Best Things to Do in Connecticut for Couples
Connecticut may be small, but the Constitution State packs a big punch when it comes to fun and romantic activities for couples. From historic lighthouses and lush vineyards to charming villages and luxurious spas, Connecticut has something for every couple.
This comprehensive guide covers some of the most memorable and unique things to do in Connecticut for couples, whether you're looking for outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or just some quality time together. We've organized the activities geographically so you can easily plan a Connecticut couples getaway from start to finish.
Fairfield County
The southwest corner of the state delivers sophisticated pleasures in Connecticut's Gold Coast. Couples can stroll hand-in-hand along the Long Island Sound beaches before indulging in fine dining and chic boutique hotels at night.
Have a Romantic Beach Picnic in Westport
Pack a basket with wine, cheese and fruit and spread out a blanket at Compo Beach in Westport. This two-mile stretch of beautiful soft sand hugs the Long Island Sound, with views of the rolling waves and fishing boats bobbing on the horizon. The relaxing atmosphere makes it a perfect place for couples to steal some time together.
After your picnic, take a romantic stroll down Longshore Avenue to see the stately waterfront homes. If you're up for more activity, rent a kayak or stand up paddleboards from the marina and cruise along near the shore.
Catch a Show at the Ridgefield Playhouse
The 500-seat Ridgefield Playhouse in central Ridgefield hosts concerts, comedy shows and independent films. Snag tickets to a jazz, folk or cabaret concert and make a night of it. Arrive early to stroll around Ridgefield's lovely town square, dotted with restaurants, bakeries and boutiques. Can't-miss dining options include the Mediterranean dishes at Gallo or contemporary American cuisine at Lounsbury House Restaurant.
Sip and Paint at Chianti Tuscan Steakhouse
Release your inner artist and enjoy a fun couple's night at this Stamford restaurant's weekly Sip and Paint class. You'll be guided step-by-step through creating your own Tuscan-inspired painting while sipping unlimited sangria, wine or beer. The 2.5 hour class includes art supplies and a three-course Italian meal. No experience necessary!
Unwind at The Spa at Norwalk
Treat yourselves to a relaxing couples massage or side-by-side facials at this zen-like day spa. Soak in the tranquility of the rock sauna or take a dip in the indoor saline pool. The spa uses all natural and organic Eminence products. Choose from specialty massages like hot stone, prenatal or aromatherapy. They also offer full salon services. It's the perfect antidote after a busy week.
New Haven Region
New Haven mixes small city culture and Ivy League charms. The home of Yale University has fascinating museums and iconic pizza parlors cheek by jowl. Couples can soak up history and art before chilling out in cool cafes.
Admire American Art at Yale University Art Gallery
This massive museum houses over 200,000 fine art pieces spanning the gamut of creative disciplines. Wander through and admire installations like fashion designer Coco Chanel's 1920s Paris apartment or the Vietnam War-era protest banners in the Societal Change exhibit. Don't miss masterpieces like Van Gogh's The Night Cafe and Picasso's Mother and Child. Stop for a coffee break at the gallery cafe in the airy Louis Kahn building.
See a Show at Long Wharf Theatre
Housed in a modern cliffside building, Long Wharf Theatre has premiered works by giants like Eugene O'Neill and Tom Stoppard. Attend a provocative performance in the intimate Loeb Mainstage theater followed by drinks and conversation at the on-site restaurant. Shows range from hard-hitting dramas to outrageous comedies, including many world premieres.
Pause for Pastries at Atticus Bookstore & Cafe
There's nothing more romantic than being surrounded by shelves of books while enjoying coffee and homemade sweets with your sweetie. Atticus hits the spot with freshly baked scones, muffins, croissants and cinnamon rolls in a cozy book nook setting. Browse their sharables for later like locally made chocolates, shortbreads and caramels. Breath in the heavenly scent of cinnamon-dusted baked goods while cuddling in a repurposed wingback chair.
Hartford & the Litchfield Hills
Inland Connecticut blends small town New England charm with natural beauty. Couples can ramble down wooded trails by day and cozy up by crackling fireplaces at night.
Roam Peaceful Litchfield Hills Trails
Made for meandering hand-in-hand, the hiking trails at Kent Falls State Park treat you to views of dramatic waterfalls surrounded by hues of fall foliage. Stop for a smooch under the covered bridge or on the observation decks gazing at the 250-foot falls.
Also charming is the easy 1-mile loop trail around Lake Waramaug, second in size only to Candlewood Lake. Stroll lakeside, keeping an eye out for loons and herons. Make time for relaxing lakeside at Hopkins Vineyard afterwards.
Cozy Up at Winvian Farm
This ultra-romantic Litchfield County resort spans 113 acres of fields, woodlands and streams. Each individually designed cottage has themed decor, fireplaces and even private helipads.
Spend the day lounging fireside in your cottage before indulging in a private dinner of seasonal delicacies and wine pairing selected by their sommelier. End with couple's spa treatments like the Symington Circle massage based on ancient Aboriginal techniques. Utterly indulgent.
Catch a Show at Goodspeed Opera House
This gorgeous 1876 Victorian theater in East Haddam hosts acclaimed musicals like Annie and Showboat in an intimate setting. Sit cozily in antique wooden seats while being swept up into fabulous song and dance productions.
Arrive early to stroll hand-in-hand across the 1900 Goodspeed Bridge spanning the Connecticut River. Enjoy a pre-show drink or snack at Gelston House Restaurant right onsite.
Savor Inventive Fare & Craft Beer at City Steam Brewery Cafe
This Hartford brewhouse and eatery is an experience. Sip one of City Steam's signature brews like the Naughty Nurse amber ale as you dine on eclectic made-from-scratch dishes with global flavors.
Try the pretzel-crusted chicken bathed in spicy mustard cream sauce or the mouthwatering Brazilian seafood stew with lobster, shrimp, scallops and mussels in coconut milk. Their creative menu offers options for all palates alongside the bustling open brewhouse. It's loads of fun.
Unwind at Delamar West Hartford
Sleek and chic, this boutique hotel pampers couples with plush accommodations and complimentary French-inspired breakfast daily. Sink into comfortable king beds with luxury linens and unwind in your spa-like bathroom with heated floors and waterfall showers.
Relax after a day out at the elegant Artisan restaurant and lounge onsite. Sip thoughtfully crafted cocktails fireside or indulge in a Champagne pedicure for two at the full-service spa. The perfect urban retreat.
Mystic & the Southeast Coast
Charming seaside villages, historic ships and fresh seafood define Connecticut's southeast corner. Couples can soak up maritime history and scenic views in between beachy getaways.
Stroll Through Mystic Seaport Museum
This sprawling outdoor museum brings you back in time to a 19th century maritime village, from the chandlery to the shipyard. Chat with costumed craftsmen doing ropemaking, blacksmithing or weaving.
Explore tall ships like the Charles W. Morgan, the last wooden whaling ship. End your visit with a traditional ale at the S&P Oyster Co. Saloon. Don't miss the museum's annual Lobster Days in September, culminating in a hilarious lobster race!
Have a Romantic Dinner at Engine Room
Housed in an old rumrunner's garage in Mystic, this atmospheric restaurant focuses on locally sourced seafood and produce. Start with Fishers Island oysters on the half shell with jalapeno granita before indulging in entrees like pan roasted monkfish or Long Island duck breast. Cozy up in the interior dining room or at an outdoor table overlooking the Mystic River. Time your reservation at sunset for breathtaking views.
Catch a Flick at the Garde Arts Center
Dating back to 1926, the lavish Garde Arts Center hosts musical acts, plays and films in a glittering historic theater in New London. The domed ceiling sparkles with thousands of lights. Attend a screening of a classic film or indie flick before heading to dinner nearby. Munch on crepes, paninis and French pastries at Slice of New London or upscale American bites at On the Waterfront.
Enjoy Some PDA at Saltwater Farm Vineyard
What could be more romantic than enjoying award-winning wines together on a seaside vineyard? The tasting room at Saltwater Farm overlooks rolling vineyards to the Long Island Sound. Try the crisp Pinot Grigio and subtly oaked Chardonnay. Outdoors you'll find picnic tables, lounge chairs and even a bocce court next to the vines. Relax and toast your shared adventures.
The Quiet Corner & Windham Region
Northeastern Connecticut delivers natural beauty with a dash of rural charm. State forests and lakes provide a scenic backdrop for couples to reconnect away from it all.
Go Wine Tasting at Sharpe Hill Vineyard
Rustic and unpretentious, this Pomfret vineyard crafts some of Connecticut's finest still and sparkling wines. Enjoy a flight on the outdoor patio before ordering a glass of their award-winning Ballet of Angels sparkling wine, aged three years for a marvelously complex flavor. Meander through rows of grapes or play a game of bocce ball on the vintage court.
Paddle the Mashamoquet Brook & Relax at Taylor Brooke Winery
Pack a picnic lunch and embark on a peaceful paddling trip along the Mashamoquet Brook State Park canoe trail. Covered bridges and gentle rapids make for a fun 3.5 mile route.
Afterwards, head to Taylor Brooke Winery in the lakeside town of Woodstock Valley. Savor a glass on their wraparound porch overlooking the vineyards before sitting down to a wine-paired tasting menu, showcasing farm fresh, seasonal ingredients.
Hike in Cathedral Pines Forest Preserve
Explore this special old growth Eastern White Pine forest preserve hand-in-hand. Some towering trees here are 200-300 years old! Marked hiking trails loop you through stands of massive pines and scenic wetlands. Look up in awe and get a sense of how Native Americans experienced these impressive trees centuries ago. It's truly a place to disconnect from the grind and be present together.
Catch an Indie Film at Bradley Playhouse
Downtown Putnam's 1930s Art Deco Bradley Playhouse shows indie, foreign and documentary films in an intimate, historical setting. Grab tickets to catch an offbeat movie and support this nonprofit community theater. Have a pre-show dinner date nearby at 85 Main Restaurant & Bar, with exposed brick walls and seasonal New American fare crafted from local ingredients. Cozy up in the velvety seats and enjoy an evening out together.
Disconnect at The Inn at Woodstock Hill
Situated on 40 hilltop acres, this adults-only country inn invites you to disconnect and focus on each other. Rooms fuse modern and antique decor, some with gas fireplaces and oversized jetted tubs made for two. Have morning coffee delivered to your room before indulging in their acclaimed breakfast or afternoon tea. Explore the forested trails on property before relaxing at the hilltop gazebo with a glass of wine. Let the world fade away.
Casual Shoreline Eats & Stays
Dotting Connecticut's coastline you'll find laidback seaside eateries dishing up fresh lobster rolls and oysters alongside retro motels and ice cream stands. The shoreline offers couples a more casual way to connect without breaking the budget.
Crack Lobsters at Abbott's Lobster in the Rough
A Connecticut shoreline institution, Abbott's serves steaminglobsters al fresco right on Long Island Sound. Order lobsters big as your forearm, along with clams, corn on the cob and other sides. Roll up your sleeves, don plastic bibs and crack those shells! Outdoors under fluttering flags you'll find picnic tables and gazebos (with heat lamps for chilly days) overlooking the water.
Stay at Saybrook Point Inn & Marina
This posh Connecticut Coast resort spans over 4-acres in Old Saybrook, but offers rooms for most budgets. Cozy up in an affordable Garden View room or indulge in a marina-view suite with fireplace, double whirlpool tub and private veranda. You'll find a full-service spa and fitness center along with complimentary bicycles and evening s'mores. Their signature restaurant Fresh Salt focuses on locally sourced cuisine and their waterside terrace bar hosts live music on weekends.
Bike Through Hammonasset Beach State Park
Pedal along the flat two-lane road through this expansive shoreline park, stopping for scenic lookouts overlooking Long Island Sound. Rent bikes by the hour from Sound Cyclery right outside the park entrance. Feel the breeze as you cruise past the nature center and tidal marshes to Hammonasset Beach, with wooden boardwalks and 2 miles of sandy shore. Lock the bikes and take a romantic barefoot stroll holding hands along the surf.
Chow Down at Lenny & Joe's Fish Tale
For family-style seafood feasts, head to Lenny & Joe's, with locations in Madison, New Haven, Rocky Hill and Westbrook. Get your hands dirty peeling chilled wild shrimp while munching on cornbread, coleslaw and other sides. Seafood choices include fried shrimp, scallop rolls, fish and chips, clam strips and of course, creamy lobster rolls. Save room for a gooey hot fudge sundae afterwards! The fun, casual setting is perfect for low key couples time.
Make Fudge & Ice Cream at Arethusa Farm Dairy
What couple doesn't enjoy sampling sweet treats together? At Arethusa Farm in Bantam, watch dairy artisans crafting creamy ice cream, cheese and fudge before creating your own flavorful soft serve sundae. Their premium ice cream uses milk straight from their herd of Holstein cows grazing onsite. Select mix-ins like chocolate chips or honey roasted nuts and top it off with a decadent drizzle. Stroll the scenic farmland after enjoying your sweet snack.
Accommodations Across Connecticut
After adventuring around the Constitution State all day, couples need somewhere cozy and welcoming to rest up for the next foray. Luckily, Connecticut offers accommodations to suit every taste and budget. Here's a sampling of the most romantic and unique places for couples to lay their head.
Charming Historic Inns
Homestead Inn- Greenwich: Exuding Gilded Age glamour, this small boutique hotel on posh Mill Street has individually decorated rooms marrying modern amenities with antique charm. Luxurious beds, Persian rugs and marble bathrooms satisfy. Unwind in plush robes after a day out. Their brunch and afternoon tea are standouts.
Stonecroft Country Inn- Ledyard: Seclusion awaits at Stonecroft Inn situated on 12 private wooded acres. The spacious luxury suites fuse colonial architecture with contemporary flair. Soak together by the double whirlpool tub and cozy up to your in-room fireplace. Wake up to birdsong on your private porch. An elegant country escape just minutes from mystic attractions.
The Whaler's Inn- Mystic: History comes alive at this downtown Mystic inn built in 1823 as a former whaling merchant's home. Nautically inspired rooms named for ships feature canopy beds, antique decor and marble bathrooms, steps from Mystic Seaport Museum. Start your day with their complimentary baked goods and coffee.
Soak up History in Essex
Nestled along the picturesque Connecticut River, the small village of Essex exudes historic New England charm. From museums chronicling its shipbuilding and maritime past to elegant inns and antique shops, couples can step back in time together.
Explore Essex Steam Train & Riverboat
Take a leisurely 12-mile ride aboard a vintage locomotive or riverboat from the 1892 Essex Station. The steam train rolls past lush farmland and chugs over a vintage trestle bridge. Alternatively, couples can climb aboard the Becky Thatcher riverboat for a relaxing cruise along the Connecticut River with views of Gillette Castle and Goodspeed Opera House.
Sip & Sample at Saltwater Farm Vineyard
The tasting room at this seaside vineyard overlooking rolling grapes offers award-winning wines and scenic vistas. Sample crisp whites like Pinot Grigio and subtly oaked Chardonnays. Enjoy with a cheese plate on the wraparound porch or near the bocce court and vines.
See Pratt Mansion
One of the best-preserved Victorian homes in the state, Pratt Mansion gives couples a glimpse into lavish 1800's life. The opulent interior has 22 rooms decorated with original furnishings, stained glass and ornate features. Stroll the grounds afterward and stop in the historic carriage house.
Admire Opulent Estates & Gardens
Connecticut's Gold Coast mansions and cultivated gardens offer couples a window into the lavish lifestyles of America's early industrialists and high society. Don your dresses and suits and channel the romance of a bygone era as you explore these beautifully designed spaces.
Tour Hill-Stead Museum
This stately Colonial Revival home was built for wealthy industrialist Alfred Pope. The 152 acres encompass a lush sunken garden designed by Beatrix Jones, packed with colorful perennials. Inside the 1901 mansion find an eclectic art collection, including works by Monet, Degas, and Cassatt. Stroll the walking trails hand-in-hand after your house tour.
Marvel at Florence Griswold Museum
Once home to impressionist artists in the early 1900s, these manicured grounds now display a fine collection of American Impressionist paintings. The Krieble Gallery showcases seminal works from the Florence Griswold Art Colony. Walk under the property's beautiful wisteria-covered arbor in full bloom each June.
Wander Through Bellamy-Ferriday House & Garden
Constructed in 1750, this elegant Georgian mansion features lavish decor and furnishings from various eras. Not to miss are the formal English-style gardens, considered some of the oldest in New England. Lilacs and peonies bloom in spring while fall brings fiery foliage. Pop into the gardener's cottage afterwards for tea or lunch.
Tour Roseland Cottage
Built in 1846 in Woodstock, Roseland Cottage gives an inside look at wealthy businessman Henry Bowen and his family’s summer home life in the late 1800s. Bowen helped develop Woodstock as an upscale rural resort town. The elaborately decorated Gothic Revival cottage now hosts events like afternoon teas and summer concerts on the parterre garden.
Stay at Mayflower Grace
This boutique Relais & Châteaux estate in Washington offers refined luxury in 58 acres of scenic countryside. The accommodations blend vintage and contemporary style. Pamper yourselves at the spa before indulging in their lauded farm-to-table cuisine showcasing produce from their gardens. The epitome of sophisticated romance.
Candlelit Dinners for Two
What's more romantic than sharing an intimate meal by candlelight? Connecticut offers no shortage of restaurants perfect for date nights, from rustic taverns with flickering lanterns to white tablecloth establishments aglow with warm candlelight.
Farm-to-Table Fare at The Whelk
Savoring seasonally inspired dishes made from local fare forages the bond between couples and the earth. At this Westport gem, Chef Bill Taibe crafts a daily-changing menu fusing global flavors with ingredients sourced from regional farmers and fishermen. Dine in the candlelit dining room or at the dark marble chef's counter watching Taibe's team in action.
Scenic Surf & Turf at The Place in Guilford
Overlooking the historic Guilford Green, this fine dining staple delivers elevated surf and turf dishes in an elegant candlelit setting. Couples can swoon over Chilean sea bass topped with lobster or filet mignon alongside seared scallops. Retire to the cozy bar after dinner for a nightcap by the fireplace.
French Countryside Vibes at Apricots Restaurant
For a taste of Provence, this Farmington Valley restaurant pairs innovative French-inspired cuisine with rustic country ambience. Dine among stone walls, copper pots and flickering candles. Start with charcuterie and cheese plates before moving on to duck cassoulet or bouillabaisse stew brimming with seafood. Their select wine list provides the perfect match.
Romantic Port House in Fairfield
Situated in a historic seaport, this chic and intimate restaurant focuses on stellar locally-caught seafood. Start with jumbo lump crab fritters or oysters before savoring entrees like seared cod with lobster risotto or diver scallops with savory citrus beurre blanc sauce. Their craft cocktail list incorporates homemade syrups and purees. Request a window table overlooking the marina.
Cozy Up at Metro Bis in Simsbury
Fusing Mediterranean and French influences, this low-lit bistro crafts seasonal dishes made for sharing. Sample charcuterie boards piled with artisanal meats, cheeses and accoutrements. Savor rich beef bourguignon and Portuguese seafood stew brimming with mussels, scallops and monkfish. Their warm ambience ensures a meal that lingers.
Conclusion
Connecticut may be small, but it offers no shortage of memorable, romantic activities for traveling duos. From scenic shorelines and cozy villages to opulent estates and countryside trails, couples can craft their own perfect Connecticut escape.
Stroll hand-in-hand through historic maritime villages, steal a private picnic on the beach, or indulge in fine wine and farm-to-table fare by flickering candlelight. Luxurious spas, charming inns and seaside resorts stand ready to pamper couples after days spent exploring.
As you plan your next couples' getaway, consider adding Connecticut to your list. Its diversity of landscapes, close proximity to major cities, and myriad options to reconnect make it an ideal destination for tandem travelers. Discover lighthouses and vineyards, museums and gardens, city pleasures and country trails all wrapped up in an easy Northeast escape.
Let Connecticut sweep you away on a journey through history, art and nature - together.
