and lived just north of that area for about 5 years. Since Connecticut borders Rhode Island, I still visit often for day trips. Below are a few of my favorite Connecticut day trips.

Table of Contents

The historic boating town of Mystic has an aquarium, cool balancing bridge, colonial seaport, and quaint downtown.

Read on for more things to do in Mystic, Ct.

Hike to Hublein Tower, Simsbury

A 1.25-mile hike through Talcott Mountain’s woods brings you to this tower with sweeping views of Connecticut, including Hartford.

Talcott Mountain is one of my top ten New England family hikes.

West Hartford Center

If you are in the mood to spend a day shopping and eating, West Hartford is the place to be. Here you can find almost any store you can think of. My favorite Connecticut restaurant, Restaurant Bricco , is on LaSalle Road.

New Haven is the Ivy League school’s home, Yale, and the home of some delicious wood-fired pizza. There is some controversy about who has the best, but the original is at Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana. There are often long lines, so it is good to show up right when they open. One of their most popular pizza is the white clam. While in town, visit the museums of Yale, such as the Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History.

Southwestern Connecticut

If you want to explore Connecticut’s rural side, try a road trip around the southwest corner of the state where you can drive past farms, go antiquing, visit wineries, and hike to waterfalls.

Read more about spending a day in rural southwestern Connecticut.

Connecticut Wine Trail

You can see the whole state, as well as have an amazing day visiting Connecticut’s 40 wineries, but of course, you would need a designated driver and drink safely.

You can read about my day with the girls at Jonathan Edwards Vineyards.

A Day at Lavender Pond Farm, Killingworth

If you are in Connecticut in June or July, spend a peaceful day among the blooming, fragrant stems. The farm has chairs and games to play as well. This farm is on my list of the best flower fields around New England.

Clyde’s Cider Mill, Old Mystic

If you are visiting in the fall, be sure to join the party at Clyde’s Cider Mill, where you can see cider being pressed by a room-sized antique press and eat apple cider donuts. Right up the road, visit Whitehall Cemetery with graves dating back to the 1600s.

Sharpe Hill Winery, Pomfret

Start your day at the Lavender Hill Alpaca Farm in Voluntown. After getting your fill of these frilly-headed animals. Then take a hike around the Connecticut Audobon Society Bafflin Sanctuary. End your day with a wine tasting and dinner in Sharpe Hill’s beautiful old barn.

Lake Compounce

Read more about spending a day at Lake Compounce, the oldest continually running amusement park in the United States.

Devil’s Hopyard

Devil’s Hopyard is one of my favorite picnic spots in New England. On the two-mile hike, you can see a waterfall, covered bridge, and sweeping green views.

Explore the Connecticut River Valley

Take a boat ride on the river, explore Gillette Castle, take a train ride, or shop and eat in the charming town of Essex.

Read on for how to spend a day in this area.

Visit Old Saybrook

Get a spa treatment at the Saybrook Point Resort and Spa. Walk through the Monument Park. Enjoy lunch on Main Street. A few of my favorite restaurants are the Penny Lane Pub or Liv’s Oyster Bar. Finish your day with a walk by the ocean or a peek at the Lynde Point Lighthouse.

Spend a Day at the Florence Griswold Museum, Old Lyme

Around the turn of the twentieth century, Florence Griswold was running a boarding house on the Lieutenant River banks drawing painters to the area. This was the Lyme Artist Colony, the beginning and hub of American Impressionism. The house is open for touring, as well as a garden and a museum housing a large collection of impressionist paintings. Be sure to leave time for lunch on the veranda overlooking the river.

Mark Twain House

This gothic-style house in Hartford is where Samuel Clements raised his family. There are three buildings to tour, including the house.

I hope you enjoyed this list of day trips in Connecticut. I will continue to add to it as I think of more.

Did I miss any of your favorites? Please let me know in the comments.

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7 thoughts on “15 Fabulous Day Trips in Connecticut”

I live in Boston, these are some really great things to see in CT. I love Mystic, it’s one of my favorite towns in New England. I actually wasn’t aware if the Lavender Fields, I’m going to need to check those out some year.

Those are some great ideas for day trips. I think I should like to do them all – from the lavender to antique hunting to the wine trail. Mystic has always been intriguing to me, and those waterfalls in Devil’s Hopyard looks so scenic.

I have only done Mystic and its outdoor seaport museum in my only day in CT and I really do need to go back to the state to check out the natural beauty (or maybe the changing of the colours in the leaves in the fall). I am loving the waterfalls in Devil’s Hopyard and would defo want to check these out. One place I would like to go is Hartford for a bit of history, as the founder of the town is from a town very near to my home in Hertford, in the UK. 🙂 So there is a little bit of a connection for me, not much, but its enough for me to get myself into gear and visit CT again 🙂

That is cool that you live near our founder. I didn’t know the origin of the name Hartford.

I have never been to Connecticut and this post makes me want to spend a week just exploring the day trips. I would first explore Devil’s Hopyard. A two-mile hike isn’t too bad especially if you get views of a waterfall and bridge. I’ll have to see if it’s pet-friendly too. I’m sure my pup would enjoy this hike as well.

This is a part of the US I’d really like to explore more! I didn’t know that Connecticut had a winery scene but checking out some of them sounds like a lot of fun! Mystic also looks like an interesting little town. I checked out your other post and the drawbridge does look unique with those concrete slabs!

There is also. Harkness park in Waterford Connecticut. it’s a mansion that used to Belong to a rich family. there is Alot to see. it’s surrounded by the ocean. flower gardens . it’s beautiful. Look it up!

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12 Things To Do In New Haven: Complete Guide To Connecticut's Beloved City

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More Things To Do In New Haven

New Haven is a truly emblematic New England city. Situated on the southern coast of Connecticut, New Haven has both the bustle and excitement of a city and the raw natural beauty of a New England rocky coastline.

This city is a lot more than its geography. New Haven is home to some of the best pizza in the world, with many saying its numerous pizzerias are even better than those in New York City. No trip to this area is complete without trying a unique and divine clam pizza, which is available at many local pizza joints.

In addition to pizza and shoreline, New Haven is the home of one of the world's most prestigious colleges — Yale University. The campus is gorgeous, and there are several amazing things to do on its grounds, including visiting museums and viewing its stunning architecture.

UPDATE: 2023/07/07 16:14 EST BY DYLAN MYERS

This update refreshed and expanded the list of what to do in New Haven. Exciting new attractions include getting outdoors to picturesque beaches, scenic hikes through spacious city parks, or diving even deeper into the history of Yale University's hometown at iconic museums.

Top Things To Do

Whether visiting college campuses or on the quest for America's best pizza, New Haven is an essential stop on any excursion in New England .

1 Try New Haven Pizza

Without question, the most important thing any visitor needs to do in New Haven is to try their unbelievable pizza. The pizza in this southern Connecticut city is considered by many to be some of the best in the world.

From its thing yet chewy crust to the sweet sauce and variety of variations, it is the ultimate city for pizza lovers. Frank Pepe’s and Sally’s were once considered the two great rivals in this pizza empire. But now more than a dozen reputable pizza joints are churning out some of the best pizza in the country.

While toppings are a matter of taste, a trip to New Haven should include at least one white clam pizza. The combination of clams, cheese, garlic, and seasonings is a curious yet altogether incredible flavor combination that is very much a New Haven specialty.

Check out the 'Where To Eat in New Haven' section below to find more information on the city's favorite pizza joints.

Related: For The Birthplace Of The Hamburger, Look No Further Than This Connecticut Eatery

2 Explore Yale University’s Beautiful Campus

One of the most famous things about New Haven is the fact that it is home to one of the best universities in the world — Yale. Many of the most famous and successful people in this world have graced its classrooms and walked its campus. Enjoy walking among the great on the campus.

Most of the Yale campus and its historic buildings are open to the public (to a degree). It is worth spending an afternoon exploring its pedestrian-only roads, walking under the gorgeous arches, and walking over a big pizza lunch. There is the Yale Bookstore as well as several nearby cafés to enjoy during this historic stroll.

• Yale Bookstore hours: Monday - Wednesday, 10 AM - 7 PM | Thursday - Saturday, 10 AM - 8 PM | 11 AM - 6 PM
• Location: 77 Broadway, New Haven, CT 06511

3 Catch A Festival At The New Haven Green

The New Haven Green is a famous large town square of sorts. It is a large grassy area right in the center of the historic downtown area. In fact, part of Yale University borders the Green. It is easy to take a seat and people watch on any given day, watching people play with dogs and walk in the crisp New England air.

This iconic patch of grass also hosts tons of festivals and events throughout the year. In fact, many of these events are free, and they all tend to be loads of fun for the whole family.

Research to see if anything is happening at The Green during the approximate time of a visit to plan an itinerary accordingly.

4 Take A Day Trip To Grand Central Station

Another fun thing to do in New Haven for several days is a trip to New York City via the Metro-North Railroad. New Haven is the last (and first — depending on the direction) stop on the Metro-North train line to New York City. This makes a quick trip to downtown Manhattan simple.

Simply buy a ticket at the New Haven train station, board many of the NYC-bound trains, and in two hours or so, a person is transported to the stunning and iconic Grand Central Station.

Times Square, Rockefeller Center, the Empire State Building, and Radio City Music Hall are all within walking distance of this train station. This makes an amazing day trip to New York easy and affordable. Best of all, there is no need to battle the traffic or erratic drivers.

• Hours : From as early as 4 AM to as late as 1 AM
• Tickets : From $14 one-way per adult

Consider booking an off-peak round-trip ticket. These tickets save a few bucks each way and the trains tend to be much less crowded, as they are not popular commuting times. Check the Metro-North website for schedule information.

5 Enjoy Some Retail Therapy At 56 Broadway

The Shops at Yale at 56 Broadway make for a perfect afternoon of retail shopping in New Haven. There are more than 65 retailers in this area. From the Apple Store to several bookstores, there are many places for university students and others involved in education to go wild.

But there are also a variety of high-end and popular clothing stores and boutiques. After a few hours of shopping, the stomach is bound to start grumbling. Luckily there are also ample dining options, from casual cafes to more high-end white tablecloth establishments.

• Hours: Most stores open Monday - Saturday, 10 AM - 8 PM | Sundays, 11 AM - 6 PM
• Note: Find out where to park here

6 Visit The Beinecke Rare Book And Manuscript Library

For any book lover, library lover, or lover of anything historic or noteworthy, a trip to the Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library is an essential stop on a trip to New Haven. This is another museum of sorts, located within the Yale University complex.

The library houses some truly rare books, manuscripts, and important literary artifacts. Some areas require special access, but there is ample space where the public can view them.

The library is quite impressive to take in, even if the visitor is not a big literary buff. With frequent exhibits and lots to learn and see, this is a great place to visit when in the vicinity of Yale.

• Hours: Mondays & Tuesdays, 9 AM - 7 PM | Wednesdays, 10 AM - 7 PM | Thursdays, 9 AM - 7 PM | Fridays, 9 AM - 5 PM | Saturdays & Sundays, noon - 5 PM
• Entrance : Free

Related: This Quirky Connecticut Book Barn Might Be The Place For Book Lovers

7 Catch A Show At Toads Place

New Haven is also the home of one of the country’s most beloved intimate live music venues, Toad’s Place . This legendary venue has been around for nearly 50 years. Some of the famous performers to grace its stage include Billy Joel, Bob Dylan, The Rolling Stone, Johnny Cash, and more recently, Drake, U2, and Cardi B.

This intimate venue has a capacity of 750. This makes it a perfect place to see a beloved artist up close and personal.

Check the Toad’s Place website for upcoming shows, and coordinate a trip when a great musician is set to take the stage.

8 See Some Amazing Art At The Yale University Art Gallery

The Yale University Art Gallery is a fantastic place to visit on a trip to New Haven. It is a great add-on to a nice walk around Yale’s campus. It is also a great place to tuck in before or after a trip to the New Haven Green.

The Yale University Art Gallery is the oldest university art gallery in the entire country. There is a plethora of art eras explored throughout this gallery, with some major names and very important pieces of artwork.

The gallery is housed in some of Yale’s most beautiful historic buildings, making a visit to the gallery even more enjoyable. Best of all, this art gallery is free , so there really is no excuse not to take a trip here on any visit to New Haven.

• Hours: Tuesday - Friday, 10 AM - 7 PM | Saturdays & Sundays, 11 AM - 5 PM | Closed Mondays
• Entrance: Free

9 Wander Through The New Haven Museum

History buffs who haven't tired after exploring Yale University can continue their dive into the past at the New Haven Museum. One of the best museums in New Haven, this attraction showcases a broader look at the history of the city and region spread across several collections in four halls.

Inside the New Haven Museum , visitors will find landscape paintings from the 17th century, furniture from the Puritan Colony, and even Eli Whitney's cotton gin. Guests can also view a maritime collection, a letter from John Quincy Adams, and a reconstruction of the first telephone switchboard.

• Hours: Wednesday - Saturday, 10 AM - 5 PM | Closed Sunday - Tuesday
• Entrance: $4 per adult
• Location: 114 Whitney Ave, New Haven, CT 06510

10 Head To The Beach At Lighthouse Point Park

One of the greatest outdoor activities in New Haven is a visit to Lighthouse Point Park. No matter the season, the blustery coastal park has something for everyone.

In the summer, visitors can relax on the beach or families can venture to the Splashpad. Lighthouse Point Park offers scenic views of Long Island and a picturesque lighthouse that, although no longer in operation, makes for great photos and may be one of the most impressive lighthouses in the United States .

In the spring and fall, bird watchers can catch endless flocks of migratory birds.

• Hours: Daily, 7 AM - sunset
• Entrance: From $25 per vehicle per day
• Accommodations: Bathhouse and restrooms available

Children (and adults) will love to take a ride on the 100-year-old Carousel at Lighthouse Point Park. Enjoy this attraction for 50 cents, open on Saturdays and Sundays.

11 Get Outside At East Rock Park

East Rock Park is another excellent spot to feel out in nature in the middle of the city. Sprawling, spacious, and green, East Rock Park is a haven for hikers, bikers, and all outdoor enthusiasts. Over ten miles of trails crisis cross the park for joggers and walkers, while cyclists can enjoy any of the paved paths.

Follow the trails past the Civil War Soldiers' Monument, the Indian Head Peak, or to the top of East Rock for stunning panoramic views. Later, picnic along the banks of the Mill River.

• Hours: Daily, 7 AM - 9 PM

Go ice skating in New Haven at East Rock Park from November to March!

12 Marvel At The Dinosaurs At The Peabody Museum Of Natural History

One of the oldest and biggest natural history museums in the world, the Peabody Museum of Natural History is an essential visit for all history buffs and dinosaur lovers.

The Great Hall of Dinosaurs is an excellent first stop in the museum, including a mounted brontosaurus and the largest fossil collection in the country. The exhibits don't stop there, however, and also cover paleontology, biology, and a stunning Egyptology collection complete with the Head of Osiris and a bust of the Ptolemaic King.

The Peabody Museum of Natural History is currently closed for renovations until 2024. Keep up to date or take a virtual tour on their website .

Related 10 Tips For Visiting The Valley Of The King In Luxor, Egypt

13 Best Time To Go To New Haven

Visitors come to New Haven throughout the year. After all, it is one of the largest cities in Connecticut, and it is connected by railway. Yet there are some months that are more popular to visit than others.

• Best Time To Visit New Haven: Mid-spring through mid-fall
• Temperatures: Highs from the 70s to 90s | Lows from the 40s to 60s

If possible, it is best to avoid New Haven between early January and late March, when the daylight hours are short, and the weather is frigid and dreary. There are far fewer festivals, and outdoor activities essentially come to a halt.

New Haven comes to life in the spring and summer months. The spring is an amazing time to see New England's blooms . This is a great time to take walks through the Yale campus, visit the lighthouse, and enjoy one of the many festivals in the city.

Related: 10 Perfect Places To Celebrate Fall In Connecticut

Autumn (between late September and early November) is another great time to come to New Haven, and also a great time to have a cozy New England getaway in general. This is when fall foliage is at its peak.

Visitors can enjoy seasonal hot apple cider and cozy up to wood fires in many local eateries.

14 Best Ways To Get Around New Haven

New Haven is a fairly compact city for the most part, which makes public transportation and taxis an attractive option. The difficult transportation issue is often how to get to New Haven, as there is no major airport nearby.

But with the Metro-North Railroad stopping right in downtown New Haven, it is possible to arrive by plane at one of New York City's airports, and then take the train to New Haven .

• Metro-North Railroad Hours : From as early as 4 AM to as late as 1 AM

Consider staying in a hotel in the heart of downtown if a car is not an option. This allows for easy walking to many of New Haven's top attractions. It also makes a day trip to New York City very easy.

For those looking to explore other beautiful areas in Connecticut like Mystic's beautiful seaport and historic area , a car is best.

A car is also a great option for those looking to see some of Connecticut's more rural areas. This is definitely something worth doing, especially in the spring and autumn months when the state is full of vibrant natural colors.

15 Where To Eat And Drink In New Haven

Pizza is a clear highlight, but New Haven has countless eateries for travelers to enjoy.

Breakfast In New Haven

Pantry : From their benedicts to a variety of pancakes and sweet breakfast options, everything at Pantry is fantastic.

• Hours: Monday - Saturday, 7 AM - 2 PM | Sundays, 8 AM - 3 PM
• Address: 2 Mechanic St, New Haven, CT 06511

Bella's Cafe : A favorite among locals, Bella's Cafe has a great menu variety with hearty portions and unpretentious flavors.

• Hours: Tuesday - Sunday, 8 AM - 2 PM | Closed Mondays
• Address: 896 Whalley Ave, New Haven, CT 06515

Lunch In New Haven

Frank Pepe's Pizzeria Nepoletana : This world-famous pizza spot has been serving up some of the best pizza money can buy since 1925.

• Hours: Daily, 11 AM - 11 PM
• Address: 157 Wooster St, New Haven, CT 06511

Sally's Apizza : A friendly "rival" of Pepe's pizza, Sally's is known for their white clam pizza in particular, but every pie here is to die for.

• Hours: Sunday - Thursday, 11:30 AM - 9 PM | Fridays & Saturdays, 11:30 AM - 10 PM
• Address: 237 Wooster St, New Haven, CT 06511

Dinner In New Haven

BAR : Great pizza, amazing beer, and drink selection. BAR makes it possible to turn eating pizza into a night out of delicious fun.

• Hours: Monday - Wednesday, 4:30 PM - 11 PM | Thursdays, 4:30 PM-midnight | Fridays & Saturday, noon - 1:30 AM | Sundays, noon - 11 PM
• Address: 254 Crown St, New Haven, CT 06511

Zeneli Pizzeria e Cucina Napoletana : Another New Haven local staple. This pizza is perfect for families looking for fantastic pizza in an unpretentious and authentic setting.

• Hours: Wednesday - Monday, 11:30 AM - 9:30 PM | Closed Tuesdays
• Address: 138 Wooster St, New Haven, CT 06511

Drinks In New Haven

The Owl Shop: The most elegant and luxurious place to drink and socialize in New Haven. Featuring a very impressive selection of whiskey, cigars, wine, and more. Feel like a Wall Street big shot in its plush seats among high-end clientele.

• Hours: Tuesday - Saturday, 11:30 AM - 1 AM | Sundays, noon-1 AM | Mondays, 4 PM - 1 AM
• Address: 268 College St, New Haven, CT 06510

16 Where To Stay In New Haven

Whether passing through on a road trip through New England or staying for a few days visiting Yale, there are various types of hotels and accommodations in New Haven. The best options are often cute, independent boutique hotels located in the heart of New Haven.

Even though New Haven is not always the cheapest place to stay, there are budget options as well.

Budget-Friendly Hotels In New Haven

Courtyard New Haven At Yale

• 30 Whalley Ave, New Haven, CT 06511
• Free WiFi, on-site restaurant, coffee shop, bar, common rooms, and fitness center
• Affordable rooms within walking distance from Yale University with comfortable workspaces and plenty of amenities.

Great Boutique Hotels In New Haven

Graduate New Haven

• 1151 Chapel Street, New Haven, CT 06511
• Stunning common rooms, free WiFi, on-site restaurant, coffee shop
• This lovely and elegant property has the benefit of a great location and cozy yet grand atmosphere.

The Study at Yale

• 1157 Chapel Street, New Haven, CT 06511
• The hotel features a fitness center, WiFi, restaurant, bar, valet parking and more.
• This hotel is ideal for those looking for a great hotel near the Yale campus, as it is just steps away from the university.
• 9 High Street, New Haven, CT 06510
• Free WiFi, on-site restaurant, coffee shop, bar, common more rooms, and more
• Newer and more popular boutique hotel in premium downtown location, with great amenities and friendly service.

Mid-Tier Hotels In New Haven

Best Western Executive Hotel of New Haven

• 490 Saw Mill Road, West Haven, CT 06516-4044
• Free WiFi, free parking
• Located just outside New Haven, this hotel offers clean and affordable rooms just a few miles from the downtown area.

17 How To Spend The Perfect Day In New Haven

A perfect day in New Haven will likely depend on the time of year, but no matter what, it will involve pizza. Assuming the weather is pleasant, it is best to get an early start and have a quick bite to eat at one of the city's many amazing cafes. Next, head over to New Haven's Green and Yale University for a nice stroll.

Related: A 3-Day New England Itinerary For Gilmore Girls Fans

While walking the Yale campus, head into the Yale University Art Gallery and the Beinecke Rare Book And Manuscript Library, both of which are located on this gorgeous campus.

After working up an appetite, it is time to have some amazing pizza. Try Frank Pepe's or maybe both — in order to decide which of these two iconic establishments is preferable.

As the day winds down, head to the shoreline in order to catch the sunset at New Haven's beautiful lighthouse. Nothing says New England like watching the sunset by a lighthouse on a rocky shoreline.

For dinner, consider more pizza - especially if tasting white clam pizza hasn't happened yet. Lastly, check out Toad's Place and see if there is a worthwhile show happening at this iconic venue to put a cherry on top of this great day in New Haven.

Q: What Is New Haven known for?

New Haven is a beautiful CT town known for its amazing pizza, as well as being the home of Yale University, one of the most famous colleges in the world.

Q: How do I spend A day in New Haven?

A day in New Haven should involve a visit to Yale, as well as a trip to at least one pizza shop. But if pizza is not appealing, get a burger from the birthplace of the hamburger .

Q: Is New Haven worth visiting?

With a rich history, an iconic college campus, lively downtown, and famous food options, New Haven is a fantastic place to visit as a standalone trip or as part of a New England road trip .

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17 Of The Best Day Trips From New Haven

Are you searching for the best day trips from New Haven?

New Haven is located in southwestern Connecticut and is home to Yale University, incredible pizza joints, and countless concert venues, museums, and theaters. 

The town of New Haven itself is gorgeous and is known for its close proximity to the Long Island Sound.

As frequent travelers and major fans of the northeastern states, we love spending time near New Haven, enjoying the views, delicious foods, and endless attractions.

If you are looking to explore the surrounding areas, there are countless day trips from New Haven that you can embark on to see more of Connecticut and the surrounding cities and states.

The Best Day Trips from New Haven

Continue diving in below as I highlight the best day trips from New Haven for a memorable time exploring Connecticut’s best towns.

In State Day Trips From New Haven :

1. branford.

Branford is roughly 15 minutes East of New Haven or about 10 minutes on the Shore Line East Train. This makes it an incredible location for a quick and easy day trip from New Haven!

Known for being one of Connecticut’s best coastal towns and filled with many local restaurants, bars, and popular breweries.

If you are a craft beer lover, like Sam and myself, we highly recommend that you check out Stoney Creek Brewery , Duvig Beer Company, and Thimble Island Brewery for tasty brews at some of the best breweries in Connecticut .

Additionally, Branford is known for its historic places and landmarks such as the Thimble Islands and Stoney Creek Museum . 

Branford is a great option for quick day trips from New Haven and is a great place to visit if you are looking for a coastal town with great beer and immense history.

Mystic is another fabulous option when it comes to picking out the best day trips from New Haven!

The town of Mystic, Connecticut is about 55 miles East of New Haven and is known for its charming coastal town and popular attractions such as the Mystic Aquarium and the Mystic Seaport . 

If you are searching to learn more about the former times at Mystic Seaport including its village, maritime history, and large ships; you must book the Mystic Seaport Museum Adventure . 

This historical museum adventure will have you transported through time as you learn about life in the 1870’s and gain knowledge as you meet historians and artists throughout the museum and large ships. 

Once you finish up your historic tour be sure to check out S&P Oyster Restaurant and Bar for fresh seafood by the water. 

Although Mystic is a phenomenal location for a quick day trip from New Haven, it’s also a great destination to spend several nights exploring the surrounding area.

If you are wanting to extend your trip, be sure to check out the Hilton Mystic for an incredible stay!

Located about 34 miles West of New Haven, Norwalk has some of the best boating, fine dining restaurants, and breathtaking beaches in coastal Connecticut. 

Whether you would like to get out on the water by renting a sailboat for the day, would like to explore the beautiful public beaches, or you would like to get dressed up and go out for a fancy meal, Norwalk is a great destination if you are seeking a quintessential coastal town in Connecticut. 

4. Bridgeport

Bridgeport is known for its countless parks, being home to Connecticut’s only zoo, and is Connecticut’s largest city. 

This city is about 20 miles West of New Haven and is a great area to visit if you are looking to get outside and enjoy one of the many parks in the area.

It’s also a great destination if you are wanting endless things to do in a fairly large city. 

If you are an animal enthusiast, be sure to check out Connetticut’s Beardsley Zoo where you can take in views of countless animals from all over the world and learn more about each animal and how to better take care of them and their ecosystems. 

If a zoo is not your thing, be sure to get outside and enjoy one of Bridgeport’s countless parks.

After all, this city is known as the “Park City” and has over 30 different parks in the area. 

Whether you want to pack a picnic and take in the surrounding views or you would rather burn a few calories by walking or biking, be sure to spend some time outdoors while visiting the beautiful city of Bridgeport.

5. Hartford

About 40 miles northeast of New Haven lies Hartford, the state capital of Connecticut, known for being one of the oldest cities in America and for its countless jobs and entertainment throughout the city. 

If you are searching for a lively destination to visit in the heart of Connecticut, you must check out this city. 

Essex is located about 32 miles East of New Haven and is known for its small town charm and fabulous architecture. 

As you walk through the streets of Essex you will be in awe of the old school charm in the local buildings, houses, and churches.

You will see countless rows of Cape Cod homes along with incredible landscapes and gardens throughout the town. 

If you are searching for one of the best quick day trips from New Haven, you must check out Essex for a slower pace of life and old school beauty. 

7. Waterford

Waterford is about 45 minutes East of New Haven and is known for the beautiful Harkness Memorial State Park .

This park consists of over 200 acres of beautiful land filled with greenery, gardens, and water features. 

If you are looking to reel in some fish, be sure to bring your favorite surf fishing rod and beach fishing cart so that you can fish in the Long Island Sound off of Harkness Memorial State Park. 

Out of State Day Trips From New Haven

8. new york city.

An epic day trip from New Haven is to venture to New York City, which is roughly 2 hours away by car or 2 hours and 15 minutes by train. Of course these times depend on city traffic but you can typically get to NYC within two hours of New Haven. 

New York City has so much to offer including an abundance of shopping from high end designer stores to boutique shops. 

If shopping isn’t your thing, New York City has countless museums, art galleries, monuments, Broadway theaters, and much more. If you are looking to learn and experience more of the Big Apple, endless excursions await you.

Additionally, we would be remiss if we did not mention the infamous Time Square, Rockefellers Center, and Central Park, all of which are incredible places to visit and have so much to offer. 

We have been two New York City more times than we can count and each trip we uncover new hidden gems and more reasons to love the city.

If you’ve never been to city before, we highly recommend you experience it for yourself.

Book a stay at The Westin New York at Times Square if you would like to stay in the area for more than a quick day trip and would truly like to indulge in all that New York City has to offer.

9. Philadelphia

Another incredible city outside of Connecticut that you can visit on one of the best day trips from New Haven is Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 

Philadelphia is known for its rich history, delicious cheesesteaks, countless museums, and for having one of the best zoos in the United States. 

For history lovers, Philadelphia must be on your bucket list. This city is known for having the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall .

Additionally, there are countless sites throughout the city that are notable in reference to the American Revolution. 

Be sure to book the Historic and Revolutionary Philadelphia Tour for an unbelievable experience that will teach you a tremendous amount about Philly.

Including background knowledge on our Founding Fathers and take you to countless historic sites, landmarks, and attractions that will have you transported back in time to the American Revolution. 

Once your tour is over, be sure to check out Pat’s King of Steaks for a philly cheesesteak that will blow your mind. 

We have visited Philadelphia on multiple occasions and we rave about its unique history and crave-worthy food.

Although Philadelphia is a great day trip from New Haven, you could definitely spend multiple days exploring all that Philly has to offer.

If you would like to extend your trip, be sure to check out The Logan Philadelphia, Curio Collection by Hilton .

One of my personal favorite big cities on the East Coast is Boston, Massachusetts.

This city is located about 140 miles northeast of New Haven and it takes roughly 2 and a half hours to 3 hours to get there by car and by train.

Boston is home to incredible lobster rolls, delicious Italian food, abundant history, Harvard University, and so much more. 

We strongly recommend that you grab a lobster roll while visiting the area, one of our favorite places to stop by is James Hook & Co .

They serve up mouth watering lobster rolls, unforgettable chowder, and cold beer. 

If you would like to discover the city better and learn more about its deep history be sure to book the Boston Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley Tour with 14 Stops .

This is an incredible way to see popular spots in Boston and hop on and hop off as you please depending on your various interests. 

If you fall in love with Boston like we did and wish to stay for a few days be sure to check out the Fairmont Copley Plaza for an incredible place to stay in the area!

11. Hershey

Hershey, Pennsylvania is another fantastic destination for day trips from New Haven.

If you are looking for a unique experience that is not to a big city and not to a coastal town, Hershey is your place to be. 

Hershey is roughly 250 miles southwest of New Haven and is known for Hershey’s chocolate and Hershey Park.

This is a tremendous place to visit if you are a chocolate lover and thrill seeker. 

Although you can definitely visit Hershey Park on a day trip, we highly recommend that you spend more than a day in the area so that you can hop on all the rides and enjoy all the chocolate you wish to indulge in.

Be sure to book your stay at the Tru by Hilton Hershey Chocolate Avenue for an incredible place to stay and prime location.

12. Providence

Providence, Rhode Island is situated about 100 miles from New Haven. It takes about 1 hour and 50 minutes to drive or 1 hour and 30 minutes to ride on the train.

This is an excellent city to visit if you would like to marvel at historic architecture, enjoy a vibrant art scene, and eat delicious food.

If you are looking for a unique city to visit or simply want to spend time in Rhode Island, take advantage of the short day trip to Providence for a memorable time.

13. Springfield

The city of Springfield, Massachusetts is located one hour North of New Haven.

This is a phenomenal city to visit for many reasons. The first being, Springfield is often famed for being the destination where basketball was first invented and for housing the Basketball Hame of Fame .

So, if you are a basketball fan, don’t hesitate to visit Springfield.

However, if you aren’t the biggest fan of the sport, still don’t sleep on the city. It’s a fantastic place to visit for its rich history.

Whether you want to learn about the first automobile crafted or the first military armory, make your way to Springfield to expand your knowledge on some of America’s innovations.

14. Killington

If you would like to hit one of the best ski resorts on the East Coast, don’t hesitate to take a day trip from New Haven to Killington, Vermont.

We are avid skiers and snowboarders and have skied all over the United States.

One of our favorite memories comes from skiing the fantastic slopes in Killington so we can attest to how incredible the resort is.

The drive takes about 3 hours and 30 minutes but is totally worth it if you want to spend some time dominating the ski slopes.

Albany, New York is known for countless things. Two things that we know Albany for include its incredible colleges and being home to some remarkable food.

If you want to visit a city in New York and want to skip out on the NYC, make your way to Albany to experience its unique atmosphere.

The city is situated 2 hours and 30 minutes northwest of New Haven and a great place to venture for its history, culture, and cuisine.

16. Manchester

Manchester, New Hampshire is located about 3 hours northeast of New Haven and an incredible day trip option.

This city is known for its businesses and history. We recommend checking out The Currier Museum of Art, if you are an art enthusiast.

If art is not your thing, head over to the Millyard Museum to learn about the history of Manchester.

17. Martha’s Vineyard

Okay, so maybe Martha’s Vineyard might be considered a weekend trip from New Haven rather than a day trip… but you could definitely make it a day trip if you really wanted to.

Martha’s Vineyard is known for its outstanding views of the coast and magnificent seafood.

It’s located about 4 hours and 40 minutes from New Haven but absolutely worth the haul because of its beautiful scenery and scrumptious food.

FAQs About Day Trips From New Haven

How do i spend a day in new haven.

There are countless ways to spend a day in New Haven. We recommend starting by making your way to Yale University where you can take in the tremendous architecture of one of the most prominent Ivy League colleges in the United States. 

After you are done taking in the beauty of Yale, we recommend that you check out Food Truck Paradise where you can pick from a handful of different cuisines and food trucks to enjoy some delicious and authentic food by the water. 

Afterwards, you need to check out East Rock Park or Lighthouse Point Park for some incredible views and time spent outdoors.

Lastly, we recommend heading to Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana for delicious pizza for dinner!

Is New Haven worth a visit?

New Haven is definitely worth a visit between it being the home of Yale University, the endless great food and pizza in the area, along with it being right on the Connecticut coast… you must put New Haven on your bucket list. 

Where do New Yorkers go for day trips?

This really depends on what part of New York they are traveling from. Many New Yorkers travel throughout the state of New York to different destinations such as New York City, Beacon, and Niagara Falls.

However, there are countless day trips that New Yorkers take out of state including Philadelphia and New Haven.

Is there a lot to do in New Haven CT?

There is a tremendous amount to do in the New Haven area including exploring Yale, visiting the coast, checking out parks, eating delicious food, exploring different theaters, museums, and galleries and so much more!

What is New Haven best known for?

New Haven is best known for being the home of Yale University! However, it’s often known for having some of the best and authentic pizza in the United States as well. 

We hope you enjoyed this article on the best day trips from New Haven! Happy Exploring!

Abby and Sam Price are the founders of Trekking Price's. They are travel experts and outdoor enthusiasts passionate about sharing their travels, hobbies, tips, and recommendations with others. They primarily focus on United States travel and their outdoor adventures and hobbies. Their favorite hobbies are hiking, skiing and snowboarding, scuba diving, fishing, and pretty much any outdoor recreational activity. They are on a mission to help other couples and families see more of the world without having to quit their 9-5 jobs and love sharing their travels, reviews, and hobbies with others.

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25 Summer Day Trip Ideas in Connecticut

last updated: June 2024

Meet the CT Ambassadors! CTvisit.com is proud to partner with some of Connecticut’s most popular bloggers for ideas, insights, and inspirations from the people who are lucky enough to call Connecticut home. This article is from  MommyPoppins.com .

Every summer weekend is an opportunity to create a mini family vacation, as easily as jumping in the car. Our friends at  Mommy Poppins , a fantastic resource for families in Connecticut and beyond, make it even more compelling with a list of 25 events and attractions for some seriously awesome summer adventures. They’re grouped by area, so you can easily create your own itinerary. Click through each link for more information and inspiration.

Edited by CT Office of Tourism.

Connecticut’s Western Hills

1.  Bring a blanket and settle in for some first-rate bluegrass music at Goshen's Podunk Music Festival in August.

2.  Ride in a restored vintage 1920s train coach on a scenic 20-mile round trip at the  Thomaston Railroad Museum of New England.

3.  Soak in the fun at  Quassy Amusement Park with old-fashioned rides, a small water park, and a lake with a beach.

4.  Go on a drive-through safari and see exotic wildlife at  Action Wildlife .  

5.  Visit more than 50 Alpacas and their new babies at  Southwind Farms during the Daylily Alpaca Fest in July.

Close to Hartford

6.  Admire restored carousel horses at the  The New England Carousel Museum .

7.  Sit in the cockpit of a fighter jet at the  New England Air Museum .

8.  Enjoy unlimited rides on vintage trolley cars at the  Connecticut Trolley Museum . 

9.  Spend the day exploring water forces, bubbles, robots, galaxies, and more scientific wonders at the  Connecticut Science Center .

10.  Get hands on with prehistoric history at  Dinosaur State Park .

11.  Take a ride on a vintage 1927 wooden roller coaster at  Lake Compounce , the nation’s oldest, continuously operating amusement park.

Near New Haven

12.  Kids always love pizza! Introduce them to the #1 pizza in the nation and all the other top-rated finds in New Haven.

13.  A tradition in Milford, the annual Milford Oyster Festival held in August, offers more than 30,000 locally sourced oysters along with exciting live entertainment.

14.  Have a picnic at one of the  many great beaches  nearby.

Mystic and Eastern Shore

15.  Visit  Mystic for the aquarium, seaport, and, of course, pizza.  

16.  Spend a day aboard a floating classroom with Project Oceanology in Groton. Explore Long Island Sound and become a marine scientist for a day.

17.  Visit  Ocean Beach Park for swimming and old-fashioned boardwalk fun. 

18.  Tour a submarine and learn about the amazing history behind the use of submarines in the military at the  USS Nautilus Submarine Force Museum .

19.  Walk amongst the prehistoric giants at  The Dinosaur Place at Nature's Art .

Southwestern Connecticut

20. The  Norwalk Oyster Festival has a Kids Cove with character meet and greets, variety shows, demonstrations, and more. 

21.  Go  berry picking at Jones Family Farm or one of the many others statewide.   

22.  Explore 80 miles of trails, Nature's Playground, Otter Pond, Bendel Pond Picnic Area, and the Heckscher Wild exotic animal exhibit at the  Stamford Museum and Nature Center .

23.  Lions, tigers, and wolves, oh my. Check out these animals at the state's only zoo, Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo in Bridgeport. 

24.  Make a splash with sea life at Norwalk’s  Maritime Aquarium!

Mommy Poppins Connecticut

Mommy Poppins Connecticut is a blog devoted to moms and kids on the go. Visit the site or sign up for their free weekly newsletter and let the adventure begin! Photo Credits: Mommy Poppins, Action Wildlife Foundation, Lisa Jacobs via Flickr, and coachdenis via Instagram.

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Top 20 Best New England Day Trips from Connecticut

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Headed to Connecticut and dream about exploring the nearby small towns New England is known for? Or what about the big bustling city of Manhattan? Connecticut makes a great base to explore some of the best areas in New England and beyond.

The perfect day trip for me is no more than a two-hour drive one way. Of course, I’ll drool over anything shorter but am happy to make the journey within two hours; anything over that starts to feel like an overnight trip, and if I only have a day, I want to make the most of it which means spending as little time in the car as possible.

There are many great areas to base yourself in Connecticut but for the purpose of this article, I’ll be sharing some of my favorite day trips from Connecticut’s capital city of Hartford.

I chose Hartford because it is central and hosts the state’s largest international airport (second largest in New England), Bradley International Airport (BDL). With their rental car center, it makes getting to nearby states and charming small towns a breeze.

Although New England is a four-season destination with so much to see in the summer, fall, and even the dead of winter, I love a summer day strolling down the quaint streets, grabbing a snack at a local bakery and, of course, capturing the charming atmosphere with my camera. If you are visiting in October, check out my New England Fall Road Trips Itineraries for some of the best leaf-peeping areas in the region.

These day trips from CT are packed with exciting activities, cultural finds, good eats, and plenty to see and do. Enjoy museums, whale watching, sailing, swimming, bike riding, clam bakes, and much more during a summer day trip from CT.

I’ve divided this post up into four sections, Day Trips in Connecticut, Day Trips in Massachusetts, Day Trips in Rhode Island and trips to Maine. Use the drop-down table of contents to easily jump to a section if you already know the area you want to visit.

Happy day-tripping!

Table of Contents: Jump to

Long Island Sound

As Connecticut’s largest and most important natural resource, Long Island Sound is an estuary, meaning that this area is where saltwater from the ocean mixes with freshwater draining from rivers. Lying between Connecticut and New York, Long Island Sound’s cities include Stamford, Norwalk, Bridgeport, New Haven, and New London. With so much to do, this is the perfect place for a New England road trip from Connecticut!

For those who love nature, there are plenty of outdoor activities in Long Island Sound, like kayaking, paddle boarding, and fishing. You can rent kayaks from the local rental companies and explore the beautiful bays, inlets, and creeks, or join a fishing tour to catch some of the delicious seafood the area is famous for.

One of the best things to do in Long Island Sound is to visit the state parks and beaches like Hammonasset Beach State Par k and Rocky Neck State Park . These parks are perfect for hiking, camping, bird watching, picnics, and enjoying the unique rocky shores.

New Haven is among the best places to explore during a New England day trip to Long Island Sound. This beautiful and historic Connecticut city is famous for its Ivy League university, Yale University, and diverse food culture.

While you’re here, enjoy a wide range of restaurants, cafes, and food trucks. New Haven is best known for its pizzerias – visiting the famous Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana will not disappoint. Alternatively, you can try local seafood, like clams and oysters, at one of the many seafood restaurants; Shell & Bones Oyster Bar & Grill is an excellent option.

Another popular attraction in New Haven is the Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library, home to some of the world’s most valuable and rare books and manuscripts. If you’re a history buff, you can also visit the New Haven Museum, which will give you insights into the rich history of this city.

New London, Connecticut, located near the southeastern coast in Long Island Sound, offers a variety of unique experiences for day-trippers. One of the main attractions is the Submarine Force Museum, where visitors can learn about the history of submarines and explore the first nuclear-powered submarine, the USS Nautilus.

If you’d rather be outside, Ocean Beach Park is a great place to relax by the beach, swim, or take a stroll on the boardwalk. Art lovers will appreciate the Lyman Allyn Art Museum , which has a collection of art from ancient times to the present day. And for a taste of New London’s maritime history, the Custom House Maritime Museum offers exhibits and events that showcase the city’s past as a whaling hub and international port of entry.

While you’re in this area, Norwalk, Connecticut, has some of my favorite New England road trip activities and attractions. One of the best things to do is visit the Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk, which houses a variety of marine life and has interactive exhibits, educational programs, and 4D movies. A fantastic family destination is the Stepping Stones Museum for Children, a hands-on museum with exhibits and activities designed for children to learn while they play.

Cranbury Park is excellent for hiking, picnicking, and exploring the beautiful natural landscape on a warm day. For beach landscapes, Calf Pasture Beach is a great place to relax, swim or picnic by the water. The Sheffield Island Lighthouse is also a fun attraction where you can explore the lighthouse, learn about its history, and enjoy a view of the Long Island Sound.

Mystic, Connecticut, located on the state’s southeastern coast, is one of the most charming small towns in the area and is one of the best New England day trips from Connecticut. Plenty of things to do in this seaside town can keep you busy for a day or two.

One of my favorite attractions in Mystic is Mystic Seaport Museum, a living history museum that celebrates the area’s maritime history. The museum features tall ships, working artisans, and interactive exhibits that make you feel like you’ve returned in time.

Another popular activity is the Mystic Aquarium, a world-class aquarium with sharks, African penguins, sea lions, and other marine creatures.

Mystic has plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy, including hiking, kayaking, and cycling. The boardwalk at Mystic River Park is an excellent spot for a scenic walk or picnic.

If you’re in Connecticut in the fall, stop by B.F. Clyde’s Cider Mill – this historic destination allows visitors to sample freshly made apple cider and other treats. Established in 1881, this is the oldest steam-powered cider mill in the United States!

For those who love shopping and dining, Mystic has a wealth of options to choose from. Check out the Olde Mistick Village of Boutiques, a unique shopping destination with local shops and eateries.

The Mystic Oyster Club is a must-visit for seafood lovers –  its seasonal menu of fresh seafood cannot be missed. After dinner, stroll over the Mystic River Bascule Bridge, an iconic city landmark.

The town of Mystic also has some Hollywood clout. The small town was featured in the popular Julia Roberts’ film Mystic Pizza. Although they did not shoot at the real-life Mystic Pizza, the restaurant underwent renovations to resemble the movie’s Mystic Pizza restaurant once it was released.

Essex, Connecticut, located in the central-southern part of the state, comprises three different villages – Essex Village, Centerbrook, and Ivoryton. This charming area is one of my favorite New England day trips from CT.

Start by visiting the Connecticut River Museum, offering a glimpse of the area’s maritime past and scenic views of the Connecticut River. Visitors can also take boat tours or kayaks to explore the river and its natural beauty.

History buffs will love the Essex Steam Train and River Boat. This heritage railroad was founded in 1868 and hosts a dinner train experience today. Enjoy a four-course meal in a beautifully restored 1920s Pullman diner.

Art enthusiasts can also check out the Essex Art Association, which holds regular exhibitions and events.

There’s no shortage of fantastic dining options in Essex. Grab a bite at the culinary institution, The Griswold Inn, with its colonial-style charm, period taverns, and great food.

Comstock Covered Bridge in photos above

Covered Bridges in CT

Connecticut is home to several beautiful covered bridges worth a stop on any New England road trip. Check out some of my favorite covered bridges below.

West Cornwall Covered Bridge:

Also known as the Hart Bridge, this is one of three remaining historic covered bridges in Connecticut. Just over an hour from Hartford, this bridge spans the Housatonic River and is located in the scenic town of Cornwall Bridge. Records show that this bridge has potentially been around since 1762 and has been restored and preserved over the years.

Bulls Covered Bridge

Located in South Kent, Bulls Bridge is one of Connecticut’s oldest covered bridges. It was built in 1842 and spans the Housatonic River. I enjoyed walking across this bridge while taking in the scenic surroundings and watching some kayakers practice their skills below.

Comstock Covered Bridge

Also known as the Comstock Bridge, this is another historic covered bridge in East Hampton. Built-in 1840, the bridge spans the Salmon River and is open to pedestrian traffic. This bridge is about a half hour from Hartford, and there is ample parking in the area, allowing visitors to take a leisurely stroll and capture pictures of this scenic bridge.

Blackwell Brook Covered Bridge

Located in the town of Brooklyn, just under an hour from Hartford, this is a photogenic covered bridge featured in many postcards and tourist brochures. This bridge is one of Connecticut’s few remaining examples of lattice truss construction.

Great Barrington

Great Barrington, Massachusetts, located in western Massachusetts, offers a variety of activities for a perfect day trip destination.

For a dose of history, visit the Norman Rockwell Museum. This museum is a tribute to the works and life of Norman Rockwell. Visitors can see the largest collection of Rockwell’s original art, including his work from over 60 years with the Saturday Evening Post.

Hiking at Monument Mountain is another activity I really enjoy. You can choose between a few trails ranging from 0.62 miles to 1.5 miles – the perfect day trip length, in my opinion!

W.E.B. Dubois’s Boyhood Homesite is another must-see. Learn about the life and legacy of W.E.B. Dubois, an African American sociologist, civil rights activist, and author. If you’re a history buff, you’ll love it!

To enjoy the beautiful weather, experience the outdoors at Lake Mansfield. This area allows visitors to swim, fish, and picnic while enjoying the stunning scenery – relax and recharge while enjoying nature!

If you don’t want to travel all the way to Martha’s Vineyard or Nantucket, Cape Cod is a great option. Cape Cod, located in eastern Massachusetts, is known for its beautiful beaches, picturesque small towns and villages, and unique marine life.

Cape Cod has numerous beautiful beaches for visitors, each offering unique features. One of the most popular beaches is the Coast Guard beach, part of the Cape Cod National Seashore, with its beautiful dunes and stunning ocean views.

Cape Cod is one of the best places on the East Coast to go whale watching. Take a boat ride to see the magnificent humpback and fin whales swimming in their natural habitat! The best time for whale watching is May-October.

While you’re here, explore the Cape Cod Rail Trail. This 25-mile paved trail runs through several small towns, including Brewster, Harwich, and Yarmouth. Bikers and walkers can enjoy scenic ocean views while passing through different landscapes, from salt marshes to cranberry bogs.

Cape Cod also has several historic lighthouses that offer a unique opportunity for visitors to learn about the region’s maritime history. One such lighthouse is the Highland Light, erected in 1857. Climb the tower for a stunning view of the Atlantic Ocean!

Don’t forget to sample the area’s famous clam chowder while you’re here. The Skipper Restaurant and Chowder House is the perfect place to do so; it has some of the best clam chowder and lobster rolls on Cape Cod.

Martha’s Vineyard & Nantucket

Consider one of these islands if you are up for an overnight trip. Although right outside my 2 hour travel limit plus a one-ish hour ferry ride, Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket are fantastic areas to explore. You can’t get any more New England than Nantucket! They both require a ferry and will take 3-4 hours to get to from Hartford (with the ferry ride). Take in the cozy cottages and stunning shingle-style mansions along the cobblestone streets. Enjoy bike riding, lighthouse hunting, and ice cream tasting that will leave you begging to stay.

Boston is a vibrant city with plenty to see on a day trip from CT. It’s especially great for history buffs and art fanatics. Boston Common is one of the best places to start your journey, close to the north end. This expansive park is located in the heart of the city and is the perfect place to relax, take a stroll, and enjoy the scenery.

You’ll find several monuments and memorials from the American Revolution as you explore. You can also walk the Freedom Trail in this area, one of the best places to discover American history and historical landmarks.

Another popular destination in Boston is Fenway Park. This historic baseball stadium is home to the Boston Red Sox and is a must-visit location for sports fans. Even if you’re not a big baseball fan, Fenway Park is a great area to experience. On game days, enjoy a hot dog, a big league pretzel, or a cold beer while soaking up the unique atmosphere of this iconic stadium. You can still enjoy the stadium even in the off-season with a guided park tour to learn more about its rich history and see behind the scenes.

A trip to Boston wouldn’t be complete without a stop at Faneuil Hall. Located in the heart of downtown, Faneuil Hall is a bustling marketplace packed with shops, eateries, and street performers. You can stroll through the historic halls, sample some local cuisine, and buy unique gifts and souvenirs to take home with you. Whether you’re looking for a bite to eat, some retail therapy, or just a little entertainment, Faneuil Hall has something for everyone.

About two hours from Hartford, Plymouth, Massachusetts, is a charming small town rich in history dating back to the Pilgrim days. If you plan a day trip to Plymouth, the Plimoth Patuxet Museums, formerly the Plimoth Plantation, is a must-visit attraction. Spread across 30 acres; these living history museums offer a glimpse into the daily lives of the Pilgrims and Wampanoag people of the 17th century.

One of the best things to do within the Plimoth Patuxet Museums is the Mayflower II, a full-scale reproduction of the original Mayflower that brought the Pilgrims to Plymouth in the 1600s. Visitors can explore the ship, learn about the conditions the Pilgrims endured during their long journey, and understand what life was like on board.

While you’re here, don’t miss the chance to explore the 17th-century English Village, where you can learn about the daily life of the Pilgrims. You’ll see costumed interpreters tending gardens, making crafts and trades, and going about daily routines. This immersive experience gives a true sense of what life was like during the early days of Plymouth Colony.

Old Sturbridge Village

Old Sturbridge Village is a living history museum in Sturbridge, Massachusetts, about 44 minutes from Hartford. This is New England’s largest living history museum, featuring 40 antique buildings on 200 acres, showcasing life in a rural New England town of the 19th century. With so much history, this is one of the best New England day trips from Connecticut.

Visitors can experience hands-on demonstrations of traditional crafts and trades like blacksmithing, shoe-making, and weaving. The village has numerous exhibits that display historical artifacts, including antique toys, rare books, and period clothing. Other activities include walking trails, outdoor recreation, and dining at the cozy tavern or on the village green.

Salem, Massachusetts, is a historical town just north of Boston, about 2 hours from Hartford. Visitors flock to Salem for its rich history, witch trials, and maritime culture. Historical sites such as the Salem Witch Trials Memorial and the House of the Seven Gables are popular attractions.

A stand-out museum in Salem is the Peabody Essex Museum, which houses an extensive collection of art and artifacts from around the globe. The museum features exhibits ranging from American art to Chinese export art, fashion, and maritime art.

Another must-see is the historic home of Judge Jonathan Corwin, who presided over the witch trials of 1692. The house, a mansion of its time, is the last standing structure directly tied to the shocking witch trials the town is famous for.

Visitors can also take harbor cruises or visit nearby Salem Willows, a seaside amusement park with carnival rides and games. In the fall, Salem is known for its vibrant Halloween festivities, including the Salem Haunted Happenings festival .

Rockport, Massachusetts, just over two hours from Hartford and over an hour from Boston, is a picturesque seaside town jutting out into the Atlantic Ocean. Rockport makes for a perfect New England day trip from Connecticut with its charming streets and natural beauty.

One of the most iconic locations in Rockport is Bearskin Neck, a narrow street lined with unique shops, art galleries, and seafood restaurants. Wandering through Bearskin Neck is ideal for taking in the town’s charm and grabbing a bite to eat.

Another great attraction is Halibut Point State Park, which has breathtaking ocean views of the rocky coastline and ample hiking, fishing, and picnicking opportunities.

Don’t forget about the Rockport Art Association and Museum, featuring art exhibits and providing a glimpse into the town’s rich artistic culture.

Westerly, Rhode Island is a charming and historic seaside town with plenty of activities for a day trip or scenic drive. One of the must-visit attractions in Westerly is the Watch Hill Lighthouse . This iconic lighthouse, perched on a rocky hill overlooking the ocean, has operated since the 1700s and offers incredible views of the Atlantic Ocean.

Another popular attraction in Westerly is Misquamicut State Beach, boasting pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters. Whether you’re looking to sunbathe, swim, surf, or walk along the shore, Misquamicut State Beach is the perfect place to soak up some sunshine and enjoy a day at the beach.

If you want to explore Westerly’s history and culture, the Babcock-Smith House Museum is a great place to start. This beautifully preserved house was constructed in 1734 and now provides a fascinating glimpse into colonial life in Rhode Island.

Westerly’s downtown area also has much to offer, with plenty of restaurants, boutiques, and art galleries. Stop into Savoy Bookshop and Cafe for a coffee and a book to take a short break during an afternoon of shopping.

Are any Swifties out there? If that is you, you might want to sneak a peak at Holiday House, a beautiful mansion owned by Swift right on the Connecticut coast in Watch Hill. It inspired her song, The Last Great American Dynasty, on her Folklore album. You can see it perched high on the hill when driving to Watch Hill’s downtown and from the Watch Hill Lighthouse.

Block Island

Block Island is a scenic destination located just off the coast of Rhode Island, making it ideal for a New England day trip from CT. Block Island is known for its stunning beaches and miles of trails that offer breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean.

One of the most popular activities on the island is simply lounging on one of the many beautiful beaches, such as Mansion Beach or Ballard’s Beach. Beachgoers can also participate in watersports such as kayaking, paddle boarding, or surfing.

Another unique experience is the North Light, one of the most beautiful lighthouses in Rhode Island. You can explore the island on a bike or boat tour or enjoy sunset drinks overlooking the ocean. If you get hungry, stop into Dead Eye Dicks for a lobster avocado BLT. Afterward, check out The Oar and order a mudslide!

Just an hour and a half from Hartford is iconic Newport, RI. This town is full of American history, Gilded Age mansions, local boutiques, and coastal scenery. Their delicious seafood spreads from stuffed clams, fresh oysters, and Rhode Island Clam Chowder should be at the top of everyone’s foodie list.

Enjoy the relaxing 3.5-mile Cliff Walk following the rocky shoreline lined with oceanfront mansions before touring The Breakers, The Elms, or Marble House, once lavish homes of the country’s richest families.

From June to September, enjoy a polo match at historic Glen Farm. This property was first settled in 1638 or play tennis on the court that birthed the US Open at the International Tennis Hall of Fame (formerly Newport Casino).

Maine is such a wonderful state to visit if you love seaside towns, walkable streets, lively wharves, and plenty of lighthouses exuding that coastal charm. With so many great beach towns in Maine , you could easily spend a week or more enjoying the coast.

Maine is a bit further away from Hartford, with popular coastal towns such as York, Kennebunkport, and Portland over 2.5 hours away. Old Orchard Beach is a tourist favorite 3 hours from Hartford, while the popular Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park will take over 6 hours of driving time from Hartford, CT.

If you are basing yourself in CT a bit closer to Maine, you could enjoy a day trip, but if you asked me, a visit to Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park is best done as an overnight trip to make sure you have time to experience life, “The Way Life Should Be” (a Maine state slogan).

It is hard to say which town makes the best New England day trip as they all have something unique to offer with so much to enjoy. I love visiting the coastal towns in summer, and the inland towns such as Great Barrington and Kent in Fall, but one thing is certain, all of these towns make great day trips from CT no matter what time of year you visit!

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Meet Sam, a fearless wanderer and avid solo traveler who has made the world her home. Through cross country road trips, car camping in her SUV and solo adventures to far corners of the globe, she has become an expert in crafting itineraries that balance adventure and self-discovery. Through her insightful tales and practical tips, Sam inspires others to embrace the unknown, break free from conventional boundaries, and embrace the beauty of solo exploration.

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12 Unforgettable Connecticut Day Trips, One For Each Month Of The Year

Discover twelve fantastic day trip destinations in Connecticut, each offering unique attractions and experiences.

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The Nutmeg State may be small, but that doesn't mean we don't have plenty of great places to spend a weekend. Just taking day trips from New Haven alone gives you nearly unlimited places to explore. Looking for some inspiration? Here are twelve great cities that make for a fantastic day excursion. If you're a long-time Connecticut resident, you've likely visited most of them before... but that doesn't mean there aren't new destinations there waiting to be explored! Check out the 12 best day trips in Connecticut:

1. New Haven

New Haven is best known as the home of Yale University. It's got that great college town atmosphere with too many attractions to even list. As the birthplace of Connecticut-style pizza, there are a multitude of restaurants in New Haven worth a visit. Frank Pepe Pizzeria has been ranked as having the best pizza in the entire country. Art fans won't want to miss the Yale Center for British Art . It's the largest collection of British artwork outside of the United Kingdom.

New Haven is one of our favorite destinations in Connecticut. If it comes up in a "what are the best day trips near me" search for you be sure to add it to your list of must-do adventures. Join James Andrews as he explores the town and shows us some wonderful places to eat and explore:

2. Hartford

Hartford is known as the world's insurance capital because so many insurance companies are based here. But to dismiss the capital of Connecticut as a boring and industrial area would be to miss out on all the great attractions here !

Niantic is one of the most underrated day trips in Connecticut. This little village is absolutely beautiful. It's home to Rocky Neck State Park, a stunning oasis that overlooks Long Island Sound. There's also a great children's museum here and a gorgeous boardwalk. It's definitely one of our favorite destinations in the state .

Mystic is another fun little village with plenty to offer. Mystic Pizza is a world-famous pizza spot thanks to the 1988 film named for it. There's a lot more to see here though: the Mystic Aquarium is one of the best in the country, and Fields of Fire is a treetop adventure like no other.

Tucked away in the "Quiet Corner" is Putnam. This place is a surprisingly good foodie town in Connecticut . It's also home to a number of good antique stores if you like antiquing.

Chester is definitely one of our favorite small towns in Connecticut. There are so many cute shops and restaurants here, and it's also home to stunning natural surroundings. Find out more about this tiny town !

If you are looking for another lovely town to add to your trip-list Chester, CT is definitely one of the best day trips in Connecticut if you love small town living:

7. Old Saybrook

Old Saybrook is another charming beach town in Connecticut. It's got some fantastic restaurants to visit while you're there. Harvey's Beach is a cute beach that's great for fun in the sun.

8. East Haddam

East Haddam is small, but not lacking things to do! It's got something for everyone, with natural beauty abounding at Devil's Hopyard State Park, and plenty of fun shops and places to visit. Plus, it's home to a castle that looks straight out of a fairytale !

Essex is such an excellent day trip in Connecticut that it was named the Perfect Small Town . It's got a fascinating history and great local shops to support. The Connecticut River Museum is a fascinating attraction, and if you love being out on the water, Essex will feel like heaven.

10. Litchfield

Litchfield is a perfect town to explore in the warm months in Connecticut. The White Memorial Conservation Center is a fantastic preserve that will show you so much of the state's natural beauty. Litchfield is so much fun that Smithsonian Magazine named it one of the best small towns to visit .

11. Madison

We love Madison ! There are so many charming beach towns in Connecticut, and this one's one of our favorites. Hammonasset Beach is the longest public beach in the state, but the town has plenty to do even if you don't like the beach. It's home to one of the best bookstores in Connecticut , and there are also plenty of outdoor attractions that nature lovers will adore.

12. Simsbury

Simsbury is a pretty cool place, but did you know it's home to the largest tree in Connecticut? The park where it's located is a great spot for fishing and canoeing, making this an excellent warm weather destination!

Feel a little Simsbury love in this mini documentary about this charming town from Robert J. Moravek Jr. who grew up here and knowns why you should add it to your list of Connecticut day trips:

With so many lovely small towns in Connecticut to explore, picking a home base like New Haven and setting out to enjoy the surrounding communities makes for a wonderful vacation. Taking Day trips from New Haven allows you to enjoy scenic natural wonders, cute shops, and charming towns all across the state. With so many great places to take day trips in Connecticut , obviously, we couldn't name them all. So, what do you think are the best day trips in Connecticut? Share your suggestions in the comments!

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The Charming Small Town In Connecticut That’s Perfect For A Fall Day Trip

Essex, Connecticut is a prime destination for fall foliage and offers unique experiences like the Essex Steam Train and Riverboat.

Fall in Connecticut is truly an amazing time. The foliage in New England is absolutely gorgeous, and there are some great fall festivals in Connecticut. The brisk weather and festive foods make autumn in Connecticut a wonderful season. We think there's no better time for a weekend getaway than fall, and when you're looking for great towns to visit for some fantastic fall day trips in Connecticut, there's no shortage of candidates. One of our favorite destinations for a Connecticut day trip at any time of year is Essex, and it just so happens to also be one of the best places to see fall foliage in Connecticut.

One of the best things to do in Essex, CT to enjoy a ride on the Essex Steam Train and Riverboat.

This is such a unique way to enjoy the scenery here, and honestly, there's no better time than in the fall.

Riding on a steam train or riverboat is such a nostalgic feeling at any time of year, but being surrounded by the beautiful hues of fall is especially remarkable. The Essex Steam Train and Riverboat offers special tours in autumn that will show off all the best foliage.

Enjoying a stroll through Essex's historic district is a wonderful way to soak up the city's beauty.

Prefer to take your walks in more natural areas? The Canfield-Meadows Woods Nature Preserve spans through Essex and the nearby Deep River.

The preserve is home to several trails that are most spectacular in the autumn.

This town's population is under 7,000, but it's truly a place that has everything, with natural beauty, attractions, and so much history.

Have you ever visited Essex ? What are your favorite places for fall day trips in Connecticut? Share your best destinations in the comments! While you're visiting Essex, put on your hiking boots and explore some of the surrounding outdoor attractions:

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/connecticut/small-town-outdoor-attractions-ct/

9 Beach Day Trips To Take In Connecticut Before Summer Ends

Explore nine top beach day trips in Connecticut, perfect for family outings and nature lovers.

While the sun shines bright and the warm sand feels good beneath our feet, a beach day trip in Connecticut is a great way to spend a day. It’s time to take advantage of our extensive shoreline and hit the beach. Whether you want a family-friendly locale or a nature lover’s paradise, there is something for everyone when you go on Connecticut day trips. One of these nine beach day trips is sure to fit the bill when you need a late summer day-cation. Are you ready to experience some of the best beaches in Connecticut ?

1. Calf Pasture Beach, Norwalk

This seaside spot in Norwalk is buckets of fun for the whole family. It's easily one of the best day trips in Connecticut! Not only can you lounge on the sand and swim in the waves, but a beachside splash pad gives you a fun break from the Sound. There is also a playground, volleyball courts, a skate park, and plenty of open space. Stay until after the sun goes down for movie nights, classic car shows, and other seasonal events. Visit Calf Pasture Beach on Calf Pasture Beach Road.

Take a journey to Calf Pasture Beach in Norwalk, CT in this video from

Inspired Life with Nimfa:

2. Eastern Point Beach, Groton

This small family-friendly beach at the mouth of the Thames River is great for younger kids. Shallow water provides plenty of entertainment. Picnic tables and a playground are other bonuses that make this spot a gem of a find. Spend the day with a picnic lunch or grab a bite at the concession stand to make your trip complete. Visit Eastern Point Beach at 1 Beach Pond Road.

3. Cove Island Beach, Stamford

Visit Cove Island Beach for its sandy shores on the Long Island Sound. This 83-acre park has plenty of open space with paved paths for walking and rollerblading. A fitness park and playground will keep you entertained when you tire of the beach. Nature lovers can sight local birds hanging around the small tidal salt marsh while some rocky shore offers anglers a spot to try to catch the big one.

4. Hammonasset Beach State Park, Madison

Hammonasset is Connecticut's largest beach with two miles of shoreline to use for the day. Wander down to Meig's Point to visit the nature center, hunt for seashells, or walk the fishing jetty. There is also plenty of rocky coastline to explore where you may just spot a seal in the distance if the timing is right. You can camp overnight in the campground, but book early, as spots fill up quickly at this popular shoreline spot. This beach is certainly one of the best day trips in Connecticut.

5. Hole In The Wall Beach, Niantic

Hole In The Wall Beach is reached by walking through a tunnel. The small sandy beach is in a cove, making it popular among families with smaller children. The entrance to the Niantic Bay Boardwalk is right next to the beach, where you can enjoy a nice stroll with panoramic views.

Jem's Lens takes us on a tour of Hole In The Wall Beach in Niantic, Connecticut in this video showing what you can expect to see when you come visit:

6. Sherwood Island State Park, Westport

Plenty of amenities and beautiful scenery make it easy to spend the day at Connecticut's oldest state park. Enjoy splashing in the water and relaxing in the sand, but stop by the nature center for an added bonus. Don't forget your camera, there are many stunning photos waiting to be taken. Take in a day on the beach at Sherwood Island State Park for the perfect day.

7. Ocean Beach Park, New London

If your goal is to find an action-packed location that will keep the family busy for hours, Ocean Beach Park has it all. Sugar white sand and rolling waves are draws to the beach, but the Olympic-sized pool with ocean views is pretty amazing, too. On top of it, the park has a boardwalk, arcade, splash pad, water slides, amusement rides, and much more.

8. Silver Sands State Park, Milford

Silver Sands Beach is a welcome oasis on the shoreline. Frolic in the surf or enjoy relaxing with a good book. Take a stroll on the wooden boardwalk to enjoy the scenery. Time your visit right, and you can walk the sandbar out to Charles Island, where you might stumble upon a pirate's buried treasure.

9. Rocky Neck State Park, East Lyme

Rocky Neck State Park combines a sandy beachfront with plenty of nature. Explore the plentiful hiking trails, and then take a refreshing swim. Pack a picnic and take advantage of the green expanse of lawn for a lunchtime break. This state park also offers overnight camping, so you can make a mini-vacation out of it.

Let's check out Rocky Neck State Park in East Lyme CT in this beautiful and peaceful video from Afternoon in Connecticut:

Taking CT day trips to the beach is a wonderful way to spend time with those you love on a warm sunny day. Which beach day trip in Connecticut appeals to your sense of adventure? What do you think are the best day trips in Connecticut? Share your thoughts with us in the comments! Beach camping is one of the best things to do in the summer. Set up a tent at some of the best campgrounds in Connecticut:

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/connecticut/best-camping-in-connecticut/

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United States: The perfect itinerary for a road trip in New England

In the north-east of the United States, New England features a great variety of landscapes, charming small towns and picturesque coastlines. It’s the perfect destination for a twelve-day road trip going across six states: Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont and Maine. Hit the road!

Days 1 and 2: Visit Boston, New England’s historic city

The journey begins in Boston, the capital of Massachusetts , the historic heart of New England, and the birthplace of the American Civil War. The best way to discover Boston’s cultural heritage is to follow the Freedom Trail, a 4 km path crossing through the centre of the city, marking the 16 main historic sites. Then head for Fenway’s fascinating museums and the cobbled streets of Beacon Hill, lined with brick-walled townhouses and Victorian brownstones. Make sure to visit Quincy Market, a giant food court nestled in a magnificent Greek Revival building, where you can try out local specialities such as clam chowder, a rich seafood soup.

Day 3: Newport, extravagant mansions and extraordinary views

After exploring Boston, head for Newport, in Rhode Island, renowned for its seaside residences inspired by French châteaux and Greek temples. Founded at the turn of the 20 th century on an island off the tip of Narragansett Bay, the town became the favourite holiday destination of American high society: this period was when the famous Newport Mansions were built, four of which are still open to visitors to this day. The most famous of these, The Breakers, is an opulent Italian Renaissance-style 70-room mansion completed in 1895. Another must: a stroll along Cliff Walk, a coastal path offering spectacular views of the Atlantic, and through Newport’s historic centre, lined with charming old houses.

Days 4 and 5: Mystic and New Haven, Connecticut by the sea

Time to hit the road again, towards Mystic Seaport, in Connecticut, a charming village-come-museum which feels like a 19 th century American port. The Mystic Seaport Museum, the largest maritime museum in the United States, is also worth the detour, as is the aquarium, for an encounter with beluga whales. The next stop is New Haven, home to the prestigious Yale University . Take a tour of the historic campus, admire the art collections in the Yale University Art Gallery and enjoy a pizza in one of the city’s legendary pizzerias.

Days 6 and 7: Woodstock to Green Mountain National Forest

The next step of the trip is in Vermont , first with a stop in Woodstock, often considered the prettiest town in the state. Stroll through its streets lined with craft shops and visit the Billings Farm & Museum for an immersive deep-dive into 19 th century rural life. For the next day, we head to the Green Mountain National Forest, the perfect place for a day spent exploring the wilds. Hikes, picnics, magnificent views of the Green Mountains and wildlife watching are all on the agenda in this vast natural park, one of the most beautiful in the American North-East.

Days 8 and 9: Stowe, Vermont, and the White Mountains region

After a day out in the great outdoors, let’s stop off in Stowe, a picturesque little town nestled at the foot of Mount Mansfield, the highest peak in Vermont. During winter, Stowe is a popular ski resort, but in summer it’s a green paradise for walkers and cyclists. You can choose to walk the region’s trails, or scrounge through the town’s small shops. We next cross the border into New Hampshire to reach the White Mountains region, and more specifically Franconia Notch State Park. There, the trail to Flume Gorge offers magical views of rock formations and waterfalls.

Day 10: In Maine, the other Portland, more marine and more serene

Head for the coast to reach Portland, Maine, a delightful port town on Casco Bay. In this delightfully charming city, let us stroll through the historic Old Port district, with its paved streets and various boutiques, then take a stroll along the Eastern Promenade, with exceptional views over the harbour. To round off the day, let’s take a boat trip to see the iconic lighthouses lining Maine’s coastline.

Days 11 and 12: Acadia National Park, the place where the mountains meet the sea

Our New England road trip ends with a visit to Acadia National Park, one of the most beautiful national parks in the United States , located on Mount Desert Island. Pink granite peaks rising straight out of the ocean, dense coniferous forests, freshwater lakes… The scenery here has a grand, majestic beauty. Reach the top of Cadillac Mountain, the highest point on the North Atlantic coast, for a panoramic vantage point over the whole region, on land and sea. One last dramatically beautiful moment before heading back to Boston.

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Get out of the city: 10 easy weekend getaways from NYC by car, bus, plane, or train

August 26, 2024 // By Brian Cicioni

By Brian Cicioni August 26, 2024

Some weekend getaways from NYC can be as simple as taking a Metro-North train up through The Bronx into neighboring Westchester County to go on hikes, check out historic mansions, and explore picturesque cities and towns along the Hudson River.

At the same time, Pennsylvania cities like Reading and York are better suited for a passionate road trip planner who knows what they want to see, do, and eat. And thanks to the Acela Express, cities like New Haven, Connecticut; Providence, Rhode Island; and Wilmington, Delaware, are just as easily reached by train as by car or plane.

However you roll, when it's time to get out of the city, you need a plan. These are 10 of our favorite escapes from New York City.

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Atlantic City, New Jersey

The Jersey Shore is still one of the more popular weekend trips from New York City. Atlantic City is closer to New York than Wildwood or Cape May and has more entertainment and fine dining options . If it's been a while since your last visit, the iconic 5-mile-long boardwalk is still there, and, nowadays, many visitors opt to stay in the Marina District .

Buffalo, New York

More than a dozen daily direct flights exist between Buffalo and all three major New York City-area airports. And it's easy to find round-trip fares for under $200. So, an early morning flight can get you to New York's second-largest city in time for brunch — and there's so much more to Buffalo's food scene than Buffalo wings.

Whether you want to eat Ghanaian food with your hands, try your first bowl of Burmese mohingha , or dine in an old-school red sauce joint that every famous pro wrestler has eaten at multiple times, you won't be disappointed.

Buffalo's most unique lodging option is the Richardson Hotel , which may or may not be haunted. The more than 40-acre space designed by Frederic Law Olmsted used to house an asylum. Nearby, the Buffalo AKG Art Museum , a top pick among the best new museums of 2024 , has a fantastic contemporary art collection.

Ellicott City, Maryland

Ellicott City is less than four hours by car from New York City. It's home to Maryland's Koreatown, which might be the state's best hidden culinary secret. Within a mile radius, you can enjoy mochi donuts at Elli Mochi or chestnut bread at a Korean bakery before playing a game of virtual golf while surrounded by Korean barbeque joints that are too numerous to try in one visit.

Old Ellicott City features stone houses and brick buildings that house small shops, art galleries, restaurants, and bars, all walkable from one another. If you want to feel like you're on vacation, book a room at the family-friendly Turf Valley Resort , which has a pool and hot tub for relaxing after a round of golf or a game of pickleball . There's also a Sunday brunch you won't want to miss.

Madison, Connecticut

Madison is a quaint coastal town in New England that is less than two hours by car from the Bronx. Here, you won't feel pressured to fit everything in during your weekend getaway from NYC. It has a small, walkable main street lined with the obligatory ice cream parlor, Italian seafood restaurant, New Haven-style pizzeria, and bookstore that seems to have autographed pictures of every famous author from the past three decades.

For a truly intimate experience, book a room at The Homestead , where small details mean a lot. Each room has a record player stocked with a vinyl mix that you can switch out according to your taste(s). Bikes are available for guest use, you can play disc golf in the yard, and the book collection would make any music lover jealous.

New Haven, Connecticut

You can reach New Haven via the Acela Express, Metro-North, and CT Rail. New Yorkers come to Connecticut's third-largest city for the famous New Haven pizza. But comparing Frank Pepe and Sally's "ah-beets" (local slang and spelled apizza ) is not the only reason to come to New Haven. The museums associated with Yale University are free and an easy way to spend a lazy afternoon.

If you stay at the Hotel Marcel , America's first Passive House-certified hotel, you won't need a car. Its free all-electric shuttle will pick you up or drop you off anywhere within 5 miles of the property. Enjoy a dockside sunset dinner along the Atlantic Ocean at Shell & Bones Oyster Bar and Grill , regardless of what you do during the day.

Providence, Rhode Island

Providence is a quick getaway from NYC, easily reached by bus, train, or plane. Rhode Island's capital city has unique attractions for art lovers, like the RISD Museum . Foodies will love Federal Hill , which consistently ranks as one of America's best Little Italy neighborhoods.

Summer is the best time to visit Providence, as that's when you can check out local showcases like WaterFire , which is, just as it's called, a fire show on the Providence and Woonasquatucket rivers. PVDFest is a two-day downtown music and arts festival where performances are free to the public.

Reading, Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania's fourth-largest city is known for pretzels, covered bridges, a mountain-top pagoda, and the Keystone State's best museum for aviation geeks. While there is a direct bus from Port Authority to Reading, a smaller Pennsylvania city worth exploring , it's best to tool around Berks County by car.

Downtown has classic long-standing restaurants like Peanut Bar (where you throw your peanut shells on the floor), while the more pedestrian-friendly West Reading has several blocks lined with bars, antique shops, and bakeries like Ady Cakes , which you may have seen on Season 5 of "Cupcake Wars."

Westchester County, New York

Of all the weekend getaways from NYC, Westchester County is the easiest. While multiple trains depart from Grand Central Station every hour, it's best to explore Westchester County by car. The leisurely drives along tree-lined parkways that pass under stone bridges will make you forget that you're (at most) an hour from the city that never sleeps.

White Plains is an ideal base with plenty of dining options. Situated along the Hudson River, Peekskill has a walkable downtown and historic landmarks like Lincoln Depot Museum , which chronicles Abraham Lincoln's two visits to this small city of 25,000. But historic homes like Lyndhurst Mansion and Van Cortlandt Manor are an even bigger attraction.

Wilmington, Delaware

Wilmington is the closest thing you'll find to a big city in the second smallest state. It's also one of the more inexpensive getaways from NYC. The picturesque Riverfront Park starts near the train station, and there are plenty of attractions near the Christina River, like The Delaware Contemporary art museum and the no-frills Riverfront Market .

For an idea of train travel a century ago, hop on the Wilmington & Western Railroad , which takes passengers on a slower, 10-mile scenic route to a surrounding town.

York, Pennsylvania

York has a walkable downtown, one of Pennsylvania's best public markets, and is one of the best cities in the Mid-Atlantic for history buffs. It was the nation's capital from late 1777 to mid-1778, and you can learn all about it at the Colonial Complex and York County History Center.

If quirky roadside attractions are your thing, the five-floor, 25-foot-high, 48-foot-long Haines Shoe House is a must-visit.

About Brian Cicioni

Brian enjoys exploring cities along public transit lines and writing about it at his blog, imayroam.com. He also writes about food tours, layovers, and exploring movie and musical landmarks. Brian has traveled to 57 countries as well as every state. On weekends, he leads music and film-focused tours of New York City. His five-star rated Goodfellas Tour has been featured in Airbnb Magazine. Always happy to offer tips to aspiring travel writers and tour guides, Brian has been featured at the New York Times Travel Show as part of their Meet the Experts panel.

Read more about Brian Cicioni here.

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