Discover Connecticut: Nature, Coast and Culture

Connecticut combines diverse landscapes with a remarkable density of natural and cultural experiences. Across the state, there are 142 state parks and state forests. In addition, there are more than 2,000 miles of multi-use and cycling trails. Those looking for a holiday apartment in Connecticut can therefore choose between active days on long trails, trips to the coast, historical impressions and museum visits.

Trails for active days

The Air Line State Park Trail extends for 50 miles through eastern Connecticut, from Thompson to Portland. The trail is suitable for walkers, hikers, cyclists and horseback riders. One section is part of the East Coast Greenway; in Columbia, there is also a connection to the Hop River Trail, while the Southern New England Trunkline Trail connects at the state border with Massachusetts. This information helps you distinguish between longer outings and individual trail sections when planning your trip.

The state parks and state forests also offer a variety of options, including camping, swimming, boating, horseback riding, cycling, hiking and ski touring. At Dinosaur State Park, more than two miles of nature and hiking trails lead through wetlands, dense forest, meadows and over a basalt traprock ridge that was once hot lava. More than 750 Early Jurassic dinosaur footprints have been preserved on site and can be viewed in the museum. In the outdoor area, visitors can also prospect for gemstones and fossils.

Coast, water and distinctive landscapes

Hammonasset Beach State Park showcases Connecticut from its coastal side. The two-mile sandy beach offers opportunities for swimming, surf fishing and walks along the boardwalk. Salt marshes, deciduous forest and an estuary also provide habitats for many rare and endangered birds. If you want to focus on coastal experiences when choosing your accommodation, this type of landscape is an important point of reference.

Other distinctive destinations are located in a variety of landscapes: Kent Falls State Park features a covered bridge and a 250-foot-high waterfall whose water flows down toward the Housatonic River. Gillette Castle State Park is home to a 14,000-square-foot stone fortress built by William Hooker Gillette in 1914. The castle stands 200 feet above the Connecticut River and is surrounded by 184 acres of woodland. On the wooded grounds, you can hike along the former route of a miniature railway.

History, museums and vibrant themed trails

Connecticut is also well suited to trips focused on historical contexts and collections. Fort Griswold Battlefield State Park was the site of the largest battle of the American Revolutionary War in Connecticut. The Connecticut Freedom Trail documents and marks sites connected with the struggle for freedom and human dignity. These include places associated with the Amistad case from 1839 to 1842, African American heritage and the pursuit of freedom.

The Connecticut Art Trail connects 24 museums with more than 500,000 works of art in their permanent collections. At the Museum of Connecticut History, you can also discover thousands of objects from an extensive artifact collection. The New England Air Museum in Windsor Locks offers a different approach to history: It houses more than 100 aircraft, flight simulators and historic cockpits from the eras of World War II, the Cold War and the Vietnam War. On the waterfront, The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk focuses on Long Island Sound and offers hands-on experiences with sturgeon, stingrays, sharks, jellyfish and tidal-zone animals.

Regional cuisine as a reason to travel

Culinary themes can also influence your choice of destinations. The official Connecticut Pizza Trail includes winners from all eight counties, selected from more than 900 applicants. The Connecticut Wine Trail is a statewide compilation of 21 distinctive vineyards, wineries and cider producers. Together with nature parks, museums and historic sites, this creates an itinerary that can be weighted differently depending on your interests.

For regional orientation, you will also find Fairfield, New Haven, Middlesex, New London, Litchfield, Hartford, Windham, New Haven and Tolland County. This allows you to link your search for a suitable holiday apartment to your preferred mix of nature, culture, coast and culinary experiences.

For the overarching travel overview: USA.