Things to Do

Life along the shore is delightful and not just during the summer. Swimming, sunning, birding, biking, jogging and fishing are just some of the allure of coastal Connecticut. Greater New Haven has two waterfront state parks, Hammonasset Beach State Park and Silver Sands Beach State Park. If you are trying to get your steps in, find your way into West Haven with its 1.5-mile boardwalk. If you prefer a more leisurely activity, head for Branford’s Thimble Islands for 45-minute narrated tours of the islands!

Since the histories of New Haven and Yale University are thoroughly intertwined, the Yale University Campus Tour is a great way to discover the city’s past and present. This free tour highlights history, art, architecture, and student life. Or try pedaling your way around downtown on the Elm City Party Bike, a fun, social and relaxing way to see the city while bar and restaurant hopping. With culinary tours, fitness tours, even ghost tours there is a unique way for everyone to enjoy this vibrant city.

Who doesn’t love PEZ®? The elevated viewing area of candy production and videos show the machinery behind the magic. The center also features the world’s largest display of PEZ® memorabilia.

The Shore Line Trolley Museum (the oldest operating trolley museum) in East Haven contains memorabilia including nearly 100 vintage transit vehicles, 30,000 photographic images, over 4,000 books and documents, and more. Shore Line Trolley is the oldest operating trolley museum in the United States, featuring 1.5 miles of track.