6 Best Summer Day Trips in Connecticut
Connecticut is home to a diverse variety of locations perfect for exploring on a warm summer day. From quaint shoreside towns to amusement park thrills, here are our 6 favorite ways to spend our days this season:
Mystic
For a quaint getaway during a warm summer day, head over to Mystic to enjoy gorgeous scenery and loads of history. Mystic used to be a port for whaling vessels, which you can learn about at the Mystic Seaport. Featuring a planetarium, working shipyard, historic wooden ships, a 19th century seafaring village and more, the Mystic Seaport requires a full day to discover all its secrets.
Dive into the world of sea life by visiting the Mystic Aquarium, one of the most popular attractions in Connecticut, to explore exhibits swimming with life. While in Mystic, enjoy the serene harbor rocking with sailboats while discovering plenty of delicious bites and local boutiques.
Gillette Castle
Gillette Castle overlooks the Connecticut River and was built in the early 20th century by actor William Gillette. This unique structure sits on 184 acres of land and boasts incredible views of the river below. Explore the Gothic architecture of the castle which contains unusual details including secret passages and unique decor. The Gillette Castle is the perfect destination to share a day taken right from a fairytale.
During your visit, be sure to take a walk through the trails that run through the property and discover hidden ponds, tranquil picnic spots, and shaded woods.
Beaches
The Connecticut shoreline is home to miles of picturesque beaches and inviting seaside towns brimming with New England charm. During the summer months, these coastal towns come to life with vacationers, a vibrant dining scene, and sunny days at the beach.
While some beaches are reserved for town citizens only, most are part of the state park system and open to the general public. Plan your perfect beach day before summer ends by following our guide to the best beaches in Connecticut:
Lake Compounce
If you’re seeking a thrill this summer, look no further. Lake Compounce in Southington is the state-wide destination for amusement park adventures. Experience the award-winning wooden coaster, Boulder Dash, or jump on the Phobia Phear Coaster which attains speeds up to 65 miles per hour. If high speed thrills aren’t for everyone there is also a Ferris wheel, Flying Elephant and carousel for a fun and mellow ride.
Don’t forget to pack your swim suits in case you want to head over to the on-site water park, Bayou Bayoffers! Splash through the water slides or float calmly along the Croc-O-Nile river to relax after the adrenaline rush.
Kent
Spend a day exploring Kent Falls State Park to unwind and destress. Kent Falls is nestled in the Litchfield Hills and is known for its breathtaking natural beauty. Pack a picnic to enjoy besides the 250 foot falls and hike up to the top for a gorgeous view and a cool misting breeze. After visiting the park, head into downtown Kent for a quick bite at one of the many restaurants and explore the local shops.
Greenwich
Known as one of the most luxe and historically rich coastal towns in Connecticut, Greenwich truly offers the perfect getaway for a day or weekend alike.
With its upscale boutiques and shops, an abundance of gourmet jaunts, and fine-dining romantic spots, Greenwich also offers cultural-historical sights, fabulous beaches and crowd-pleasing night-life (sipping craft cocktails while enjoying live music on Greenwich Avenue,) celebrity sightings (think Diana Ross, Ron Howard, NBA star Donovan Mitchell) – it’s the perfect place to spend a relaxing summer day.
Enjoy the Summer While Staying at Delamar
Experience the best days this summer when visiting one of our Delamar hotels or spas. With three distinct locations in Greenwich, Southport, and West Hartford, we invite you to explore the state while enjoying the utmost level of excellence and luxury in hospitality. When you choose to stay at Delamar, you can unwind, relax and rejuvenate with our great amenities and attention to detail at every turn. Book your stay with us today and enjoy Connecticut in all its natural glory.