38 Things to Do in Connecticut this July

1. Explore on UTVs. Get behind the wheel of a UTV and take a guided tour through privately owned trails with Backyard Adventure Tours in Canaan.

2. Go tubing. Grab the gang and go splashing down the refreshing and scenic Farmington River at Farmington River Tubing.

3. Embark on a fishing charter. Take a captain-lead fishing trip aboard Captain Seth Sportfishing Fleet, Islander Sport Fishing Charters, or  Lucky Strike Charters.

4. Experience waterfront thrills. From ziplining to water obstacles and more, adventure on the water at Club Getaway in Kent and Brownstone Adventure Sports Park in Portland.

5. Play notable golf courses. On a beautiful day, get outdoors and take a swing at these buzzworthy golf courses throughout the state.

6. Take a cruise. Explore the scenic lower Connecticut River aboard RiverQuest and enjoy a narrated public cruise or even a sunset cruise.

7. Get movin'. People of all abilities, ages and fitness levels can register for the annual MOVE! With the Urban League of Greater Hartford event, which includes a 5K and 1 mile run or walk, free kids races, and a Movement Festival of fitness activities in the southern portion of historic Keney Park.

8. Connect with animals. A little time with a furry friend can do a lot for the soul. Detox with a rejuvenating llama walk at Rowanwood Farm in Newtown, meet rescue animals at Ray of Light Farm in East Haddam, or visit gentle alpacas at Lavender Hill Farm in Voluntown.

9. Plan a girls’ weekend by the water. Gather the girlfriends and book a night (or two, or three) at Insta-worthy beach town hotels such as The Surfside in Stratford, Saybrook Point Resort & Marina in Old Saybrook, Water’s Edge Resort & Spa in Westbrook, Madison Beach Hotel in Madison, Interlaken Inn in Lakeville, or the Whaler’s Inn in Mystic.

10. Get away the green way. Sleep better knowing you’re helping the environment! Escape to one of these certified green hotels across the state.

11. Find a sanctuary. Try peaceful activities such as yoga classes and beekeeping demonstrations on the vast and beautiful grounds of Catharine Violet Hubbard Animal Sanctuary.

12. Tour architecture. From historic and artistic structures to celebrated works by well-known architects, explore Connecticut’s diverse architectural masterpieces throughout the state.  

13. Find vintage treasures. Go on the hunt for antiques at Nathan Liverant and Son Antiques in Colchester, Tongue in Chique in Bridgeport, Old Saybrook Antiques Center, and other antique shops and centers throughout Connecticut.

14. Take an art walk. Discover a 234-acre tree farm and landscape sculpture park at Hogpen Hill Farms, explore work from local Woodbury artists at the Arts Alliance of Woodbury Art Walk, admire murals walking in downtown New London, stroll by the river and see the award-winning sculpture reflecting the life of Abraham Lincoln in Hartford, or pack a picnic to enjoy the grounds of The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum.

15. Enrich your mind. From historic sites to art galleries and even some one-of-a-kind displays, visit a few of Connecticut’s many museums for a truly fascinating experience.

16. Admire Impressionist art. Connecticut was an important creative seedbed of American Impressionism in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Explore Impressionist exhibitions at museums across the state.

17. Attend summer concerts. Enjoy the beat of the music at Connecticut's many live music venues. 

18. See the Wadsworth's latest exhibit. Check out the Wadswoth Atheneum's powerful exhibit Styling Identities: Hair's Tangled Histories, which explores how we express our identity to the world through our hair, conforming to societal norms or using it to show defiance and forge our own path.

19. Savor seafood. From clams to lobster, taste all your favorites with a visit to these classic summer seafood shacks.

20. Take a hot dog tour. Whether you like them topped with bacon or a famous hot relish, you’ll find savory flavors at every turn on this Connecticut hot dog tour.

21. Raise the roof. Celebrate summer air and good food at these cool rooftops and other outdoor spots that offer fantastic views.

22. Check out a brewery. Raise a glass and devour good food at breweries like Urban Lodge Brewing, Half Full Brewery, Two Roads Brewing Company, and more. 

23. Eat the “coolest” ice cream. The only thing better than cooling down with an ice cream cone? When the treat looks as good as it tastes. Plan a trip to these Insta-worthy ice cream shops on a hot summer day.

24. Dine by the water. Nothing beats a waterfront restaurant — especially on a warm summer night. Grab a seat with a view, a handcrafted drink, and let the menu make your mouth water at these great spots.

25. Cook with the pros. If you are on a quest for sharpening your cooking skills, or feel like you need some inspiration from a pro, book a cooking class at Fig Cooking School — expect flavor and plenty of fun!

26. Sip for Shark Week. Celebrate Shark Week by immersing yourself in a world of exceptional white wines at Saybrook Point Resort & Marina's SIP Wine Bar, including both renowned favorites and hidden gems waiting to be discovered.

27. Go out to the ballgame. Take the family to enjoy peanuts, cracker jacks, and home runs hit by Connecticut’s baseball teams.

28. Pick your own blueberries.  July is the beginning of the blueberry season! Pick your own at Buell’s Orchards in Eastford, Belltown Hill Orchards in South Glastonbury, and Scott’s Yankee Farmer in East Lyme.

29. See fireworks. Nothing says summer like a fireworks show! Find one near you and light up the night.

30. Visit Connecticut icons. Some of Connecticut’s summer spots really deserve an “iconic” status. Plan a road trip to see them all.

31. Find something for the teens. Have a teen who’s not easily impressed by family fun? Have no fear – try these cool spots the whole family will enjoy.

32. Try the state's first water coaster. Quassy Amusement & Waterpark features Rocket Rapids, Connecticut's first-ever water coaster. Ride a raft propelled uphill by water jets along more than 600 feet of H2O fun!

33. Play pickleball. This multi-generational sport is taking over Connecticut! Find a venue near you and give it a try.

34. Wine and dine at wine bars. From chardonnay to merlot, take your date to sip their favorite at charming wine bars such as Barcelona in New Haven, South Bay in Fairfield, Vinted in West Hartford, and The Owl Wine Bar in New Preston.

35. Tour like locals.  Immerse yourselves in Connecticut cities the way the locals do! Discover new places together and get the scoop on the best spots in Stamford, New Haven, Hartford, and Norwalk.

36. Escape the city. Whisk your special someone away and enjoy summer experiences you just can’t have in the city – from island kayaking to drive-in movies, sunflower fields and more.

37. Picnic in the park. Plan a sweet date night in one of Connecticut's perfect picnic spots.

38. Go stargazing. What could be more romantic than looking at the stars together? Take your special someone to these stargazing spots and watch sparks fly.