4 Small Towns in Connecticut That Come Alive in the Summertime

We have so many wonderful small towns in Connecticut. While each and every one of them is worthy of a day trip, we thought we’d focus on some of Connecticut’s coastal towns for some summertime inspiration. Here are four small towns in Connecticut that come alive in the summertime. Be sure to add them to your to-do list this summer!

1. Mystic

Mystic has a population of less than 5,000, but you'll find plenty of great attractions in this small town. It's a popular destination for families, thanks to sites such as the Mystic Aquarium and Mystic Seaport Museum. The downtown area is adorable and full of great shops to visit. There, you can find gems like Mystic Pizza, the pizzeria that inspired the Julia Roberts film of the same name. Read on to discover some of the best things to do in Mystic, Connecticut. We also have a separate article highlighting some of our favorite vacation rentals in Mystic if you want to turn a day trip into a weekend getaway!

2. Old Saybrook

Old Saybrook is a little larger than some of the other towns on this list, with a population of around 10,000. This is one of the best foodie towns in Connecticut. Be sure to swing by Fresh Salt, one of the best restaurants in Old Saybrook. The views of the Connecticut River are just dreamy!

In addition to restaurants, Old Saybrook boasts great attractions like Harvey's Beach and a variety of shops on the main strip. Check out this beachfront vacation rental in Old Saybrook for a more extended stay.

3. Old Lyme

Old Lyme is a lovely little town of around 7,000 that combines creativity and artistic expression with natural beauty. Summertime brings many festivals and events to Old Lyme. Gillette Castle State Park is nearby, and that state park offers endless scenery to enjoy, plus a medieval castle! We've curated a special article highlighting all of the best places to visit in Old Lyme for art lovers.

4. Clinton

Summertime brings beachgoers and boaters to Clinton. There's also a great shopping district here. Clinton isn't far from Madison, so you'll be fairly close to the city here, but this is a wonderful town with lots of attractions. Clinton Town Beach is a popular spot for sunbathers, and Hammonasset Beach (the singing beach) is not too far. Visit Clinton's official website to see a list of upcoming events, restaurants, nightlife, and more.

Share this article with someone you want to visit one of these small beach towns in Connecticut with. For more summertime fun, check out our favorite waterfall swimming holes in Connecticut.

Read on for even more charming small towns in Connecticut. We've got one for every month! Feel free to nominate a small town you think should be on our radar.