Your Ultimate Guide to Summer Fun in Connecticut

Summer in Connecticut is a magical time. For a small state, we have a great deal of shoreline, and it goes without saying that you can enjoy plenty of Connecticut summer activities on the water. There are endless fun things to do no matter where you are in the state, though, from our fun family-friendly festivals to a stroll through our beautiful state parks. It doesn't get much better than an afternoon of fun in the sun in the Nutmeg State, and we've done our best to gather up some of our favorite and best things to do in Connecticut in summer. Check them out and discover your next warm-weather adventure:

Best Summer Vacation Destinations In Connecticut

Whether you're looking for family things to do in Connecticut in summer or you're flying solo or with a group of friends, there's nothing like a great summer vacation. It's an iconic annual event for many, and there's no need to cross the state line to find the perfect destination. Whether you're heading out for an afternoon or looking to spend a fun-filled week away, these places are perfect.

1. Madison

Location: Madison, CT

Popularity: Very Popular

Need to Know: Hammonasset Beach State Park is one of the most visited summer spots in the state, and it's right here in Madison.

It's easy to see why Madison is such a popular summer destination in Connecticut. Hammonasset Beach is the state's longest public shoreline, and with over two miles of sandy beachfront, there's lots of room to spread out. You'll find plenty more to do here, though. You also won't want to miss a visit to Meigs Point Nature Center. The center features a museum, a native wildlife sanctuary, and many beautiful gardens filled with native plants.

2. Guilford

Location: Guilford, CT

Popularity: Very Popular

Need to Know: Much of Guilford is quite walkable, making it the perfect place to go for a stroll.

Guilford is a great town to visit in any season, but it's definitely one of our favorite things to do in Connecticut in summer. It's got a population of around 21,000, but it feels like a much smaller town. There are so many historical sites of interest here, and the town is also home to the underrated Chatfield Hollow State Park. Several beaches are available, and plenty of opportunities for shopping and dining.

3. Mystic

Location: Mystic, CT

Popularity: Very Popular

Need To Know: Mystic is a popular summertime getaway for all of New England, so expect heavy crowds.

We absolutely adore Mystic—it's one of our favorite small towns in Connecticut, no matter the season. The little village is full of fantastic destinations like Mystic Seaport, a museum that celebrates the town's ship-building history, and the Mystic Aquarium, a world-renowned aquarium rated as one of the country's best. If you love shopping, the quaint Olde Mistick Village is an adorable old-fashioned collection of shops with tons of locally-made crafts and wares.

Best Beaches And Lakes To Visit In Connecticut This Summer

There's no shortage of beaches in Connecticut, and whether you're by the Long Island Sound or one of our many gorgeous lakes, you'll find plenty to entertain the whole family. Beaches are such a versatile destination. A stroll by the water's edge is one of our favorite romantic things to do in Connecticut in summer, but, of course, there's nothing like watching the little ones build sand castles and play in the waves!

4. Hammonasset Beach State Park

Location: Madison, CT

Popularity: Very Popular

Need To Know: Since it's a state park, visiting Hammonasset Beach State Park is free for Connecticut residents with in-state registered vehicles.

I touched on Hammonasset Beach State Park above when mentioning Madison, but there's no way this state park couldn't be included on a list of the best beaches in Connecticut! It's quite a popular spot, but with so much room to spread out, it doesn't feel as crowded as some of the state's smaller beaches. If you decide you just can't leave, the park has its own campground where you can stay a few days.

5. Ocean Beach

Location: New London, CT

Popularity: Very Popular

Need To Know: Parking costs range from $30 on weekdays to $40 on weekends during the summer and include admission for up to five guests. Note that evenings featuring fireworks shows and July 4 have a higher parking rate.

Many beaches in Connecticut are up against the Long Island Sound, but Ocean Beach features Atlantic Ocean access. It's considered a resort destination and has fine white "sugar sand" that's difficult to come by in the Nutmeg State (but perfect for building sandcastles). There's on-site dining, a pool, a splash pad, a gym, and more, making it one of the best places to spend summer in Connecticut.

6. Hole-In-The-Wall Beach

Location: Niantic, CT

Popularity: Hidden Gem

What You Need To Know: The beach is accessed through a small tunnel right under the railroad tracks. During the summertime, you'll need a beach pass.

Hole in the Wall Beach is hidden away at McCook's Point Park, and it's a small beach that's not nearly as popular as many in the state. Here, you'll find sandy shorelines and gentle waves that make it perfect for family visits with young children.

Parks To Visit In Connecticut This Summer

Our state is overflowing with great parks, from dozens of state parks and forests to smaller municipal green spaces. Did you know that if you're a resident, you can enjoy free entry to state parks in Connecticut? The state parks here are one of the best free things to do in Connecticut in summer, and we've picked out a few of our favorites for you:

7. Gillette Castle State Park

Location: East Haddam, CT

Popularity: Very Popular

Need To Know: Castle tours are held daily during the summertime, scheduled every 15 minutes between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

We're big advocates of exploring Connecticut at any time of year, but summertime is definitely the best time to be at the magnificent Gillette Castle State Park. The park's eponymous castle was once the private residence of stage actor William Gillette (most famous for portraying Sherlock Holmes). Today, it's the park's centerpiece, and tours are offered daily throughout the summer in CT. The park has 122 acres of woods and fields, perfect for hiking or other recreational activities.

8. Silver Sands State Park

Location: Milford, CT

Popularity: Popular

Need To Know: Note that the park's island, Charles Island, is considered a bird sanctuary and is closed to the public from May 1 through August 31 to protect our nesting feathered friends.

Silver Sands State Park is an incredibly beautiful state park with so many different landscapes. It has a great boardwalk along the Long Island Sound, an island you can walk to at low tide, a sandy beach, and a marshy area. The area is popular for migrating birds, so bird watchers will be in heaven here this summer in CT.

9. Harkness Memorial State Park

Location: Waterford, CT

Popularity: Popular

Need To Know: The park is open year-round, and tours of the 42-room mansion are offered seasonally, making summer a great time to visit.

Harkness Memorial State Park is a wonderful combination of history and natural beauty. Most of the park's 304 acres were once a summer home for the wealthy Harkness couple, who left the property to the state when they passed away. Today, there are several formal gardens, a sprawling mansion, tidal marshes, open fields, a rocky beach, and a great view of the Long Island Sound.

Best Free Summer Activities In Connecticut

We get it: everyone wants to have fun, but times are tough, and money can be tight. If you're hunting for cheap things to do in Connecticut in summer, we've got you covered with these free summer activities:

10. Submarine Force Library & Museum

Location: Groton, CT

Popularity: Not as popular as it should be

Need To Know: Both admission and parking are free, but donations are appreciated.

If you're looking to get out of the hot sun, the Submarine Force Library and Museum in Groton is one of our favorite free things to do in Connecticut in summer. The two-story museum has all kinds of information about the history of submarines and interactive exhibits that are popular with kids. There are miniature dioramas to examine, and you can even tour the USS Nautilus, the world's first nuclear-powered ship.

11. Elizabeth Park

Location: Hartford, CT

Popularity: Popular

Need To Know: The roses here typically peak in late June, but something at the park is in bloom all summer.

Flowers are often considered something to view in the springtime, but the Elizabeth Park Conservancy is most vibrant throughout the summer, when the many roses here are in bloom. It's the third-largest rose garden in the country, with more than 15,000 rose bushes on display. Several other gardens are on site, and admission is free, though donations are appreciated.

12. White Memorial Conservation Center

Location: Litchfield, CT

Popularity: Hidden Gem

Need To Know: While many think of visiting only the nature center here, there's also a neat natural history museum on the same property.

This beautiful conservation center in the Litchfield Hills spans more than 4,000 acres. The landscape here is quite diverse, with trails, forests, and fields on display. There are 40 miles of trails, including accessible boardwalk trails through the marshes that everyone can enjoy. The preserve has 10 ponds and is several miles from the Bantam River. This is one of our favorite things to do with kids in Connecticut in the summer, thanks to all the activities you can enjoy here.

Best Summer Events And Festivals In Connecticut

You can enjoy great festivals in Connecticut throughout the year, but summertime brings a special vibe to the state, and there are all kinds of family-friendly events to enjoy. Check out a few of our favorites:

13. Mystic Riverfest

Location: Mystic Seaport Museum, Mystic, CT

Popularity: Popular

Need To Know: Dates for Riverfest have not been released for 2025. Check the Mystic Seaport Museum Facebook page for any updates.

The Mystic Seaport Museum is one of the state's most incredible attractions, and if you've never been to the museum's summertime Riverfest, you're missing out. Several fishing vessels will be docked on-site for the weekend, and you can also enjoy historical demonstrations. Crafts from local artisans will be available for purchase, and, of course, plenty of local seafood. Live music is scheduled throughout the day, and you can even enjoy a river cruise. Admission to the festival is included with your museum entry fee.

14. Cheshire Strawberry Festival

Location: First Congregational Church of Cheshire, CT

Popularity: Hidden Gem

Need To Know: This year's festival takes place on June 14, 2025 from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.

This full-day summer festival in CT boasts fun activities for all ages. You can enjoy live music, kids' activities, plenty of food, and, of course, lots of locally-grown strawberries! It's a perfect old-fashioned New England festival, and it's so much fun. You can learn more from the Cheshire Strawberry Festival Facebook page.

15. COMO Village Fair

Location: Wadawanuck Square in Stonington, CT

Popularity: Very Popular

Need To Know: This year's event takes place August 2, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Stonington COMO Village Fair has been going on for more than 70 years, and it's an event that brings the whole borough together. Admission is free, and you'll find tons of great locally made crafts for sale, plus food, live music, and games. It's perfect for the entire family and a great fundraiser for COMO, a Stonington Community Center that works to keep this a tightly knit community.

Wow! I don't know about you, but I'm ready to plan my summer to-do list ASAP! What do you think of this list of the best things to do in Connecticut in summer? I hope it gives you some fantastic ideas. Enjoy your summer in Connecticut, and if you have any other suggestions on what to do this season, please send us a note through our nomination page. We would love to hear from you!

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