Things To Do In Stonington Connecticut
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If you’re looking for a New England gem, Stonington, Connecticut, should be on your list. This coastal town is packed with charm, from scenic waterfront views to local shops and eateries that capture the area’s unique vibe. Let’s dig into the best things to do in Stonington, whether you’re here for a quick stop or planning a longer stay!
Dodge Paddock & Beal Preserve
Tucked away in historic Stonington Borough at the end of Wall Street is this beautiful little preserve with shoreline public access. There is a walking trail here on an open salt marsh meadow as well as great views of Little Narragansett Bay. There’s even an informational sign at the park that gives you the history of Dodge Paddock.
Stonington Point
Stonington Point is one of the best sunset spots in southeastern Connecticut. One of my favorite parts about this spot is there are panoramic water views that you can enjoy right from your car. This makes it a great spot to visit year-round.
Barn Island Wildlife Management Area
If you’re into nature and bird watching, you won’t want to miss a visit to Barn Island Wildlife Management Area. This is Connecticut’s largest and most ecologically diverse coastal Wildlife Management area. There are various trails to enjoy through woods and the salt marshes, coastal access points, and even a boat launch.
The Stonington Borough Historic Walking Tour
This hour-long tour is done by Historic Stonington. You’ll be guided through historic Stonington Borough while hearing stories of historic homes, sites, battles, and important people in Stonington’s 350-year history. This is a must-do if you’re interested in history and historic homes.
Wayland’s Wharf
Wayland’s Wharf is a beautiful coastal access area that’s located on Stonington Harbor. There are benches and a gazebo that you can sit back and relax at. And, there’s also a public parking lot here, which is rare in Stonington Borough.
Stonington Vineyards
Stonington Vineyards is a great place to bring the family on a beautiful day. It has plenty of outdoor space to spread out a picnic setup. They are open year-round with a variety of wines. The bar staff are all seasoned and know the ins and outs of all the wines if you’re interested in a tasting.
Lighthouse Museum
The Lighthouse Museum is housed in a lighthouse that has stood at the entrance to the harbor for over 170 years. Today, you can seasonally go inside the lighthouse to enjoy the museum and even climb to the top of the tower and enjoy panoramic views of the shoreline. It’s definitely a Connecticut lighthouse that you don’t want to miss.
The Velvet Mill
If you’re into shopping and art, the Velvet Mill should be on your list of must-visits in Stonington. Housed in an old textile mill, you can find unique shops, art studios, and even places to grab a bite to eat or drink. It’s a great spot to spend a rainy day since it’s completely inside.
Captain Nathaniel B. Palmer House
This is a historic house that you can actually tour in Stonington. It was built in 1852 by captains Nathaniel Brown Palmer and Alexander Smith Palmer, who were brothers. It’s a 14-room Victorian style mansion that is built close to one of the coves off of Stonington Harbor. You can get great views of the water from the cupola, walk along Quanaduck Cover from the property, and you can even see 1800s graffiti in a building on the property.
The Borough Bodega and Scoopery
If you’re looking for a spot to grab ice cream in The Borough, this is it. They offer some seriously delicious ice cream. Additionally, they offer gluten-free and dairy-free options, which I can totally appreciate as someone who was gluten-free and dairy-free for 4 years!
Saltwater Farm Vineyard
Saltwater Farm Vineyard is a must-visit if you’re in Stonington, CT. There is plenty of outdoor space to spread out and enjoy the salt marshes, making it a great spot to visit in the summer. It’s unique due to being located at the site of an old community airport. The tasting room is in a restored World War II-Era airplane hangar.
Stonington Town Dock and Memorial
This area is a coastal access point located in the Stonington Borough. There’s a pier where you can sit back and take in the beautiful views of Stonington Harbor. In the past, I’ve gotten take out and enjoyed it at the pier while watching the sunset. This is also the home of the annual Stonington Lobster Trap Tree, which is a must-see holiday light display in Connecticut.
