Resolve to have more fun this year via some of the best day trips in Connecticut! The Constitution State is full of fantastic places, and there’s always something new to discover. Whether you’re looking for adventure or relaxation, these spots will definitely deliver the fun. Check out these 12 unforgettable Connecticut day trips, one for each month of the year.
January – Powder Ridge Park, Middlefield
Powder Ridge Park/Facebook Rush down a smooth, white snow hill at Powder Ridge Park. You’ll feel your adrenaline soar as you experience this classic wintertime activity. Learn more about one of the very best day trips at Powder Ridge Park. Powder Ridge Park, 99 Powder Hill Rd, Middlefield, CT 06455, USA
February – Brooksvale Park, Hamden
Brooksvale Park/Facebook Brooksvale Park is a gorgeous place to visit any time of year, but winter offers some exceptional activities. In addition to tranquil hiking trails and friendly barnyard animals, Brooksvale Park is home to a splendid sugar shack. One of the best day trips in Connecticut, visit in late February to learn more about how they make their magnificent maple syrup. Get more details on what Brooksvale Park has to offer. Brooksvale Park, 524 Brooksvale Ave, Hamden, CT 06518, USA
March – Avery’s Soda, New Britain
Avery’s Soda/Facebook Established in 1904, Avery’s Soda is a Connecticut staple. They’ve been crafting delicious sodas from real cane sugar for over 100 years, and you can really taste the difference. One of the best places to visit in Connecticut, experience the magic on one of their factory tours. Discover more about Avery’s Soda. Avery’s Beverages LLC, 520 Corbin Ave, New Britain, CT 06052, USA
April – Lover’s Leap State Park, New Milford
Bob P. B./Flickr When the warmer weather creeps in, explore Lover’s Leap State Park’s 127 acres of exquisite beauty. Bring your camera and capture the sights along the Housatonic Gorge. This heavenly place is one of the best day trips no matter the time of year. Get more evidence why Lover’s Leap Park is a must visit. Lovers Leap State Park, 178 Short Woods Rd, New Milford, CT 06776, USA
May – Lavender Pond Farm, Killingworth
Lavender Pond Farm/Facebook When Lavender Pond Farm opens every May, people rush in to experience it. As the largest lavender farm in New England, this spectacular destination is full of fragrance and a great Connecticut day trip. They have more than 10,000 lavender plants! After exploring the grounds, be sure to visit the gift shop and check out their beautiful products. Learn more about Lavender Pond Farm. Lavender Pond Farm, 318 Roast Meat Hill Rd, Killingworth, CT 06419, USA
June – Steep Rock Preserve, Washington Depot
Mark Morrell/AllTrails This 998-acre nature preserve is full of scenic hiking trails, making it one of the best day trips in Connecticut for some walking. Stroll along riverbanks and stare at the picturesque hillsides around you. If the temperatures start to rise, explore the Tunnel Road Trail. This easy trail has a 100-yard tunnel of trees that will shade you from the sweltering sun. Read more about Steep Rock Preserve. Steep Rock Preserve, 2 Tunnel Rd, Washington Depot, CT 06794, USA
July – Buttonwood Farm, Griswold
LeanneMarie1215/Flickr This family-owned farm has been delighting visitors since 1975, and summer is the best time to experience it. In July, you can embark on a scenic 20-minute hay ride through stunning fields of sunflowers. After your scenic journey, head over to the farm’s ice cream parlor and try one of its 50 delectable flavors. They make their waffle cones fresh every day, so each bite is absolute perfection. This is truly one of the best places to visit in Connecticut. Discover more about Buttonwood Farm. Buttonwood Farm Ice Cream, 473 Shetucket Turnpike, Griswold, CT 06351, USA
August – Farmington River Tubing, New Hartford
Farmington River Tubing/Facebook When the sun beats its relentless rays, it’s time to float the river. Farmington River Tubing offers one of the best day trips around with exciting three-mile adventures along gorgeous waters. Three sets of rapids will spike your adrenaline and keep you coming back for more. Get all the details for your float from Farmington River Tubing. 92 Main St, New Hartford, CT 06057, USA
September – Lyman Orchards, Middlefield
Lyman Orchards/Facebook September is apple season, and there’s no better place to pick some juicy and delicious fruit than Lyman Orchards. Bring your friends and family and wander through the gorgeous grounds. After you’ve gathered all the tasty treats you can carry, finish off your Connecticut day trip with a visit to the Apple Barrel store to take home a scrumptious homemade pie. Find out what else you can expect from Lyman Orchards. Lyman Orchards Farm Store at the Apple Barrel, 32 Reeds Gap Rd, Middlefield, CT 06455, USA
October – Burlington
Shobeir Ansari/Getty Images During the fall, one of the best day trips in Connecticut is visiting Bunnell’s Falls. When nature turns the trees into a swirl of reds, oranges, and yellows, the views are absolutely spectacular. Burlington is also home to a slew of paranormal activity. If you want to get into the spooky spirit, explore Tory Prison and search for the ghosts of British soldiers. People have reported hearing ominous moans coming from this eerie place. Learn more about Burlington’s creepy past. Burlington, CT, USA
November – Collinsville
Visit Collinsville, CT/Facebook This unique Connecticut village is packed with things to do. Visit Lasalle Market for a tasty breakfast and spend an afternoon browsing the lovely shops. You’ll find all kinds of Amish-made treasures at America The Beautiful Country Store. If you love shopping for vintage goods, you’ll definitely want to visit Antiques On The Farmington. This gorgeous place sits inside an old 1800s grist mill! Check out further reasons why Collinsville is one of the best places to visit in Connecticut. Collinsville, Canton, CT 06019, USA
December – Milford
Patrick Franzis/Flickr When the holiday spirit sets in, Milford really sparkles. You could spend hours strolling down the picturesque main street and shopping for treasures. Discover more about Milford in the winter.
What do you think are the best places to visit in Connecticut? Tell us in the comments.
Powder Ridge Park/Facebook
Rush down a smooth, white snow hill at Powder Ridge Park. You’ll feel your adrenaline soar as you experience this classic wintertime activity. Learn more about one of the very best day trips at Powder Ridge Park.
Powder Ridge Park, 99 Powder Hill Rd, Middlefield, CT 06455, USA
Brooksvale Park/Facebook
Brooksvale Park is a gorgeous place to visit any time of year, but winter offers some exceptional activities. In addition to tranquil hiking trails and friendly barnyard animals, Brooksvale Park is home to a splendid sugar shack. One of the best day trips in Connecticut, visit in late February to learn more about how they make their magnificent maple syrup. Get more details on what Brooksvale Park has to offer.
Brooksvale Park, 524 Brooksvale Ave, Hamden, CT 06518, USA
Avery’s Soda/Facebook
Established in 1904, Avery’s Soda is a Connecticut staple. They’ve been crafting delicious sodas from real cane sugar for over 100 years, and you can really taste the difference. One of the best places to visit in Connecticut, experience the magic on one of their factory tours. Discover more about Avery’s Soda.
Avery’s Beverages LLC, 520 Corbin Ave, New Britain, CT 06052, USA
Bob P. B./Flickr
When the warmer weather creeps in, explore Lover’s Leap State Park’s 127 acres of exquisite beauty. Bring your camera and capture the sights along the Housatonic Gorge. This heavenly place is one of the best day trips no matter the time of year. Get more evidence why Lover’s Leap Park is a must visit.
Lovers Leap State Park, 178 Short Woods Rd, New Milford, CT 06776, USA
Lavender Pond Farm/Facebook
When Lavender Pond Farm opens every May, people rush in to experience it. As the largest lavender farm in New England, this spectacular destination is full of fragrance and a great Connecticut day trip. They have more than 10,000 lavender plants! After exploring the grounds, be sure to visit the gift shop and check out their beautiful products. Learn more about Lavender Pond Farm.
Lavender Pond Farm, 318 Roast Meat Hill Rd, Killingworth, CT 06419, USA
Mark Morrell/AllTrails
This 998-acre nature preserve is full of scenic hiking trails, making it one of the best day trips in Connecticut for some walking. Stroll along riverbanks and stare at the picturesque hillsides around you. If the temperatures start to rise, explore the Tunnel Road Trail. This easy trail has a 100-yard tunnel of trees that will shade you from the sweltering sun. Read more about Steep Rock Preserve.
Steep Rock Preserve, 2 Tunnel Rd, Washington Depot, CT 06794, USA
LeanneMarie1215/Flickr
This family-owned farm has been delighting visitors since 1975, and summer is the best time to experience it. In July, you can embark on a scenic 20-minute hay ride through stunning fields of sunflowers. After your scenic journey, head over to the farm’s ice cream parlor and try one of its 50 delectable flavors. They make their waffle cones fresh every day, so each bite is absolute perfection. This is truly one of the best places to visit in Connecticut. Discover more about Buttonwood Farm.
Buttonwood Farm Ice Cream, 473 Shetucket Turnpike, Griswold, CT 06351, USA
Farmington River Tubing/Facebook
When the sun beats its relentless rays, it’s time to float the river. Farmington River Tubing offers one of the best day trips around with exciting three-mile adventures along gorgeous waters. Three sets of rapids will spike your adrenaline and keep you coming back for more. Get all the details for your float from Farmington River Tubing.
92 Main St, New Hartford, CT 06057, USA
Lyman Orchards/Facebook
September is apple season, and there’s no better place to pick some juicy and delicious fruit than Lyman Orchards. Bring your friends and family and wander through the gorgeous grounds. After you’ve gathered all the tasty treats you can carry, finish off your Connecticut day trip with a visit to the Apple Barrel store to take home a scrumptious homemade pie. Find out what else you can expect from Lyman Orchards.
Lyman Orchards Farm Store at the Apple Barrel, 32 Reeds Gap Rd, Middlefield, CT 06455, USA
Shobeir Ansari/Getty Images
During the fall, one of the best day trips in Connecticut is visiting Bunnell’s Falls. When nature turns the trees into a swirl of reds, oranges, and yellows, the views are absolutely spectacular. Burlington is also home to a slew of paranormal activity. If you want to get into the spooky spirit, explore Tory Prison and search for the ghosts of British soldiers. People have reported hearing ominous moans coming from this eerie place. Learn more about Burlington’s creepy past.
Burlington, CT, USA
Visit Collinsville, CT/Facebook
This unique Connecticut village is packed with things to do. Visit Lasalle Market for a tasty breakfast and spend an afternoon browsing the lovely shops. You’ll find all kinds of Amish-made treasures at America The Beautiful Country Store. If you love shopping for vintage goods, you’ll definitely want to visit Antiques On The Farmington. This gorgeous place sits inside an old 1800s grist mill! Check out further reasons why Collinsville is one of the best places to visit in Connecticut.
Collinsville, Canton, CT 06019, USA
Patrick Franzis/Flickr
When the holiday spirit sets in, Milford really sparkles. You could spend hours strolling down the picturesque main street and shopping for treasures. Discover more about Milford in the winter.
Looking for somewhere to call it a night after your Connecticut day trip? Check out these overnight stays in Connecticut.
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The OIYS Visitor Center
All About Connecticut December 19, 2022 Rachel Raimondi What are the most well-known parks in Connecticut? Are you searching for another Connecticut day trip that is awesome? How about a visit to some of the most well-known parks in Connecticut? Check a few of these out: Harkness Memorial State Park: Located in Waterford, this 304-acre park offers birding, picnicking, and leisurely garden strolls as far as recreation. You can also tour the on-site mansion or explore the beach in the summer. Hammonasset Beach State Park: This park is located in Madison. It is extremely popular for camping and swimming and even has a boardwalk. You can also bicycle and fish at this 936-acre park. Sherwood Island State Park: Established in 1914, this 238-acre park in Westport was the first one in the state. Enjoy swimming and fishing in the Long Island Sound. There are also some picnicking spots as well as a nature center to visit and a saltwater marsh trail to explore. What is Connecticut known for? There are many things that Connecticut is known for. Are any of these new to you? The Birthplace of the Hamburger: Believe it or not, but in 1900, the hamburger was first created in New Haven by Louis Lassen. And today, you can still get a burger from that original family if you visit Louis’ Lunch. Mark Twain: Originally known as Samuel Langhorne Clemens, this famous author actually wrote many of his most famous works in the city of Hartford. His Victorian mansion is now a museum that you can visit. Frisbee: Back in 1958, the “Pluto Platter” was first used in Bridgeport. The name was later changed to Frisbee by Wham-O toys. What are the most memorable hotels in Connecticut? If you want to turn your Connecticut day trip into an overnight, there are plenty of memorable hotels in Connecticut to reserve an evening at: Winvian Farm: Located in Morris, this farm offers individual unique cottages for rent. Just a few examples include a treehouse and a library. Your rental also comes with fun features like bikes. Enjoy a fresh breakfast and the onsite pool and spa. Roger Sherman Inn: Located in New Canaan, this inn opened way back in 1925, and today, it still carries that old New England charm within its 17 rooms. But the most talked-about aspect of the inn is its spectacular tavern food, which includes dishes like duck and salmon.
The OIYS Visitor Center
All About Connecticut
December 19, 2022
Rachel Raimondi
What are the most well-known parks in Connecticut? Are you searching for another Connecticut day trip that is awesome? How about a visit to some of the most well-known parks in Connecticut? Check a few of these out: Harkness Memorial State Park: Located in Waterford, this 304-acre park offers birding, picnicking, and leisurely garden strolls as far as recreation. You can also tour the on-site mansion or explore the beach in the summer. Hammonasset Beach State Park: This park is located in Madison. It is extremely popular for camping and swimming and even has a boardwalk. You can also bicycle and fish at this 936-acre park. Sherwood Island State Park: Established in 1914, this 238-acre park in Westport was the first one in the state. Enjoy swimming and fishing in the Long Island Sound. There are also some picnicking spots as well as a nature center to visit and a saltwater marsh trail to explore. What is Connecticut known for? There are many things that Connecticut is known for. Are any of these new to you? The Birthplace of the Hamburger: Believe it or not, but in 1900, the hamburger was first created in New Haven by Louis Lassen. And today, you can still get a burger from that original family if you visit Louis’ Lunch. Mark Twain: Originally known as Samuel Langhorne Clemens, this famous author actually wrote many of his most famous works in the city of Hartford. His Victorian mansion is now a museum that you can visit. Frisbee: Back in 1958, the “Pluto Platter” was first used in Bridgeport. The name was later changed to Frisbee by Wham-O toys. What are the most memorable hotels in Connecticut? If you want to turn your Connecticut day trip into an overnight, there are plenty of memorable hotels in Connecticut to reserve an evening at: Winvian Farm: Located in Morris, this farm offers individual unique cottages for rent. Just a few examples include a treehouse and a library. Your rental also comes with fun features like bikes. Enjoy a fresh breakfast and the onsite pool and spa. Roger Sherman Inn: Located in New Canaan, this inn opened way back in 1925, and today, it still carries that old New England charm within its 17 rooms. But the most talked-about aspect of the inn is its spectacular tavern food, which includes dishes like duck and salmon.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Are you searching for another Connecticut day trip that is awesome? How about a visit to some of the most well-known parks in Connecticut? Check a few of these out:
Harkness Memorial State Park: Located in Waterford, this 304-acre park offers birding, picnicking, and leisurely garden strolls as far as recreation. You can also tour the on-site mansion or explore the beach in the summer.
Hammonasset Beach State Park: This park is located in Madison. It is extremely popular for camping and swimming and even has a boardwalk. You can also bicycle and fish at this 936-acre park.
Sherwood Island State Park: Established in 1914, this 238-acre park in Westport was the first one in the state. Enjoy swimming and fishing in the Long Island Sound. There are also some picnicking spots as well as a nature center to visit and a saltwater marsh trail to explore.
What is Connecticut known for?
There are many things that Connecticut is known for. Are any of these new to you?
The Birthplace of the Hamburger: Believe it or not, but in 1900, the hamburger was first created in New Haven by Louis Lassen. And today, you can still get a burger from that original family if you visit Louis’ Lunch.
Mark Twain: Originally known as Samuel Langhorne Clemens, this famous author actually wrote many of his most famous works in the city of Hartford. His Victorian mansion is now a museum that you can visit.
Frisbee: Back in 1958, the “Pluto Platter” was first used in Bridgeport. The name was later changed to Frisbee by Wham-O toys.
What are the most memorable hotels in Connecticut?
If you want to turn your Connecticut day trip into an overnight, there are plenty of memorable hotels in Connecticut to reserve an evening at:
Winvian Farm: Located in Morris, this farm offers individual unique cottages for rent. Just a few examples include a treehouse and a library. Your rental also comes with fun features like bikes. Enjoy a fresh breakfast and the onsite pool and spa.
Roger Sherman Inn: Located in New Canaan, this inn opened way back in 1925, and today, it still carries that old New England charm within its 17 rooms. But the most talked-about aspect of the inn is its spectacular tavern food, which includes dishes like duck and salmon.
