Introduction
Branford, Connecticut is a beautiful place to visit. There is a wide range of activities and attractions for people of all ages. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures or indoor activities such as shopping and sightseeing, there’s something here for everyone!
1. Thimble Islands
If you’re looking for something fun to do, there is a group of islands right off the coast of Branford that are great for exploring. The Thimble Islands are an archipelago just offshore, with more than 20 islands varying in size and vegetation. They were formed by the last glacier age when huge chunks of ice broke off from glaciers and melted into the ocean. As they melted they left behind rocky formations that eventually became islands. The largest one is named Oyster Island and covers a third of an acre; it has beautiful views of Long Island Sound and is surrounded by water lilies where you can swim or kayak with ease!
In addition to being great for swimming and hiking, there are also several restaurants on Oyster Island as well as shops selling handmade jewelry made from sea glass collected during walks along its beaches (you can also buy your oea glass at many locations). You can easily get there by boat tour or charter boat if you don’t have your own at home; many people enjoy spending their time here relaxing while others prefer going out on fishing trips or sightseeing tours instead!
2. Route 146 Scenic Drive
Route 146 Scenic Drive is a scenic driving route through Branford, CT. Route 146 runs along the shoreline of Long Island Sound and provides stunning views of the ocean as well as nearby islands. The road itself is quite narrow in most places so be prepared to pass slower traffic on your left.
Route 146 Scenic Drive has become an extremely popular destination for cyclists and motorcyclists because it offers several scenic spots for taking pictures or just enjoying nature’s beauty at its finest! The road also has many pull-offs where you can park your car or motorcycle so you can enjoy a picnic lunch while taking in some spectacular views of Long Island Sound and its surrounding islands.
Route 146 Scenic Drive is also a favorite among car enthusiasts who come here often because this area has plenty of opportunities to spot rare vehicles such as muscle cars or exotic supercars!
3. Stony Creek Brewery
Stony Creek Brewery is a craft brewery located in Branford, Connecticut. It was opened in 2014 and has since become quite popular with locals and tourists alike because of its great beer and outdoor seating area.
The brewery has a tasting room and offers tours of the facility, so you can see firsthand how they make their delicious brews. They have won many awards for their beers including “Best American-Style IPA” at the Great American Beer Festival in 2015 and 2016, making them one of the most award-winning breweries on this list!
If you’re looking for something fun to do with your friends or family while visiting Connecticut then check out Stony Creek Brewery!
4. Stony Creek Museum
Stony Creek Museum is a fun place to visit for anyone who likes nature and history. It’s located on the shores of Stony Creek Lake, which means you won’t be able to miss it.
The museum itself has multiple galleries, including one that contains fossils from the Triassic period and another that focuses on Native American culture. The museum also hosts special exhibits throughout the year, like its recent “A World War I Experience” exhibit.
The best time to go is during the warmer months (May through October), as it gets too chilly in Branford at night during fall or winter. Admission prices vary depending on what exhibit you want to see; general admission costs $10 for adults, $8 for seniors ages 62+, $5 for children ages 3-17, and children under three years old get in free! Parking costs $2 per hour with a maximum charge of $15 per day. There are no official gift shops inside the museum itself but there are many local businesses nearby where you can find souvenirs at reasonable prices!
5. Thimble Islands Brewing Company
Thimble Islands Brewing Company is a family-owned brewery located in a historic building. It offers tours, with tastings of the beers. The company’s beers are named after nearby islands and include “Thimbleberry Wheat” and “Thimble Island IPA.”
6. Branford Trail
Branford Trail is a 2.5-mile trail that runs along the Branford River, which connects Hammonasset Beach State Park, Guilford Beach State Park, and Hermit Island State Park. The trail is open year-round and can be used for walking, running, biking, and cross-country skiing.
Branford Trail offers residents numerous opportunities for recreation such as hiking, fishing, or kayaking on the river. You may even see some wildlife along the way!
7. Duvig
Duvig is a restaurant in Branford, Connecticut with a full bar and dining room. They serve American cuisine and have a patio. Diving is located at 3 Main St, Branford, CT
8. Cue & Brew
Cue & Brew is a popular bar in Branford. It has a wide selection of beers, pool tables and dart boards, and even an outdoor patio where you can enjoy live music or television while eating food from their full menu.
9. Aura Day Spa
Aura Day Spa is a full-service day spa offering massages, facials, skincare, and nail services. Located in Branford Connecticut Aura was voted one of the top 50 spas in the US by Spa Finder Magazine and has been featured in many magazines and newspapers including Boston Magazine.
The spa offers an array of services from massages to facials, and body treatments to waxing. They also carry their line of products that are used during each service for optimal results.
10. Brandford Antiques & Home Design
Brandford Antiques & Home Design is located at 561 Main Street. They are open Monday through Saturday from 10 am to 7 pm, and on Sundays from 11 am to 4 pm. They specialize in antique furniture, vintage home decor, and the occasional collectible piece of jewelry. Their hours are flexible depending on what you’re looking for – they can stay late if you want to browse some more precious items!
Their website has a map of their location: https://brandfordantiqueshomedesign.com/location/. You can also call ahead or email them with any questions about specific pieces or purchases made there before your visit; this makes it easier for everyone involved! This store is owned by Brad Holt who was born in Branford but now lives there full-time with his wife Deborah (we’ve heard she’s pretty nice).
11. Legacy Theatre
Now that we’ve got the basics out of the way, let’s get down to business. The Legacy Theatre is intended to be a performing arts center located in downtown Branford, Connecticut. It opened in the fall of 2011 and has since hosted a variety of events including concerts, plays, and movies.
The theatre has an intimate atmosphere with great acoustics and seating for up to 250 people; they also have spacious lobby areas with plenty of room for dancing after your show! They host fun-themed shows like Saturday Night Fever (a tribute show featuring Bee Gees tunes) or A Chorus Line (a classic musical about Broadway hopefuls). They even offer birthday packages if you want to make your party even more memorable!
12. Polished Boutique
Polished Boutique is a local store that sells jewelry, home decor, and gifts. They have a nice selection of items to choose from at reasonable prices. The staff is very friendly and helpful as well! If you’re looking for accessories like bracelets or earrings this would be the place to go because they have an amazing collection of them too!
The shop itself is beautifully decorated with cheery colors that make it feel warm and welcoming. It’s located in downtown Branford on Main Street which makes it easy for people who don’t live nearby to visit Polished Boutique as well!
13. Thimble Island Cruise
If you’re looking for a cruise that is both fun and educational, then the Thimble Island Cruise is perfect for you. This company offers sightseeing tours of the Thimble Islands and wildlife watching along the shoreline. The best time to visit this area is between May and October when there are more birds around. In addition to cruises, Thimble Island Yacht Charters also offers private charters with some special features such as stargazing or sunset cruises. The company departs from Stony Creek Marina in Branford, CT weather permitting so check their website before making your reservation!
14. Regal Cinemas Branford 12
- Location: 290 Church St Branford, Connecticut
- Phone number: 203-208-9000
- Movie times and cost: click here to see the current movie schedule. Tickets are $8.50 per adult; $7.50 for seniors (65+), children (13-17), and students (with valid ID); $6 for children ages 3-12, free for kids under 3; and free for everyone on Tuesdays!
- Website: http://www.regmovies.com/locations/branford
15. BY the SEA Day Spa
This one’s a no-brainer. If you want to relax, BY the SEA Day Spa is the place to do it. Located within the Branford Hotel and Spa, this full-service spa offers a variety of services including massage therapy, facials, body treatments, and waxing—all in a soothing environment that will help you unwind from your day at work or school.
16. Branford River Resort and Spa
Branford River Resort and Spa is located in Branford, CT. It features a spa, restaurant, and bar. The hotel has a swimming pool, tennis courts, and a fitness center. The resort also has a private beach for relaxing after work or during the weekend. There are sauna rooms as well as steam rooms for you to use in between activities. You can relax further with the whirlpool tubs or hot tubs that are available at this location as well!
17. Captain Dave’s Thimble Island Cruises
Captain Dave’s Thimble Island Cruises is a small-boat cruise that takes you to the Thimble Islands, where you can enjoy views of wildlife and wildflowers while learning about the history of this area. This tour is perfect for those who love nature, history, and sightseeing!
18. Sail-Works
Sailing is a fun activity that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. Sail-Works is a sailing school located in Branford, Connecticut. They offer classes for people of all ages and have a fleet of boats, including catamarans, dinghies, and kayaks. They also have a boatyard where you can rent a boat for the day.
19. Nightjack Sportfishing LLC
Nightjack Sportfishing LLC is located in New Haven, Connecticut. They offer fishing charters on Long Island Sound and they will take you out to fish any time of day or night. They are open 7 days a week, but their operating hours vary by season. To make a reservation, call them at (203) 997-0012 or email info@nightjacksportfishing.com. Their prices range from $60-$200 per person depending on the trip you choose and how many people are on board with you, so check out their website www.nightjacksportfishing.com/pricing for more details!
One thing that makes this activity unique is that there’s always an element of surprise—you never know when your next catch will be!
20. Captain Morgan’s Boat Training & Charters, LLC
If you’re looking for a fun way to spend the day on the water, look no further than Captain Morgan’s Boat Training & Charters, LLC. This company offers boat training and boating charters for groups of all sizes.
The captain will give your group an introduction to boating basics before taking them out on one of their unique boats. These include a 21-foot Stingray pontoon boat that can hold up to ten people and has a canopy top; or a 28-foot Mako powerboat that seats six people and comes with an ice chest so everyone can keep cool while enjoying some drinks!
Takeaway
Branford is a great place to visit with your family and friends. There are a lot of fun things to do here, so make sure to come and see them!
Conclusion
Branford is a great place to visit with your family and friends. There are many things to do in this town that will keep everyone entertained as they enjoy their time together.
