But where exactly is Connecticut? The state is perched right between New York and Boston, and this makes it such an ideal place for a little weekend R&R. The state is quite compact – but it offers a bit of everything, from plenty of beaches to scenic hikes and even to a night out at the casinos – and we’re just getting started.
Connecticut certainly has a lot to offer the fearless traveler, from the usual countryside haunts with rolling hills and quaint villages in Litchfield to New Haven’s ideal blend of history and culture, Hammonasset Beach’s fantastic shoreline park (Connecticut’s largest!), the unique festivals and natural beauty of Meriden’s Hubbard Park, Mystic’s typical New England charm, and many more. Every corner, every locale, every place tells an exceptional story that draws every weekender in – and sets the tone for the best weekend break ever. So if you’re weary of the ordinary, come to Connecticut, where you are guaranteed the most fantastic weekend of your life. Don’t believe us? Read on – and find out for yourself what newfound delights Connecticut has to offer.
1. Mystic: a nautical haven
Where to stay: Inn at Mystic, The Whaler’s Inn, Stonecroft Country Inn Bed and Breakfast
Where to eat: Off the Hook, Dive, Pop Over Eatery, Abbott’s Outpost
What to do: Boat adventures, shopping, dining, kayaking, paddle boarding, cruising along the coast
Top sights to see: Olde Mystic Village, Mystic Seaport Museum, Mystic Aquarium, Williams Beach Park, Mystic River Park
Mystic is one of Connecticut’s most iconic and popular tourist towns, and it boasts your well-known quintessential New England charm. Mystic is known for its maritime heritage, and visitors can explore the Mystic Seaport Museum, home to historic ships and exhibits, and the Mystic Aquarium, which features a variety of marine life. The town has an exceedingly charming downtown area that offers boutique shopping and dining options, including the renowned Oyster Club. Along with this, Mystic offers a plethora of accommodations and other sights, such as The Whaler’s Inn, The Steamboat Inn, and Stonecroft Country Inn Bed and Breakfast. The best sights to see include Olde Mystic Village downtown as well as the Mystic River Park and Williams Beach Park.
2. Litchfield County: countryside elegance at its finest
Where to stay: The Abner Hotel, Hemlock Hill Camp Resort, The Litchfield Inn, Mayflower Inn & Spa
Where to eat: Litchfield Saltwater Grille, The Village Restaurant, Bohemian Pizza, Da Capo
What to do: Hiking, biking, shopping, horseback riding, crafting
Top sights to see: Bantam Lake, White Memorial Conservation Center, Topsmead State Forest, Railroad Museum of New England, Winvian Farm
If you are looking for a picture-perfect town that exudes countryside charm, Litchfield County should be the second destination on your list! The town boasts rolling hills, quaint villages, and a rich cultural scene, and it was also in Litchfield where George Washington had a meeting with Colonel Tallmadge - needless to say, it’s oozing with historic sites. Towns within Litchfield, like Washington and Kent, even offer small art galleries, antique shops, and farm-to-table dining experiences. The Mayflower Inn & Spa in Washington provides a luxurious retreat with spa services and fine dining, making it an ideal spot for relaxation. But there are plenty of other inns and delightful bed & breakfasts in Litchfield, and there are even campgrounds and camp resorts if you’d like a chance to experience the outdoors even more.
3. New Haven: a blend of culture and cuisine
Where to stay: New Haven Hotel, The Study at Yale (Study Hotels), The Blake Hotel, The Historic Mansion
Where to eat: Ordinary, Sally’s Apizza, Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana, Louis’ Lunch, Miya’s; the food trucks and carts at Long Wharf Drive and York and Cedar Streets and by the Yale School of Management
What to do: Eating and food-tripping, strolling, visiting art galleries and museums, swimming, sunbathing, biking, bird-watching, fishing, jogging
Top sights to see: Yale University, Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History, New Haven Green, Toad’s Place, East Rock Park
New Haven is - first and foremost - known for being the home of Yale University, but the coastal town of New Haven is a vibrant city as well with a rich cultural landscape. The third largest town in the state, next only to Stamford and Bridgeport, visitors to New Haven can tour the Yale University Art Gallery and the Peabody Museum of Natural History as well as stroll through downtown. The city is also famous for its pizza, with establishments like Frank Pepe's and Sally's Apizza offering the iconic New Haven-style "apizza." But there are a ton of other eateries in store, such as Ordinary, known for its classic vintage ambiance and custom cocktails along with a variety of snack foods. You can sample a whole variety of restaurants and eateries in New Haven, as everyone in town is known for being a foodie! But don’t forget to go to Louis’ Lunch, who reportedly invented the hamburger and steak sandwich and is known for its broiled hamburgers – it’s a veritable New Haven institution.
4. Fairfield County: a hint of coastal charm and scenic shorelines
Where to stay: Hilton Garden Inn, Hotel Zero Degrees, Stanton House Inn, Delamar Greenwich Harbor
Where to eat: l’escale, Crab Shell, Rowayton Seafood, The Spread, Boathouse Restaurant
What to do: Sailing, strolling downtown, boating, sailing, exploring, hiking, biking, tasting the beers at the many craft-brewing companies, antiquing, fishing
Top sights to see: Huntington State Park, Westport Country Playhouse, Beardsley Zoo, The Maritime Aquarium, Housatonic River, New Canaan Nature Center
Known for being Connecticut’s most sophisticated enclave, Fairfield County boasts five miles of shoreline along Long Island Sound and offers an excellent blend of country and city life. It has a little bit of everything: from picturesque coastal towns such as Greenwich, Westport, and Darien to high-end shops, antique stores, and fine-dining found in towns such as Stamford, Bridgeport, and Norwalk. Of course, many Fairfield towns also feature scenic beaches and gourmet dining, and there are lots of delicious places to eat, such as Crab Shell (located in Stamford), The Spread (located in Norwalk), l’escale (located in Greenwich), and Boathouse Restaurant, located in Westport. What’s more, the area is easily accessible from New York City, making it a convenient weekend escape for families, couples, or even solo flyers.
5. Hammonasset Beach State Park, Madison: the perfect seaside recreation spot
Where to stay: Madison Beach Hotel (Curio Collection by Hilton), Clinton Motel, Beech Tree Cottages, Christy’s Madison
Where to eat: Donahue’s Madison Beach Grill, Nick’s Famous Pizza, Lenny & Joe’s Fish Tale Restaurant, Clam Castle
What to do: Swimming, beachcombing, hiking, picnicking, camping, fishing, boating
Top sights to see: Meigs Point Nature Center, Clinton Town Beach, East Wharf Beach, Clinton Town
Located in Madison, Connecticut, Hammonasset Beach State Park is the largest shoreline park in CT, offering two miles of beach along Long Island Sound. Over a million visitors every year can enjoy swimming, picnicking, and hiking, as well as educational programs at the Meigs Point Nature Center, which has its own observation deck and more than 4,000 sq. feet of exhibition space. Along with this, beachgoers can even stay for a night or two at the Hammonasset Beach campground, and they can also choose from a bevy of seafood shacks and restaurants along the shore.
6. Hubbard Park in Meriden: Bask in natural beauty and delight in year-round festivals
Where to stay: Doubletree by Hilton Hotel Bristol, Super 8 by Wyndham Cromwell, Courtyard Hartford Cromwell
Where to eat: New Mill Restaurant, Viron Rondo Osteria, Craft Kitchen
What to do: Hiking, sightseeing, backcountry skiing, biking, strolling (rock climbing and swimming are prohibited)
Top sights to see: Castle Craig Tower, James J. Barry Bandshell, Mirror Lake, Merimere Reservoir
Hubbard Park can be found in the Hanging Hills of Connecticut in Meriden, and it spans over 1,800 acres of woods and forests and features scenic trails, Mirror Lake, and the historic Castle Craig. Hanging Hills is a dramatic mountain ridge that overlooks the city of Meriden, and two of the mountain peaks can be found within Hubbard Park itself: South Mountain and East Peak. Mirror Lake is also surrounded by a recreational area that features amenities like tennis courts, a pavilion, and even a skating rink during the winter. The park is notably known for hosting annual events like the Daffodil Festival in spring and the Festival of Silver Lights during the holiday season, offering year-round attractions for visitors. While there don’t seem to be hotels in Hubbard Park, Meriden, you can stay in nearby accommodations such as Doubletree by Hilton, Courtyard Hartford, and more, and same goes for places to eat – there are many excellent restaurants in nearby towns.
Honorable mentions: remarkable places for a unique weekend escape
While Connecticut has plenty more locales and destinations in store – in fact, we’ve barely scratched the surface – we’d like to present some honorable mentions. Granted, these aren’t your usual locations, they’re more of singular destinations – but they are chosen because of their unique sights and attractions. They could really give your weekend that special factor that would make it stand out! So without further ado, here are the honorable mentions: unique destinations in Connecticut that are designed to rock your weekend escape!
1. Great Wolf Lodge in Mashantucket: delightful family fun
Website: greatwolf.com/connecticut
Where to stay: The different suites, including Standard, Themed, and Premium
Where to eat: Fireside, Hungry Wolf Food Hall, Timbers Table & Kitchen, Wood’s End Creamery
What to do: Swimming, mini-golf, bowling, gaming, a host of water activities
Top sights to see: Northern Lights Arcade, Oliver’s Mining Co., Ten Paw Alley, Howlers Peak Ropes Course
The newly opened Great Wolf Lodge near Foxwoods Resort Casino is excellent for family weekend breaks because it offers an indoor water park, adventure park, and family-friendly activities. It is located at Mashantucket, Connecticut, and it is an ideal destination for families looking for an all-in-one getaway experience. There’s something in store for everyone, because not only does the Great Wolf Lodge feature an indoor water park – it also has other attractions like a bowling alley, an arcade, mini golf, VR games, and even shops where you can purchase souvenirs, clothes, and other essential merchandise. There are also several types of suites, from the standard to the themed and premium, and you can choose your suite according to your needs and preference.
2. The Intoxicated Chemist in Hamden: A glimpse of Connecticut’s unique nightlife
Website: scienceisbetterintoxicated.com/connecticut.html
Where to stay: Carriage House, Hamden Hotel & Suites, Residence Inn New Haven Hamden
What to do: Experimenting, biking, hiking, antiquing
Top sights to see: Sleeping Giant State Park, West Rock Ridge State Park, Farmington Canal State Park
In Hamden, Connecticut, The Intoxicated Chemist offers a unique nightlife experience combining science-themed activities with entertainment. Guests who are interested in joining can purchase a ‘Chemist Experience’ ticket for only $60, and the ticket already includes general admission, a lab coat, a pair of safety goggles, gloves, and any and all supplies and materials needed for the experiments. What else can you expect from the immersive experience? Well, you can participate in interactive experiments while enjoying music and games, making for an unconventional and memorable evening. You can even book for private events, like parties, celebrations, and company events. The activities include games such as intoxicated trivia, ‘can you guess’ what you are holding, and drunken karaoke! If you have decided to stay in Hamden for the weekend, there are a number of hotels and inns as well as activities and attractions like Sleeping Giant State Park and West Rock Ridge State Park, where you can go biking, hiking, and more.
3. The Connecticut Pizza Trail - a culinary journey
Although it’s not a destination in the true sense of the word, we would be remiss if we fail to mention one of Connecticut’s most delicious contributions to the culinary world: its world-famous pizza. Its pizza is a little different from other iconic pizzas, like the Chicago deep dish or the New York-style pizza, but it’s got its own distinct taste and appeal. So if you’re heading to Connecticut, make sure to sample a slice of heaven with Connecticut’s very own pizza – called ‘apizza’ - in fact, you can sample several slices of heaven with The Connecticut Pizza Trail: a culinary journey that takes you on a scrumptious tour through the state’s top pizza parlors. This includes, of course, the iconic Modern Pizza, Frank Pepe’s, and Sally’s Apizza. Granted, the full Connecticut Pizza Trail isn’t set to happen until October of 2025, but many residents and visitors have already signed up. The trail will consist of the Top 100 pizza restaurants, and more will be joining soon.
The Connecticut Pizza Trail highlights the state's top pizzerias – and notable stops include the above-mentioned Modern Apizza, Frank Pepe's, and Sally's Apizza, plus Zuppardi’s Apizza, Bar, Roseland Apizza, Tony’s Pizza, and so much more. This trail offers a delicious way to explore different towns while savoring some of the best pizzas in the country.
An unbeatable weekend in Connecticut
Connecticut's diverse offerings make it an excellent choice for weekend getaways - whether you're seeking relaxation, adventure, or cultural enrichment. Each destination provides unique experiences that cater to various interests, ensuring a memorable escape from the everyday routine.
Without a doubt, Connecticut delivers the ultimate weekend escape - it offers the ideal blend of charm, variety, and convenience into every itinerary. Whether you're wandering through the historic streets of Mystic, unwinding in the peaceful countryside of Litchfield, indulging in the cultural and culinary scene of New Haven, or soaking up the sun along Fairfield County’s picturesque coast, there’s truly something in store for everyone. Add in the seaside serenity of Hammonasset Beach and the natural beauty of Hubbard Park, and you’ve got a fantastic lineup of destinations that promise both rejuvenation and excitement.
But far beyond these staples, the state’s hidden gems - like the immersive fun at Great Wolf Lodge, the quirky nightlife at The Intoxicated Chemist, and the mouthwatering journey along the Connecticut Pizza Trail - can truly elevate your experience from a typical weekend break to an unforgettable adventure. Thanks to the state’s compact size and prime location between New York and Boston, Connecticut is not only accessible – it’s also incredibly rewarding to explore. If you’re a foodie, a nature lover, a history buff, or just someone in need of some serious R&R, Connecticut invites you to rediscover the weekend getaway. So why not take the leap and escape? It’s just a short drive away!
