Hammonasset Beach State Park

One of the top things to do in Connecticut, according to locals, is to visit this sandy, two-mile stretch of protected territory. In the summer, visitors go to this beach to soak up the sun, swim in the waves, and stroll along the picturesque boardwalk. With a network of walking pathways, fishing piers, and animal viewing sites that are all available year-round, more energetic people will also have enough to do. People claim that this is a great location to see the Long Island Sound sunset.

Make sure to visit the Meigs Point Nature Center, which is on Hammonasset Point at the southern end of the park, to see the turtle habitat and tour its ten themed gardens that feature local plant species. To enter the park, non-residents must pay a parking fee.

In addition to the campground on-site, Madison, a nearby town, offers a range of hotel choices, from the opulent Madison Beach Hotel to the charming Beech Tree Cottages.

• Address: 1288 Boston Post Road, Madison, CT 06443