It’s easy to fall into the mindset of driving everywhere you want to go. But, what if you don’t have your own vehicle? Or maybe you just want to take a trip where you don’t have to worry about the traffic. In Connecticut, we have a great system of public transportation that offers you plenty of other options. Check out the best day trips in Connecticut — no car required!
Leave your gas guzzler at home and check out these fantastic ways to see the sights without getting behind the wheel.
Google Maps
- Explore Downtown Stamford
Facebook/Harbor Point
Harbor Point Trolley Ride the train to Stamford and then enjoy a short walk to Trolley Stop 12. The charming Harbor Point Trolley will take you around downtown Stamford for free. Shop, dine, and stroll this scenic city for a captivating day trip. Find out more on the free shuttle Harbor Point Trolley. It’s one of the best day trips in Connecticut! Stamford, CT, USA
- Take A Bicycle Ride
Facebook/Simsbury Free Bike
Facebook/Simsbury Free Bike Simsbury Free Bike loans out bicycles in the communities of Simsbury, Farmington, Avon, New Britain, and Cheshire. Leave a small deposit and receive a bike and helmet to use for up to 24 hours. Don’t know where to go? The Farmington Canal Heritage Trail and the Farmington River Trail are two paved bike paths with stunning scenery to view along the way. Learn more about Simsbury Free Bike. Simsbury, CT, USA
- Go Antiquing in Seymour
Wikimedia Commons/Joe Mabel
Facebook/The Seymour Antiques Company A community of charming antique shops and galleries is just a short walk away from the Seymour train station. Hunt for that perfect treasure and grab a bite to eat in the historic district. Learn more about Seymour’s vintage shops. Seymour, CT, USA
- Enjoy A Ferry Ride
TripAdvisor/Jemlnlx
TripAdvisor/Athina L Grab a train to South Norwalk and then hop aboard a picturesque ferry straight out to Sheffield Island. Check out the lighthouse museum, take a hike on the nature trails, or spend some time along the shore. There’s plenty to do at this offshore treasure. Learn more about the Sheffield Island Lighthouse and Ferry. Sheffield Island, Norwalk, CT 06854, USA
- Spend The Day In The City
Google Images/Andre Bobeck
Facebook/The Shops at Yale Although a trip to the Big Apple is always appealing, a train ride to New Haven is much more affordable. The Union Station Shuttle will transport you from the train station to New Haven Green. Enjoy the open space and then embark on an adventure. Whether you want to shop, dine, visit museums, or just admire the great architecture, this is the place to do it. Find out more information on the Union Station Shuttle. New Haven, CT, USA
- Visit An Aquarium
Facebook/The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk Mystic Aquarium, Stonington, CT 06355, USA
Facebook/The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk In Connecticut, we have not one, but two incredible aquariums to explore. The Maritime Aquarium in Norwalk and The Mystic Aquarium are both loaded with educational exhibits and fascinating sea life. Each of these top-notch destinations is within walking distance of the train station in their respective towns. Get more information about the Connecticut train schedules. The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk, 10 N Water St, Norwalk, CT 06854, USA
- Get Lucky At The Casino
TripAdvisor/RamiHaxhi Foxwoods Casino, Ledyard, CT 06338, USA
Google Images/Kordian Witek Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun have plenty to offer other than slot machines and roulette. Enjoy a variety of scrumptious restaurants, tempting shops, or catch a live show. Many bus companies offer trips to these fun-filled destinations. Learn about the Greyhound shuttles to Foxwoods. Mohegan Sun Boulevard, Mohegan Sun Blvd, Montville, CT 06382, USA
What do you think are the best day trips in Connecticut? Who is going with you? Share your thought with us in the comments below!
Google Maps
Facebook/Harbor Point
Harbor Point Trolley
Ride the train to Stamford and then enjoy a short walk to Trolley Stop 12. The charming Harbor Point Trolley will take you around downtown Stamford for free. Shop, dine, and stroll this scenic city for a captivating day trip. Find out more on the free shuttle Harbor Point Trolley. It’s one of the best day trips in Connecticut!
Stamford, CT, USA
Facebook/Simsbury Free Bike
Simsbury Free Bike loans out bicycles in the communities of Simsbury, Farmington, Avon, New Britain, and Cheshire. Leave a small deposit and receive a bike and helmet to use for up to 24 hours. Don’t know where to go? The Farmington Canal Heritage Trail and the Farmington River Trail are two paved bike paths with stunning scenery to view along the way. Learn more about Simsbury Free Bike.
Simsbury, CT, USA
Wikimedia Commons/Joe Mabel
Facebook/The Seymour Antiques Company
A community of charming antique shops and galleries is just a short walk away from the Seymour train station. Hunt for that perfect treasure and grab a bite to eat in the historic district. Learn more about Seymour’s vintage shops.
Seymour, CT, USA
TripAdvisor/Jemlnlx
TripAdvisor/Athina L
Grab a train to South Norwalk and then hop aboard a picturesque ferry straight out to Sheffield Island. Check out the lighthouse museum, take a hike on the nature trails, or spend some time along the shore. There’s plenty to do at this offshore treasure. Learn more about the Sheffield Island Lighthouse and Ferry.
Sheffield Island, Norwalk, CT 06854, USA
Google Images/Andre Bobeck
Facebook/The Shops at Yale
Although a trip to the Big Apple is always appealing, a train ride to New Haven is much more affordable. The Union Station Shuttle will transport you from the train station to New Haven Green. Enjoy the open space and then embark on an adventure. Whether you want to shop, dine, visit museums, or just admire the great architecture, this is the place to do it. Find out more information on the Union Station Shuttle.
New Haven, CT, USA
Facebook/The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk
Mystic Aquarium, Stonington, CT 06355, USA
In Connecticut, we have not one, but two incredible aquariums to explore. The Maritime Aquarium in Norwalk and The Mystic Aquarium are both loaded with educational exhibits and fascinating sea life. Each of these top-notch destinations is within walking distance of the train station in their respective towns. Get more information about the Connecticut train schedules.
The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk, 10 N Water St, Norwalk, CT 06854, USA
TripAdvisor/RamiHaxhi
Foxwoods Casino, Ledyard, CT 06338, USA
Google Images/Kordian Witek
Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun have plenty to offer other than slot machines and roulette. Enjoy a variety of scrumptious restaurants, tempting shops, or catch a live show. Many bus companies offer trips to these fun-filled destinations. Learn about the Greyhound shuttles to Foxwoods.
Mohegan Sun Boulevard, Mohegan Sun Blvd, Montville, CT 06382, USA
If you need more adventure, check out these 13 hidden waterfalls in Connecticut.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
The OIYS Visitor Center
best day trips in Connecticut March 08, 2022 Elisa Regulski What are the most charming small towns in Connecticut? If you’re looking for some unique things to do around Connecticut, why not check out some small towns? We love exploring the town of Niantic. Here, you’ll find the legendary Book Barn, a local shop full of rare and unique books. If you’re a bookworm, you could spend hours looking around this cool place. Niantic is especially exciting during the summer months. That’s when you’ll find some of the most delicious lobster rolls in Connecticut! Need more fun? Head to the town of Colebrook. This lovely area is home to verdant parks, exciting restaurants, and tasty breweries. If you need more ideas, don’t Google “day trips near me.” Rather, just check out our list of the best small town day trips in Connecticut. What are the best outdoor activities in Connecticut? If you’re looking for some outdoor fun, you can’t go wrong at a state park. Kent Falls State Park is home to a gigantic waterfall. No matter how many times you’ve seen it, the views will always amaze you. In fact, some say it’s the most gorgeous place in the state! For more fun, visit Harkness Memorial State Park in Waterford. This destination is known for its blissful gardens and well-manicured lawns. Plan your trip during the spring for the most colorful view. Have little ones with you? Then take them to one of the best playgrounds in Connecticut! Really, there’s no shortage of outdoor activities to enjoy in the Nutmeg State. What are the best day trips in Connecticut? We all need to escape our town every once in a while. If you’re craving a getaway, head to the town of Glastonbury and visit Blackledge Falls. A quick and easy hike will lead you to some of the most breathtaking views in Connecticut. We also love exploring the Mystic Aquarium – it’s one of the best attractions in the state!
The OIYS Visitor Center
best day trips in Connecticut
March 08, 2022
Elisa Regulski
What are the most charming small towns in Connecticut? If you’re looking for some unique things to do around Connecticut, why not check out some small towns? We love exploring the town of Niantic. Here, you’ll find the legendary Book Barn, a local shop full of rare and unique books. If you’re a bookworm, you could spend hours looking around this cool place. Niantic is especially exciting during the summer months. That’s when you’ll find some of the most delicious lobster rolls in Connecticut! Need more fun? Head to the town of Colebrook. This lovely area is home to verdant parks, exciting restaurants, and tasty breweries. If you need more ideas, don’t Google “day trips near me.” Rather, just check out our list of the best small town day trips in Connecticut. What are the best outdoor activities in Connecticut? If you’re looking for some outdoor fun, you can’t go wrong at a state park. Kent Falls State Park is home to a gigantic waterfall. No matter how many times you’ve seen it, the views will always amaze you. In fact, some say it’s the most gorgeous place in the state! For more fun, visit Harkness Memorial State Park in Waterford. This destination is known for its blissful gardens and well-manicured lawns. Plan your trip during the spring for the most colorful view. Have little ones with you? Then take them to one of the best playgrounds in Connecticut! Really, there’s no shortage of outdoor activities to enjoy in the Nutmeg State. What are the best day trips in Connecticut? We all need to escape our town every once in a while. If you’re craving a getaway, head to the town of Glastonbury and visit Blackledge Falls. A quick and easy hike will lead you to some of the most breathtaking views in Connecticut. We also love exploring the Mystic Aquarium – it’s one of the best attractions in the state!
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
If you’re looking for some unique things to do around Connecticut, why not check out some small towns? We love exploring the town of Niantic. Here, you’ll find the legendary Book Barn, a local shop full of rare and unique books. If you’re a bookworm, you could spend hours looking around this cool place. Niantic is especially exciting during the summer months. That’s when you’ll find some of the most delicious lobster rolls in Connecticut! Need more fun? Head to the town of Colebrook. This lovely area is home to verdant parks, exciting restaurants, and tasty breweries. If you need more ideas, don’t Google “day trips near me.” Rather, just check out our list of the best small town day trips in Connecticut.
What are the best outdoor activities in Connecticut?
If you’re looking for some outdoor fun, you can’t go wrong at a state park. Kent Falls State Park is home to a gigantic waterfall. No matter how many times you’ve seen it, the views will always amaze you. In fact, some say it’s the most gorgeous place in the state! For more fun, visit Harkness Memorial State Park in Waterford. This destination is known for its blissful gardens and well-manicured lawns. Plan your trip during the spring for the most colorful view. Have little ones with you? Then take them to one of the best playgrounds in Connecticut! Really, there’s no shortage of outdoor activities to enjoy in the Nutmeg State.
What are the best day trips in Connecticut?
We all need to escape our town every once in a while. If you’re craving a getaway, head to the town of Glastonbury and visit Blackledge Falls. A quick and easy hike will lead you to some of the most breathtaking views in Connecticut. We also love exploring the Mystic Aquarium – it’s one of the best attractions in the state!
