Oh the places you’ll go!

There are many fun places to explore in New Haven and beyond, and you can get to them with sustainable and active transportation. Below are some examples, but feel free to be creative and make up your own. This is just a sample of all that Yale, New Haven, and Connecticut have to offer. Don’t forget you can use the CTtransit trip planner for buses or Google Maps to figure out the best way to get somewhere sustainably. Scroll on for excursion suggestions: Beyond Yale, North, East, or West.

In New Haven, Beyond Yale

If you’re looking to put a little distance between you and campus, check out these areas.

Long Wharf

There are great food trucks serving Central and South American dishes by Long Wharf Pier. Explore Long Wharf Park and Nature Preserve for beautiful views of the Long Island Sound.

• Get there by bike (~15 mins), rent a Zipcar/carpool (~10 mins), or take the bus (~20 mins).

Edgewood Park & Westville Village

Edgewood Park is an urban oasis located in Westville. Take a quick bike ride over to see the natural beauty of the park. Every second Saturday of the month, the many artists in the neighborhood open up their studios to the public and answer questions about their creative process. This trip is best on a Sunday morning when you can shop at the farmers’ market in the park, refuel with a delicious brunch in one of the many restaurants, then digest and get some culture at Westville’s galleries and shops before heading home.

• Get there by bike (~15 mins), rent a Zipcar/carpool (~15 mins), or take the bus (~20 mins).

West Rock

West Rock Ridge State Park is located in the West Rock neighborhood. It has rugged climbs and beautiful views to reward you at the top. There are many trails and rock climbing spots throughout the park.

• Get there by bike (~30 mins), rent a Zipcar/carpool (~20 mins), or take the bus (~45 mins).

Fair Haven’s Urban Canopy Parklet

At the corner of Grand Avenue and Maltby Place, there’s a new addition to the streetscape, New Haven’s first parklet, titled “Urban Canopy.” It was designed by two Yale graduate students who won the Parklet Design Competition, a collaboration between goNewHavengo, the CT Department of Transportation, New Haven Traffic & Parking, and MakeHaven. Grab a bite from one of the many international eateries that highlight Fair Haven’s diversity, and enjoy shade and seating in the parklet. This seasonal space also allows visitors to learn about New Haven’s five most prominent street trees (Red Maple, Elm, Sweetgum, Pin Oak, and London Plane).

• Get there by bike (~10 mins), rent a Zipcar/carpool (~7 mins), or take the bus (~20 mins).

Lighthouse Point

Lighthouse Point Park is located at the mouth of the New Haven Harbor. This 82-acre park has a little bit of everything: a beach with volleyball courts, a splash-pad area and playground, nature trails, a bird sanctuary, picnic areas with charcoal grills, open fields, a historic lighthouse, and an antique carousel. In September, the Ranger staff host the Annual Migration Festival at Lighthouse Point Park in conjunction with Audubon Connecticut and several New Haven area organizations. Events include bird watching walks, hawk displays, butterfly observations, and the annual hawk count, among others. If you chose to drive, please be aware of parking fees for cars not registered in New Haven.

• Get there by bike (~35 mins), rent a Zipcar/carpool (~20 mins), or take the bus (~40 mins).

Bikes Only

New Haven Bike Party is a fun group bike ride. People often dress up, and they ride to fun destinations.

Out Spokin’ is a group that does leisurely group bike rides in New Haven at least once a week. During the warmer months, they bike to various ice cream parlors in the surrounding area.

Points North

Head North to find beautiful parks, suburban towns, and the state capitol.

Quinnipiac & Hamden

Sleeping Giant State Park has 2 miles of mountaintop resembling a sleeping giant which gives this park its name, and makes it a distinguishing feature on Connecticut’s skyline. Hike, fish, camp and picnic at this pet-friendly park. Stop at one of the restaurants along the Farmington Canal Trail like Wentworth’s for homemade ice cream (closed on Sundays) or Mikro for something a little stronger (if you’re over 21) or see a show at the Space Ballroom.

• Get there by bike (~1 hr) on the Farmington Canal Heritage Trail, rent a Zipcar/carpool (~20 mins), or take the bus (~40 mins).

Cheshire

Lock 12 Historical Park contains a pavilion, picnic area, a restored 150 year old canal lock (one of the original Farmington Canal locks) and a museum (open by appointment only).

• Get there by bike (~1.25 hr) on the Farmington Canal Heritage Trail, rent a Zipcar/carpool (~30 mins), or take the bus (40 mins).

Plantsville & Southington

These towns are right along the Farmington Canal Heritage Trail. You’ll find great places to eat and a cute downtown. Make sure to check out the amazing murals created by locals along the trail. The Apple Harvest Festival is a great seasonal treat.

• Get there by bike (~2 hrs) on the Farmington Canal Heritage Trail or rent a Zipcar/carpool (~40 mins).

Hartford

Head to the state capitol for concerts, theater, culture, sporting events, and great eats. Catch a show at the Hartford Stage, the Bushnell Performing Arts Center, or the XL Center which hosts some of the biggest names in music and is home to Wolfpack hockey. If baseball is more up your alley, go to Dunkin’ Park for a Yard Goats game. Check out the interesting exhibits at the CT Science Center and the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art. Take a stroll in Bushnell Park and ride the historic carousel.

• Get there by train with the Hartford Line (~45 min ride) or rent a Zipcar/carpool (~50 mins).

 

Points East

Head East for scenic views and experience traditional New England.

Branford

Escape the hustle and bustle of the city with a trip to Branford. The beautiful and walkable Main Street is full of activities and restaurants like G-Zen, which is 100% vegan and organic and was recently voted CT’s most sustainable restaurant. Keep an eye out for the Blackstone Library Annual Book Sale where over 70,000 books are available for $5 or less. Head down Indian Neck Avenue to visit one of Connecticut’s most scenic breweries, Stony Creek, and sample seafood at the Lobster Shack.

• Get there by train with the Shoreline East (~15 min ride) or rent a Zipcar/carpool (~20 mins).

Guilford

Get a taste of a traditional New England town in Guilford. Like New Haven, the Guilford Green is lined with shops and restaurants you won’t find anywhere else, and it hosts concerts, plays, and fairs throughout the year. Head down Seaside Avenue to visit Jacob’s Beach or walk the marsh trails in Chittenden Park. In September, Guilford hosts Connecticut’s second oldest agricultural fair. Guilford is also home to the Henry Whitfield Museum which is Connecticut’s oldest house, New England’s oldest stone house, and a national historic landmark. Last but not least, pick your own fruits and veggies, or shop for local produce at Bishop’s Orchards Farm and Market.

• Get there by train with the Shoreline East (~20 min ride) or rent a Zipcar/carpool (~30 mins).

Madison

Like Branford and Guilford, Madison has a cute downtown area within walking distance of its train station full of unique shops and restaurants. But for the most scenic part of the town you’ll have to drive or bike from the train to Hammonasset Beach State Park. With two miles of beach, this is Connecticut’s largest public beach park. Visiting the Nature Center, camping, and kayaking are just a few of the many activities available.

• Get there by train with the Shoreline East (~25 min ride) or rent a Zipcar/Carpool (~35 mins).

Old Saybrook

Visit the town where Yale was planned to be built. Like the neighboring towns, it has great shops and restaurants along its Main Street. What sets Old Saybrook apart is The Kate (aka the Katherine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center), which is dedicated to the town’s most famous resident. It has a museum dedicated to her life and theater which hosts concerts, plays, operas, dance performances, comedians, and films throughout the year.

• Get there by train with the Shoreline East (~45 min ride) or rent a Zipcar/carpool (~40 mins).

Yale Outdoor Education Center, East Lyme

Located on 1,500 wooded acres, the Yale Outdoor Education Center (OEC) is nestled on the south shore of a pristine mile-long lake. The OEC is a perfect summer retreat. There are cabins and campsites to rent, plenty of spots to picnic, a new hiking trail, and a clean lake in which to rowboat, kayak, paddleboard, canoe, fish or swim. The OEC is located in East Lyme, just northwest of the quaint, seaside town of Niantic. The OEC is available to all members of the Yale community via membership, day-use fee, or rental. Nine rustic lakeside cabins and eight secluded campsites are available for summer rental. Campsites include a grill and picnic table; cabins have a picnic table, grill, and small deck. Rentals are for OEC members only. A large, aluminum dock provides ideal swimming conditions in the lake. Nearby, a wooden dock houses six rowboats, and is also available for fishing. The extended beach offers six large canoes, eight single- and two-person kayaks and twelve standup-paddleboards.

• Get there by renting a Zipcar or carpooling (~50 mins).

New London

Downtown New London is reminiscent of the original, and even has its own Thames River (but we pronounce it “th-aims”). Here you can find art, restaurants, and cultural activities all within several blocks of the waterfront and train station. Take a walk down Bank Street to see how New London’s maritime history is preserved and has influenced the present. Some highlights include Hygenic Art, the Custom House Maritime Museum, and the Garde Arts Center. Every July, New London hosts Sailfest, a celebration of tall ships and boating, featuring a major fireworks display, carnival rides, free music, and over 200 food and craft vendors lining the streets. There are also ferry connections to Block Island, Fishers Island, and Orient Point near the train station.

• Get there by train with the Shoreline East (~45 min ride) or rent a Zipcar/Carpool (~40 mins).

Mystic

An adventure to Mystic is a full day trip. Mystic Aquarium is an incredible place for casual visitors and serious researchers. The permanent collection includes penguins and beluga whales among many other fascinating creatures. If history is more your interest, visit Mystic Seaport, a preserved colonial fishing town featuring historic ships, guides, and actors dressed in period clothing. They also have a planetarium. Stroll along Main Street and visit the shops and galleries. Don’t forget to grab a slice at Mystic Pizza, which inspired the 1988 movie of the same name, and enjoy a cone at Mystic Drawbridge Ice Cream.

• Get there by train with Amtrak (~1hr ride) or rent a Zipcar/Carpool (~1hr).

Points West

Go West for a more urban experience influenced by the proximity to New York City.

Milford

Around the Milford train station, you can find an excellent collection of shops and restaurants. Be sure to stop by Scratch Baking for something special. Every August, the Milford Oyster Festival sources seafood from eight states along the East Coast. It’s one of the most popular events of the summer.

• Get there by train with MetroNorth (~20 min ride) or rent a Zipcar/Carpool (~25 mins).

Stratford

Friday-Sunday you can take the “12 Pack Shuttle” from the Stratford train station to Two Roads Brewery (for those 21 and over). Just send a text 30 minutes before you arrive. The brewery not only has craft beer, but also give tours, and often has live music and food trucks.

• Get there by train with MetroNorth (~25 min ride) or rent a Zipcar/Carpool (~25 mins).

Bridgeport

Bridgeport is Connecticut’s largest city. Here you can find good food and fun activities all within walking distance of the train station. Catch a Sound Tigers hockey game at Total Mortgage Arena or one of the many big name acts that come through at Webster Bank Arena. You can also visit the Barnum Museum, a passion project created by Bridgeport native, P.T. Barnum (the greatest showman on earth!) The Museum owns more than 60,000 artifacts and oddities relating to Barnum, Bridgeport, and 19^th century America. For a more traditional experience of ancient and contemporary art, head over to the Housatonic Museum of Art. Bridgeport also has a ferry connection to Port Jefferson, NY.

• Get there by train with MetroNorth (~25 min ride) or rent a Zipcar/Carpool (~30 mins).

Fairfield

Fairfield mixes small town charm with urban amenities around their train station. There is plenty of shopping and dining along Post Road. Learn about the abundant birdlife at the CT Audubon Birdcraft Museum and in the sanctuary surrounding it. Discover the history of the town in the Revolutionary War and learn something new at the Fairfield Museum and History Center.  Grab a bite at Catch a Healthy Habit Cafe, which specializes in raw foods, and fruit- and vegetable-forward dishes with an array of vegetarian and gluten-free options. Feeling a little more decadent? Stop by Milkcraft for some seriously unique treats.

• Get there by train with MetroNorth (~35 min ride) or rent a Zipcar/Carpool (~45 mins).

Greens Farms

This section of Westport is home to Sherwood Island State Park. It is Connecticut’s first state park and is still one of its finest. Have a leisurely lunch in the shade of the picnic grove, swim in the Long Island Sound, or view marsh life from the observation platform at Sherwood Island. Visit the Nature Center to learn more about the environment along the coast.

• Get there by train with MetroNorth (~45 min ride) or rent a Zipcar/carpool (~40 mins).

South Norwalk

South Norwalk (aka SoNo) is known for its hip atmosphere featuring bars and restaurants. Head to the Maritime Aquarium to see unique exhibits including an albino alligator and river otters. It even has an IMAX theater.

• Get there by train with MetroNorth (~1 hr ride) or rent a Zipcar/carpool (~1 hr).

Stamford

You will always find plenty to do in Stamford downtown with more than 80 restaurants and clubs, hundreds of stores and services, movie and live theaters, galleries and special events, like Alive@5 in the summer and the Parade Spectacular in November.

• Get there by train with MetroNorth (~1 hr ride) or rent a Zipcar/carpool (~1 hr).

Greenwich

Downtown Greenwich can feel like a quiet 5^th Avenue (without the NYC sales tax). There are dozens of luxurious shops and dining options. A trip here feels like a special occasion. Don’t forget to visit the Bruce Museum, which highlights art, science, and natural history with more than a dozen exhibitions annually.

• Get there by train with MetroNorth (~1.25 hr ride) or rent a Zipcar/carpool (~1.1 hr).