Activities to Add to Your Summer Bucket List

The dog days of summer are here, and getting outside to enjoy the fresh air is more important than ever before. Luckily, Connecticut has plenty of outdoor experiences for all ages right at your fingertips. Even with summer winding down, there is still plenty of time to add new adventures to your summer bucket list.  

Explore Connecticut Beaches 

The coast of Connecticut hugs the Long Island Sound all the way across, making way for beaches in every town along the shore. You can find State Parks or other hidden gems tucked away in local neighborhoods. Whether you’ve lived in Connecticut your whole life, or are just visiting for a quick weekend getaway, there are plenty of spots for all beach lovers to explore.  

Most public beaches are available to non-residents with small parking fees. There are a number of local beaches to visit when you stay at any Delamar Hotel including: 

• Lighthouse Point Park in New Haven, CT 
• Compo Beach in Westport, CT 
• Southport Beach in Fairfield, CT 
• Greenwich Point Park in Greenwich, CT 

If you’re staying at Delamar Greenwich Harbor, you can ride your complimentary bike rental along with one of the nearby beaches or rent a kayak for a few hours with the kids–the perfect summer bucket list day.

Find a Tee-Time Nearby 

When golf courses first reopened, tee-times filled up fast making it hard to fit in a round of golf. Now that there are more openings available, it is the perfect time to play 18 holes at one of Connecticut’s beautiful golf courses. Book in advance at one of the breathtaking public courses in the area such as: 

• Pequabuck Golf Club 
• Tunxis Country Club 
• Sterling Farms Golf Course 
• Griffith E. Harris Golf Course 

Experience Local Outdoor Dining 

Connecticut restaurants were encouraged to expand their dining rooms to accommodate outdoor seating. Restaurant owners got creative with this opportunity, as some even opened their parking lots to diners, making eating out feel exciting and new. Even restaurants that already had outdoor dining are finding ways to make eating out feel fresh, yet safe for everyone. 

Enjoy Halibut Bouillabaisse with a view of the harbor outside at L’escale (indoor seating also available), or an Angus Filet in the Artisan West Hartford’s garden. But be sure to make reservations in advance since seating is limited! 

Visit an Adventure Park 

If you’re looking for an exciting new place to take the kids, grab a harness at your nearest adventure park. Ropes courses that are exhilarating and build strength are fun for not only kids, but adults too! You can expect a mix of ziplining and climbing activities that will challenge your mind and body. There are a number of adventure courses near Delamar hotels to choose from including: 

• The Adventure Park at Storrs 
• Brownstone Exploration and Discovery Park 
• Boundless Adventures 
• The Adventure Park at the Discovery Museum 

Book your tickets in advance and review each park for what to expect on your tree-top adventure. 

Find a Hiking Trail in Connecticut 

With over 800 miles of trails in the state, Connecticut has plenty of room for everyone to socially distance while enjoying the great outdoors. If you’re looking for a challenge, central Connecticut has a number of expansive hiking trails. Most are under an hour’s drive from Hartford, with views well-worth the trip. 

The top 10 hiking trails in Connecticut offer lake views through their wooded paths for visitors to enjoy solitary, outdoor enjoyment. Check here for all park openings and safety information before your visit. 

Visit Delamar Hotels

Outdoor exposure and fresh air are so important to both our physical and mental health. If you need a place to stay after a hiking adventure, visit Delamar. With three convenient locations throughout Connecticut, Delamar is happy to welcome our guests back to enjoy all that our beautiful state has to offer.