The Small Town Along A River In Connecticut That's An Idyllic Summer Day Trip
By Lisa Sammons|Published June 20, 2023
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Lisa Sammons
Author
Lisa loves animals and has dogs, rats, cats, guinea pigs, and snakes. She is passionate about animal rescue and live music - traveling across the country to see a favorite band is a pretty regular occurrence! Being out hiking in the woods enjoying the scenery with her beloved dogs is another favorite hobby, and also checking out the Pokemon Go scene in whatever city she happens to be in at any given time (coffee and dog leash in hand). You can reach Lisa at lsammons@onlyinyourstate.com
When traveling in the summertime, I absolutely love to be near a body of water. Though it’s not typically as hot or humid in New England as it can get in other regions of the country, it still feels absolutely blissful to relax on a beach in Connecticut during the hottest months of the year. Next time you’re seeking the perfect Nutmeg State day trip to enjoy a waterfront breeze in the summertime, we’ve got just the spot: Waterford, CT. Not only does this town quite literally have water in the name, but it’s also surrounded by two rivers and has prime Long Island Sound frontage. It’s home to quite a few attractions that make it a wonderful place to visit for an afternoon (or more). Check out all you can do on a summer day trip to Waterford, CT.
Waterford, Connecticut actually received its name as an homage to Waterford, Ireland, but the hydro connotations are certainly fitting. Waterford is bordered on the west by the Niantic River and parts of the town touch the Thames River in the east.
Waterford also borders the Long Island Sound, and is home to the tiny Brandegee Lake, a fishing lake.
One of the most popular attractions in Waterford is the magnificent Harkness Memorial State Park. This 230-acre park lies right along the coast and is one of the most stunning state parks in Connecticut.
Harkness Memorial State Park, 275 Great Neck Rd, Waterford, CT 06385, USA
The beach is open to the public, even to non-residents, but the entrance fees are higher for out-of-town visitors. Learn more from the Waterford Parks website.
If you'd prefer to throw in a little greenery into your day trip, Waterford's Jordan Green is a great example of a quintessential New England town green.
Jordan Green, Rope Ferry Rd, Waterford, CT 06385, USA
The Waterford Historical Society offers tours throughout the year of a variety of historical sites in Waterford.
And, if you want something that's a little more of an adrenaline rush, Waterford has that too. Check out the New London-Waterford Speedbowl, a 3/8-mile car racing track.
New London-Waterford Speedbowl, 1080 Hartford Turnpike, Waterford, CT 06385, USA
