Adding a spectacular view to any activity is always a good idea, which is why we’ve found some great waterfront spots we think you’ll love. Whether you’re planning a solo escape or rounding up all the kids, you’re sure to find a place on this list that will make you swoon. Sitting by a body of water is quite relaxing, especially with a delicious meal. But don’t just take my word for it, check out these waterfront spots for yourself:

Please note, Brushmill By The Waterfall is temporarily closed.

  1. Stonebridge Restaurant

Stonebridge Rest/Facebook 50 Daniel Street, Milford, Connecticut 06460

Catch a view of Milford’s historic Founder’s Bridge at this upscale hangout that’s been serving up delectable plates for over 25 years. This local dive is always lively and prides itself on providing super fresh seafood.

  1. Lenny’s On The Beach

Lenny’s Onthe Beach/Facebook Please note, Lenny’s On The Beach has permanently closed. 88 Hartford Avenue, Old Lyme, Connecticut 06371

This laid back seafood dive is located right on the Long Island sound with a superior view of Soundview Beach. Folks go crazy for this place in the summer because it’s delicious, convenient, and offers great picnic seating with a view of the sea.

  1. Shoreline Greenway Trail

Shoreline Greenway Trail/Facebook A popular place to start is at Hammonasset Beach State Park, located at 1288 Boston Post Road, Madison, Connecticut 06443

This 25 mile trail follows the Connecticut shoreline, running from Madison to Branford to New Haven. The best part is that it’s for pedestrians only so it’s nice and quiet.

  1. Water’s Edge Resort & Spa

Water’s Edge Resort & Spa/Facebook 1525 Boston Post Road, Westbrook, Connecticut 06498

This historic gem boasts award winning dining and a white sandy beach. This place is perfect for a romantic getaway and has hosted many memorable weddings.

  1. Bear Hill Loop

eastwards/Flickr Aircraft Road, Middletown, Connecticut 06457

This 5 mile section of the much larger Mattabasett Trail lets you pass creeks and streams, a scenic high spot known as the summit, and ends with a view of the river. It’s also dog friendly.

  1. Brushmill By The Waterfall

Brushmill By The Waterfall/Facebook 129 West Main Street, Chester, Connecticut 06412

It doesn’t get any more waterfront than this! Dine beside these man made falls. They are lighted at night so you can appreciate them all day long. Inside you’ll find rustic charm and intimate lighting.

  1. Outriggers

Outriggers Restaurant/Facebook 555 Broad Street, Stratford, Connecticut 06615

You’ll love spending a Friday evening at this laid back oceanfront bar scene. This place is all about staying fun and fresh and offers mouthwatering seafood options.

  1. Mystic Seaport

Mystic Seaport/Facebook 75 Greenmanville Avenue, Mystic, Connecticut 06355

This living history museum offers great food, great shopping, and great views. Adults and kids alike love stepping aboard the historic ships and taking the boat tours, which is why this town was voted a top adventure town by National Geographic!

  1. Madison Beach Hotel

Madison Beach Hotel/Facebook 94 West Wharf Road, Madison, Connecticut 06443

32 stylish, elegant rooms can be found at this luxury hotel with superior dining and incomparable views. An evening meal on the balcony will make you melt as you soak in the sunset. Visiting is easy, but leaving is so, so hard.

  1. Gay City State Park

Wikiemdia Commons 386 North Street, Hebron, Connecticut 06248

4.9 miles of following the Blackledge River through this lush park in Hebron will leave you feeling reinvigorated! With over 1,500 acres to explore, you can stay on the beaten path or discover someplace new.

  1. Shell & Bones Oyster Bar & Grill

Shell & Bones Oyster Bar & Grill/Facebook 100 South Water Street, New Haven, Connecticut 06519

This restaurant is all about seafood, steak, and raw bar. They also serve up some pretty tasty sweets in this modern, open space, making it perfect for an adults only retreat.

  1. Essex Steam Train

Essex Steam Train & Riverboat/Facebook 1 Railroad Avenue, Essex, Connecticut 06426

This train has offered stunning scenic rides through the Connecticut River Valley for over forty years. Whether you take the foliage ride or the Clipper Dinner Train you’re promised views of the water and views of some of the most charming towns this state has to offer.

These waterfront spots are just the beginning of our state’s scenic offerings. For instance, did you know you can actually book an overnight stay in a Connecticut Lighthouse?

Stonebridge Rest/Facebook

50 Daniel Street, Milford, Connecticut 06460

Catch a view of Milford’s historic Founder’s Bridge at this upscale hangout that’s been serving up delectable plates for over 25 years. This local dive is always lively and prides itself on providing super fresh seafood.

Lenny’s Onthe Beach/Facebook

Please note, Lenny’s On The Beach has permanently closed. 88 Hartford Avenue, Old Lyme, Connecticut 06371

This laid back seafood dive is located right on the Long Island sound with a superior view of Soundview Beach. Folks go crazy for this place in the summer because it’s delicious, convenient, and offers great picnic seating with a view of the sea.

Shoreline Greenway Trail/Facebook

A popular place to start is at Hammonasset Beach State Park, located at 1288 Boston Post Road, Madison, Connecticut 06443

This 25 mile trail follows the Connecticut shoreline, running from Madison to Branford to New Haven. The best part is that it’s for pedestrians only so it’s nice and quiet.

Water’s Edge Resort & Spa/Facebook

1525 Boston Post Road, Westbrook, Connecticut 06498

This historic gem boasts award winning dining and a white sandy beach. This place is perfect for a romantic getaway and has hosted many memorable weddings.

eastwards/Flickr

Aircraft Road, Middletown, Connecticut 06457

This 5 mile section of the much larger Mattabasett Trail lets you pass creeks and streams, a scenic high spot known as the summit, and ends with a view of the river. It’s also dog friendly.

Brushmill By The Waterfall/Facebook

129 West Main Street, Chester, Connecticut 06412

It doesn’t get any more waterfront than this! Dine beside these man made falls. They are lighted at night so you can appreciate them all day long. Inside you’ll find rustic charm and intimate lighting.

Outriggers Restaurant/Facebook

555 Broad Street, Stratford, Connecticut 06615

You’ll love spending a Friday evening at this laid back oceanfront bar scene. This place is all about staying fun and fresh and offers mouthwatering seafood options.

Mystic Seaport/Facebook

75 Greenmanville Avenue, Mystic, Connecticut 06355

This living history museum offers great food, great shopping, and great views. Adults and kids alike love stepping aboard the historic ships and taking the boat tours, which is why this town was voted a top adventure town by National Geographic!

Madison Beach Hotel/Facebook

94 West Wharf Road, Madison, Connecticut 06443

32 stylish, elegant rooms can be found at this luxury hotel with superior dining and incomparable views. An evening meal on the balcony will make you melt as you soak in the sunset. Visiting is easy, but leaving is so, so hard.

Wikiemdia Commons

386 North Street, Hebron, Connecticut 06248

4.9 miles of following the Blackledge River through this lush park in Hebron will leave you feeling reinvigorated! With over 1,500 acres to explore, you can stay on the beaten path or discover someplace new.

Shell & Bones Oyster Bar & Grill/Facebook

100 South Water Street, New Haven, Connecticut 06519

This restaurant is all about seafood, steak, and raw bar. They also serve up some pretty tasty sweets in this modern, open space, making it perfect for an adults only retreat.

Essex Steam Train & Riverboat/Facebook

1 Railroad Avenue, Essex, Connecticut 06426

This train has offered stunning scenic rides through the Connecticut River Valley for over forty years. Whether you take the foliage ride or the Clipper Dinner Train you’re promised views of the water and views of some of the most charming towns this state has to offer.

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