Planning an East Coast road trip with a stop in Connecticut? Let us help you map out the best things to do in Hartford, CT! Lush with historical sites, artisanal eateries, flourishing parks, and a vibrant cultural scene, Hartford, Connecticut’s capital city, is one of the most surprising cities we’ve explored on our New England trips.
When we visit Hartford, we love to frolic through blooming rose gardens and galavant around the Riverfront Recapture parks. With time on our side, we might join an outdoor yoga class, watch the rowers on the Connecticut River, and jam to live music.
Of course, we always try to embrace Hartford’s rich New England history throughout the city’s many museums, like The Mark Twain House & Museum, our favorite in the city. Meanwhile, culture vultures can enjoy a night out downtown with a Broadway production at the Bushnell Performing Arts Center.
Having trouble choosing what to do on your vacation? Perfect your itinerary with our complete guide to the coolest places to visit in Hartford, Connecticut!
The Mark Twain House & Museum
History and literature fans, let’s kick off our Connecticut explorations with a stop at The Mark Twain House & Museum. Just off of Farmington Avenue, this 19th-century Victorian Gothic home was Twain’s residence from 1874 to 1891. It features 16,000 artifacts, tours, and events to learn about the literary genius and lifestyle of “the father of American literature.”
First, we’d make sure to snap a selfie with the life-size Lego statue of Mark Twain. Wandering the rooms at the Mark Twain House & Museum, we found the office set up as if Twain himself had been working on The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn five minutes ago. The library is lavishly adorned with Greek-style sculptures, vases, and a restored chaise lounge bed.
We loved the opportunity to get an intimate peek into Twain’s personal life by reading letters he wrote to his wife and editors. Take the Living History Tour for an immersive experience led by an actor playing Twain, or his wife, Olivia Clemens.
Connecticut Science Center
Visiting Hartford with kids? We’d suggest popping into the Connecticut Science Center, an attraction that we guarantee will keep your family busy for hours!
The 165 interactive exhibits keep kids engaged while they have fun exploring astronomy, biology, geology, and more. Whether you’ve got a future doctor or engineer on your hands, we think your child’s imagination will soar at this popular science center.
Among our favorite spaces at the Connecticut Science Center is the Kids Space, geared towards toddler scientists to help them explore their senses. Older kids, meanwhile, will love exploring the Engineering Lab and Forces in Motion. Watch as they design and race cars and roller coasters.
In the Hartford HealthCare Health Lab, your kiddo will feed Esther the Digester to see how diet affects the body, roleplay in the ambulance, and have a dancing challenge to measure heartbeat.
After your little scientist has worked up an appetite, we’d recommend walking a few blocks over to Main Street to eat at Sorella (901 Main St). When we’re in town, we always enjoy popping into this delicious restaurant for some authentic Italian food like pizza fresh from the stone-fired oven.
Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art
Art aficionados should put the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art at the top of the list of Hartford points of interest. One of our favorite cultural hotspots in town, this public museum is situated downtown along Main Street and holds over 50,000 diverse masterpieces and artifacts. From scoping out American Impressionist paintings to contemporary art, we could spend hours here immersed in the exhibits!
Sweeping marble staircases and grand high ceilings greet us as we enter the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art. We were entranced by famous pieces like Andy Warhol’s Early Colored Jackie and the European collection’s array of surrealist works by Claude Monet and Salvador Dali—one of our favorite artists of all time.
Browse the extensive exhibit of European decorative pieces, like Jeremias Ritter’s Nautilus Cup, a tiny man riding a pearly-shelled snail. Appreciate American art like the 1848 self-portrait of the museum’s founder, Daniel Wadsworth.
While in the area, we’d also recommend stopping by Berkins on Main (500 Main St) for pre- or post-art museum pick-me-ups like buttery croissants, flavorful frittatas, and gooey cinnamon buns, washed down with a chai tea latte.
Elizabeth Park
When we want to embrace the lovely New England weather, we head to West Hartford’s Elizabeth Park. With its over 100 acres of green spaces, gardens, and roses galore, we think this park is the perfect way to connect with nature on a Connecticut vacation. Just along the south border of Asylum Avenue, this park is famous for its 800 types of roses and for being the United States’ first municipal rose garden.
In our experience, the Helen S. Kaman Rose Gardens are a particularly beautiful sight to behold while roaming around the Elizabeth Park Conservatory. Amble under arches of perfectly primed roses, feeling like you’re in a fairy tale.
In the middle of the garden, we’d stop to rest in the wooden gazebo, covered with green vines and flanked by vibrant blooming roses. Breathe in and smell the fragrant florals floating through the fresh air.
We’d also set aside time to mosey through formal gardens, Cactus and Orchid Greenhouses, and take a walk around Laurel Pond. Stop by the Pond House Cafe for refreshments in the peaceful ambiance of Elizabeth Park Conservancy.
Great River Park
Looking for an escape from the hustle and bustle downtown? Great River Park is the perfect spot for outdoor activities on the East Hartford side of the Connecticut River. We’re confident that your family will love biking along the pathways, fishing by the river, and sightseeing in the park.
We love moseying along Great River Park’s paved walkways parallel to the sparkling water of the Connecticut River, and watch rowers gliding along in their streamlined boats.
Bring fixings for a cookout, and fire up a public grill. You’ll feel at ease as you picnic with a unique panoramic view of downtown Hartford beyond the Connecticut River. After eating, let your little one monkey around on the playground for a while.
Continue your Great River Park expedition on the west side of the river by crossing the Founders Bridge Promenade directly into Mortensen Riverfront Plaza.
Connecticut State Capitol
While in Hartford traversing Connecticut’s capital city, we think it’s only fitting to visit the Connecticut State Capitol. On our first trip here, it didn’t take much convincing to stop at this National Historic Landmark along Capitol Avenue to delve into the state’s rich history.
As you approach the Connecticut State Capitol, marvel at the dazzling golden dome atop the building. The flourishing greenery of Bushnell Park provides a lovely backdrop for the High Victorian Gothic-style building.
Entering inside, we couldn’t help but notice the detail-oriented decor and moldings and the grand marble and granite staircase. The statue of Revolutionary War hero Nathan Hale presides over the ornately decorated hall.
We’d recommend taking a guided or self-guided tour of the Capitol to explore the chambers and learn about Connecticut’s history. Guided tours depart every hour on weekends from 9:15 am to 1:15 pm. Reservations are required. Self-guided tours, on the other hand, are available on weekdays between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm.
After a day soaking in the grandeur of the Connecticut State Capitol, we’d hop across Bushnell Park to Trumbull Street. Pop into Salute (100 Trumbull St), one of the tastiest Italian restaurants we’ve found in the city, to feast on handmade pasta, calamari, and plump ravioli in a cozy atmosphere.
Bushnell Park
Bushnell Park is more than pretty flowers. This park played a major role in Hartford being chosen as Connecticut’s capital city. Spearheaded in 1854 by Reverend Horace Bushnell to revive the downtown area, today, Bushnell Park’s 41 acres continue to flourish and provide a beautiful green space for all. Whenever we need a breather in Hartford, this park is one of our go-tos.
Walking the peaceful grounds of Bushnell Park, we love hearing the chirps of birds as they flit among the trees. When we begin to hear laughter and notes of music floating through the air, we know we’re getting close to the Bushnell Park Carousel. The tranquil pond beside this amusement makes for the perfect photo op and it’s picturesque spot to bask in the whimsical atmosphere.
Pass by memorials like the tribute to Israel Putnam, a Revolutionary War hero, and the Spanish-American War Memorial.
To learn more about these and about Horace Bushnell’s influence on the park, we’d suggest following along with the Historic Park Tour. The tours run on Thursdays at 12:00 pm to 1:30 pm from May to October.
Mortensen Riverfront Plaza
Experience the spirit of Hartford at Mortensen Riverfront Plaza, one of the liveliest public parks we’ve seen in the city. Special events seem to take place almost daily here, bringing the public together to boogie at live concerts or find zen during yoga classes.
We’d challenge you to find all 16 sculptures honoring our 16th president at the Lincoln Financial Sculpture Walk. Go fishing on the boardwalk. (We always love checking out what the local fishermen are catching.) At the water’s edge, investigate the Nina and Pinta replica ships.
Visiting Mortensen Riverfront Plaza in the evening? Claim your spot on the grass at the Riverfront Stage, and groove the night away to live music and performances of rock-n-roll, jazz, reggae, and more.
Being on holiday doesn’t mean you need to skip your exercise routines. When we’re not being lazy, we’d come during the early evening and join a variety of community events like outdoor yoga, Zumba, Tai Chi, or dancing classes. Mortensen Riverfront Plaza has outdoor fun for everyone.
Butler-McCook House & Garden
Stepping into the Butler-McCook House & Garden is like taking a time machine back to the 18th century. Nestled on the corner of Main Street and Prospect Street, this 1782 Georgian Colonial is Hartford’s oldest house. If you’re history buffs like us, you’ll love this time capsule home.
Wandering through the immaculately restored rooms, we see the lives of the families who lived at Butler-McCook House & Garden come to life. As their neighbors abandoned their homes for Asylum Street residences, the Butler McCook family was dedicated to Main Street. On a tour through the house, we learned they kept up with changing styles over the centuries with renovations like the Colonial Revival kitchen and a Greek Revival mantle over the fireplace.
Get a glimpse into the past as you look at Civil War artifacts, family mementos, and photographs of the original neighborhood. We’d also recommend strolling through the gardens behind the house. Take shelter under the shady trees and have a rest on a bench as you admire the manicured gardens.
Old State House
As bonafide history buffs ourselves, we think the Old State House is a historic gem in the urban Hartford landscape and a must-see. Although we can’t say it’s quite as magnificent as other state capitols we’ve seen in New England (like in Boston), we still enjoy jumping into socially and politically focused exhibits about Connecticut’s civil rights movements and government here.
Approaching the Old State House, we can spot Lady Justice gleaming from atop the golden dome. Inside, we’ll find Senate and House of Representatives Chambers that have been immaculately restored back to their 19th-century aesthetics—and they’re open for us to roam through.
Check out their exhibits dedicated to notable moments through history like the Amistad Trial and the Prudence Crandall Trials that took place at the Old State House.
If you’re looking for an eatery within walking distance from the Old State House, we’d suggest popping into Feng Chophouse (93 Asylum St) for American-Japanese fusion cuisine. Whether you want tender Wagyu steak, fresh sushi, or light and crispy tempura shrimp, this restaurant will satisfy any craving.
Harriet Beecher Stowe Center
We’d put money on it: The Harriet Beecher Stowe Center will give your vacation a thought-provoking twist. This museum is nestled on the corner where Forest Street meets Farmington Ave; we’d suggest planning to spend a few hours here after your Mark Twain Museum visit. Through engaging tours and exhibits, the center sheds light on Stowe’s life and modern social issues.
At the Visitor Center, converted from an old carriage house, we’ll begin our tour of the Victorian home where Harriet Beecher Stowe lived and wrote Uncle Tom’s Cabin. The home is decorated with her family’s original home furnishings and belongings. We thought it was super cool to find the exact table where Stowe wrote, set up with her papers, books, and a lamp!
During the tour of the Harriet Beecher Stowe Center, we learn about Stowe’s motivations for writing her infamous anti-slavery novel. The center’s broader mission is to inspire ongoing conversations about social justice. Take a reflective walk among the blooming tulips and shrubs in the garden, inspired by Stowe’s writings about her love of gardening.
Riverside Park
Outdoor activities abound at Riverside Park. This park sets itself apart from others we wandered around in the city because you can choose from wooded or waterfront paths and get out on the water. The entire family will have a blast jogging, biking, and rowing, through Riverside Park and the Connecticut River.
Get your heart pumping and your hips swaying during one of the Moves and Grooves dance classes. Get the whole family involved and learn choreographed dance moves inspired by nature in Riverside Park. Or, if we were feeling extra adventurous, we’d head to the Riverfront Boathouse to sign up for rowing lessons with Riverfront Rowing, one of New England’s premier rowing community programs.
Play volleyball on one of the sandy courts, or enjoy a game of cricket at Riverside Park’s fields. When we needed a rest, we’d slow things down by meandering along the river boardwalk, passing modern sculptures, and looking out across the river to the east.
Cathedral of Saint Joseph
The Cathedral of Saint Joseph welcomes all, whether you’re looking for a place of worship or you simply want to admire the modern architectural style and ecclesiastical art. This stunning cathedral can easily be added to your Hartford travels as you drive by Farmington Avenue.
The Cathedral of Saint Joseph is modern and imposing from the outside. We can’t help but stare in awe at mighty walls of concrete and limestone rising 281 feet up.
Stepping inside, we were astonished by the largest ceramic mosaic of God in the world covering one wall. (Yes, in the whole world!) The colorful light refracts through the stained glass windows casting rainbow light onto the rows of pews, telling the story of Jesus’ procession to the cross.
Meanwhile, the cavernous ceilings give the organs a sonorous echo as the smell of incense begins to grow in the air.
Visit the Cathedral of Saint Joseph for a Sunday mass or to appreciate the artwork.
Museum of Connecticut History
History enthusiasts, tack on a visit to the Museum of Connecticut History to discover a compelling stash of military and industrial artifacts. We love admiring the stunning Beaux-arts-style building, housing the museum together with the Connecticut Supreme Court and the Connecticut State Library. The stately historic building is a collage of modern government, US history, and innovation.
Step into the lobby of the Museum of Connecticut History to appreciate the divine architecture of grand columns and marble staircases. We thought it was interesting to compare the portraits of every Connecticut governor to see how styles and fashion have evolved over the past 200 years.
Let’s make our way to the World War I collection to examine shoes, a watch, and notebooks from a personal effects box, service medals, and dog tags from the war.
Browse the exhibit dedicated to Colt Firearms, hosting a collection of ammunition and guns. We’re also intrigued by the Mitchelson Coin Collection, boasting over 10,000 coins from across the world.
The Bushnell Performing Arts Center
For culture lovers visiting Hartford, CT, we think catching a show at The Bushnell Performing Arts Center is a must. Broadway-level theater, live music, comedy, lectures, and more, this performing arts venue has something for everybody.
Filtering into Mortensen Hall to find our seats, we’ll be mesmerized by the Art Deco interior, with refracted lights from the geometric shapes and patterns lining the walls. If you’re attending a performance by the Symphony Orchestra, make your way to the Belding Theater. The magnificent ceiling mural features the moon, sun, and stars, lined with golden details.
During a previous holiday season, the Bushnell Performing Arts Center hosted a production of Aladdin, a Manheim Steamroller Christmas show, and an exploration of science from Neil deGrasse Tyson. This year we’re finding several more fun productions including The Wiz, Back to the Future: A Musical, and Ninja Kidz.
After your show, we’d recommend cutting across Bushnell Park to Max Downtown (185 Asylum St), where you can find prime cuts of juicy steaks and a selection of martinis and wines in the buzzing downtown area.
Max’s Trumbull Kitchen
In our experience, the Max’s Trumbull Kitchen (150 Trumbull St) has just what you need to unwind after a day of Hartford sightseeing. Indulge in delicious dishes, artisanally crafted cocktails, or a glass of wine in the intimate atmosphere of this trendy restaurant. We think Max’s Trumbull Kitchen is perfect for couples on a date night or groups of friends ready to chat the night away over some of Hartford’s best food and drinks.
In the dimmed lighting of this cozy eatery, order comfort food classics like bacon-wrapped meatloaf, or dig into a juicy Buttermilk Fried Chicken Sandwich. The menu at Max’s Trumbull Kitchen also offers globally inspired cuisine like Chiang Mai Curried Noodles and Korean Steamed Buns.
Order an expertly mixed cocktail like the Basil Bramble Smash, a glass of vino from their extensive wine list, or a chilled local brew on draft. When we visit, we love to sit on the patio, enjoy the mild Hartford weather, and people watch as pedestrians gallivant down Trumbull Street.
New Park Brewing
Calling all craft beer connoisseurs! Let’s head over to West Hartford’s first craft brewery, New Park Brewing (485 New Park Ave), to sit back and relax in the Tap Room and sample some of Hartford’s finest craft beer. Check out the brewery for events like comedy shows, live music, and even Sunday brunch.
We can never get enough of testing out the pineapple and passionfruit notes of Blender Kiliki or the Don Gato sour ale’s perfectly balanced tart lime and fresh mango flavors. If you like it hoppy, we’d suggest grabbing a frosty Cloudscape IPA. Sip on your fresh beer with a view of the brewery itself through a window.
Get your brunch on at New Park Brewing with brews, bottomless mimosas, breakfast burritos, and Belgium waffles. Swing by the brewery on a Tuesday for trivia night. Armed with a beer, you’ll surely be the trivia master!
Can’t get enough of New Park Brewing’s beer? Grab a growler to take your favorite home with you.
