Up for a scenic road trip in Connecticut? We love the Nutmeg State, but we get it. When you live in a place long enough, it’s easy for even the most stunning parts to get a bit mundane. Maybe you are getting a little too accustomed to your usual Connecticut scenery and need a reminder of what a great state this is. If so, check out this road trip to some of the most scenic places in CT!

Google Maps
The entire scenic road trip in Connecticut will require about three hours of driving. It's a great adventure to renew your love for the Nutmeg State and take in the Connecticut scenery! You can check out the full itinerary on Google Maps and add or omit stops, if you like.
1. Kent Falls State Park
Kent Falls State Park, 462 Kent Cornwall Rd, Kent, CT 06757, USA
James Walsh/Flickr
Is there really anything we can say about Kent Falls State Park that hasn't already been said? There's certainly a reason it's been called the most beautiful place in Connecticut. It boasts stunning Connecticut scenery, some of the best trails in the state, and you can practically drive right up to the park's eponymous waterfall. It is truly one of the most scenic places in CT.
2. Saville Dam
Saville Dam Road, Saville Dam Rd, Barkhamsted, CT 06063, USA
GPA Photo Archive/Flickr
A man-made dam doesn't sound particularly romantic, but Saville Dam looks like something straight out of a fairy tale. It's such a picturesque spot that makes for a great picnic backdrop on your scenic road trip in Connecticut.

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3. Gillette Castle State Park
Gillette Castle State Park, East Haddam, CT 06423, USA
Daniel Hartwig/Flickr
Speaking of fairytales, it doesn't get much better than the majestic Gillette Castle. The home was once the private residence of stage actor William Gillette. The castle is open for tours seasonally, but the park and its fantastic trails through the Connecticut scenery are open year-round.
4. Wadsworth Falls State Park
Wadsworth Falls State Park, 721 Wadsworth St, Middletown, CT 06457, USA
Matt Malone/Flickr
Another one of our favorite waterfalls in Connecticut is the lovely Wadsworth Falls. The state park is one of the most scenic places in CT and offers plenty to explore besides the falls, including trails and a sandy beach that's perfect for taking a dip on a hot day.
5. Old Saybrook
Lynde Point, Old Saybrook, CT 06475, USA
bbcamericangirl/Flickr
Old Saybrook is one of our favorite small towns in Connecticut. From the lovely Lynde Point Lighthouse (pictured) to the quiet Harvey's Beach, this is such a great little coastal town with so much to see and do. It's a big reason why this is one of the best road trips in Connecticut.

How many of these spots have you visited? Anything you’d want to add to the best road trip in Connecticut list? Share your thoughts in the comments.

Looking to take in some more of the most scenic places in CT? Check out these gorgeous CT scenic byways.

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Scenic Connecticut

Rachel Raimondi | February 03, 2023

What are the most scenic towns in Connecticut?

Aside from a scenic road trip in Connecticut, you can also take in the beauty of an entire area. Check out some of these scenic towns in Connecticut:

Chester: Located in Middlesex County, you’ll find the 16.8-square-mile Chester. Here, you’ll find an assortment of unique architecture associated with the town’s milling and shipbuilding roots. There are also a variety of shops and galleries to peruse along with many choices to take in the outdoors, such as the Cockaponset State Forest.

Milford: You’ll find this 1639 town over in New Haven County. Aside from its position on the coast and the outdoor opportunities that come along with that, there is the second-largest green in New England. It’s also less visited by tourists than other parts of the state, which gives it that special charm in its shopping, educational, and dining options.

Mystic: Made famous by the 1988 movie, Mystic Pizza, today, you can visit that very pizza place as well as take in the Mystic Seaport Museum, the preserved Colonial homes on Main Street, the Mystic Aquarium, and tons of shopping and restaurants.

What are the most well-known parks in Connecticut?

If you want to get outside in the Nutmeg State and see some Connecticut scenery, head to some of these well-known parks in Connecticut:

Sleeping Giant State Park: Located in Hamden, this park is named after what many feel the nearby mountaintops resemble. Here you can hike, horseback ride, rock climb, and much more among its 1,500 acres.

Rocky Neck State Park: Located in East Lyme, there’s a ton to do at this 700-acre park. Not only are there several trails to explore, but the wildlife is also top-notch. Check out the turtles, birds, crabs, and much more that call this park home.

Harkness Memorial State Park: Over in Waterford, you’ll find this 230-acre park. Here, you can take in the 1906 Eolia mansion, an Italian Villa/Renaissance house. You can also fish at the Long Island Sound beach.

What are the best restaurants in Connecticut?

Finding yourself hungry? Check out some of the best restaurants in Connecticut:

Max Downtown: This upscale fine dining restaurant is located in Hartford. Choose from an assortment of meats like a USDA prime tomahawk or seafood dishes like Scottish salmon.

The Shipwright’s Daughter: This New American restaurant is located in Mystic. Dine on oysters or roasted chicken. A great deal of the menu consists of ingredients from local farms.

 

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