1. The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum, Ridgefield
The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum features changing exhibits of thought-provoking contemporary art and does not collect art or hold a permanent collection. It showcases works based on changing themes and is dedicated to promoting the work of innovative artists who encourage viewers to think creatively. Also on the grounds is a two-acre outdoor sculpture garden.
2. Roseland Cottage, Woodstock
Also called The Pink House because of its distinctive color, Roseland Cottage was the summer home of Henry and Lucy Bowen and their young family. Bowen was a successful New York businessman and often entertained prominent visitors here, including four U.S. presidents and other political figures.
Inside the carriage barn is the oldest surviving indoor bowling alley in the U.S. and the house overlooks a parterre garden with 600 yards of boxwood hedge surrounding 21 beds of perennials and colorful annuals. The house and gardens are a National Historic Landmark.
3. Greenwich Avenue Shops, Greenwich
Greenwich Avenue is where the Lululemon-clad moms of this glitzy town go to be seen. Whether you want to window shop in the high-end stores (we’re talking the wallet-crushing Hermès, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Richards) or sip a mocha latte in an upscale café, you’re in for a luxe experience.
When you’ve had enough of shopping and eating, make your way to the Greenwich Historical Society to soak up the history behind this beautiful town. Visiting the Bruce Museum is another top thing to do in Greenwich for those with extra time. The interesting exhibits are constantly changing and contain information on everything from massive geodes to more recent scientific discoveries.
4. Stamford Museum & Nature Center
The Stamford Museum & Nature Center is a hands-on spot beloved by locals of all ages. Whether you’re visiting in hopes of wandering the winding walking trails, ogling the statues that pepper the hilltop garden, or letting the kids loose in one of the best playgrounds in Connecticut, you’re in for a treat.
Create something unique out of recycled materials in the Recycled ReCreations Makerspace, put your binoculars to use while bird-watching, or spend time getting to know the animals at the center’s adorable Heckscher Farm. This working New England farm houses your everyday farm creatures like goats, horses, and chickens. It’s also home to a Maple Sugar House.
5. New England Air Museum, Windsor Locks
The New England Air Museum in Windsor Locks is spread throughout three large hangars, with more than 55 of its 100-plus aircraft on display at any time, along with a collection of aircraft engines.
Flying craft include helicopters, amphibious aircraft, jets, WWII aircraft, and others, including two historic examples of balloon baskets, one of which is the oldest surviving American-built aircraft. It was built and flown by Plymouth, Connecticut native and aeronaut Silas Brooks in the 1870s.
6. The Glass House, New Canaan
The Glass House is a must-see attraction in Connecticut, so it’s important to time your visit right. You’ll need to buy a ticket in advance to ensure entry to this spectacular property, which is open to the public between mid-April and mid-November.
Due to its secluded location in a residential neighborhood of New Canaan, cars are not permitted to visit the site on their own. Instead, visitors must drive to the Glass House Visitor Center & Design Store in town, at 199 Elm Street. From here, guests will board a shuttle to the site.
7. Submarine Force Museum and the USS Nautilus
The United States Navy’s official submarine museum is on the Thames River in Groton, housing and displaying submarine artifacts, photographs, and exhibits. The highlight for most visitors is the chance to board and explore USS Nautilus, the world’s first nuclear-powered submarine.
8. Mashantucket Pequot Museum & Research Center, Mashantucket
The Mashantucket Pequot Museum & Research Center is a tribally owned complex that presents exhibits on the Native American and natural history of southern New England. The indoor exhibits feature dioramas, text panels, interactive computer programs, and a series of films that highlight the evolution of Mashantucket Pequot life.
9. Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo, Bridgeport
A visit to Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo is one of the top things to do in Bridgeport, and for good reason. It’s small enough to walk around without getting lost, large enough to spend a couple of hours exploring, and jam-packed with animals, ranging from spider monkeys to alligators to sloths to a giant anteater.
Children can crawl through plastic tubes that lead into the depths of a prairie dog enclosure, have a colorful bird land on them in the Walk-Through Aviary, spy a gator in Alligator Alley, or see an Amur leopard.
10. Hammonasset Beach State Park, Madison
Beach lovers fall upon the soft sand of Hammonasset Beach State Park year-round, but this pretty shore is packed come summertime. One of the best state parks in Connecticut, this is where you’ll find one of the top beaches in all of Connecticut. Once you dip your toes into the calm water of the Long Island Sound, you’ll understand why.
Stretching over two miles, Hammonasset Beach is the largest beach in Connecticut, which means that even at its busiest, you’ll find space to stretch out your towel and raise your beach umbrella. Beachin’ isn’t the only fun thing to do on this Connecticut beach. Popular activities include canoeing, kayaking, swimming, SUPing, and fishing.
