Things to do in New Haven County
What you'd actually do on a Saturday if you lived here, and the towns where you'd find it.
Pizza and food
New Haven-style apizza is the county’s calling card, but the food scene goes far beyond it.
Wooster Street pizza
Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana and Sally’s Apizza, the two names everyone argues about.
Modern Apizza
The locals’ third vote in the great pizza debate.
Louis’ Lunch
A tiny lunch spot that claims to have served America’s first hamburger.
Branford Green and Stony Creek
Breweries, seafood, and summer evenings by the water.
Westville Village
Cafés, restaurants, and galleries in a walkable village center.
Beaches and the shoreline
Long Island Sound runs along the county’s whole southern edge.
Hammonasset Beach State Park
The largest shoreline park in Connecticut, with miles of beach, a boardwalk, and camping.
Thimble Islands boat tours
Short cruises around a cluster of small islands with surprising history.
Silver Sands State Park and Walnut Beach
A boardwalk, wide beaches, and a sandbar walk to Charles Island at low tide.
Lighthouse Point Park
A city beach, a historic lighthouse, and an antique carousel.
Savin Rock and the West Haven boardwalk
Miles of public beach and a long, easy boardwalk walk by the water.
Trails and outdoors
Traprock ridges, river valleys, and state forests are never far away.
Sleeping Giant State Park
The tower trail is a local rite of passage with views to the Sound.
East Rock Park
Drive or hike to the summit for the best view of the city.
Farmington Canal Heritage Trail
New Haven to Cheshire and beyond
A flat, paved rail trail for walking, running, and biking.
Hubbard Park and Castle Craig
A stone tower on the ridge and a spring daffodil festival in the park below.
Naugatuck State Forest
Wooded trails and quiet ponds along the Naugatuck River valley.
Kettletown and Southford Falls state parks
Lake Zoar views, waterfalls, and easy family hikes.
Arts, museums, and shows
Yale makes world-class culture part of everyday life, and much of it is free.
Yale University Art Gallery
One of the oldest university art museums in the country, with free admission.
Yale Center for British Art
A Louis Kahn building and a remarkable collection, also free.
Yale Peabody Museum
Dinosaurs, natural history, and family favorites.
Shubert Theatre
Touring Broadway shows in a historic theater.
Palace Theater and Mattatuck Museum
A restored 1920s theater and a museum of Connecticut art and history.
Westville Music Bowl and Toyota Oakdale Theatre
Summer concerts outdoors and big-name shows year-round.
Family days and seasonal favorites
The things kids remember and grown-ups don’t mind repeating.
Quassy Amusement Park
Classic rides and a beach on Lake Quassapaug.
Shoreline Trolley Museum
Ride historic trolleys along the shore.
Ansonia Nature Center
Trails, ponds, and nature programs for kids.
Cherry blossoms in Wooster Square
A spring festival under a canopy of pink.
Town greens and fall fairs
Guilford, Orange, and across the county
Craft fairs, farmers markets, and holiday tree lightings on the green.