Best things to do in Connecticut

See one of the United States' largest outdoor beluga whale exhibits at Mystic Aquarium, and get close-up with sharks, sea lions, penguins, octopi, and other ocean critters. Get hands on at touch exhibits where you can feel a reptile, stingray, shark, or crustacean. For an additional fee, you can get even closer during an animal encounter program with an African penguin, beluga whale, or even feed stingrays. Children and grownups can take educational programs at the aquarium to find out more about the marine life and conservation practices. Bring your own food and dine at the outdoor picnic area or try out the on-site cafe, which offers burgers, pizzas, snacks, wraps, and so on.

The largest maritime museum in the world, Mystic Seaport Museum is home to a collection of historical ships and boats. Along with seacraft, a re-creation of a 19th-century fishing village is one of the attraction's most popular spots. The museum is housed in 60 historical commercial buildings where traditional crafts are still made the same way they were when the town was founded.

Step back into the 18th century at Olde Mistick Village. All the mall's shops are housed inside recreated houses typical for 1720s New England. Most offer locally produced goods that can't be found anywhere else. Peruse everything from clothes and accessories to handcrafts and food. The village has a selection of restaurants, and a theater shows movies and hosts live performances. Throughout the year, you can happen upon many events, exhibits, and festivals here. Even though this isn't a typical mall, modern facilities are available, along with plenty of parking space.

The Submarine Force Museum offers self-guided tours with a chance to learn about the history of submarines and their role as part of the U.S. Navy. Climb aboard the USS Nautilus--launched in 1954, the Nautilus was the world's first operational nuclear-powered submarine. Before it was decommissioned in 1980, it cruised under the ice of the North Pole, participated in NATO exercises, and joined in the naval quarantine of Cuba. The Nautilus offers self-guided audio tours. The museum houses a collection of smaller submarines, including a Japanese midget submarine (plus related items, such as periscopes), and a large library featuring a collection of books, documents, and photographs relating to the development of submersible crafts.

Visit Connecticut’s largest shoreline park with its 2 mi (3.2 km) long beach. and swim, surf, or relax under the sun at Hammonasset Beach State Park. Stroll along the boardwalk for scenic views of the sea, or extend your stay by camping in the park, whose abundance of large, well-maintained campsites are perfect for nature-lovers. The park offers plenty of bathrooms and shower facilities, as well as jogging paths and coastal trails. Pop into the open-air amphitheater, which occasionally projects outdoor movies.

Yale University Art Gallery displays art from nearly all cultures, but it's most famous for its collection of early Italian paintings, African sculptures, and modern art. Located in several buildings on the university campus, the gallery also houses world-renowned collections of American decorative and fine arts from as far back as the 17th century. Of particular note is the small collection of rare American silver. Opened in 1832, the gallery recently underwent renovations to connect three separate galleries while maintaining their distinct architectural styles; it reopened in 2012.

Originally opened as a family "picnic" park, Lake Compounce today features three roller coaster rides and more than 40 attractions. Welcoming families since 1846, it lays claim to being the oldest continuously-operating amusement park in the United States. Make sure to check out Boulder Dash, the popular wooden coaster built into the side of a mountain. Try out the slides, the wave pool, and the lazy river of Connecticut’s largest water park for no extra charge. Refresh on the go, or rent a cabana and relax on the lounge chairs. Note that the line lengths for the rides fluctuate depending on the number of campers in the area.

Perched on the hills above the Connecticut River, Gillette Castle State Park features an early 20th-century mansion and a series of lakeside walking trails. Here you'll find the crumbling former glory of actor William Gillette's medieval-looking residence, built of stone and surrounded by thick forest. You can wander the grounds, which are ideal for easy walks, thanks to pathways made from former railroad tracks. Explore the "castle" itself to see a great number of carved oak woodworks and creative features, such as built-in couches and a sliding table.