Most Scenic Road Trips in New Haven, Connecticut, United States
1. Mystic Seaport Road
A scenic route along the Connecticut coastline, offering views of quaint coastal villages and the Mystic River estuary.
- Coastal Scenery: Offers stunning ocean views and diverse coastal landscapes
- Historic Sites: Passes by numerous historic sites, including the Mystic Seaport Museum
- Seafood Restaurants: Features many seafood restaurants along the way for travelers to enjoy
2. Route 154 - Lighthouse Point Road
A picturesque road trip through the stunning Guilford shoreline, featuring views of Long Island Sound and the Branford Lighthouse.
- Marine Life Viewing: Allows travelers to observe various marine life species in their natural habitat
- Scenic Overlooks: Boasts multiple scenic overlooks for breathtaking panoramic views
- Historic Lighthouse: Ends at the Branford Lighthouse, offering a unique opportunity to explore its history
3. East Haddam's Valley Road
A charming countryside drive through the picturesque towns of East Haddam and Chester, featuring the iconic Goodspeed Opera House.
- Rural Scenery: Provides a glimpse into New England's charming rural landscapes
- Cultural Attractions: Passes by the renowned Goodspeed Opera House and Chester Historical Society Museum
- Scenic River Views: Offers stunning views of the Connecticut River and its surrounding forests
4. Route 17 - The Merritt Parkway
A scenic highway traversing through lush forests and along the scenic Housatonic River in western New Haven County.
- Nature Lovers: Ideal for nature lovers seeking a peaceful, picturesque drive
- Historic Bridges: Features several historic bridges and architectural landmarks along the route
- Rest Stops: Offers scenic rest stops for travelers to enjoy the surrounding nature and views
5. Route 65 - The Shoreline Trolley Trail
A beautiful bike or hike route along an old railroad bed, offering stunning views of Long Island Sound and surrounding forests.
- Active Travelers: Ideal for active travelers seeking a scenic biking or hiking adventure
- Nature Viewing: Allows travelers to observe various wildlife species in their natural habitat
- Coastal Scenery: Features breathtaking views of the Long Island Sound and coastal towns
6. Route 148 - The Quiet Corner
A scenic drive through northeastern Connecticut's picturesque countryside, featuring quaint towns and scenic farms.
- Rural Scenery: Provides a glimpse into New England's charming rural landscapes
- Scenic Farms: Features numerous picturesque farms and scenic vistas
- Historic Sites: Passes by several historic sites, including the Old Sturbridge Village Museum
7. Route 163 - The Essex Steam Train and Riverboat
A scenic train ride through the picturesque Connecticut River Valley, with an optional riverboat tour of the river.
- Railway Enthusiasts: Ideal for railway enthusiasts seeking a unique, scenic train ride
- Nature Lovers: Allows nature lovers to observe various wildlife species along the riverbank
- Historic Riverboat Tour: Offers an optional riverboat tour of the historic Connecticut River
8. Route 169 - The Devil's Hopyard State Park
A scenic drive through a beautiful state park featuring waterfalls, hiking trails, and the Hop River.
- Nature Lovers: Ideal for nature lovers seeking a peaceful, picturesque drive
- Hiking Opportunities: Offers numerous hiking trails with breathtaking waterfall views
- Scenic Waterfalls: Features stunning waterfalls and scenic river vistas
9. Route 163 - The Haddam Neck Road
A charming countryside drive through the picturesque towns of Deep River and Chester, featuring the iconic Gillette Castle State Park.
- Rural Scenery: Provides a glimpse into New England's charming rural landscapes
- Historic Sites: Passes by the iconic Gillette Castle State Park and other historic sites
- Scenic River Views: Offers stunning views of the Connecticut River and its surrounding forests
10. Route 14 - The Connecticut Audubon Society Center at Coastal Center
A scenic drive through the charming town of Milford, featuring the Connecticut Audubon Society's Coastal Center and Long Island Sound.
- Nature Lovers: Ideal for nature lovers seeking a peaceful, picturesque drive
- Bird Watching: Allows birdwatchers to observe various species in their natural habitat
- Coastal Scenery: Features breathtaking views of the Long Island Sound and coastal towns
11. Route 82 - The Cornwall Covered Bridge
A scenic drive through the charming town of Cornwall, featuring a historic covered bridge and scenic countryside.
- Historic Sites: Features several historic sites, including the iconic Cornwall Covered Bridge
- Rural Scenery: Provides a glimpse into New England's charming rural landscapes
- Scenic Viewpoints: Offers numerous scenic viewpoints along the route
12. Route 8 - The Hammonasset Beach State Park
A scenic drive through a beautiful state park featuring sandy beaches, dunes, and the Long Island Sound.
- Coastal Scenery: Features breathtaking views of the Long Island Sound and sandy beaches
- Beach Activities: Allows travelers to enjoy various beach activities, such as swimming and sunbathing
- Nature Lovers: Ideal for nature lovers seeking a peaceful, picturesque drive
13. Route 9 - The Florence Griswold Museum
A scenic drive through the charming town of Old Lyme, featuring the historic Florence Griswold Museum and nearby beaches.
- Cultural Attractions: Features several cultural attractions, including the iconic Florence Griswold Museum
- Coastal Scenery: Offers breathtaking views of the Connecticut River and nearby beaches
- Historic Sites: Passes by several historic sites, including the Old Lyme Inn and other charming buildings
14. Route 7 - The Litchfield Hills Scenic Byway
A scenic drive through the picturesque Litchfield Hills region, featuring charming towns, historic sites, and scenic farms.
- Rural Scenery: Provides a glimpse into New England's charming rural landscapes
- Historic Sites: Passes by several historic sites, including the White Memorial Conservation Center
- Scenic Farms: Features numerous picturesque farms and scenic vistas
15. Route 2 - The Litchfield Saltwater Coast Scenic Byway
A scenic drive along the Connecticut coastline, featuring charming coastal villages, salt marshes, and the Long Island Sound.
- Coastal Scenery: Features breathtaking views of the Long Island Sound and surrounding coastline
- Historic Sites: Passes by several historic sites, including the Fenwick Beach Historical Marker
- Seafood Restaurants: Features many seafood restaurants along the way for travelers to enjoy