Connecticut Summer Bucket List
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Connecticut is the most underrated state for spending a New England summer. As a Connecticut local, I’m here to tell you that there’s plenty to do throughout the state during the summer months. Whether you’re looking to spend time along the coast, check out farms, or dive into history, there’s something for everyone.
Kayak On The Mystic River with Adventure Mystic
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If you’re looking to experience Mystic from the water on your own, Adventure Mystic offers kayak and paddleboard rentals on the Mystic River. What I loved most about doing this was that I could take my time and stop for photos whenever I wanted instead of trying to quickly get photos on boat ride that is continually moving. It’s a more peaceful way to explore Mystic from the river than a traditional boat ride.
Learn more: Adventure Mystic Rentals in Mystic, Connecticut
Visit Sheffield Island
Love lighthouses and islands? Take a trip out to Sheffield Island to see a historic granite lighthouse. The ferry leaves from South Norwalk and you’ll get a guided tour as you make your way to the island. The island itself has a fascinating history and there are some trails to explore on the island.
Learn more about visiting: Sheffield Island Lighthouse in Norwalk, CT
Take A Lighthouse Cruise with Cross Sound Ferry
If you love lighthouses, Cross Sound Ferry’s lighthouse cruises need to be on your summer bucket list. They offer two different lighthouse cruises out of New London, Connecticut. One trip takes you to lighthouses in Connecticut and New York and the other takes you to lighthouses in Connecticut, New York, and Rhode Island. You really can’t go wrong with either trip!
Learn more about the cruises: Cross Sound Ferry’s Three Different Lighthouse Cruises
Explore The Gardens At Harkness Memorial State Park
While Harkness Memorial State Park in Waterford, Connecticut is a great spot to visit year-round, summer is the best time to visit because the gardens are in bloom! Harkness features three different gardens: the West Garden, the East Garden, and the Cutting Garden. The landscaping and plants in each are so well-done and they have a lot of great photo opportunities. The other great thing about visiting in the summer is the fact that the mansion is usually open for tours on the weekend!
Learn more about visiting: Harkness Memorial State Park
Visit Alpacas at Lavender Hill Farm Alpacas
Looking to meet some alpacas up close and personal? Take a trip to Lavender Hill Farm Alpacas in Voluntown. You’ll learn a lot about the alpacas during your visit, and you might even get to feed them. There’s also a gift shop with a lot of great locally made items and clothing made from alpaca fiber. This is one of those spots I find myself going back to year after year.
Learn more about visiting: Lavender Hill Farm Alpacas in Connecticut
Enjoy Sunflowers and Ice Cream at Buttonwood Farms
As a southeastern Connecticut local, I’ve been going to Buttonwood Farms to enjoy the sunflowers and ice cream for my entire life. The sunflowers are really a sight to see, which is probably why it’s been named the Sunflower Capital of New England. While the window for the sunflowers is brief, this spot is worth going to just for the ice cream all summer long.
Learn more about visiting: Buttonwood Farm Sunflowers and Ice Cream in Connecticut
Middle of the Vines Vineyard Tours
If you’re looking for a way to explore Mystic wine country this summer, look no further than Middle of the Vines vineyard tours. The tour includes three vineyard stops with a drink or tasting at each. Additionally, your booking includes transportation, lunch provided by Sift Bake Shop, snacks, and water. It has everything you could possibly want from a wine tour, from beautiful vineyards with great wine to good food included!
Learn more about the tour: Middle of the Vines Vineyard Tours
Visit Lavender Pond Farm
Lavender Pond Farm in Killingworth, Connecticut is a great spot to visit with plenty to do. While the main draw is the gorgeous lavender fields, there’s also a lot of family-friendly activities here like a train ride and lawn games throughout the fields. There’s also a fairy trail that’s a lot of fun to check out!
Learn more about visiting: Lavender Pond Farm in Killingworth, CT
Sunset Cruise and Seal Watch with Blackhawk Fishing
Experience the best of coastal Connecticut with a sunset cruise and seal watch with Blackhawk Fishing out of Niantic, Connecticut. This unique trip offers stunning evening views and up-close sightings of local seals in their natural habitat. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, it’s the perfect way to spend an evening on the water. I do this cruise every year because I love it that much.
Learn more about this cruise: Sunset Cruise and Seal Watch with Blackhawk Fishing
Visit Kent Falls State Park
If you love waterfalls, Kent Falls State Park in Kent absolutely needs to be on your list. This is Connecticut’s largest waterfall. What I love most about it is that there’s no hike necessary to enjoy the main part of the waterfall. It’s a short walk from the parking lot. However, to see the other cascades higher up, there is a short path that goes up along the brook with some viewing platforms.
Learn more about visiting: Kent Falls State Park CT
Explore the Castle and Grounds At Gillette Castle State Park
Gillette Castle State Park in East Haddam is a great spot to visit in the summer months because it’s the regular season for touring the castle. If you’ve visited before, but haven’t had a chance to go inside, I highly recommend doing the self-guided tour of the castle. William Gillette was an interesting guy and the details and woodwork inside the castle are truly remarkable. And, the summer is also a great time to explore the various trails throughout the park!
Learn more about visiting: Gillette Castle State Park
Climb New London Harbor Lighthouse
A lot of people don’t know this, but you can actually climb New London Harbor Lighthouse! This lighthouse is the oldest and tallest lighthouse on Long Island Sound. The views from the top are absolutely phenomenal, which is a great reason to climb the lighthouse. But, you’ll also be stepping into a piece of history! Tickets also include admission to the Custom House Maritime Museum in downtown New London.
Learn more about climbing this lighthouse: Climbing New London Harbor Lighthouse
Visit The Florence Griswold Museum
In the summer months, the Florence Griswold Museum in Old Lyme really shines. The grounds feature a well-maintained historic garden that’s beautiful when it’s in full bloom. In addition to the garden, it features a cafe, art galleries, river views, and a historic mansion that you’re able to tour!
Discover more things to do in the area: Things To Do in Old Lyme, Connecticut
Explore Devil’s Hopyard State Park
Devil’s Hopyard is a great spot to visit for both its waterfall and its hiking trails. In the summer months, everything is lush and green. The walk to the waterfall is fairly short, so it’s easy to enjoy with kids. If you’re looking to hike, you can hike up to the vista for some nice views!
Discover more hiking spots around the state: 20 Connecticut Hikes With Great Views
Visit The Rose Garden At Elizabeth Park
Elizabeth Park in West Hartford is home to the world’s oldest public rose garden in the United States. The rose garden draws large amounts of visitors when it’s in peak bloom. In addition to the rose garden, Elizabeth Park features multiple gardens, a visitor center, a restaurant, a pond, and various trails to explore. It’s very much worth the trip.
Discover more parks in Connecticut: Best Parks in Connecticut
Take A Ride on the Essex Steam Train & Riverboat
This is a train ride and a riverboat cruise combo out of Essex, Connecticut. You’ll take the historic Essex Steam Train to Deep River where you’ll depart to get on the Becky Thatcher riverboat. During the ride, you’ll see historic sites along the river such as Gillette Castle, Goodspeed Opera House, and the Haddam Swing Bridge.
See A Show At The goodspeed Opera House
If you love theatre, you absolutely need to see a show at the Goodspeed Opera House in the summer. This historic opera house sits on the banks of the Connecticut River, and it has a back deck off of the bar that offers great views of the river. Goodspeed Musicals has a pretty impressive reputation as they’ve had 70 world premieres and exported 21 productions to Broadway (yes, the Broadway in New York City). They’ve also earned two special Tony Awards!
Explore The Book Barn
The Book Barn in Niantic is not your average bookstore. It’s truly an experience. It’s known for its extensive collection of used books across various genres. In addition to the books, there are also gardens to explore, goats, and even a place for kids to play! Since a lot of the book shopping experience is outside, summer is a great time to visit. They also have two other stores in the town of Niantic to check out as well.
