Introduction
If you’re looking for a fun weekend getaway that’s not too far from New York City, look no further than Norwalk, Connecticut. This small city is just north of Westport and Fairfield and has a lot to offer. Here are my top 21 places to visit in Norwalk (plus a few bonus stops).
1. Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum
The Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum is a National Historic Landmark, and it’s one of the most beautiful places that you could take your family to in Norwalk. It was built in 1852 by Captain Henry Stiles Lockwood and his wife, Isabella Mathews. The mansion is located on Main Street in downtown Norwalk, right on the Long Island Sound. The building was designed by Richard Upjohn—the same architect who designed Trinity Church in New York City!
The Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum offers tours of its five floors throughout the year (they’re closed on Mondays). You can learn about the history of this incredible house while enjoying the beauty that surrounds you; tours last around 45 minutes to an hour depending on how many people are touring with you at any given time.
2. Sheffield Island Lighthouse
This is a popular outing for tourists and locals alike. Located just off the coast of Norwalk, this lighthouse was built in 1876 and is the oldest lighthouse in continuous use on the US east coast. It’s also considered one of Connecticut’s most historic lighthouses! Visitors can enjoy hiking through nature trails, fishing, or just taking in some spectacular views from atop this beautiful island (see what we did there?).
The lighthouse itself has been beautifully restored with period-correct furniture and equipment so visitors will feel like they’ve stepped back in time when stepping foot inside. There are tours available every day during summer months from 10 am to 4 pm — check out their website for more details!
3. Stepping Stones Museum for Children
If a child is interested in science, this museum is a great place to take them. The museum has a variety of interactive exhibits that the kids will enjoy. There are also many hands-on activities such as making paper airplanes or creating a puppet theater. The museum also offers classes for kids where they can learn more about subjects like art or music. It’s open year-round so you don’t have to wait until summer vacation to come to visit!
4. The Maritime Aquarium
The Maritime Aquarium is a great place to visit, especially if you have kids. There are so many exhibits that they’re sure to find something fun and educational. There are so many things to do at the Maritime Aquarium that it can be easy to spend an entire day there.
There are two very large tanks filled with sea life right outside of their entrance. You’ll also find an outdoor area where they keep turtles and small sharks in tanks you can walk through (it’s completely safe). On top of all this, there’s also a large tank with various jellyfish which are always fascinating to watch move about their habitat!
5. Sheffield Island Ferry
If you want to take a free trip across the harbor, then this is the ferry for you. The Sheffield Island Ferry runs from Norwalk Harbor to Sheffield Island, which is home to the Norwalk Seaport Association and has some great beaches where you can spend an afternoon swimming in the ocean.
6. SoNo Switch Tower Museum
The SoNo Switch Tower Museum is a former railroad switch tower located in the SoNo district of Norwalk. It’s a great place to learn about the history of railroads in Norwalk and get an interesting perspective on the city’s past. The tower itself is set up like an exhibit, with displays showing you how it would have been used by workers back when it was still active. There are also plenty of old photographs that show how this area has changed over time, as well as other historical artifacts scattered throughout the museum.
If you’re interested in learning more about trains, then this could be just the place for you! The museum is open to visitors seven days per week from 10 am-4 pm (except Sundays).
7. South Norwalk Historic District (SoNo)
SoNo is a historic district in Norwalk, Connecticut. It’s home to many shops and restaurants as well as art galleries, museums, and parks. It’s also a great place for people-watching. The architecture of SoNo is one of the things locals love best about it!
8. The Sono Collection
If you love art, the Sono Collection is a great place to explore. The non-profit organization provides art education and community engagement in the arts. The Sono Collection offers classes, workshops, lectures, and performances regularly. Additionally, its permanent collection includes works by artists such as Pablo Picasso and Andy Warhol.
9. Calf Pasture Beach
Calf Pasture Beach is a popular beach in Norwalk, Connecticut. It’s located right off of the Long Island Sound and is a great place to go swimming and sunbathing. The beach also has fishing piers for those looking to fish, or just sit back and relax.
10. Music Theater of Connecticut
Music Theater of Connecticut is a regional theater company located in Norwalk. The group was founded in 1967 and performs at the Norwalk Arts Theatre, which is located at 203 East Ave.
The theater offers musicals and dramas from Broadway, Off-Broadway, Off-off Broadway, and original works by local writers. The performances are suitable for all ages.
11. East Norwalk Historical Cemetery
Next, head over to the East Norwalk Historical Cemetery. This cemetery is the oldest in town, and it’s where you can find the resting place of John and Elizabeth Calf Pasture Beach, who were among the first European settlers in Norwalk. It’s located on Poplar Street next to West Avenue, and it’s open to visitors year-round during daylight hours (7 am–4 pm).
12. Fairfield County Antique & Design Center
The center boasts over 70 artisans and dealers who provide an eclectic range of antiques, vintage items, and custom-made furniture. You’ll find everything from jewelry to home accessories in a variety of styles like French country or midcentury modern—ideal for anyone looking for something out of the ordinary rather than just another piece of furniture from Pottery Barn or West Elm that everyone else has in their house (you know who you are). If you’re lucky enough to score a ticket, don’t forget about their annual holiday sale which takes place on November 19th this year!
- Fairfield County Antique & Design Center
- 350 Post Road East, Norwalk CT 06853
- 203-838-6160
- Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sundays 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.; closed on major holidays; free parking is available on site
13. City Hall
When you think of Norwalk, Connecticut, you probably picture the sea and beautiful parks. But one of the best things to do in Norwalk is head straight for City Hall. This historic building was built in 1929 and has been used as a meeting space for city leaders ever since. You can tour City Hall and see how officials decided on important issues affecting your city’s future by visiting Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. when it’s open!
14. BJ Ryan’s Magnolia Room
BJ Ryan’s Magnolia Room is a restaurant and bar located in Norwalk, Connecticut. It offers a wide variety of food and drinks, including:
- Lunch menu items include burgers, sandwiches, salads, and pizzas
- Dinner menu items include steak dinners, pasta dishes, and seafood specials
The Magnolia Room is open for lunch from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday; dinner hours are 3 p.m. to midnight on Sunday through Thursday nights; they’re open until 1:30 am on Fridays and Saturdays! The bar stays open until 2 am every night except Sundays when it closes at midnight instead because everyone needs their beauty rest!
15. Center for Contemporary Printmaking
Printmaking is a medium for artists to express their creativity by using an original plate or matrix and printing from it. The Center for Contemporary Printmaking is a non-profit organization that promotes printmaking as an art form. The Center has a gallery, workshop, and classroom space that hosts exhibitions and workshops with local artists throughout the year. The Center also hosts workshops for adults, children, and families. Visitors can view over 300 works by more than 100 artists in their permanent collection at no cost on Sundays from 1-5 pm during Open Studio Sundays held every month except December (except November).
16. Norwalk Public Library
The Norwalk Public Library is a great place to spend some time while in town. The library has two locations, one on West Avenue and one on East Avenue. Both locations are open Monday through Friday 9:30 am-8 pm, Saturday 10 am-5 pm, and Sunday 1 pm-5 pm.
Both locations offer computers with internet access as well as free wifi throughout the building. You can also use their meeting rooms for free by calling ahead of time at 203-854-9000 ext 109 or 110 to reserve a room. The 2nd floor of the East Avenue location houses several classrooms available for rent from 8:30 am until 6 pm Monday through Friday (these must be booked ahead of time).
There is a large selection of books, magazines, and newspapers available for checkout at both branches along with so many more resources like movies/DVDs that you can borrow for free! They even offer homework help Monday through Thursday after school hours 3:30 pm until 7:00 pm!
17. Sono 1420 American Craft Distillers
- SONO 1420 American Craft Distillers: If you’re looking for a place to try some unique spirits, head over to this Greenwich-based distillery. The company makes its products with locally grown grains and botanicals, which they then infuse with their flavors. You can taste these handcrafted spirits at the tasting room located on their premises.
- Connecticut Wine Trail: The Connecticut Wine Trail stretches across 28 vineyards across the state and allows visitors to sample wines from each one. This is an opportunity not to miss!
18. Al Madany Islamic Centre
Al Madany Islamic Centre (AMIC) is an organization that serves the needs of Muslims in the Greater Norwalk area. They offer Eid prayers and celebrations, religious classes for children and adults, youth group activities, and sports leagues. AMIC also helps people find jobs and provides free tax preparation services at their offices during tax season.
- Al Madany Islamic Centre
- 64 Fairfield Ave., Norwalk, CT 06850
- (203) 849-8051
19. Norwalk Museum
The Norwalk Museum is located in the heart of the city, on the corner of East Avenue and Main Street, in a historic building that once housed the city’s first public library. It was founded in 1854 as a private institution and is now one of Connecticut’s oldest museums. The museum has an impressive collection of over 1 million objects from all over the world spanning more than 5,000 years.
20. St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, Norwalk, Connecticut
St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, located at 610 West Avenue in Norwalk, Connecticut is the oldest Catholic church in the Archdiocese of Hartford. It was designed by Henry F. Ludorf and built-in 1858.
The church celebrated its 150th anniversary on July 29th, 2008 with a mass presided over by Bishop William E. Lori at their current location at 61 Wall Street (formerly known as St John’s Episcopal Church). The church also hosted a reception for parishioners after mass ended that day with food, games for children, and music performed by local musicians including an organist playing songs like “O Holy Night” and “Silent Night! Holy Night!”
21. Veteran’s Memorial Park and Marina
Veteran’s Memorial Park and Marina is a park in Norwalk, Connecticut. The park features a memorial to veterans of the Vietnam War, but also has a marina and boat launch. Located at the end of Veterans Highway in Norwalk, Connecticut, this park is fun for all ages and can make your visit to Norwalk even more memorable!
Takeaway
If you’re looking for a relaxing vacation, Norwalk is the place to go. With its scenic views, rich history, and a wide array of fun activities, you’ll be able to experience something new every day. The city’s website has plenty of information on what to do in Norwalk, so don’t forget to visit it before your trip!
Conclusion
Norwalk is one of the best places to visit in Connecticut. The city has a lot to offer, from great restaurants and shopping to cultural attractions such as museums and theaters. If you’re looking for something fun to do with your friends or family members, these 21 activities will make sure that everyone has a good time!
