Best & Fun Things To Do + Places To Visit In Bridgeport, Connecticut

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The authentic town of Bridgeport has some of the best attractions in Connecticut.

Although it may appear small, Bridgeport is the fifth-largest city in New England after Springfield, Massachusetts. Its location in the bustling state, just an hour and 12 minutes east of New York makes it a center of attraction.

Moreover, its placement in southern New England makes the city more populous than you think. Bridgeport was named the most populous city and a major port in the coastal state of Connecticut.

A mix of coastal and rural areas, there are tons of things to do and places to visit in Bridgeport. Visit a zoo, hit the beach, dine along the waterfront, discover art and culture, and explore all the fun outdoors!

Meet ethnically diverse people sharing the same urban culture and makes you feel part of the community. Discover the best museums, cafes, and bars in the urban-suburban city like it’s the last in all of Connecticut!

For the best things to do and places to visit in Bridgeport, Connecticut, look up the curated list below.

Beardsley Zoo

The only zoo you can find in Connecticut is the Beardsley Zoo, home to North and South American species.

This long-running zoo in Bridgeport, Connecticut, supports over 300 animals, including many threatened species. The endangered Siberian tiger, Red Wolf, Ocelot, and Golden Lion Tamarin are among this group.

As a non-profit organization, the small zoo focuses on wildlife preservation, especially fragile ones. It has enough space to accommodate the animals and provide them with healthy, thriving habitats.

Don’t miss the Beardsley Zoo highlights, including the Spider Monkey Habitat, Prairie Dog exhibit, Rainforest Building, and more! To top that, the zoo features one of the few seasonal carousels in Connecticut you must ride.

Visit other famous attractions in Beardsley, such as the New England Farmyard with adorable goats, cows, pigs, and other livestock. Stroll the hoofstock trail to sight a bison or deer while enjoying the peaceful walk!

You can get food from the concession stands and take it to the Picnic Grove or dine in the Peacock Cafe. Lastly, take a piece of this memory with any items from the gift shop that received a second glance.

All these features and more are available in Beardsley zoo to give you the wildest New England experience!

This may be your first time encountering rare wild animals and other kinds, but it gets even better the second time!

Address: 1875 Noble Ave, Bridgeport, CT 06610, United States

Blue Ox Axe Throwing

“Throw away the weekend!” with friends or family at Bridgeport’s premier axe-throwing facility.

Blue Ox Axe Throwing is a bachelor party idea turned into a New England experience. In 2018, owners Jerry Ferraro and Graham Kelley came from Minnesota with the concept of bringing the Northeast activity home.

Today, their impulsive thought is the top-rated axe-throwing facility in Connecticut!

Book a lane and choose between Open Throw or Social Throw for small groups and large party sizes. Enjoy a Weekday Special or Weekend Fun with an axe master to run you through the games.

Further, celebrate any occasion with their premium party for a complimentary pizza, custom Blue Ox drawstring bag, and tee. Blue Ox is also popular with holiday staff parties, team building, birthdays, bachelor(ette), and other private events!

Tucked away in a building complex, look for a sign to locate the entry for the Blue Ox. You’ll be directed to a large main area and two lanes for an open throw, good for 2-4 people. No worries if it’s your first throw because the guys will welcome and help you how to wield the axes properly.

Enjoy the fun and festive music while at it and a sip of beer or soda for a short energy boost.

Throw some axe at Blue Ox while passing through Bridgeport, Connecticut. It’s not as difficult as it looks!

Address: 1558 Barnum Ave, Bridgeport, CT 06610, United States

Discovery Museum and Planetarium

Explore the world of science and outer space or play with interactive exhibits at Discovery Museum and Planetarium.

This all-ages interactive museum in Bridgeport, Connecticut, offers one of the best tourist destinations and educational resources in the state. To have a hands-on discovery that cultivates curiosity and the “spirit of exploration,” peruse over 100 interactive exhibits in this science center.

They also consistently have brand-new additions to their collections for all ages!

One of the best parts about the museum is its contemporary art galleries featuring works of great artists throughout New England.

They call a day at the Discovery Museum and Planetarium a day of “adventure in the trees” for nothing! A beautiful 5-acre woodland surrounds its building with an aerial forest park at the back.

Other than their interactive displays, check out the museum’s permanent and traveling exhibits, live science demos, and exciting full-dome shows. You’ll harness the child in you with all the possibilities and exploration available at the Discovery Museum and Planetarium.

To entertain toddlers or younger kids, the museum’s mini indoor adventure course will be a fun spot to visit. You can also take home some interesting items from their souvenir shop.

The Discovery Museum and Planetarium have so much potential to be discovered by the community. There’s no limit to learning with their daily shows and permanent displays you can enjoy anytime.

Address: 4450 Park Ave, Bridgeport, CT 06604, United States

Downtown Cabaret Theatre

Catch original shows, award-winning concerts, and world-class entertainment at the acclaimed cabaret in downtown Bridgeport, Connecticut.

Downtown Cabaret Theatre has served families of Bridgeport and surrounding communities with quality musicals and shows for over 40 years. Entertainment has never been better on this side of the city!

What started as an academic setting became a growing business featuring a lineup of professional artists and performers. It’s not exactly broadway, but DCT showed a remarkable transformation from a university musical theatre to a world-known Cabaret style.

Check their website for upcoming shows ranging from Children’s Theatre for young audiences to Main Stage Theatre for the whole community.

Their facility includes a fly house just over the stage, major lighting, sound, and airconditioning upgrades, and backstage amenities. With over 200 capacity, you can guarantee not one bad spot and enjoy the show from every angle.

Moreover, DCT has a “Bring our Own Picnic” policy that widens your food and drink options to your liking. With a laid-back setting and a casual atmosphere, people of different generations have been to Bridgeport’s high-quality musical production. Their shows are just “off the charts,” introducing seasoned and new artists.

Don’t miss this local downtown gem and hit it off with the native folks for the out-of-towners! Bring your picnic baskets and pull out your best cheese and crackers while witnessing shows like no other.

Address: 263 Golden Hill St #3, Bridgeport, CT 06604, United States

Fayerweather Island Light

Visit the refurbished Fayerweather Island Light that “withstood the storm of ages.”

This lighthouse on the south end of Fayerweather Island is a property at Seaside Park in Bridgeport, Connecticut. Unlike other navigational lighthouses, it doesn’t officially aid navigation, but it’s illuminated with a system of lighting and solar panels.

However, it did guide navigators from 1823 to 1932.

Also known as the “Black Rock Harbor,” the 47-foot tower has been through rough centuries. Since the establishment of its station in 1808, it was only in 2000 that it was restored and relit.

Today, many people walk the path to the lighthouse and enjoy the sight from there. You’ll have to drive to Seaside Park at the end of Barnum Boulevard to access the tower by the breakwater. You can park there and walk the rocky trail or enjoy the sight from afar while picnicking by the beach.

Check out the interesting rocks in the property dating centuries back and the seashore surrounded with beautiful shells.

With Fayerweather Island Light’s history of vandalism, it’s not exactly a good thing to see graffiti paintings on the rocks. However, it’s making a sentimental impression on visitors along with the carved names with the late 1960s and early 1970s dates.

If you visit during fall, the area can get a bit marshy, so be careful of the soggy patches. Just hope for good weather, and your day can’t get any better!

Address: 2470 Fairfield Avenue, Bridgeport, CT 06605, United States

Fifth State Distillery

Taste locally crafted spirits from the farm to the bottle at Fifth State Distillery.

As Bridgeport’s first independent distillery, Fifth State makes the boldest and most unique flavors for the world to enjoy. Visit their urban distillery, “where the city meets the farm!”

The family-owned business reflects the early Connecticut distillers with their spirits. In addition to their specialty spirits are vodka, whiskey, and awarding-winning gin! The New York International Spirits Competition awarded Fifth State “Connecticut’s Gin Distillery of The Year” in 2021-2022.

Other unique, recommended products available at their distillery are Fifth State Ginger Zap Vodka and Fifth State Simply Celery Vodka.

These gems are made from Connecticut-grown and curated corn from partner farmers.

Learn more about the history of liquor manufacturing in Connecticut and its abundance of rich corn and grains. The knowledgeable staff of the Fifth State will tell you more about their intriguing variety of spirits and craft distilling.

Distillery visits and their Tasting Room is available for only an hour, so make use of the time you have. They offer mini and large-group tours of the distillery through reservations only.

Now enjoyed in many countries, Fifth State spirits have gone far and wide, but it remains naturally and locally sourced.

Visit this little town gem and experiment with cocktails that suit every palate!

Address: 259 Asylum St, Bridgeport, CT 06610, United States

Housatonic Museum of Art

University arts are one of a kind and need more recognition than they are given. As home to premier college art collections, the Housatonic Museum of Art offers this opportunity to students and the community.

Its collection includes some of the best and most unique works throughout the state, ranging from ancient to contemporary art. These exhibits are permanent displays at a 300,000-square-foot facility on the Housatonic Community College campus.

You’ll find one of the most significant collections in this two-year college that is incomparable to anything else in the region. If you’re fond of observing original art and artifacts on a daily basis, you don’t need to look further!

Moreover, if something new and unique is what you seek, the museum also launches various art lectures and programs. Wherever you are on campus, expect to see some of the best art known to man on walls and corridors.

Visit the Burt Chernow Galleries for changing exhibitions and more extensive collections in Bridgeport’s cultural source.

Besides the museum’s separate gallery space, you can check their spectacular Pop Art, which includes the works of Andy Warhol.

You are invited and more than welcome to explore the art galleries and buildings in the Housatonic Museum of Art. Feel at home and one with a community that embraces the essence of art and culture as part of education.

Address: 900 Lafayette Blvd, Bridgeport, CT 06604, United States

Joseph’s Steakhouse

When looking for the best-tasting steak in Connecticut, “It’s all about the beef!”

Joseph’s Steakhouse serves the most tender and juicy USDA Prime dry-aged beef for the best steak experience in Bridgeport, Connecticut. If you ask around for the most flavorful steak in the city, Joseph’s will be getting many pointing fingers.

Patrons even say Joseph’s is the best steakhouse in Connecticut! While their steak gets the larger fraction to take credit, their service, ambiance, and menu selections are also great factors.

No need to drive through the busy streets of New York to experience a world-class steakhouse! Liven up your dining with their classic side dishes and appetizers paired with an eclectic list of wines.

Everything steak is just better off with old-fashioned wines and cocktails. Joseph’s offers the finest Chardonnay and Sauvignon, as well as Champagne and Sparkling wines.

Furthermore, Joseph’s can pull off any corporate or social luncheon with their stellar private dining services. Their Private Dining rooms make the best venue for all occasions or functions that accommodate 75 guests at most.

You are welcome to spend a casual evening at Joseph’s, too! The place offers a warm, comfortable space to provide the best dining experience in the state.

Do you want to have a relaxing evening? There’s not a bad day a slice of premium meat from Joseph’s can’t fix!

Address: 360 Fairfield Ave # 2, Bridgeport, CT 06604, United States

Ralph ‘n’ Rich’s

Old never goes out of style. This is how Ralph ‘n’ Rich’s wants their business to thrive within Bridgeport, Connecticut.

This Italian restaurant in downtown Bridgeport brings elegance to the table, culinary and aesthetically speaking. Ralph ‘n’ Rich’s has received several award-winning recognitions in the past. Its biggest milestones include being named one of America’s 1,000 Top Italian Restaurants and one of “The Best” After-Work pubs.

Despite being located downtown, it is still considered an “oasis in the desert” for being authentic and one of a kind. Their commitment to high-quality food and service remained after all these years.

They make it an ingredient to incorporate professionalism and have a sense of belongingness when serving the community of Bridgeport.

Grab lunch or dinner at Ralph ‘n’ Rich’s when passing by Bridgeport for great food and service. The restaurant features a Family-Style group lunch and dinner and a Sunday Sauce for a traditional four-course Italian meal.

Regular customers recommend the Hot Antipasto, Chicken Piccata, Prime Rib, and Shrimp Araganto. And who would want to leave this place without having some refreshing cocktails from the bar? They also have the best coffee and dessert to mix and match to lighten up a dull day.

There’s always something going on downtown every month, and Ralph ‘n’ Rich’s is one of the nearby restaurants you can visit. You may not get a high chance of doing a walk-in during these times, so make that reservation!

Address: 815 Main St, Bridgeport, CT 06604, United States

Saint Mary’s by the Sea

Waterfront parks are wonderful features of growing cities, especially when it holds cultural and historical background for people to explore.

Saint Marys by the Sea is a fine representation of Bridgeport’s culturally-rich parks and recreation. Like Seaside Park, it offers a picturesque view of the Long Island Sound and Black Rock Harbor.

This Black Rock neighborhood has been a part of the resident’s morning or afternoon routine, whether to walk or jog. It’s a rather short walk measured in blocks than miles, stretching from Ash Creek to the Black Rock Yacht Club.

These paved walkways are pleasant for strolls or bikes by the sea, especially during warm summer months. It also provides opportunities for birds and wildlife viewing thanks to its location near a nature preserve.

In addition to the spectacular views are two neighboring lighthouses in Black Rock and Fairfield Beach.

Enjoy the cool sea breeze along the grassy area in the park benches and picnic spots. 

You can bring a furry friend on a leash for a relaxing afternoon walk and converse with friendly folks. Meanwhile, have plenty of chances to watch the sun as it sets or go on fun fishing trips!

Take a break in a beautiful, quiet place along the ocean and savor the peaceful setting at Saint Marys.

Address: Earnes Blvd., Bridgeport, CT 06601, United States

Seaside Park

One of the reasons why Bridgeport is named the “Park City” is because of its extensive municipal parks like Seaside.

This 325-acre park is among Bridgeport’s timeless treasures, located at the South end neighborhood of Bridgeport, Connecticut. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg!

The Seaside Park offers many things to do, including swimming on the beach or walking along gorgeous shorelines. As Bridgeport’s “premiere waterside destination,” you can expect broad opportunities for wildlife viewing, fishing, hiking, and setting up a nice picnic.

Park-goers usually admire the view of the rolling hills and lush lawns from the area. The crescent-shaped park borders Bridgeport Harbor, Long Island Sound, and Fayerweather Island. It also houses a natural wildlife preserve you can access by crossing the breakwater rocks.

In addition, this rough trail leads you to the Fayerweather Island Light. The lighthouse is a historical landmark in Seaside Park and all of Connecticut. It’s one of the park’s highlights you must see on one of your visits!

The iconic monuments and wide grassy trails make a pleasant view from the Seaside Park grounds as well. It is especially peaceful on this side of the park in the early mornings.

Moreover, the sunrise and sunset from the Seaside are just built differently than any part of town. As most people say, this Bridgeport location deserves a 10/10!

Address: 1 Barnum Dyke, Bridgeport, CT 06604, United States

St. Margaret Shrine

Connecticut embraces catholic art through its historic churches, such as the St. Margaret Shrine.

This catholic church in Bridgeport, Connecticut, is the only large-scale shrine in the country to patronize St. Margaret of Antioch. It offers a peaceful walk in downtown Bridgeport with plenty of benches, perfect for a serene day in the city.

Known as “An Oasis for Prayer in Connecticut,” St. Margaret is people’s spiritual home. It draws residents and visitors for prayer as it did to pilgrims before World War II ended.

The church started as a small chapel which you can still see today at the heart of the shrine. It grew over time and built stone pedestals and stairways stretching to various terraces. A crucifix and other life-sized monuments now stand on its grounds.

Along with these sculptural pieces are lush trees and beautiful landscapes that offer shade and calm to every visitor. This is your place of meditation in Bridgeport, surrounded by gardens and a fountain for a tranquil scene.

As you pass by the shrine, light a candle and say a couple of prayers to St. Margaret. The church often hosts events and feasts alongside its daily mass.

Address: 2523 Park Ave, Bridgeport, CT 06604, United States

The Barnum Museum

If you think downtown Bridgeport ran out of something to offer, have you checked the Barnum Museum?

This museum in Connecticut is the last-standing building associated with the American visionary Phineas Taylor Barnum. The entrepreneur (slash entertainer) celebrated American culture through entertainment and education.

Barnum’s first legacy was the Barnum Institute of Science and History, which the museum was originally known.

His devotion to this project led to over 60,000 artifacts worth his life’s works. You can see these exhibits yourself when you visit its historic building connected to a portion of Bridgeport Center.

However, as of this writing, the Barnum Museum is currently under renovation to give way to a 21st-century museum. While a 19th-century style is timeless, they wish to give visitors the best experience through a more immersive facility.

Discover and celebrate the life of Connecticut’s “Greatest Showman” on this 1893 historic landmark!

Address: 820 Main St, Bridgeport, CT 06604, United States

The Klein Memorial Auditorium

Interest yourself in a spectacular show and performance in Bridgeport, Connecticut, in this historic venue.

The Klein Memorial Auditorium is Bridgeport’s hub for world-class entertainment, with over 1,400 seating. It’s among one of the seven Broadway-sized theaters throughout the state to entertain and educate “through arts and ideas.”

The Klein auditorium realized this goal by bringing diverse talents to its stage. The original concert series Footsteps of Peace and the Vienna Boys Choir also performed here.

Long performances like concerts or musicals won’t constrain you in bad seating. You can move to a preferable seat with a better angle of the stage as long as it’s not taken.

Join the local community as they gather at this lovely venue unlike any other in Fairfield County! 

Address: 910 Fairfield Ave, Bridgeport, CT 06605, United States

Webster Bank Arena

Known today as “Total Mortgage Arena,” this 10,000-seat multi-purpose arena in Bridgeport is a center for sports and entertainment.

It’s home to the New York Islanders’ AHL farm team and Bridgeport Islanders (formerly the Sound Tigers.) Moreover, it is the home venue for Fairfield University’s Men and Women’s basketball teams.

Catch a game in this massive arena in downtown Bridgeport, Connecticut, conveniently located near hotels and the train station.

Webster Bank hosts smaller events, such as family shows or children’s parties, on some occasions. It’s also a popular venue for concerts of various genres.

Browse their list of upcoming concerts and events, and you might get lucky to land your favorite artists!

Past events at Webster Bank include the annual monster truck event, a minor league hockey game, and events of more varieties.

Don’t be afraid to nibble because you can bring delicious foods and cold refreshments inside. You’ll find yourself safe and comfortable on their rows of seats with a large security presence.

Don’t miss a show while traveling through Bridgeport and catch up with the latest town events! Those times are particularly more exciting, especially when shared with family or friends.

Address: 600 Main St, Bridgeport, CT 06604, United States

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