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

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New Haven is known for many things, but it’s best known as the home of the Ivy League school, Yale University.

This coastal city of Long Island is the second largest in Connecticut, with many excellent attractions, especially world-class museums.

The city embraces its vibrant cultural history through various attractions, from parks and greens to unique structures, culinary, and entertainment. Their classic, timeless tradition will make you want to visit more often and learn about them individually.

Whether a resident or a first-time visitor, you won’t run short of things to do in New Haven. You can’t go wrong with the places to visit here, either!

Visit the city “where urban streetscapes meet coastal beaches,” and the coastline meets the sky. Experience international dining, seaside lodging, and quintessential shopping in one of Connecticut’s oldest cities.

See world-class events like it’s the last and enjoy timeless New England recreation like never before.

Make your trip unforgettable with this list of the best things to do and places to visit in New Haven, Connecticut!

Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library

You’ll know Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library when you see it. Architecturally speaking, its design is something you will only see in New Haven, Connecticut.

Beinecke is one of the world’s largest to hold rare books, manuscripts, and 180,000+ volumes in the main tower. It houses the literary archive and valuable books of the prestigious Yale University, most of which are fragile and light-sensitive.

Its more than a million book stacks underground make it the world’s largest rare books preservation facility. It was built mainly as a research center for Yale and University students, but you’re more than welcome here!

At first glance, its enclosed, windowless building gives off a mysterious ambiance. However, it’s when you get inside that the experience turns magical.

Every level has unique features that make every corner marvelous. For instance, the first sub-grade level, known as the “Court,” features a sunken courtyard and “The Garden.”

Overall, the concept of the building is to evoke emotions and produce a dramatic space for visitors. You’ll applaud the architect’s attention to detail, from the marble-block exterior to the library’s heart – the six-story glass tower.

You’re lucky if your visit coordinates with a unique exhibit or event in this minimalist Yale building! Nonetheless, every visit to the Beinecke Library is unlike any other.

Address: 121 Wall St, New Haven, CT 06511, United States

College Street Music Hall

A restored theater along College Street becomes a local hub for music, comedy, and live shows.

College Street Music Hall is a downtown spot for live music and performances and a focal point of entertainment. It gathers diverse audiences into the heart of downtown New Haven to sit back and relax after a long day.

Its location on the site of the old Palace Theater makes it possible to hold as many as 2000 people. The hall features a standing-room floor, reserved balcony seating, and seated theater, depending on the event.

New Haven’s first movie premiere took place in this historic building. Other notable artists performed on its stage, including the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Fleetwood Mac, N’sync, and Backstreet Boys.

The shows in College Street vary from concerts and comedy events to simulcasts and general admission shows. Every successful event wouldn’t be possible without the hall’s state-of-the-art facilities, such as first-class audio and lighting.

Grab a drink between sets or nibble on delicious snacks from local restaurants around the corner!

The College Street Music Hall offers a homey and intimate atmosphere for the whole family to enjoy. Its old-fashioned element makes it distinct and noticeable amidst a large city like New Haven.

Dance the night away and see what this place has to offer! This ideal music venue will be your new favorite stop in New Haven, Connecticut.

Address: 238 College St, New Haven, CT 06510, United States

East Rock Park

Experience the beautiful New Haven scenery from the top of the mountainous ridge of East Rock.

East Rock Park offers 427 acres of picnic areas, bird sanctuaries, and paved nature trails leading to the park’s summit. For more or less 20 minutes, you can reach the top overlooking the stunning Long Island Sound and Rock Harbor.

The summit, rising more than 350 feet above the floor of the Mill River Valley, can be accessed by foot, bicycle, or car. Other than the 10-mile hike from the Giant Steps Trail, East Rock Park boasts many exciting features.

One of them includes the Trowbridge Environmental Center, where you can see information on Connecticut’s rich flora and fauna. In addition, the park features an extensive botanical rose garden and greenhouse that’s a big hit during the spring!

The iconic monument of the Soldiers and Sailors near the peak is also to look out for! These commemorate the fallen New Haven men and natives who fought four wars.

East Rock Park has something for everyone, accessible year-round! Have a quiet stroll and take a break from the traffic jams downtown. Walk trails under the canopy of trees with various difficulty levels for every avid hiker.

The abundance of activities in East Rock Park makes it one of Connecticut’s most recommended travel destinations.

Address: 41 Cold Spring St, New Haven, CT 06511, United States

Edgerton Park

New Haven’s parks and recreation are considered essential to people’s well-being. While there has been a surge of parks in many cities in Connecticut, Edgerton Park goes way back.

The 20-acre public park, also known as the Frederick F. Brewster Estate, has been a New Haven jewel since 1965. It is the former site of a wealthy family’s mansion.

With the city’s support, the park attained vibrance through a conservancy while helping local farmers and gardeners.

Along with its landscape and architectural aspect, the park goes beyond by promoting horticultural programs and educating the community. Learn more about its incredible history and conservancy as you visit New Haven!

Located on the New Haven-Hamden border, Edgerton Park features greenhouses, a gatehouse, a carriage house, and a Brewer Estate bridge. It’s also known for its stone walls, lush grass and trees, and a fountain along the community garden.

Edgerton Park is also a venue for many diverse activities or events, such as the summer Shakespeare in the Park. Another fun happening in this green space is the Sunday in the Park series.

If you’re around the New Haven area, it would be a waste not to pass by Edgerton. No matter what season, the park will not disappoint you!

Address: 75 Cliff St, New Haven, CT 06511, United States

Five Mile Point Light

Five Mile Point Light is a lighthouse in the Long Island Sound along the New Haven coast. Formerly known as the New Haven Harbor Light, its “Five Mile” nickname derives from its proximity to downtown New Haven.

Like all other historical structures in Connecticut, the lighthouse has many stories to tell. It was built in the early 19th century mostly of locally-sourced materials.

Its builders went through rough East Haven terrain via horse carts to haul the sandstone its exterior consists of.

Meanwhile, its New Haven brick interior and its circular granite staircase from local quarries genuinely represent New Haven.

You can access the lighthouse through Lighthouse Point Park in New Haven, Connecticut. After briefly serving as a navigational aid for 30 years, the lighthouse now aesthetically pleases park-goers as its centerpiece.

You’ll adore the historic tower from a distance within the nearby antique carousel and swimming beaches. It makes a great view from the picnic areas and walkways, as well as a scenic frame for your pictures!

The green space, trees, and coast are added features to the picturesque beacon. While the park is open to the public 365 days a year, lighthouse tours are usually booked by luck. You can contact the park directly to check available schedules to make the most out of your New Haven experience!

Address: New Haven Harbor Lighthouse, New Haven, CT 06512, United States

Grove Street Cemetery

The historic Grove Street Cemetery is one of the nation’s oldest cemeteries, hailing it the “city of the dead.”

It’s also the first in the country to have family plots and New Haven’s oldest burial ground. What makes this grave historic is its record of being the forever resting place of New Haven’s earliest residents.

This includes hundreds of leaders and faculty members of Yale University, alumni, campus luminaries, and many historically significant figures.

These ancient burial grounds include the elite families of New Haven and the city’s advocates since its origin.

Of the eight historical landmarks in New Haven, Connecticut, Grove Street single-handedly made it to the list. Its location behind a stone wall and iron fence, alongside its Egyptian-Style architecture, are major factors in this recognition.

Join a guided tour of the cemetery for detailed information on Grove Street’s history and ask questions to your docent! Or you can explore the area yourself and grab a recorded script to guide you on your self-guided tours.

Part of Grove Street’s facade is its remarkable stone statues and a mix of old and new.

As you enter the only gate and entrance to the cemetery, notice the engraved words “The Dead Shall Be Raised.”

Address: 227 Grove St, New Haven, CT 06511, United States

Lighthouse Point Park Carousel

The timeless carousel at Lighthouse Point Park is historically significant in New Haven, Connecticut. Put together by the Murphy Brothers, the carousel is one of the last-standing early 20th-century carousels in the state.

Many find this relic intriguing, from its antique details to its long-running history of providing entertainment to many generations.

Located near the leg of Five Mile Point Lighthouse, the two attractions are park highlights at Lighthouse Point Park. The carousel has been operational since 1916, making it to the list of the National Registry of Historic Places.

The carousel features 69 horses, two dragon chariots, and a camel to this day. Unlike other modern structures today, detail is a noted character of the Lighthouse Point Park Carousel. Its outer rim is oil-painted with New Haven local scenes, boats, and the iconic lighthouse.

The park is a perfect spot for family adventures with the various activities you can do here. Lighthouse Point Park is the only park in New Haven with swimmable beaches.

After a lovely day in the sun or a picnic in the grass, head to the park carousel for a fun ride. These are the best things to do in the East Shore section of New Haven!

Address: 2 Lighthouse Rd, New Haven, CT 06512, United States

Little Italy New Haven

Stroll the park square and east downtown of New Haven to experience Italian-American culture and cuisine in Connecticut.

This Italian neighborhood offers the “most incredible Italian food” and is best known for its authentic pizzas. Critiques recommend dining at Frank Pepe’s or Sally’s if you’re a fan of Italian restaurants and pizzerias!

Little Italy is originally known as Wooster Square, just a walking distance of downtown New Haven. Being home to many Italian pastries, bakeries, and restaurants, it was eventually named New Haven’s “Little Italy.”

For a big urban city like New Haven, local spots like this deserve more attention than given. Moreover, it’s places like this where you meet a diverse community despite the rich Italian heritage in the area.

Appreciate the city’s local art scene with Little Italy’s weekly Farmer’s Market! The atmosphere in this side of town is too welcoming that you won’t feel like an outcast at all.

Celebrate culture in simple things, try unique Italian dishes, and immerse in Little Italy traditions, including the annual Cherry Blossom Festival!

You’ll take home a piece of Italy before you know it.

Address: Wooster Street, New Haven, CT 06511, United States

New Haven Museum

Like a genie in a bottle, New Haven preserves its vibrant history through art, architecture, and historical landmarks.

Founded in 1862, the New Haven Museum was formerly known as the New Haven Colony Historical Society. It tells the memoir of New Haven back when it was a puritan village to becoming a major industrial center.

With the city’s huge developments so far, it embraces a “greater New Haven community” through exhibits, museums, and meaningful programs.

Consequently, the New Haven museum featured thousands of volumes and manuscript collections in the Whitney Library. The library accepts visitors through appointments for the best research materials shelved and retrieved by a librarian.

The museum also operates the historic Pardee-Morris House, which hosts seasonal and informative events, including the Twilight Summer Concert Series.

After perusing a wide array of past and current exhibitions, visit the museum’s gift shop for New Haven books and collectibles!

You can always make your visit extra special with all the things you can do and learn at the New Haven Museum.

Address: 114 Whitney Ave, New Haven, CT 06510, United States

New Haven Railroad Station

Discover how New Haven Railroad Station became the most-used rail facility in Connecticut!

If you’re a regular traveler to New York City, you might have already been to this go-to station. Not only is it the most-used but also the busiest in the Amtrak national network. You’ll never see this place empty!

A third major railroad station to serve Connecticut, “New Haven,” is commonly known as Union Station. It connects transit routes between Amtrak and other commuter rail services, including the Metro-North, the Shore Line East, and the CT Rail.

Listed in the National Register of Historic Places, New Haven boasts its unique, vintage architecture designed by Cass Gilbert.

Luckily, the restoration process retained its classic touch with quality American detail. If you’re an architecture buff, you’ll find this station interesting and inspiring, the best one in New Haven!

Its limestone walls complement the ornate ceilings well, with the added sparkle of first-class chandeliers.

The station’s amenities include dozens of take-out shops with coffee and snacks, antique benches and lounges, and a newsstand.

More importantly, the smooth, comfortable travel from station to station is top-notch.

Commutes in busy cities and big stations can be messy and uncomfortable. But New Haven ensures well-maintained and clean facilities for a worthwhile trip!

Address: 50 Union Ave, New Haven, CT 06519, United States

Shubert Theater

Established by the Shubert Brothers, the Shubert Theater makes a significant breakthrough in New Haven’s art and culture scene.

Located in downtown New Haven, the 1,500-seat theater is a focal point of world-class performance in Connecticut. It’s also a public resource for art education and community programs for the diverse New Haven community.

Its first show, “The Belle of Bond Street,” starring the English-born American Broadway comedian Sam Bernard jumpstarted its productions.

Today, the theater presents various plays, musicals, operas, recitals, band tours, solo performances, and more. It was recognized as New Haven’s performing arts center and “Theater of Choice” for new productions and world-known artists.

When planning your visit, check their digital programs beforehand to see what’s upcoming! Their past programs include To Kill a Mockingbird, the Million Dollar Quartet Christmas, and New Haven Ballet’s The Nutcracker.

If you want to see Broadway shows in downtown New Haven with brilliant architecture, you’re in the right place!

The building’s Venetian Renaissance-style architecture makes every moment in Shubert extra dramatic. It features an “architecturally unified” exterior that never goes out of style.

Moreover, its state-of-the-art sound and lighting system do not fall behind in giving you goosebumps from start to finish.

Harness your inner Broadway spirit and experience this jewel of a theater in historic New Haven! Bring the whole family and be one with the community to witness a true off-Broadway theater moment.

Address: 247 College St, New Haven, CT 06510, United States

The Green

New Haven Green or “The Green” adds to another remarkable park scene in New Haven, Connecticut.

One thing that makes The Green a central point of attraction in the downtown district is being the venue for many epic shows and festivals. Legend says the 16-acre park, designed by the Puritans, was built large enough to hold as many as 140,000+ people.

This is equivalent to those who have been spared in the Second Coming of Christ!

See what the fuss was about and stop by The Green while passing through the “Elm City” of New Haven. Located in the central square, this part of town is walkable with canopies of Elm trees and one-of-a-kind architecture.

It’s a nice green spot to breathe some fresh air or watch people go about their day. There are also tons of dining and shopping opportunities with all the restaurants and shops nearby.

The Green gives off a downtown New England scene suitable for gathering and hanging out. The surrounding buildings and three churches make it the centerpiece of the New Haven Green Historic District.

Further, these churches are excellent representations of Gothic, Georgian, and Federalist designs.

A designated National Historic Landmark, The Green is the heart of the 1638 “Nine Square Plan, facing the High Victorian-style City Hall.

Lastly, it is associated with the Amistad event as home to the Amistad Memorial. 

Address: 250 Temple St, New Haven, CT 06511, United States

Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History

For over one and a half centuries, the Peabody museum has been part of New Haven’s Yale University. It is known as the oldest and largest university natural history museum in the world.

Likewise, those years were the peak period for many innovations and the development of cutting-edge research and technology. Its breathtaking galleries and facilities, such as the Jurassic-age skeletons, The Discovery Room, and changing exhibits, are unbelievably immersive.

The museum is currently under construction to pave way for a “once-in-a-lifetime transformation” but sets to open in 2024.

Meanwhile, you can take a virtual tour of the museum or check updates on the newly renovated Peabody. Their site also features hands-on activities for a marvelous virtual exploration in the comfort of your home!

The three-year renovation project, which started in December 2019, will reinvent Peabody into a more advanced, 21st-century facility.

Address: 170 Whitney Ave, New Haven, CT 06511, United States

Yale University

Yale has local and international reach for being one of the most prominent institutions around the globe. You must plan your trip to the historic campus so that you don’t get lost marveling at its buildings and landscapes!

Just 90 minutes from New York City, the Yale University campus is popular for guided and private tours.

Whether just passing by or reserving a group tour, there’s endless possibility to explore once you’re inside the campus.

Campus group tours are facilitated by knowledgeable student guides who will walk you through Yale’s history and architecture.

Your journey commences at Yale Visitor Center where you’ll first be introduced to the university’s 300-year history. The tour includes Yale’s largest libraries, the Gothic Sterling Memorial and Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library.

In addition, you’ll see through a glimpse of Yale student life through some of its fourteen residential colleges.

For unplanned, spontaneous visits, feel free to spend a day of sightseeing and strolling on the walkable campus. You can visit its historical and extensive libraries or observe the excellent architectural details and designs of Yale structures.

The college’s architecture originally features a monolithic, pseudo-Gothic style, but a majority of later buildings represent centuries of Western architecture.

Finally, conclude your visit with a stroll to on-site restaurants and shops and bring a Yale memento home! By the end of your trip, you won’t be wondering how the institution became the country’s Ivy League school.

Address: New Haven, CT 06520, United States

Yale University Art Gallery

Explore the world-class galleries at Yale University, the oldest college art museum in the country!

With over 250,000 modern and ancient exhibits, the museum’s encyclopedic facility spans a block and a half of New Haven. Explore three architecturally distinct buildings and more interconnected buildings with a mixture of modern and 20th-century architecture.

There’s always something new to learn on every visit with the museum’s rich cultural and scientific treasures. Its collections feature art in all media including Ancient Art, American Paintings and Sculpture, Asian Art, and more!

Current exhibits include the Asian Painting Rotation and a permanent collection of textiles. These collections are fine examples of objects with temperature and light sensitivity.

You’ll find more diverse collections first-hand through exhibition tours, classes, and more public programs available throughout the year! Only in New Haven, Connecticut, will you experience exploring unlimited art galleries of all cultures and periods.

Most of the exhibits are carefully curated and acquired through donations or purchases.

Discover new additions to the museum’s growing collection for any purpose, whether for research or to feed your curiosity.

The Collection Studies Center at Yale West Campus is also worth the visit to see interesting rooms and archives!

This gem in downtown New Haven will be “one for the books” that you can soon tell as an inspiring story.

Address: 1111 Chapel St, New Haven, CT 06510, United States

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