Plan the Ultimate New England Summer Vacation in Connecticut

Getting wet and wild in Connecticut is more than just a day at the beach. Canoe peacefully down the Housatonic River or ride the rapids of the Farmington River on a raft or a tube. You can kayak to the Thimble Islands or try stand-up paddling on Long Island Sound. Whether you experience the majesty of a schooner under sail or make a splash at one of our white sand beaches, there’s no shortage of summertime activities on the water in Connecticut.

Home to hundreds of miles of blue-blazed hiking trails, scenic pathways and roads ideal for biking, it’s no wonder no wonder Connecticut residents love spending time in the great outdoors. You can mountain bike down an actual ski mountain in the summer or bike across a covered bridge. Experience the world-famous Appalachian Trail or climb to the top of a Sleeping Giant.

Want to ride a roller coaster or zip line through treetops? Connecticut’s amusement and adventure parks have more than enough thrills for the whole family. There are even water parks and splash pads for extra hot days. When it rains, you’ll find indoor go-cart tracks, trampoline parks and escape rooms, too!

There’s nothing like a clam shack for quick, no-frills seafood! In Connecticut, they can be found on the side of the road, the edge of a beach or at dockside in a marina — never far from the salty ocean breezes. Did you know that the lobster roll was invented in Connecticut?

Connecticut is home to picturesque, shoreline towns that come to life in summer. Westport, Guilford, Madison, Old Saybrook and Stonington are just a few of the places you can find great beaches and amazing shopping, dining and exploring, too. Not far from Hammonasset Beach in Madison, stay at the Madison Beach Hotel or the Scranton Seahorse B&B to capture the ultimate in beach town charm. And find amazing beach rentals here.

No matter how you look at it, Connecticut makes it easy to plan the ultimate summer trip to New England. Check out flights from Bradley International Airport which is centrally located and makes it easier to get on your way faster than the big city airports. Plus, if you are planning a trip next summer, choose “summer” from the Season menu on CTVisit.com to find even more suggestions.