The Ultimate And Definitive Bucket List For Everyone In Connecticut
×
Taylor Ellis
Author
Our Ultimate Connecticut Bucket List is designed to identify the top attractions and activities in a number of different fields. So, if you’ve been looking for a new restaurant to try or a fun place to visit, we hope this list helps you get started. Check out our bucket list of things to do in Connecticut, as well as all the fun places to go and cool stuff to see that our state has to offer.
Restaurants That Will Satisfy Your Tastebuds:
Tablao Wine Bar & Restaurant, 86 Washington St, Norwalk, CT 06854, USA
1. Tablao Wine Bar and Restaurant
86 Washington Street, Norwalk, CT 06850
Tablao offers a taste of the Iberian Peninsula right here in Connecticut. With Spanish tapas, a fantastic wine selection, and regular live music, this is the place to go for an amazing night out.
86 Washington Street, Norwalk, CT 06850
Tablao offers a taste of the Iberian Peninsula right here in Connecticut. With Spanish tapas, a fantastic wine selection, and regular live music, this is the place to go for an amazing night out.
Puerto Vallarta Middletown, 200 Main St, Middletown, CT 06457, USA
2. Puerto Vallarta
Metro Square Shopping Center, 200 Main Metro Square, Middletown, CT 06457
Named for the Mexico City, the food will transport you there. Order the popular Arroz con Pollo and enjoy the vibrant and fun decor.
Metro Square Shopping Center, 200 Main Metro Square, Middletown, CT 06457
Named for the Mexico City, the food will transport you there. Order the popular Arroz con Pollo and enjoy the vibrant and fun decor.
Advertisement
The Little Rendezvous, 256 Pratt St, Meriden, CT 06451, USA
3. The Little Rendezvous
256 Pratt Street, Meriden, CT 06450
This cash only pizza joint serves some of the best slices you'll ever taste! Made in a coal oven fire, these pizzas are the real deal.
256 Pratt Street, Meriden, CT 06450
This cash only pizza joint serves some of the best slices you'll ever taste! Made in a coal oven fire, these pizzas are the real deal.
Advertisement
Places That Are Loaded With History:
The Mark Twain House & Museum, 351 Farmington Ave, Hartford, CT 06105, USA
1. Mark Twain House
351 Farmington Avenue, Hartford, CT 06105
Built in 1874, this house and museum celebrates one of our most beloved authors. It's full of fun colors and quirky designs, starting with its American High Gothic exterior.
351 Farmington Avenue, Hartford, CT 06105
Built in 1874, this house and museum celebrates one of our most beloved authors. It's full of fun colors and quirky designs, starting with its American High Gothic exterior.
Beckley Iron Furnace State Park, 140 Lower Rd, East Canaan, CT 06024, USA
2. Beckley Furnace Industrial Monument
140 Lower Road, East Canaan, CT 06024
This historic site preserves an iron-making blast furnace built in 1847. The only industrial monument in the state, its size alone is sure to impress you.
140 Lower Road, East Canaan, CT 06024
This historic site preserves an iron-making blast furnace built in 1847. The only industrial monument in the state, its size alone is sure to impress you.
Charles W. Morgan, 75 Greenmanville Ave, Mystic, CT 06355, USA
3. The Charles W. Morgan
Mystic Seaport, 75 Greenmanville Avenue, Mystic, CT 06355
This is the last remaining wooden whaling ship in the whole world, making it an experience unique to Connecticut. Hop aboard this 175 year old boat, once used for collecting whale blubber, and have a wonderful time.
Mystic Seaport, 75 Greenmanville Avenue, Mystic, CT 06355
This is the last remaining wooden whaling ship in the whole world, making it an experience unique to Connecticut. Hop aboard this 175 year old boat, once used for collecting whale blubber, and have a wonderful time.
Drake Hill Flower Bridge, Old Bridge Rd, Simsbury, CT 06070, USA
4. Old Drake Hill Flower Bridge
Old Bridge Rd, Simsbury, CT 06070
Constructed in 1892, this charming bridge is known for the flowers you'll see decorating its sides in the springtime. Built in 1892, it's one of only three surviving Parker trusses in Connecticut.
Old Bridge Rd, Simsbury, CT 06070
Constructed in 1892, this charming bridge is known for the flowers you'll see decorating its sides in the springtime. Built in 1892, it's one of only three surviving Parker trusses in Connecticut.
Gillette Castle State Park, 67 River Rd, East Haddam, CT 06423, USA
5. Gillette Castle State Park
67 River Road, East Haddam, CT 06423
This stone beauty was commissioned and designed in 1914 by William Gillette, the American actor famous for his portrayal of Sherlock Holmes. Inside you'll find 47 uniquely designed doors, weird door knobs, and a magical view.
67 River Road, East Haddam, CT 06423
This stone beauty was commissioned and designed in 1914 by William Gillette, the American actor famous for his portrayal of Sherlock Holmes. Inside you'll find 47 uniquely designed doors, weird door knobs, and a magical view.
Advertisement
Fun Attractions:
The Dinosaur Place, 1650 Hartford-New London Turnpike, Oakdale, CT 06370, USA
1. The Dinosaur Place
1650 Hartford-New London Turnpike, Oakdale, CT 06370
This 1.5 mile nature trail includes both statue and animatronic dinosaurs, but every one is life size! This place is as close to a Jurassic Park safari ride as it gets.
1650 Hartford-New London Turnpike, Oakdale, CT 06370
This 1.5 mile nature trail includes both statue and animatronic dinosaurs, but every one is life size! This place is as close to a Jurassic Park safari ride as it gets.
Lake Compounce, Southington, CT 06489, USA
2. Lake Compounce
186 Enterprise Drive, Bristol, CT 06010
The oldest continuously operating amusement park in the United States, visiting this park is practically tradition. The carousel on the grounds took four master carvers to complete.
186 Enterprise Drive, Bristol, CT 06010
The oldest continuously operating amusement park in the United States, visiting this park is practically tradition. The carousel on the grounds took four master carvers to complete.
Connecticut Science Center, 250 Columbus Blvd, Hartford, CT 06103, USA
3. Connecticut Science Center
250 Columbus Boulevard, Hartford, CT 06103
One of the coolest looking buildings in the city, this nine story exploration center is nothing short of incredible. Tons of hands on exhibits and cool technologies are here, making it one of the best science centers you could ever go to.
250 Columbus Boulevard, Hartford, CT 06103
One of the coolest looking buildings in the city, this nine story exploration center is nothing short of incredible. Tons of hands on exhibits and cool technologies are here, making it one of the best science centers you could ever go to.
Related Stories
Travel To A Winter Wonderland On This Trolley Ride In Connecticut
The Oldest Amusement Park In America Is Right Here In Connecticut And It's Amazing
The Whimsical Playground In Connecticut That's Straight Out Of A Storybook
Ocean Beach Park, 98 Neptune Ave, New London, CT 06320, USA
4. Ocean Beach Park
98 Neptune Avenue, New London, CT 06320
This beach experience is unlike any other. There's a boardwalk, a splash pad, mini golf, and even an olympic sized pool. This place will sweep you off your feet!
98 Neptune Avenue, New London, CT 06320
This beach experience is unlike any other. There's a boardwalk, a splash pad, mini golf, and even an olympic sized pool. This place will sweep you off your feet!
Essex Steam Train & Riverboat, 1 Railroad Ave, Essex, CT 06426, USA
5. Essex Steam Train & Riverboat
1 Railroad Avenue, Essex, CT 06426
The only steam train and riverboat connection in the country means you get to enjoy the land and the river at one scenic location. There's no better way to explore the countryside.
1 Railroad Avenue, Essex, CT 06426
The only steam train and riverboat connection in the country means you get to enjoy the land and the river at one scenic location. There's no better way to explore the countryside.
Advertisement
Explore Your Natural Surroundings:
Enders State Forest, Granby, CT 06035, USA
1. Enders State Forest
From Rt 20, Take Route 219 West for 1.4 Miles, Granby, CT
Enjoy the trails and pay a visit to Enders Falls, a cascade of six drops that collects into a natural pool. It's the perfect place to dip your toes in summer.
From Rt 20, Take Route 219 West for 1.4 Miles, Granby, CT
Enjoy the trails and pay a visit to Enders Falls, a cascade of six drops that collects into a natural pool. It's the perfect place to dip your toes in summer.
Thimble Islands, Branford, CT, USA
2. Thimble Islands
Located in Branford, there are plenty of cruise options!
Who knew Connecticut had its own set of islands? This archipelago consisting of roughly 100 small islands, most of which are home to wildlife alone. Take a cruise here and learn the stories behind some of the island's names, like the ones named Potato and Mother-In-Law.
Located in Branford, there are plenty of cruise options!
Who knew Connecticut had its own set of islands? This archipelago consisting of roughly 100 small islands, most of which are home to wildlife alone. Take a cruise here and learn the stories behind some of the island's names, like the ones named Potato and Mother-In-Law.
Bluff Point State Park, 55 Depot Rd, Groton, CT 06340, USA
3. Bluff Point State Park
Park entrance at end of Depot Road, Groton, CT 06340
Eight hundred acres of untouched peninsula, just off the long island sound. Hike, bike, fish or lounge and enjoy the stunning sights of the trails, beach, and forest.
Park entrance at end of Depot Road, Groton, CT 06340
Eight hundred acres of untouched peninsula, just off the long island sound. Hike, bike, fish or lounge and enjoy the stunning sights of the trails, beach, and forest.
White Memorial Conservation Center, 80 Whitehall Rd, Litchfield, CT 06759, USA
4. White Memorial Conservation Center
80 Whitehall Road, Litchfield, CT 06759
This is a great place to visit if you're seeking great views without breaking a sweat. The super easy Little Pond Trail is a 1.2-mile walk that follows a boardwalk around a lake.
80 Whitehall Road, Litchfield, CT 06759
This is a great place to visit if you're seeking great views without breaking a sweat. The super easy Little Pond Trail is a 1.2-mile walk that follows a boardwalk around a lake.
Devil's Hopyard State Park, 366 Hopyard Rd, East Haddam, CT 06423, USA
5. Devil's Hopyard State Park
366 Hopyard Road, East Haddam, CT 06423
This 860-acre state park is overwhelmingly beautiful. From its stone underpass to its charming waterfall, this is one of the best places to explore in the state.
Before you head out exploring all the beautiful natural places in our state, be sure to download your free trial of AllTrails Plus, so you'll always know exactly where you are on the trail.
366 Hopyard Road, East Haddam, CT 06423
This 860-acre state park is overwhelmingly beautiful. From its stone underpass to its charming waterfall, this is one of the best places to explore in the state.
Before you head out exploring all the beautiful natural places in our state, be sure to download your free trial of AllTrails Plus, so you'll always know exactly where you are on the trail.
Advertisement
Locales That Go Bump In The Night:
Gunntown Cemetery, Naugatuck, CT 06770, USA
1. Gunntown Cemetery
Gunntown Road, Naugatuck, CT 06770
Host to a number of colonial plots, this cemetery was declared haunted by the Warrens themselves. Claims range from the voices of small children laughing, to a man leading his horse across the grounds with a lantern.
Gunntown Road, Naugatuck, CT 06770
Host to a number of colonial plots, this cemetery was declared haunted by the Warrens themselves. Claims range from the voices of small children laughing, to a man leading his horse across the grounds with a lantern.
6 Bourn Pl, Storrs, CT 06269, USA
2. Mansfield Training School
6 Bourn Place, Storrs, CT 06269
Maybe you've heard of Depot Campus at UConn, but did you know it was formerly the Mansfield Training School? Reports include whispered voices, unexplained sounds, shadows, and spirit orbs. Even after building the museum in parts of the former school, the rumors persist.
6 Bourn Place, Storrs, CT 06269
Maybe you've heard of Depot Campus at UConn, but did you know it was formerly the Mansfield Training School? Reports include whispered voices, unexplained sounds, shadows, and spirit orbs. Even after building the museum in parts of the former school, the rumors persist.
Wolcott, CT 06716, USA
3. Pequabuck Tunnel
Half a mile south of Wolcott and Woodtick Road Intersection, Wolcott, CT 06716
Although many locals also refer to is as the Mile Long, it's only half a mile in length. First a lack of finances, and then a cave-in, this place has long been associated with bad luck. Accounts of two ghosts standing in or around the entrance persist, but with no history.
Half a mile south of Wolcott and Woodtick Road Intersection, Wolcott, CT 06716
Although many locals also refer to is as the Mile Long, it's only half a mile in length. First a lack of finances, and then a cave-in, this place has long been associated with bad luck. Accounts of two ghosts standing in or around the entrance persist, but with no history.
Saw Mill City Road, Saw Mill City Rd, Shelton, CT 06484, USA
4. Saw Mill City Road
Saw Mill City Road, Shelton, CT 06484
During the day it can be quite pretty, but at night the silence is unnerving. Said to be the hunting grounds of the infamous Melon Heads, beware of what you find on this winding road.
Saw Mill City Road, Shelton, CT 06484
During the day it can be quite pretty, but at night the silence is unnerving. Said to be the hunting grounds of the infamous Melon Heads, beware of what you find on this winding road.
Captain Grant's 1754, 109 CT-2A, Preston, CT 06365, USA
5. Captain Grant's 1754
109 CT-2, Preston, CT 06365
This charming inn is supposedly haunted by the ghosts of those who died in the war, as well as a couple separated by sickness who were not able to be buried together. But that doesn't stop people from booking a room and enjoying the amenities!
109 CT-2, Preston, CT 06365
This charming inn is supposedly haunted by the ghosts of those who died in the war, as well as a couple separated by sickness who were not able to be buried together. But that doesn't stop people from booking a room and enjoying the amenities!
Our Ultimate Connecticut Bucket List is just the beginning of the endless number of things to do in Connecticut. From mouth-watering pizza joints to our collection of totally awesome road trips, there’s plenty of fun to be had right here at home!
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.