Hampton ConnecticutATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Hampton, Connecticut.
1. James L. Goodwin State Forest
NATURAL WOODLAND RETREAT
James L. Goodwin State Forest offers visitors miles of hiking trails through pristine Connecticut woodland. The forest features several ponds, diverse wildlife habitats, and educational programs at the Conservation Education Center. Visitors can enjoy activities including hiking, fishing, and wildlife observation throughout the seasons.
2. Sharpe Hill Vineyard
AWARD-WINNING LOCAL WINERY
Sharpe Hill Vineyard welcomes wine enthusiasts to sample their selection of fine locally-produced wines. The vineyard features beautiful grounds with pastoral views and a rustic tasting room where visitors can enjoy wine flights. Their award-winning Ballet of Angels white wine has become a regional favorite.
3. Diana's Pool
SCENIC NATURAL SWIMMING HOLE
Diana's Pool is a picturesque natural swimming area located along the Natchaug River. The spot features dramatic rock formations, small waterfalls, and crystal-clear pools perfect for cooling off during summer months. Visitors can enjoy swimming, photography, and picnicking in this serene natural setting.
4. Bach Dor Cafe
COZY LOCAL EATERY
Bach Dor Cafe serves as Hampton's charming local gathering spot for coffee, pastries, and light meals. The cafe offers a welcoming atmosphere with friendly service and homemade food options. Visitors appreciate the cafe's community-centered approach and quality offerings.
5. Hampton Hill Historic District
PRESERVED COLONIAL ARCHITECTURE
Hampton Hill Historic District showcases a collection of meticulously preserved buildings dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries. Visitors can wander through tree-lined streets viewing historical homes that reflect the architectural styles and craftsmanship of their time. The district often hosts local events and festivals celebrating the region's rich history.
6. Air Line State Park Trail
HISTORIC RAILWAY PATH
The Air Line State Park Trail follows the path of a former railway route linking New York and Boston, now transformed into a picturesque National Recreation Trail. The trail features a smooth stone dust surface passing over hidden 19th-century trestles at the Rapallo and Lyman viaducts. Hikers, walkers, and horseback riders of all fitness levels can enjoy the trail with convenient benches positioned at scenic spots along the way.
7. Lake Pocotopaug
CONNECTICUT'S LARGEST INLAND LAKE
Lake Pocotopaug is Connecticut's largest inland water body, offering recreation opportunities throughout the year. The lake features clear waters ideal for swimming, fishing, and boating during warmer months. Surrounding the lake are scenic viewpoints, public access areas, and seasonal events that celebrate this natural treasure.
8. Comstock Covered Bridge
HISTORIC WOODEN LANDMARK
Comstock Covered Bridge stands as the last of its kind in eastern Connecticut, spanning the Salmon River. The historic wooden bridge, originally built in the 19th century, has been carefully preserved as a testament to New England's architectural heritage. Visitors can walk across the bridge and enjoy the surrounding riverside scenery.
9. Chatham Historical Society Museum
LOCAL HERITAGE COLLECTION
The Chatham Historical Society Museum houses artifacts and exhibits highlighting East Hampton's rich past. The museum collection includes photographs, documents, and items from daily life spanning several centuries of local history. Visitors can gain insight into the area's industrial development, community life, and notable residents through the carefully curated displays.
10. Mark Twain House & Museum
FAMOUS AUTHOR'S HOME
The Mark Twain House & Museum preserves the Hartford home where Samuel Clemens and his family lived from 1874 to 1891. During his time in this Victorian Gothic mansion, Twain wrote many of his most famous works including Adventures of Huckleberry Finn and The Adventures of Tom Sawyer. Visitors can tour the elaborately decorated 19-room house featuring original furnishings and personal belongings of the legendary American author.
11. Gillette Castle State Park
MEDIEVAL-INSPIRED STONE FORTRESS
Gillette Castle State Park features the unique stone mansion built by actor William Gillette, famous for his portrayal of Sherlock Holmes. The medieval-inspired fortress sits atop the southernmost hill in a chain known as the Seven Sisters, offering spectacular views of the Connecticut River. Visitors can tour the eccentric 24-room castle with its built-in wooden puzzles, unusual doorknobs, and hidden mirrors designed by Gillette himself.
12. Devil's Hopyard State Park
MYSTICAL NATURAL WONDER
Devil's Hopyard State Park centers around the dramatic Chapman Falls, where water cascades 60 feet over a series of steps in the Scottish granite. The park's unusual name comes from local folklore about the perfectly cylindrical potholes in the falls' rock formations, once attributed to the Devil's work. Visitors can enjoy hiking trails, fishing in the Eight Mile River, and picnicking among the hemlock groves.
13. Mystic Seaport Museum
LIVING MARITIME HISTORY
Mystic Seaport Museum is the nation's leading maritime museum featuring a recreated 19th-century coastal village, a working shipyard, and formal exhibit galleries. The museum houses an extensive collection of sailing ships and boats, including the Charles W. Morgan, the last wooden whaleship in the world. Visitors can interact with costumed interpreters, watch traditional craftspeople at work, and even sail on the Mystic River aboard historic vessels.
14. Mohegan Sun
PREMIER ENTERTAINMENT RESORT
Mohegan Sun offers a complete resort experience with gaming, dining, shopping, and entertainment options under its distinctive domed roofs. The complex features multiple casinos with thousands of slot machines and table games, alongside a 10,000-seat arena hosting major concerts and sporting events. Visitors can also enjoy luxury accommodations, a diverse array of restaurants, high-end retail shopping, and relaxing spa services.
15. Foxwoods Resort Casino
MASSIVE GAMING DESTINATION
Foxwoods Resort Casino stands as one of the largest casino complexes in North America, offering extensive gaming options across several distinct venues. Beyond gambling, the resort features luxury accommodations, celebrity chef restaurants, world-class shopping outlets, and entertainment ranging from comedy to concerts. Visitors can also experience the Mashantucket Pequot Museum and Research Center to learn about the indigenous culture behind the resort.