This Ultimate Bucket List is designed to identify the top attractions and activities in a number of different fields. So, if you’ve been looking for a new restaurant to try or a fun place to visit, we hope this list helps you get started. Check out all the fun places and cool stuff Connecticut has to offer:
Please note, Back Porch Restaurant and The Mark Twain House and Museum are temporarily closed.
Restaurants That Will Satisfy Your Tastebuds:
Erica T./Yelp
- The Back Porch
142 Ferry Road, Old Saybrook, CT 06475
With its perfect combination of live music and panoramic views, this waterfront restaurant is a popular destination for seafood lovers.
BAR SUGO/Facebook 2. Bar Sugo
102 Wall Street, Norwalk, CT 06850
You’ll love this Italian restaurant and pizzeria for its perfectly baked crust and scrumptious meatballs. They even offer cooking classes! Please note, Bar Sugo has permanently closed.
Alan H./Yelp 3. Puerto Vallarta
Metro Square Shopping Center, 200 Main Metro Square, Middletown, CT 06457
Named for the Mexico City, the food will transport you there. Order the popular Arroz con Pollo and enjoy the vibrant and fun decor.
Jim F./Yelp 4. The Little Rendezvous
256 Pratt Street, Meriden, CT 06450
This cash only pizza joint serves some of the best slices you’ll ever taste! Made in a coal oven fire, these pizzas are the real deal.
Owner Ballou’s Wine Bar/Yelp 5. Ballou’s Wine Bar
51 Whitfield Street, Guilford, CT 06437
If you love fondue, but hate the prices, this place will delight and excite you. From bread dipped in cheese to rice krispies dipped in chocolate, this place is nothing but fun!
Places That Are Loaded With History:
srett/Wikimedia
- Mark Twain House
351 Farmington Avenue, Hartford, CT 06105
Built in 1874, this house and museum celebrates one of our most beloved authors. It’s full of fun colors and quirky designs, starting with its American High Gothic exterior.
Beckley Furnace/Facebook 2. Beckley Furnace Industrial Monument
140 Lower Road, East Canaan, CT 06024
This historic site preserves an iron-making blast furnace built in 1847. The only industrial monument in the state, its size alone is sure to impress you.
Ken Mist/Flickr 3. The Charles W. Morgan
Mystic Seaport, 75 Greenmanville Avenue, Mystic, CT 06355
This is the last remaining wooden whaling ship in the whole world, making it an experience unique to Connecticut. Hop aboard this 175 year old boat, once used for collecting whale blubber, and have a wonderful time.
Sphilbrick/Wikimedia 4. Old Drake Hill Flower Bridge
Old Bridge Rd, Simsbury, CT 06070
Constructed in 1892, this charming bridge is known for the flowers you’ll see decorating its sides in the springtime. Built in 1892, it’s one of only three surviving Parker trusses in Connecticut.
Jason Eppink/Flickr 5. Gillette Castle State Park
67 River Road, East Haddam, CT 06423
This stone beauty was commissioned and designed in 1914 by William Gillette, the American actor famous for his portrayal of Sherlock Holmes. Inside you’ll find 47 uniquely designed doors, weird door knobs, and a magical view.
Fun Attractions:
The Dinosaur Place/Facebook
- The Dinosaur Place
1650 Hartford-New London Turnpike, Oakdale, CT 06370
This 1.5 mile nature trail includes both statue and animatronic dinosaurs, but every one is life size! This place is as close to a Jurassic Park safari ride as it gets.
joelip/Flickr 2. Lake Compounce
186 Enterprise Drive, Bristol, CT 06010
The oldest continuously operating amusement park in the United States, visiting this park is practically tradition. The carousel on the grounds took four master carvers to complete.
Facebook/Connecticut Science Center 3. Connecticut Science Center
250 Columbus Boulevard, Hartford, CT 06103
One of the coolest looking buildings in the city, this nine story exploration center is nothing short of incredible. Tons of hands on exhibits and cool technologies are here, making it one of the best science centers you could ever go to.
Ocean Beach Park/Facebook 4. Ocean Beach Park
98 Neptune Avenue, New London, CT 06320
This beach experience is unlike any other. There’s a boardwalk, a splash pad, mini golf, and even an olympic sized pool. This place will sweep you off your feet!
Essex Steam Train & Riverboat/Facebook 5. Essex Steam Train & Riverboat
1 Railroad Avenue, Essex, CT 06426
The only steam train and riverboat connection in the country means you get to enjoy the land and the river at one scenic location. There’s no better way to explore the countryside.
Explore Your Natural Surroundings:
Rick Schwartz/Flickr
- Enders State Forest
From Rt 20, Take Route 219 West for 1.4 Miles, Granby, CT
Enjoy the trails and pay a visit to Enders Falls, a cascade of six drops that collects into a natural pool. It’s the perfect place to dip your toes in summer.
phoca2004/Flickr 2. Thimble Islands
Located in Branford, there are plenty of cruise options!
Who knew Connecticut had its own set of islands? This archipelago consisting of roughly 100 small islands, most of which are home to wildlife alone. Take a cruise here and learn the stories behind some of the island’s names, like the ones named Potato and Mother-In-Law.
CJ Oliver/Flickr 3. Bluff Point State Park Park entrance at end of Depot Road, Groton, CT 06340
Eight hundred acres of untouched peninsula, just off the long island sound. Hike, bike, fish or lounge and enjoy the stunning sights of the trails, beach, and forest.
Jonathan S/TripAdvisor 4. White Memorial Conservation Center
80 Whitehall Road, Litchfield, CT 06759
This is a great place to visit if you’re seeking great views without breaking a sweat. The super easy Little Pond Trail is a 1.2-mile walk that follows a boardwalk around a lake.
D D/TripAdvisor 5. Devil’s Hopyard
366 Hopyard Road, East Haddam, CT 06423
This 860-acre state park is overwhelmingly beautiful. From its stone underpass to its charming waterfall, this is one of the best places to explore in the state.
Locales That Go Bump In The Night:
2112guy/Wikimedia
- Gunntown Cemetery
Gunntown Road, Naugatuck, CT 06770
Host to a number of colonial plots, this cemetery was declared haunted by the Warrens themselves. Claims range from the voices of small children laughing, to a man leading his horse across the grounds with a lantern.
reivax/Flickr 2. Mansfield Training School
6 Bourn Place, Storrs, CT 06269
Maybe you’ve heard of Depot Campus at UConn, but did you know it was formerly the Mansfield Training School? Reports include whispered voices, unexplained sounds, shadows, and spirit orbs. Even after building the museum in parts of the former school, the rumors persist.
Tomvaughn1661/Wikimedia 3. Pequabuck Tunnel
Half a mile south of Wolcott and Woodtick Road Intersection, Wolcott, CT 06716
Although many locals also refer to is as the Mile Long, it’s only half a mile in length. First a lack of finances, and then a cave-in, this place has long been associated with bad luck. Accounts of two ghosts standing in or around the entrance persist, but with no history.
Google Maps 4. Saw Mill City Road
Saw Mill City Road, Shelton, CT 06484
During the day it can be quite pretty, but at night the silence is unnerving. Said to be the hunting grounds of the infamous Melon Heads, beware of what you find on this winding road.
Timebanditts/TripAdvisor 5. Captain Grant’s 1754
109 CT-2, Preston, CT 06365
This charming inn is supposedly haunted by the ghosts of those who died in the war, as well as a couple separated by sickness who were not able to be buried together. But that doesn’t stop people from booking a room and enjoying the amenities!
The Ultimate Bucket List is just the beginning of the endless activities you can do in Connecticut. From mouth-watering pizza joints to our collection of totally awesome road trips, there’s plenty of fun to be had right here at home!
Erica T./Yelp
- The Back Porch
142 Ferry Road, Old Saybrook, CT 06475
With its perfect combination of live music and panoramic views, this waterfront restaurant is a popular destination for seafood lovers.
BAR SUGO/Facebook
- Bar Sugo
102 Wall Street, Norwalk, CT 06850
You’ll love this Italian restaurant and pizzeria for its perfectly baked crust and scrumptious meatballs. They even offer cooking classes! Please note, Bar Sugo has permanently closed.
Alan H./Yelp
- Puerto Vallarta
Metro Square Shopping Center, 200 Main Metro Square, Middletown, CT 06457
Named for the Mexico City, the food will transport you there. Order the popular Arroz con Pollo and enjoy the vibrant and fun decor.
Jim F./Yelp
- The Little Rendezvous
256 Pratt Street, Meriden, CT 06450
This cash only pizza joint serves some of the best slices you’ll ever taste! Made in a coal oven fire, these pizzas are the real deal.
Owner Ballou’s Wine Bar/Yelp
- Ballou’s Wine Bar
51 Whitfield Street, Guilford, CT 06437
If you love fondue, but hate the prices, this place will delight and excite you. From bread dipped in cheese to rice krispies dipped in chocolate, this place is nothing but fun!
srett/Wikimedia
- Mark Twain House
351 Farmington Avenue, Hartford, CT 06105
Built in 1874, this house and museum celebrates one of our most beloved authors. It’s full of fun colors and quirky designs, starting with its American High Gothic exterior.
Beckley Furnace/Facebook
- Beckley Furnace Industrial Monument
140 Lower Road, East Canaan, CT 06024
This historic site preserves an iron-making blast furnace built in 1847. The only industrial monument in the state, its size alone is sure to impress you.
Ken Mist/Flickr
- The Charles W. Morgan
Mystic Seaport, 75 Greenmanville Avenue, Mystic, CT 06355
This is the last remaining wooden whaling ship in the whole world, making it an experience unique to Connecticut. Hop aboard this 175 year old boat, once used for collecting whale blubber, and have a wonderful time.
Sphilbrick/Wikimedia
- Old Drake Hill Flower Bridge
Old Bridge Rd, Simsbury, CT 06070
Constructed in 1892, this charming bridge is known for the flowers you’ll see decorating its sides in the springtime. Built in 1892, it’s one of only three surviving Parker trusses in Connecticut.
Jason Eppink/Flickr
- Gillette Castle State Park
67 River Road, East Haddam, CT 06423
This stone beauty was commissioned and designed in 1914 by William Gillette, the American actor famous for his portrayal of Sherlock Holmes. Inside you’ll find 47 uniquely designed doors, weird door knobs, and a magical view.
The Dinosaur Place/Facebook
- The Dinosaur Place
1650 Hartford-New London Turnpike, Oakdale, CT 06370
This 1.5 mile nature trail includes both statue and animatronic dinosaurs, but every one is life size! This place is as close to a Jurassic Park safari ride as it gets.
joelip/Flickr
- Lake Compounce
186 Enterprise Drive, Bristol, CT 06010
The oldest continuously operating amusement park in the United States, visiting this park is practically tradition. The carousel on the grounds took four master carvers to complete.
Facebook/Connecticut Science Center
- Connecticut Science Center
250 Columbus Boulevard, Hartford, CT 06103
One of the coolest looking buildings in the city, this nine story exploration center is nothing short of incredible. Tons of hands on exhibits and cool technologies are here, making it one of the best science centers you could ever go to.
Ocean Beach Park/Facebook
- Ocean Beach Park
98 Neptune Avenue, New London, CT 06320
This beach experience is unlike any other. There’s a boardwalk, a splash pad, mini golf, and even an olympic sized pool. This place will sweep you off your feet!
Essex Steam Train & Riverboat/Facebook
- Essex Steam Train & Riverboat
1 Railroad Avenue, Essex, CT 06426
The only steam train and riverboat connection in the country means you get to enjoy the land and the river at one scenic location. There’s no better way to explore the countryside.
Rick Schwartz/Flickr
- Enders State Forest
From Rt 20, Take Route 219 West for 1.4 Miles, Granby, CT
Enjoy the trails and pay a visit to Enders Falls, a cascade of six drops that collects into a natural pool. It’s the perfect place to dip your toes in summer.
phoca2004/Flickr
- Thimble Islands
Located in Branford, there are plenty of cruise options!
Who knew Connecticut had its own set of islands? This archipelago consisting of roughly 100 small islands, most of which are home to wildlife alone. Take a cruise here and learn the stories behind some of the island’s names, like the ones named Potato and Mother-In-Law.
CJ Oliver/Flickr
- Bluff Point State Park Park entrance at end of Depot Road, Groton, CT 06340
Eight hundred acres of untouched peninsula, just off the long island sound. Hike, bike, fish or lounge and enjoy the stunning sights of the trails, beach, and forest.
Jonathan S/TripAdvisor
- White Memorial Conservation Center
80 Whitehall Road, Litchfield, CT 06759
This is a great place to visit if you’re seeking great views without breaking a sweat. The super easy Little Pond Trail is a 1.2-mile walk that follows a boardwalk around a lake.
D D/TripAdvisor
- Devil’s Hopyard
366 Hopyard Road, East Haddam, CT 06423
This 860-acre state park is overwhelmingly beautiful. From its stone underpass to its charming waterfall, this is one of the best places to explore in the state.
2112guy/Wikimedia
- Gunntown Cemetery
Gunntown Road, Naugatuck, CT 06770
Host to a number of colonial plots, this cemetery was declared haunted by the Warrens themselves. Claims range from the voices of small children laughing, to a man leading his horse across the grounds with a lantern.
reivax/Flickr
- Mansfield Training School
6 Bourn Place, Storrs, CT 06269
Maybe you’ve heard of Depot Campus at UConn, but did you know it was formerly the Mansfield Training School? Reports include whispered voices, unexplained sounds, shadows, and spirit orbs. Even after building the museum in parts of the former school, the rumors persist.
Tomvaughn1661/Wikimedia
- Pequabuck Tunnel
Half a mile south of Wolcott and Woodtick Road Intersection, Wolcott, CT 06716
Although many locals also refer to is as the Mile Long, it’s only half a mile in length. First a lack of finances, and then a cave-in, this place has long been associated with bad luck. Accounts of two ghosts standing in or around the entrance persist, but with no history.
Google Maps
- Saw Mill City Road
Saw Mill City Road, Shelton, CT 06484
During the day it can be quite pretty, but at night the silence is unnerving. Said to be the hunting grounds of the infamous Melon Heads, beware of what you find on this winding road.
Timebanditts/TripAdvisor
- Captain Grant’s 1754
109 CT-2, Preston, CT 06365
This charming inn is supposedly haunted by the ghosts of those who died in the war, as well as a couple separated by sickness who were not able to be buried together. But that doesn’t stop people from booking a room and enjoying the amenities!
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