15 Best Things to Do in Stratford (CT)

Nestled on the picturesque coastline where the Housatonic River meets the Long Island Sound, Stratford, Connecticut, is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. More than just a charming New England town, Stratford boasts a rich tapestry of history, natural beauty, and surprising cultural delights. From its deep roots in American aviation to its tranquil beaches and vibrant craft scene, this unassuming coastal community offers something for every traveler.

Imagine strolling through meticulously preserved historic homes, tasting innovative brews, or spotting rare birds along pristine shorelines. Stratford invites you to slow down, explore its diverse offerings, and uncover the unique stories woven into its fabric. The best times to visit are late spring through early fall, when the weather is ideal for outdoor activities and the beaches are at their most inviting. Planning your trip during the shoulder seasons (May-June, September-October) can offer pleasant temperatures with fewer crowds, making for a more relaxed exploration of all that Stratford has to offer.

Boothe Memorial Park and Museum

Step back in time at Boothe Memorial Park and Museum, a truly unique and enchanting destination that feels like stepping into a whimsical storybook. What makes this place so special is its eclectic collection of historic buildings, all brought together by the Boothe family, who aimed to preserve vanishing architectural styles and trades. You can wander through a miniature lighthouse, a blacksmith shop, a windmill, a toll booth, and even a carriage house, each telling a piece of local history.

The beautifully manicured grounds are perfect for a leisurely stroll, offering picturesque spots for photography and quiet contemplation. It’s a wonderful blend of history, architecture, and natural beauty, making it ideal for families with children who love to explore, history buffs, and anyone seeking a peaceful escape. The annual country fair held here in the fall is a local highlight, bringing the park to life with crafts, food, and demonstrations.

Two Roads Brewing Company

Prepare your palate for a journey at Two Roads Brewing Company, a cornerstone of Connecticut’s craft beer scene housed in a sprawling, repurposed factory building. What sets Two Roads apart is its dedication to the “road less traveled” philosophy, producing a diverse range of innovative and high-quality beers that push boundaries while honoring traditional methods. You can take a guided tour of the impressive state-of-the-art facility, learning about the brewing process from grain to glass, or simply relax in their spacious tasting room.

The outdoor beer garden, often featuring live music and food trucks, is a lively spot to enjoy a flight of their signature brews like Lil’ Heaven Session IPA or Worker’s Comp Saison. It’s a fantastic spot for groups of friends, couples, and solo travelers looking to experience local flavors and a vibrant social atmosphere. Their commitment to sustainability and community engagement also adds to its appeal.

Roosevelt Forest

Escape the urban bustle and immerse yourself in the tranquil beauty of Roosevelt Forest, Stratford’s largest municipal park. This expansive natural sanctuary offers a diverse landscape of woodlands, wetlands, and open fields, making it a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. What makes it special is its extensive network of well-maintained trails, perfect for hiking, trail running, or mountain biking, catering to various skill levels.

You can wander through towering trees, listen to the chirping of birds, and perhaps spot local wildlife. The forest also features a picturesque pond, ideal for fishing or simply enjoying the peaceful reflections. It’s a superb destination for nature lovers, families looking for an easy hike, dog walkers, and anyone seeking a restorative connection with the outdoors. The quiet solitude here offers a stark contrast to the town’s more bustling attractions.

Short Beach

Short Beach lives up to its name, offering a compact yet vibrant coastal experience perfect for a quick dip or a relaxing afternoon by the water. What makes this beach special is its family-friendly atmosphere, complete with a playground, splash pad, and picnic areas, making it an ideal spot for those with younger children. You can enjoy sunbathing on the sandy shore, building sandcastles, or taking a refreshing swim in the calm waters of the Long Island Sound.

The beach also features basketball courts and a golf course nearby, offering additional recreational opportunities. It’s a perfect spot for families, casual beachgoers, and anyone looking for easy access to the water without venturing too far. The views across the Sound are always lovely, providing a quintessential New England coastal backdrop.

Lordship Seawall

Stretching along Stratford’s coastline, the Lordship Seawall is more than just a barrier against the waves; it’s a beloved local promenade offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Long Island Sound. What makes this spot truly special is its uninterrupted vista, allowing you to watch boats sail by, observe seabirds, and witness stunning sunrises and sunsets over the water. It’s a popular spot for walkers, joggers, and cyclists, providing a refreshing coastal breeze with every step.

You can simply sit on a bench and soak in the tranquility, or enjoy a leisurely stroll from one end to the other, taking in the grand homes that line the shore. This is an ideal destination for couples seeking a romantic walk, photographers chasing scenic shots, and anyone looking for a peaceful yet invigorating outdoor experience. The ever-changing sky and sea make every visit unique.

Stratford Antique Center

Delve into a treasure trove of forgotten delights at the Stratford Antique Center, one of New England’s largest and most renowned antique malls. What makes this place truly special is its immense size and incredible variety, housing hundreds of dealers under one roof, offering everything from vintage furniture and unique collectibles to antique jewelry, classic toys, and quirky decor. You can spend hours sifting through aisles, discovering hidden gems and nostalgic pieces that spark memories or inspire new projects.

It’s a true paradise for antique enthusiasts, collectors, interior decorators, and anyone who enjoys the thrill of the hunt. The ever-changing inventory means there’s always something new to find, making each visit a fresh adventure. It’s a place where history and art converge, offering tangible links to the past.

Long Beach

Stretching for miles, Long Beach is a natural wonder that offers a more secluded and pristine coastal experience compared to other local beaches. What makes this beach truly special is its unique geography – it’s a barrier island accessible via a long causeway (sometimes submerged at high tide) or a significant walk, creating a sense of remote tranquility. You can enjoy vast stretches of unspoiled sand, perfect for long walks, birdwatching, or simply escaping the crowds.

The gentle waves of the Sound make it suitable for swimming, and the natural dunes provide a habitat for various coastal flora and fauna. This is an ideal destination for nature photographers, birdwatchers, those seeking solitude, and adventurous beachgoers who appreciate a less developed shoreline. The journey to the beach itself adds to the sense of adventure.

Captain David Judson House

Step into the past at the Captain David Judson House, one of Connecticut’s oldest surviving homes and a remarkable example of 17th-century architecture. What makes this house truly special is its incredible preservation and the rare insights it offers into early colonial life. Built in 1670, this saltbox-style home has been meticulously maintained by the Stratford Historical Society, allowing visitors to explore period rooms filled with authentic artifacts and furnishings.

You can learn about the Judson family, their daily lives, and the challenges and triumphs of settling in a new world. Docent-led tours bring the history to life, revealing fascinating stories and architectural details. It’s an absolute must-visit for history enthusiasts, architecture buffs, and anyone interested in America’s colonial origins. The house provides a tangible link to Stratford’s very beginnings.

National Helicopter Museum

Soar into the world of rotary-wing aircraft at the National Helicopter Museum, a unique institution dedicated to preserving the history of the helicopter. What makes this museum special is Stratford’s significant role as the birthplace of the American helicopter industry, thanks to Igor Sikorsky.

You can explore a fascinating collection of models, photographs, and artifacts that chronicle the evolution of these incredible machines, from early concepts to modern designs. While it’s a smaller museum, its focus is sharp and engaging, offering insights into the engineering marvels and the pioneers who made vertical flight possible. It’s a perfect destination for aviation enthusiasts, engineering buffs, and curious minds of all ages, providing an educational and inspiring look at a specialized field of aviation.

Wells Hollow Creamery

Indulge your sweet tooth at Wells Hollow Creamery, a beloved local institution serving up delicious homemade ice cream in a charming farm-like setting. What makes this creamery special is its commitment to fresh, high-quality ingredients, resulting in incredibly rich and flavorful ice cream, soft serve, and even unique seasonal treats. You can choose from a vast array of classic and inventive flavors, served in cones, cups, sundaes, or milkshakes.

The relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere, complete with outdoor seating and often farm animals to visit, makes it more than just an ice cream stop – it’s an experience. It’s a perfect treat for families, couples, and anyone craving a nostalgic and delightful dessert. The quality of the ice cream truly stands out.

Connecticut Air and Space Center

Ignite your passion for flight at the Connecticut Air and Space Center, a captivating museum dedicated to the rich aviation history of the state. What makes this center special is its focus on Connecticut’s pivotal role in aerospace innovation, from early flight to space exploration. You can get up close to a remarkable collection of vintage aircraft, including jets, helicopters, and propeller planes, many of which have local ties.

The museum also features fascinating exhibits on local aviation pioneers, space missions, and the science of flight. It’s an engaging destination for aviation buffs, history enthusiasts, and curious minds of all ages. Many of the aircraft are undergoing restoration, offering a unique glimpse into the preservation process and the dedication involved in keeping these historical machines alive.

Connecticut Audubon Society Coastal Center at Milford Point

While technically located just over the border in Milford, the Connecticut Audubon Society Coastal Center at Milford Point is an absolute must-visit for any nature lover exploring the Stratford area. What makes this center truly special is its strategic location on a significant migratory bird pathway, making it one of the premier birdwatching spots on the East Coast.

You can explore a vast salt marsh, sandy beaches, and tidal flats via elevated boardwalks and observation platforms, providing unparalleled views of diverse bird species, including terns, plovers, and various waterfowl. The interpretive center offers educational exhibits and programs, enhancing your understanding of this vital ecosystem. It’s an essential stop for birdwatchers, nature photographers, families looking to connect with wildlife, and anyone seeking a serene escape into coastal ecology.

The CT Audubon Society at Stratford Point

Discover another vital ecological gem at The CT Audubon Society at Stratford Point, a remarkable success story in habitat restoration and a vital sanctuary for coastal wildlife. What makes this area special is its transformation from a former Remington Arms dumping ground into a thriving natural preserve, showcasing the power of conservation.

You can explore marked trails that wind through coastal grasslands, shrublands, and along the Long Island Sound, offering incredible opportunities for birdwatching, particularly for grassland birds and raptors, as well as enjoying stunning water views. It’s a testament to environmental recovery and a peaceful retreat for nature enthusiasts, birders, and anyone interested in sustainable land management. The blend of history and nature here is truly compelling.

Academy Hill Green

Immerse yourself in Stratford’s colonial past by visiting Academy Hill Green, the historic heart of the town. What makes this green special is its deep roots, serving as the original town common and surrounded by some of Stratford’s most significant historic buildings, including the Captain David Judson House and the First Congregational Church. You can stroll across the manicured green, imagining centuries of town life unfolding here, from early settlements to public gatherings.

It’s a tranquil and picturesque spot perfect for reflection, photography, and appreciating the architectural heritage of New England. This is an ideal destination for history buffs, those interested in colonial architecture, and anyone seeking a peaceful moment in a historically rich setting. The green truly embodies the spirit of old Stratford.

Plan Your Visit

Stratford, Connecticut, truly is a destination that defies expectations, offering a remarkable blend of coastal charm, rich history, and diverse attractions. From the whimsical architecture of Boothe Memorial Park to the innovative brews at Two Roads, and the serene beauty of its beaches and Audubon sanctuaries, you’ll discover experiences that cater to every interest.

Whether you’re a history enthusiast tracing colonial footsteps, a nature lover seeking avian wonders, or simply looking for a relaxing coastal escape, Stratford promises a memorable journey. So pack your bags, consult your budget using our detailed cost guide, and prepare to be captivated by this charming New England town. Your adventure in Stratford awaits – come and explore the hidden gems and vibrant spirit of this remarkable corner of Connecticut!