Delight in Connecticut’s Postcard-Perfect Scenery on This Memorable Day Trip

I have such fond memories of spending time at Mystic Seaport with my aunt and sister growing up. I’ve always loved walking around this part of Mystic, a town that’s historically known for its shipbuilding. The Seaport is the best place in the village of Mystic to learn about its maritime history and see a historic village and ships at the wharf. While in town, you must stop at Mystic Pizza for a pie.

Our next stop for exceptional Connecticut scenery is the Niantic Boardwalk, located in the East Lyme seaside village of Niantic. This 1.1-mile boardwalk follows the coast along Niantic Bay. If you need a break during your stroll, there are plenty of benches or you can step out onto the beach and relax on the sand for a while.

Have you ever been to a castle in Connecticut? Well, if you didn’t even know castles existed in this state, then you’re in for a treat! A visit to Gillette Castle State Park will turn your day into a fairytale adventure as you explore the wooded 184-acre grounds around the 14,000-square-foot stone castle before taking a tour. The tour costs just $2 for ages 6-12 and $6 for ages 13+, and it’s well-worth seeing this stunning castle that sits 200 feet above the Connecticut River.

As Connecticut’s largest coastal park, Hammonasset Beach State Park is home to a two-mile stretch of beach along with a nature preserve and campground. The park also has a biking trail, multiple hiking trails, a boat launch, and a nature center. It’s no wonder why this is among the most popular state parks in Connecticut.

I know, I know, this is supposed to be a day trip, but why not extend your time away from home with an overnight stay at one of the oldest inns in the country? Open since 1776 (the same year the Declaration of Independence was signed), The Griswold Inn has welcomed visitors for literally hundreds of years. And yes, accommodations have certainly been updated in the past 250 years! The inn has 34 rooms filled with antique furnishings and reproductions, and certain rooms have a fireplace. 

When you stay here, you may want to dine in one of the inn’s historic dining rooms and grab a drink in the Tap Room. You’ll also want to spend time exploring the historic town of Essex.