This Epic Road Trip Leads To 7 Iconic Landmarks In Connecticut

Here at Only In Connecticut, we specialize in must-see attractions in Connecticut. Everything we write about is worth visiting. With that being said, we all have limited time and money, so it’s understandable that the list has to be narrowed down some. If you’re looking to just see the best of the best, this road trip in Connecticut is for you. It’ll take you to some of the most iconic landmarks in the state, the must-sees to top all must-sees. Check it out:

One benefit to the Nutmeg State being on the small side is that it’s easy to plan a road trip in Connecticut where you get to see a big portion of the state! This one will take you through a much of western Connecticut, with a total driving time of just under four hours.

Google Maps

The Glass House, National Trust for Historic Preservation, 199 Elm St, New Canaan, CT 06840

The Glass House Your first stop will be at the Glass House. This is one of the most remarkable pieces of architecture in Connecticut. It’s located in a 200-acre park that has quite a few interesting buildings on the property. The work is the brainchild of Philip Johnson, one of the most celebrated American architects of all time. Read more about this neat building here. The Glass House, 842 Ponus Ridge Rd, New Canaan, CT 06840, USA

Yale University: New Haven, CT 06520

Angela Mercado/Flickr Yale University is not only one of the top colleges in the country, but this Ivy League school is also considered one of the most beautiful campuses in the world. The campus has so many gorgeous, historic buildings. Due to its prominence as a major university, there are plenty of amenities that the public can enjoy nearby. If you’ve got time, check out the Yale Center For British Art. Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520, USA

Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana, 157 Wooster St, New Haven, CT 06511

Natalie Koffarnus/Google Maps New Haven’s Frank Pepe Pizzeria is on many diners’ restaurant bucket lists in Connecticut. It’s been named the best pizza in America on multiple occasions and its Italian roots date back to 1925. Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana, 157 Wooster St, New Haven, CT 06511, USA

Fernando Graham/Google Maps It’s such a charming and historical spot that you won’t want to miss. Make sure to arrive early if you’re stopping by for lunch or dinner, as it can get quite crowded.

Gillette Castle State Park, 67 River Rd, East Haddam, CT 06423

Jody Smith/Google Maps The idea of castles in Connecticut seems a little weird, but we actually have quite a few! This one was once a private residence for actor William Gillette, who once portrayed Sherlock Holmes. It’s now a state park and one of the most visited attractions in Connecticut. Gillette Castle State Park, East Haddam, CT 06423, USA

The Mark Twain House and Museum, 385 Farmington Ave, Hartford, CT 06105

Mark Twain House and Museum Mark Twain wrote many of his most famous works while living here, including “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer.” His 25-room mansion is now a museum that is available for tours. You can find out more about this stunning home on the museum’s website.

Connecticut’s Old State House, 800 Main St, Hartford, CT 06103

Connecticut’s Old State House/Facebook Did you know that Connecticut is home to the oldest state house in the nation? First opened in 1796, this single building held all three branches of Connecticut’s government for nearly 100 years. It’s now a history museum with a fascinating curiosities museum on the top floor. Connecticut’s Old State House, 800 Main St, Hartford, CT 06103, USA

Kent Falls State Park, 462 Kent Cornwall Rd, Kent, CT 06757

Monica Claros/Google Maps We’ve got a lot of state parks in Connecticut (139, to be exact), so it was really tough to limit ourselves to just two for this list. Kent Falls State Park is a great example of the stunning scenery that abounds in the Litchfield Hills region. It’s no surprise that it’s been named as the most beautiful place in Connecticut! Kent Falls State Park, 462 Kent Cornwall Rd, Kent, CT 06757, USA

We missed out on a lot of landmarks in Connecticut we would’ve loved to include, but as we said, time is limited and we had to try to keep the road trip to a manageable length. What would you have included? Share your suggestions in the comments!

Google Maps

The Glass House

Your first stop will be at the Glass House. This is one of the most remarkable pieces of architecture in Connecticut. It’s located in a 200-acre park that has quite a few interesting buildings on the property. The work is the brainchild of Philip Johnson, one of the most celebrated American architects of all time. Read more about this neat building here.

The Glass House, 842 Ponus Ridge Rd, New Canaan, CT 06840, USA

Angela Mercado/Flickr

Yale University is not only one of the top colleges in the country, but this Ivy League school is also considered one of the most beautiful campuses in the world. The campus has so many gorgeous, historic buildings. Due to its prominence as a major university, there are plenty of amenities that the public can enjoy nearby. If you’ve got time, check out the Yale Center For British Art.

Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520, USA

Natalie Koffarnus/Google Maps

New Haven’s Frank Pepe Pizzeria is on many diners’ restaurant bucket lists in Connecticut. It’s been named the best pizza in America on multiple occasions and its Italian roots date back to 1925.

Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana, 157 Wooster St, New Haven, CT 06511, USA

Fernando Graham/Google Maps

It’s such a charming and historical spot that you won’t want to miss. Make sure to arrive early if you’re stopping by for lunch or dinner, as it can get quite crowded.

Jody Smith/Google Maps

The idea of castles in Connecticut seems a little weird, but we actually have quite a few! This one was once a private residence for actor William Gillette, who once portrayed Sherlock Holmes. It’s now a state park and one of the most visited attractions in Connecticut.

Gillette Castle State Park, East Haddam, CT 06423, USA

Mark Twain House and Museum

Mark Twain wrote many of his most famous works while living here, including “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer.” His 25-room mansion is now a museum that is available for tours. You can find out more about this stunning home on the museum’s website.

Connecticut’s Old State House/Facebook

Did you know that Connecticut is home to the oldest state house in the nation? First opened in 1796, this single building held all three branches of Connecticut’s government for nearly 100 years. It’s now a history museum with a fascinating curiosities museum on the top floor.

Connecticut’s Old State House, 800 Main St, Hartford, CT 06103, USA

Monica Claros/Google Maps

We’ve got a lot of state parks in Connecticut (139, to be exact), so it was really tough to limit ourselves to just two for this list. Kent Falls State Park is a great example of the stunning scenery that abounds in the Litchfield Hills region. It’s no surprise that it’s been named as the most beautiful place in Connecticut!

Kent Falls State Park, 462 Kent Cornwall Rd, Kent, CT 06757, USA

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