19 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Connecticut

Written by Jan Meeuwesen
Updated on
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Connecticut, also known as “The Constitution State”, “The Nutmeg State”, “The Provisions State” and “The Land of Steady Habits”, offers some of the most beautiful and spectacular sights and places to visit! Just browse through these awesome pictures and be amazed by it’s beauty. I had a lot of fun picking them out, let me know if you know of any places I could add…

1. Silver Sands State Park

Silver Sands State ParkSource: Jay Yuan / shutterstock
Silver Sands State Park

Visiting Silver Sands State Park is a must for anyone who wants to experience Connecticut at its most beautiful. With a wide range of activities, such as swimming in Long Island Sound or the bird sanctuary of Charles Island, Silver Sands State Park is also located very close to the similarly superb Walnut Beach.

Heron and egret rookeries are found at Charles Island, which can be reached by foot when the water is at low tide. The snowy owl and the rough-legged hawk are among the birds that can be seen at the bird sanctuary.

2. Wadsworth Falls State Park

Wadsworth Falls State ParkSource: Jennifer Yakey-Ault / shutterstock
Wadsworth Falls State Park

Wadsworth Falls State Park – which is sometimes just called Wadsworth Falls – is one of Connecticut’s most beautiful natural locations. The falls themselves are a 1.25 mile hike away from the main entrance to the park, but the trek is not a difficult one and the views of the 30-foot falls are well worth a little effort.

There are also many picnic and swimming facilities at the park. Grills for use in cook outs make Wadsworth Falls State Park particularly popular in the summer.

3. Greenwich

Greenwich, ConnecticutSource: James Kirkikis / shutterstock
Greenwich, Connecticut

The largest town on Connecticut’s Gold Coast, Greenwich is named after a borough in London and has previously been named among the Best Places to Live in the United States. The Greenwich International Film Festival is one of the town’s most popular annual events, while the Bruce Museum and the Audubon Center are also worth visiting. Greenwich Avenue is a must for anyone who has a passion for shopping.

4. St Mary’s By The Sea in Bridgeport, Connecticut

St Mary's By The Sea in Bridgeport, ConnecticutSource: LBSimms Photography / shutterstock
St Mary’s By The Sea In Bridgeport, Connecticut

St Mary’s By The Sea in Bridgeport, Connecticut

5. Gillette Castle Park

Gillette Castle Park, East Haddam, ConnecticutSource: Collins93 / shutterstock
Gillette Castle Park, East Haddam, Connecticut

Gillette Castle looks just like a medieval fortress and it is certainly one of the most visually interesting buildings to see in the state of Connecticut. Gillette Castle State Park was originally the home of the actor William Gillette, who was best known for his stage portrayal of the detective Sherlock Holmes. Today, the castle – which was called Seventh Sister – is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Gillette Castle is also a Viewpoint Exhibit Host Site.

6. Old Saybrook

Old Saybrook, ConnecticutSource: Edward Fielding / shutterstock
Old Saybrook, Connecticut

Old Saybrook is one of Connecticut’s most historic places, and one of the state’s most beautiful locations too. The Lynde Point Lighthouse is one of the most stunning landmarks in the town, while the Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center and the General William Hart House are among the most popular tourist attractions in the area.

Spending a relaxing day at Harvey’s Beach is one of the best things to do in Old Saybrook, or anywhere in Connecticut, while families will love playing a game of Mini-Golf at Saybrook Point, which boasts breathtaking scenery.

7. Stonington

Stonington, ConnecticutSource: Allan Wood Photography / shutterstock
Stonington, Connecticut

Located on Connecticut’s beautiful coastline, Stonington is a great place to visit to get away from the hustle and bustle of modern life. Home to some of the state’s most historic buildings, such as Capt. Nathaniel B. Palmer House, Stanton-Davis Homestead Museum and the William Clark Company Thread Mill, Stonington is known for its intensely relaxing atmosphere. Stonington Vineyards and the town’s Old Lighthouse Museum are well worth visiting.

8. Shore Line Trolley Museum

Shore Line Trolley MuseumSource: Ritu Manoj Jethani / shutterstock
Shore Line Trolley Museum

One of the best things to do in East Haven is definitely to spend a few hours at the Shore Line Trolley Museum. Exhibits on trolley history in the visitors’ center are surprisingly fascinating, but the highlight of the museum is undoubtedly the chance to take a ride on restored trolleys along its 1.5 miles of track. Around 100 vintage transit vehicles are housed within the museum and all of them are beautiful in their own special way.

9. Iwo Jima Memorial

Iwo Jima Memorial, ConnecticutSource: Evan El-Amin / shutterstock
Iwo Jima Memorial, Connecticut

No first-time visit to Connecticut would be complete without taking a detour to the US National Iwo Jima Memorial. The memorial was both conceived and designed by Dr. George Gentile, who was the founder and president of the Iwo Jima Survivors Association. Some 6,821 Americans lost their lives fighting on the last strategic stronghold before the planned invasion of Japan and among the features of the memorial park is an eternal flame dedicated to those brave soldiers.

10. Saville Dam

Saville Dam, Barkhamsted, ConnecticutSource: Jennifer Yakey-Ault / shutterstock
Saville Dam, Barkhamsted, Connecticut

Saville Dam at Barkhamsted Reservoir has a case to be named the most beautiful man-made structure in the state of Connecticut. The dam, which is named after its chief engineer, Caleb Mills Saville, is the primary water source for Hartford, Connecticut. The views that can be enjoyed from the dam simply have to be seen to be believed – they are absolutely glorious and unforgettable.

11. Yale University

Yale University, New HavenSource: f11photo / shutterstock
Yale University, New Haven

As one of the top universities in the United States, Yale is one of Connecticut’s most important places. Located in the city of New Haven, the history of education at the site dates back for around 400 years. A walk through Yale’s scenic and historic Old Campus provides some of the most stunning views in Connecticut, while guided tours are also available for those who want to learn more about the university.

Yale also hosts many events throughout the year, from exhibitions and workshops to film screenings and performances – there is always lots going on at Yale.

12. Goodspeed Opera House

Goodspeed Opera HouseSource: Dan Logan / shutterstock
Goodspeed Opera House

The Goodspeed Opera House is not just one of the most beautiful places in Connecticut, it is also one of the state’s most important cultural institutions, as this is where some of the world’s most famous musicals, including Annie, Man of La Mancha and Shenandoah were created.

The Goodspeed Opera House is particularly beautiful at night, where the contrast between the white building and the dark swing bridge nearby is stunning. Tours of many of the Goodspeed facilities are available to visitors too.

13. Enders Falls State Park

Enders Falls State ParkSource: Jennifer Yakey-Ault / shutterstock
Enders Falls State Park

Enders is mainly forest, but those who like to see waterfalls during their hikes in natural surroundings will also find lots to love at Enders Falls State Park. A walk alongside the gentle Enders Brook is one of the best things to do in the whole state.

Campbell Falls State Park in Norfolk and Bigelow Hollow State Park in Union are also nearby for those who want to make the most of Connecticut’s natural beauty.

14. Kent Falls State Park

Kent Falls State ParkSource: Jeff Holcombe / shutterstock
Kent Falls State Park

Kent Falls is a designated Trout Park, but there is a lot more to Kent Falls State Park than fishing. A replica of a covered bridge is one of the many must-see highlights at Kent Falls, which has lots of opportunities for hiking and picnicking.

As for the falls themselves, they are absolutely sublime, with water dropping for around 250 feet over a distance of a quarter of a mile. The largest of these drops is around 70 feet and the overall effect of the waterfall is truly amazing.

15. Campbell Falls State Park

Campbell Falls State ParkSource: Jeff Holcombe / shutterstock
Campbell Falls State Park

Campbell Falls State Park is one of the most undeveloped areas of parkland within the state of Connecticut, which makes it an ideal place to visit for those who want to see nature at its most unspoiled. The park crosses the border with Massachusetts and there is even a stone within the grounds to mark where the two states meet.

The park’s namesake waterfall cascades nearly 100 feet and is a truly stunning sight when the water is in full flow.

16. Guilford

Guilford, ConnecticutSource: LEE SNIDER PHOTO IMAGES / shutterstock
Guilford, Connecticut

Guilford is a must-visit location for anyone vacationing in Connecticut, with the town having been named one of the top 100 places to live in the United States. Henry Whitfield State Museum and Bishop’s Orchards are two of the best things to do in Guilford, while families can enjoy hours of fun at Shoreline Segway.

Time should also be taken to visit Faulkner’s Island Lighthouse, Elisha Pitkin House and Thomas Burgis II House during a trip to Guilford, while Lake Quonnipaug is one of the most beautiful places to chill out in the area.



19 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Connecticut:

  • Silver Sands State Park
  • Wadsworth Falls State Park
  • Greenwich
  • St Mary's By The Sea in Bridgeport, Connecticut
  • Gillette Castle Park
  • Old Saybrook
  • Stonington
  • Shore Line Trolley Museum
  • Iwo Jima Memorial
  • Saville Dam
  • Yale University
  • Goodspeed Opera House
  • Enders Falls State Park
  • Kent Falls State Park
  • Campbell Falls State Park
  • Guilford