There’s no shortage of fun to be had in Connecticut. In fact, we’ve covered a lot of totally awesome adventures, from hot air balloon rides to abandoned amusement parks. Let’s take a look back at some of the most popular day trips and see how many you’ve managed to accomplish. If you come up short, don’t worry! Any time is a great time for day trips in CT, so bookmark this list for future adventures!

1. Mansion at Bald Hill
The Mansion at Bald Hill / Facebook
This bed & breakfast is home to an excellent remote restaurant and some very lovely grounds. You'll love hanging around in the gardens and exploring the trails before coming in for a comfy cozy stay and award winning food. It's also a wonderful wedding and event venue, and the history here is sure to impress anyone who loves learning about their own state. Find out more about this trip here.

2. East Haddam
Patrick Franzis/Flickr
One of the most unique towns in the country, East Haddam is a popular waterfront destination for theatre goers. Rumored to be the devils favorite hangout, this town is dripping with natural beauty and offers plenty of activities. Plan a trip and see why this is a top destination in the Constitution State year-round. Find out more about this delightful CT day trip.

3. Avery's Beverages
Avery's Soda/Facebook
Want to create your own flavor of soda? Well at this barn factory you can get a tour of a working soda factory and take home a 6-pack of customized drinks. Experiment with fun flavors you can't get anywhere else and learn a thing or two about fizzy drinks. Avery's Beverages is a great spot for kids and adults to enjoy a one-of-a-kind experience. You can learn more about this trip here.
4. Burlington
Jon-Lewis/Flickr
If you love paranormal investigation, this town has a number of spooky locales you can check out. With folklore and sightings this is a fun place to explore- especially for the spiritually sensitive. Are you brave enough to spend the night? Learn more about this exciting day trip destination in Connecticut.
5. Book Barn
The Book Barn/Facebook
Half a million books are in this bookstore's collection, which is why they have to be housed in separate buildings over the course of a mile. Each one has its own theme so you can explore genres like never before at this incredibly unique spot. Find out more about this trip here.
6. The Blue Oar
The Blue Oar/Facebook
Can a restaurant really be considered a day trip? When you have outdoor seating like this it can! It's seafood you'll love in a location that will have the hours flying by. Enjoy spending some time in Haddam before coming over to the Oar for dinner. Learn more about this trip here.

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7. Walnut Beach
AnsarMNewYork/TripAdvisor
Here's where you go if you want to see the bluest waters in state. This quaint beach scene has a new pier for relaxing and an old pier for exploring. And its small pools make it great smaller children to tag along, making it an ideal summertime day trip destination. Learn more about Walnut Beach.

8. Pachaug State Forest
Rafael Medina/Flickr
This forest has some pretty sights and is very easy to access, and it's also a colonial burial ground. Since it's home to the mostly haunted hike in the state, you can test the folklore to see if it's true. As long as you don't touch the lilacs... Learn more about this spooky, haunted Connecticut hike.
9. Empower Leadership Sports & Adventure Center
EMPOWER Leadership Sports and Adventure Center/Facebook
Spend the day in the trees on this canopy and zipline tour. This challenging course lets you complete obstacles as you travel from one tree to the next before sliding doesn't a thrilling waterfront zipline. It's a great activity for groups and you can cheer each other on as you move through the couse. Learn more about this family-friendly destination in CT.
10. Yantic Falls
Linda Orlomoski/Flickr
The hike to this waterfall is quick and easy. There's also some local Native American history to go along with it, making it perfect for learning about those who lived on this land prior to European colonization. Spring is the best time to go, when the water level is at its highest!
11. Steep Rock Preserve
criana/Flickr
There's a tunnel of trees here that's 100 yards long, and it's beautiful in the spring, summer and fall. Arguably one of the most scenic hikes you can take in Connecticut, there's a surprise waiting for you at the end of the trees - but you'll have to discover that for yourself.
12. The Dinosaur Place
The Dinosaur Place/Facebook
With a mix of animatronics and statues, this park brings the Jurassic era to life. Uncover eggs, fossils, and stumble upon prehistoric creatures in their natural habitat on this jaw-dropping trail. While it may seem to be geared for kids, adults will have a blast here, too.

If these popular day trips have you longing for a lengthier escape, this themed hotel in Connecticut is perfect for a remote staycation. Among its many unique rooms is an actual helicopter!

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best day trips in Connecticut

Kim Magaraci | February 28, 2021

Which state parks should I visit in Connecticut?

Connecticut is home to plenty of beautiful parks, all packed into a fairly small state! For one of the largest and most scenic spots, visit Devil's Hopyard State Park in East Haddam. It's great for a day hike or a camping trip that will make you feel a million miles away from it all. Southford Falls State Park is an underrated wonder, with a beautiful waterfall that makes it a lovely destination. If you're looking for a quiet picnic spot, it's hard to top Penwood State Park, in Bloomfield. Enjoy a scenic hike and pack your lunch to enjoy on the way.

What are the best small towns in Connecticut?

One of our favorite small towns, Cornwall, is a beautiful space where you can enjoy scenic countryside and a quaint town center. It's at its best in autumn, when the leaves change color. In Windham County, Chaplin's Main Street makes this little town worth a visit, as does Diana's Pool, a beautiful hiking destination suitable for all skill levels. Colebrook is an idyllic town where you'll feel miles away from it all. Each year, hundreds come to town for their Independence Day events.

What are the most beautiful places in Connecticut?

Enders Falls, Granby and Kent Falls in Kent make for picturesque destinations all year long. The Saville Dam is one of the most photographed places in the state, and after a visit, it's easy to see why! The Dam area feels like it's straight out of a fairytale. Other beautiful places in Connecticut include Walnut Beach, the Old Drake Flower Bridge in Simsbury, and Tod's Point in Greenwich.

 

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Featured Addresses
29 Plaine Hill Rd, Woodstock, CT 06281, USA
East Haddam, CT, USA
Burlington, CT, USA
The Book Barn, 41 W Main St, Niantic, CT 06357, USA
The Blue Oar, 16 Snyder Rd, Haddam, CT 06438, USA
Walnut Beach, Milford, CT 06460, USA
Pachaug State Forest, Griswold, CT 06351, USA
Yantic Falls, Norwich, CT 06360, USA
Steep Rock Preserve, 2 Tunnel Rd, Washington Depot, CT 06794, USA
The Dinosaur Place, 1650 Hartford-New London Turnpike, Oakdale, CT 06370, USA
240 Governors Hwy, South Windsor, CT 06074, USA
Avery's Beverages LLC, 520 Corbin Ave, New Britain, CT 06052, USA