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What to do and see in Connecticut, United States: The Best State Parks
Connecticut is a study in attraction and contrast. In one small state, you’ll find miles of sandy oceanfront shoreline, acres of forested hiking trails, and world-class museums, art and theater. Here family-friendly adventure parks and aquariums are just minutes from dynamic casino resorts and quaint, historic small towns — offering experiences that range from culinary to cultural, luxurious to laid-back. It’s the perfect place to unwind and recharge, all at the same time.
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1. Eagle Landing State Park
2. Thames River Heritage Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 18 reviews
Hop aboard the Thames River Heritage Park Water Taxi! Our historic naval vessels transport riders to 3 landings on a hop on-hop off loop. Dogs and bikes are welcome! You may bring alcohol on board, but no glass, please. Adult round-trip tickets are $10 and children's tickets are just $5. Learn more and purchase your tickets here: bit.ly/TRHP_WaterTaxi We also offer a number of themed boat tours, including "Submarines, Battlefields & Betrayers: Military Stories on the Thames," "Suffragettes, Puppeteers, & Patriots: Women of the Thames," and "Revolutionary War Ghosts on the Thames." Tickets may be purchased here: bit.ly/BoatTours_TRHP The Thames River Heritage Park is a collection of cultural and historic landmarks in Groton and New London, Connecticut.
Reviewed By H9747AMjanc - Preston, United States
If you are a history buff, don’t miss this 90 minute tour. Learned more about the Groton/New London area during this tour than in all my years in school.
3. Mashamoquet Brook State Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 8 reviews
Reviewed By ritae616 - Killingly, United States
I would definitely call this a moderate hike We started at the lower parking lot and walked up the hill on Wolf Den Road up until the 3rd trail which led us directly to Table Rock. he trail continued well marked with some steep inclines and declines till the end. It was a fun morning!
4. Mohawk State Forest
5. Gillette Castle State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 744 reviews
This 24-room mansion has undergone extensive renovations.
Reviewed By DreamTravelGuru - Montgomery, United States
If you like an outdoor adventure combined with a trip through the past. This was a great visit. The outdoor park has a number of trails to walk. you could spend as little as an hour or the whole day just walking the trails. The Gillette Castle itself is a wonder to visit. the unique architecture and history if fascinating. I loved all the personalized rooms he had created. We also took a ride on the Essex Train and River Boat. This gave a great view of the castle from the River. a unique view, you cannot get anywhere else.
6. Hammonasset Beach State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 564 reviews
Sandy beach ideal for walking.
Reviewed By war1today - Kauai, United States
Where can you find 2 miles of beach that is part of a nearly 1000 acre park with biking, walking and jogging trails, a nature center, picnic tables and grills throughout the park including pavilions with seating, showers, changing rooms and bathrooms, a campground and some of the best views in Connecticut? The answer is easy: Hammonasset Beach State Park! In the Fall, Winter and Spring Hammonasset becomes a dog walker paradise with miles of hikes through the campground, as well as on the beach and on a newly paved walkway along the beach that connects the campground to Meigs Point on the opposite end of the park- more than 2 miles, flat and perfect for walking, jogging and bicycling... and don’t forget the awesome views. The park is free for Connecticut residents and there is a fee for non Connecticut residents. Easy access from 95 and you also have access to downtown Madison about 1 mile south on Route 1 which is one of the classic and beautiful New England towns offering boutique stores, restaurants and one of the best bookstores in New England.
7. Sleeping Giant State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 294 reviews
A beautiful spot to view the autumn foliage.
Reviewed By 2see2sea - Bridgeport, United States
This is a great hike! There are many trail options. We followed the wide well maintained trail to the castle and then veered off to follow a narrower trail to another view point. We enjoyed the many spectacular views!
8. Campbell Falls State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 30 reviews
Reviewed By TomM1951 - South Windsor, United States
We found this by just entering "Campbell Falls State Park" into Google maps (or maybe Apple Maps). It led us to a small parking lot with a pleasant hiking trail of a mile or a little less to the falls. Most of the path is very easy, but there is a small portion at the end with a somewhat steep drop to the base of the falls. There are no blazes on the trail, but it is easy to follow. It is well marked at the trail head. We did find that there is another parking lot even closer to the falls, which we passed on the way.
9. Harkness Memorial State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 201 reviews
This 1906 Roman Renaissance Classical Revival-style mansion belonged to philanthropist Edward Harkness.
Reviewed By AdventureDiva - Manchester, United States
The panoramic views of this expansive location was just what we needed for a different visual during the pandemic. The property has acres of gardens, groves and vast lawns. Everything was clean and neat. Birding can also be enjoyed at almost every area of the park. Can't wait to come back when the gardens are in full bloom.
