Park offers paved walking trails around a scenic lake with well-maintained open fields and a playground for children. Atmosphere stays peaceful and serene, attracting families, seniors, and dog walkers. Access requires a municipal parking permit, which limits visitors mostly to local residents.
Open spaces offer plenty of room for playing fetch and walking dogs. Forest trails provide a 1.5-hour hike option, while paths around the pond and playground support social walks with dogs.
Scenic views include water and flowers that create a refreshing atmosphere. Walking here offers a consistent dose of natural beauty and calm.
"I was asked if I had a permit to park at these parks."
"It's a great kid-friendly place with a fantastic playground."
"I got a parking ticket because I didn't have a resident sticker."
Good to know
You need a parking sticker from the city to avoid getting a ticket.
The park is dog-friendly and has a playground for children.
The park has a men's and women's bathroom for visitor convenience.
Waterfront park offers stunning views of Long Island Sound with a peaceful atmosphere and well-maintained grounds. Features include an artificial turf athletic field, playgrounds, walking trails, and a 9/11 memorial providing a quiet place for reflection. The space attracts families, exercisers, and those seeking calm near the water.
Areas exist for walking pets and exercising dogs. Rules for dogs are strict, but the park remains dog friendly overall.
Sweeping views of Long Island Sound and the harbor surround a paved loop trail. The park offers a peaceful setting with water views visible from the soccer field and seaside paths.
Good to know
Cos Cob Park is dog friendly but has strict dog rules.
The park is located right next to the Cos Cob Metro-North station for easy access.
The park features a loop trail that is about three-quarters of a mile around.
A sprawling 300-acre estate features a stately mansion and well-kept grounds with miles of walking trails and a dog park. The atmosphere is peaceful and serene, offering panoramic views including a distant city skyline. The park serves as a community landmark with a timeless, restorative vibe.
Natural walking paths and a dedicated dog park make this spot great for dogs on leashes. It offers plenty of space to walk, relax, and enjoy outdoor activities with your dog.
Panoramic views include an incredible NYC skyline and a relaxing pastoral setting. Plenty of shade complements the varied, picturesque scenery.
Good to know
The park is free to visit.
There was plenty of parking at Waveny Park.
Expect sound issues during events at Waveny Park.
Spacious park with sandy beach volleyball courts, playground, and paved paths for walking, biking, and rollerblading. Calm, peaceful atmosphere with stunning coastline views and areas for quiet reflection or active play. Facilities include picnic areas, BBQs, and an ice rink, supporting both relaxation and recreation.
Open spaces let dogs run freely and swim gracefully in the water. Trails and paths make it easy for walking or jogging with pets, creating a dog friendly and pet friendly environment.
Gorgeous views of Long Island Sound create a peaceful backdrop for walks or sitting quietly. The park offers beautiful scenery and a nice sea view that invites relaxation.
Good to know
Cove Island requires a resident parking permit.
Parking costs $69 on Sundays for non-residents.
The entrance fee is $45 for weekdays for non-Connecticut residents.
Hotel offers spacious rooms with stunning ocean views and balconies perfect for relaxing or reading. Atmosphere feels warm and welcoming with a hip vibe and a convenient pub downstairs. Guests enjoy waterfront activities and free bike rentals, making it a chill and active getaway spot.
Certain rooms cater to guests with dogs and staff stay accommodating and pet-friendly. A dog-friendly beach lies nearby with a hose behind the building to wash sand off paws.
Rooms offer amazing views of the North Atlantic and water vistas ideal for ocean therapy. The on-site pub and restaurant provide superb waterfront views alongside good food and a warm fire.
Good to know
The hotel offers hassle-free parking for guests.
Rooms are clean and well-maintained, but some have noise issues.
Expect a $400+ charge for a room, which some find overpriced.
Park offers beautiful views of Long Island Sound with a quiet, peaceful atmosphere ideal for walks and family gatherings. Facilities include bocce court, fishing pier, basketball and tennis courts, and a large soccer field, supporting activities for all ages and dogs. Clean, well-maintained grounds with ample parking create a relaxing outdoor space near the sea.
Water fountains designed for dogs stand out as a thoughtful feature. The park welcomes dogs alongside kids and adults, making it a shared space for all.
Beautiful views of Long Island Sound create a quiet and peaceful atmosphere. The beach is visible from swings near a small playground.
Good to know
There is free parking available at the park.
The park has a small playground for kids and swings with a view of the beach.
The sand in the park is a little rocky, so wearing appropriate clothing and shoes is recommended.
Lake surrounded by wide, well-maintained trails offers a peaceful atmosphere with beautiful scenery. Visitors engage in simple outdoor activities like walking, fishing, and picnicking. The area includes beach access and spots for relaxing by the water.
Trails offer great spots for dog walks with options for biking and walking. Watch out for rocks and mud that can be tricky with young kids and pets.
Beautiful ridge views and scenery all around create a peaceful setting. Trails offer stunning outlooks especially near the lake.
Good to know
The gravel parking lot can hold about 40 cars but fills up on good weather weekends.
There is a restroom available at the parking area for visitor convenience.
The park features well-maintained trails suitable for walking, biking, and dog walking.
Stone Observation Tower offers 360-degree panoramic views of surrounding areas, creating a peaceful and scenic atmosphere. Trails vary in difficulty and are well maintained and labeled, attracting friendly hikers and dogs. Open fields and picnic pavilions provide family-friendly spaces for relaxation and gatherings.
Trails stay leash-required and clean-up rules keep it tidy for dogs. Paths suit both hikers and pets, making it a family and pet-friendly spot for adventure-loving dogs.
Views from the observation tower reach all the way to Foxwoods Resorts and beyond. Trails offer breathtaking scenery with forest landscapes and a stone fort-like building providing magical vistas.
Good to know
Parking costs $15 for a day at Sleeping Giant State Park.
The parking area can get overcrowded, especially on weekends.
Leashed dogs are allowed on the trails, making it pet-friendly.
Park offers lush greenery, tranquil ponds, and scenic walking trails that create a peaceful atmosphere. Families gather around a large playground and open spaces for outdoor activities. Visitors enjoy views of nearby houses and a mix of quiet nature with nearby traffic sounds.
Well-maintained trails offer great paths for dog walkers and joggers. Dogs on leashes enjoy socializing and exercise throughout the park.
Scenic views include Long Island Sound, ponds, and impressive walking trails. Open green spaces and bridges add variety, with views of amazing houses nearby.
Good to know
Parking is free and convenient, making it easy to access the park.
The park has many walking and running paths, perfect for exercise.
Fishing is permitted in the park's ponds, so bring your gear.
Park along the water offers breathtaking views and a peaceful atmosphere with a cool beach breeze. Visitors find plenty of benches, picnic tables, and recreational courts for relaxation and play. The area stays mostly quiet except near evening dining spots with food trucks and music.
Many people bring their dogs here, making it a lively spot for dog socialization. Dogs are allowed throughout the park, which offers plenty of space for walking and exercising with pets.
Great ocean views and beautiful water scenery make this spot ideal for walking, running, or just sitting. The coastal setting offers a relaxing atmosphere with plenty of spots to enjoy the view.
Good to know
Parking is paid unless you are a West Haven resident.
Expect high parking fees, sometimes over $30.
Summer concerts are held at Savin Rock Park.
Vineyard spans a huge property with lake views and ample indoor and outdoor seating. Atmosphere is peaceful and relaxing, with occasional live music at moderate volume enhancing the experience. Visitors often bring picnics to enjoy the scenic vineyard vistas and well-crafted wines.
Outdoor areas welcome leashed dogs and many guests bring their pets. The space is both dog and kid friendly, making it easy to visit with a well-behaved dog.
Sunset views offer breathtaking scenery over the vineyard. Plenty of seating lets you enjoy the lovely vistas and capture great photos.
Good to know
You are not allowed to bring in any beverages, including water.
I was advised to get there early if I wanted outdoor seating, as it can fill up fast.
A single glass of wine at Gouveia Vineyards costs $18.
Park offers peaceful greenery with hilly trails that challenge walkers and joggers. Views of boats from a hilltop and metal sculptures add visual interest. Family-friendly features include a children's playground and spaces suitable for dogs.
Dog park and playground sit close together, making it easy to enjoy time with dogs and kids. Paths offer plenty of space for dog walking.
Climbing the hill reveals a wonderful view of the boats below. The park offers great views that highlight the water and surroundings.
Good to know
The park has a free parking lot accessible from North Water Street for about 25 vehicles.
The park is family-friendly and has a playground nearby.
The park is great for dogs, with a dog park located nearby.
Brutalist architecture transforms into a modern, comfortable hotel with net zero energy efficiency and futuristic room controls. The atmosphere stays quiet and relaxing despite proximity to a busy highway, while the lobby offers a vibrant energy. Amenities include free shuttle service and EV charging stations, enhancing convenience and sustainability.
Pets receive house-made dog treats from the concierge and front desk staff. The hotel charges a pet fee but maintains a very clean environment for dogs.
Rooms offer stunning river views and captivating water scenes. Large, modern rooms come with automatic shutters enhancing the experience.
Good to know
The hotel is designed to be fully net zero energy efficient.
The hotel has controlled access to the elevators for security.
Hotel Marcel is one of the only totally solar powered hotels in the Hilton chain.
Quiet park with well marked trails that meander along streams and rocky terrain. Atmosphere feels like a peaceful sanctuary with shaded paths ideal for walking or hiking. Limited parking keeps crowds small, and many people bring dogs for strolls.
Many people bring their dogs here, making it a lively spot for dog walking. Trails stretch about 3.5 miles, and the park often has a mix of dogs and bikes sharing the space.
Beautiful scenery surrounds the area. The views offer a consistently nice view.
Good to know
Parking is limited with about 30 spaces available, especially busy on weekends.
There are two bathrooms located right at the start of the park.
The trails are well marked and maintained for hiking and walking.
Public beach offers peaceful atmosphere with friendly people and well-kept landscaping. Features include a boardwalk, fishing pier, picnic areas, and easy access for families and pets. Parking is available but can be costly for longer stays.
Walking paths allow dogs, making it easy to stroll with pets. The beach area welcomes dogs, offering a dog friendly environment for walks with friends or family.
Great walking paths offer beautiful beach views. Plenty of seating benches sit near the water for relaxing and enjoying the scenery.
Good to know
Parking costs $5.82 per hour at Premium Parking for non-residents.
Oak Street Beach is dog friendly, allowing pets on the beach.
The beach is clean and well-maintained, making it family-friendly.
Park offers diverse landscapes including forests, meadows, brooks, and rocky hills with well-maintained trails suitable for walking, jogging, and hiking. Atmosphere ranges from peaceful and secluded to lively with many unleashed dogs and visitors enjoying nature. Historical elements like parts of an old house and ceremonial sites add unique interest alongside scenic views of ponds and waterfalls.
Trails offer a solid spot for walking dogs and enjoying nature. Lots of dogs roam off-leash, making it popular among dog walkers who like a more relaxed vibe.
Quiet, secluded spots offer breathtaking views of the lake and Cos Cob Pond. Stone arch bridge and small waterfall add to the scenic charm. Trails connect to more natural scenery nearby.
Good to know
Parking at Pomerance Park is limited, especially during peak hours.
Bug spray is recommended due to mosquitoes in the park.
The trails are well-maintained and suitable for all skill levels.
Park offers panoramic city views and overlooks Long Island Sound from a summit with a castle monument. Atmosphere stays peaceful and quiet, ideal for relaxing walks and family visits. Amenities include picnic tables, grills, and a playground with a large sand area.
Many people bring their pets to the park, making it a popular spot for walking dogs. Trails are dog friendly but require dogs to be leashed, which can be challenging for dog reactive pets.
360-degree panoramic vistas offer stunning views of the city and water. Multiple viewpoints provide unobstructed, scenic sights that reward the climb.
Good to know
East Rock Park is free to enter.
Parking is extremely limited, so arrive early.
You can only hike up East Rock; no driving allowed.
City park offers serene waterfront views with a historic carousel and family-friendly playgrounds. Atmosphere shifts from peaceful mornings to lively areas with groups playing music. Spacious grounds provide a relaxing beach setting ideal for quiet moments or casual gatherings.
A pet-friendly environment exists with dogs allowed only in the picnic area. Visitors must keep dogs on a leash and dogs are not permitted on or near the beach.
Breathtaking views of the Long Island Sound and harbor stand out, especially at sunrise and sunset. The park offers nice beach and city views along with great walking paths and a view of the lighthouse.
Good to know
Parking costs $25 for Connecticut vehicles and $30 for out-of-state cars.
The carousel closes at 4 pm, so plan your visit accordingly.
Expect busy crowds in the summer due to the splash pad and carousel.