Milford is such an underrated gem along the central coast of Connecticut, and it’s one of my go-to getaways in the early spring or late fall season when I want to visit the coast, but also feel like a local. Since there’s a great hotel option that’s situated in a residential neighborhood right on the beach, it’s such a worthwhile escape to take to pretend you live along the Connecticut coastline for a few days 😉
This post is all about the best and most fun things to do in Milford, CT, including beaches, the quaint downtown area, and the awesome parks.
Ready to plan your getaway? Let’s get started!
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The Best Things To Do In Lovely Milford, CT
1. Silver Sands State Park
Definitely the top attraction in Milford is the beautiful Silver Sands State Park, and for good reason. This gem along the Long Island Sound offers a scenic coastal boardwalk trail, a sandy beach, nearly 300 acres of beautiful shoreline, tidal marshes, and sand dunes.
One of the more unique things to do while at the park is to walk on the sand bar at low tide to Charles Island, which is located just about a half mile from the shoreline. Local lore has said for years that Captain William Kidd visited Charles Island in 1699, and buried treasure there before sailing to Boston, where he was eventually arrested. No treasure has ever been found on the island, but it’s a really fun story to think about on your walk over.
Pro Tip: Walking out to the island is prohibited May 1 – September 9, when it’s managed as a Natural Area Preserve for nesting birds.
Park Fees: This park charges out-of-state visitors parking fees in-season (May 1 – September 30), so plan accordingly, as the fees are quite high (and also why I tend to visit in April or October).
2. Explore Walnut Beach
Walnut Beach in Milford is both an actual beach and a cute neighborhood, and it’s one of the best places to explore while in town.
Of course, the beach is the main attraction here, and you’ll find a nice pier that stretches out over the water for beautiful views of the Sound, as well as volleyball nets, and picnic tables.
Throughout the neighborhood, you’ll find a few charming shops and cafés perfect for afternoon strolling with a coffee or tea. While there’s not a ton to do throughout the neighborhood, this area is still definitely worth a visit – especially to walk along the beach.
Bonus: Walk Between Silver Sands & Walnut Beach!
Silver Sands and Walnut Beach are connected by the boardwalk, which means you can walk from one to the other, which is such a fun way to get outside during your visit. You’ll want to park at either end (parking fees apply in season for out-of-state vehicles in-season), and then you can walk between the two.
I really like to park at Silver Sands, and then walk to Walnut Beach, head into town to grab a tea from the Walnut Beach Coffee House for my walk back. From the parking lot at Silver Sands, it’s about 1-mile each way to make this walk, and it’s completely flat and easy, making for a peaceful excursion.
3. Visit Milford’s Other Beaches, Too!
While the previous two beaches are definitely the most popular in Milford, there are other beaches to visit as well, including:
→ Woodmont Beach (no parking, but street parking available nearby)
→ Wildemere Beach (no official beach parking, but there is a paid parking lot at 274 Broadway, about a block from the beach)
→ Gulf Beach (parking available, charge for out-of-state vehicles in-season)
There are other, smaller beaches around town as well, but most of the remaining ones are private beaches only for the the residents, so you’ll definitely want to be aware of that during your visit.
It’s good to know that Milford’s beaches are small, and many of them are rocky, or have large sections of rocky shoreline. However, you’ll be able to find some sandy stretches, too, and they tend to have lots of seashells.
Some of them do not have parking, or are resident-only parking in-season. It’s not the best area in Connecticut for a beach getaway for these reasons. However, these charming beaches are still such a lovely feature of Milford, adding lovely coastal scenery to your visit, and one of the reasons Milford is such an underrated spot along the coast.
4. Stroll The Charming Downtown & Town Green
In addition to the beaches, Milford also has a really nice downtown area with shops, restaurants, and cafés, all of which is centered around the lovely town green – complete with a gazebo.
The shopping in downtown Milford isn’t extensive, and it’s best to plan your visit to this area when you want to dine at one of the restaurants because that’s the bulk of all the businesses downtown. Plan a few extra minutes to walk along the town green, and meander around the side streets. And, if you’re a history buff, you may want to budget extra time to visit the Historical Society, which is my next suggestion.
5. Explore The Historical Society
Just a few blocks from the town green is the Milford Historical Society, which offers a glimpse into Connecticut’s colonial past with its three preserved 18th-century houses.
The Eells-Stow House (circa 1700) is Milford’s oldest home, showcases period furnishings and colonial artifacts. The Clark-Stockade House (circa 1780) highlights Revolutionary War history, while the Bryan-Downs House (circa 1785) reflects early American life.
With admission, you’ll explore these beautifully maintained houses, and learn about Milford’s rich heritage along the way.
Bonus: Walk To Milford Harbor
The Historical Society is just a short walk (less than a block) to the harbor, and it’s worth popping over to take in views of the water views. Depending on the time of year, it’ll either be bustling with beautiful boats, or you’ll find empty and peaceful docks – both of which are nice to see in for different reasons.
There’s a simple, paved pier at the harbor that has benches to sit and enjoy the scenery, and while it doesn’t take much time to visit, it’s worth a stop to enjoy more of what Milford has to offer.
7. Sip The Local Brews
For being a small city, Milford actually has a variety of craft breweries to visit while you’re in town, including:
→ Milford Point Brewing
→ Athletic Brewing Company
→ Dockside Brewery
→ Tribus Beer Co.
Each of these breweries makes their own beers locally in Milford, and offer taprooms where you can sit, relax, and sip their drinks. This is a great way to get a literal taste of Milford, and support these small businesses.
8. Hit The Trails At Beaver Brook
Beaver Brook is a wonderful nature conservation area spanning over 50 acres, with a relaxing 1-mile loop trail along a picturesque 1,100-foot wooden boardwalk, as well as wooded terrain.
This walk is easy and flat, taking you along the edge of a fresh-water marsh, and the Beaver Brook Canal, making it a peaceful way to enjoy nature. During your walk, enjoy views of the wetlands and foliage throughout the different seasons, and keep an eye out for wildlife, like frogs and turtles.
It’s also known as a great place for bird-watching, so if that’s of interest to you, be sure to bring your binoculars.
9. Visit The Audubon Coastal Center
Located at the Charles E. Wheeler Wildlife Management Area, the Audubon Coastal Center at Milford Point offers stunning views of the tidal salt marsh and Long Island Sound.
During your visit here, you can explore interactive exhibits, spot ospreys from the observation tower, and walk the scenic boardwalk trail. While there’s not an extensive trail system, the center is situated on an 8.4-acre barrier beach with plenty of opportunity to walk on the shoreline while looking for wildlife.
There are also fun hands-on educational programs to experience, making this a great place to visit for both kids and adults.
Cool Cafés & Restaurants To Check Out In Milford
9. Café Atlantique
Located in the downtown area, not far from the town green, Café Atlantique is a cozy and inviting place that serves up fantastic food throughout the entire day.
Known for its freshly brewed coffees and extensive menu, the café features a variety of options, including sweet and savory crepes, paninis, and salads. Favorites include the Nutella banana crepe and the pesto chicken panini.
Beyond the menu, the café also hosts live music on Friday and Saturday nights, which makes this the perfect spot to soak up the wonderful community vibes.
10. Walnut Beach Coffee House
I mentioned this spot earlier in the post, but it definitely deserves its own place on the list. Walnut Beach Coffee House is the best place to visit before or after a beach stroll.
Known for their commitment to high-quality, fair-trade coffee, this café serves a nice variety of artisan drinks, including expertly crafted lattes and cappuccinos. In addition to drinks, they also have an awesome selection of pastries, fresh salads, and tasty sandwiches, plus 100% Halal offerings.
In-season, they usually have outdoor tables available, too, which is an added perk!
11. Lobster Hut For Seafood
For an awesome, Connecticut-style lobster roll, you’ll want to head to Lobster Hut.
This no-frills local gem food truck serves up delicious New England favorites like buttery lobster rolls (which is the Connecticut way 😉), crispy fried clams, and creamy chowder, all made with the freshest ingredients.
Located close to Silver Sands State Park, it’s the perfect spot to visit after a walk or day at the beach for a classic New England dining experience.
12. Bistro Basque
A wonderful and unique dining experience at Bistro Basque is always a great addition to your itinerary.
Its name comes from their focus on Spanish cuisine from Basque country and this beautiful and cozy spot is know for their delicious tapas, like the garlic shrimp and chorizo-stuffed dates, as well as entrées like paella and duck confit.
The warm ambiance, excellent wine selection, authentic Spanish cooking, and European-style patio make it a perfect choice for a romantic night out or a special occasion.
13. Bin 100
Lastly on the list for dining, Bin 100 is a fantastic dinner option if you’re in the mood for Italian.
This restaurant has a bit of an elegant and upscale vibe, but remains pretty casual and very welcoming. They’re known for their expertly-crafted dishes like lobster ravioli, veal saltimbocca, and seafood risotto. During my visit, I had the linguini with clams, which was absolutely delicious. They also have a really nice wine list, and the service was great.
Where To Stay In Milford, CT
Milford is a smaller city, and therefore, has very limited hotel selections. In fact, when I visit, I actually stay in the neighboring town of Stratford at The Surfside because I don’t find the hotel options in Milford to be great.
The Surfside: As mentioned, located just 10-15 minutes from Milford in Stratford, this cute little hotel is in a residential part of town, so you feel like a local while on vacation. The rooms are modern, affordable for the area (as Connecticut tends to be pricey), and right on the beach. The beach is very rocky, so not the best for swimming or walking barefoot, but you get to smell the salty air and enjoy the sound of the waves during your stay. There’s also a great pub at the hotel for lunch or dinner, and you can walk or bike along the coastline to a pretty lighthouse.
→ Click here to check rates & availability at The Surfside
Residence Inn: One of the best hotel options right in Milford, and it’s a Marriott brand, which means you can use credit card or loyalty points for your stay if you have them. It’s also a 5-7 minute drive to both Silver Sands State Park and Walnut Beach, making it a nice location.
→ Click here to check rates & availability for the Residence Inn
Adorable Beach Cottage Rental: Located right on the beach in the Walnut Beach area, this cute little cottage rental is the perfect option if your goal is to be by the water during your stay. You can also walk to restaurants from here, making this a super convenient location.
→ Click here to check rates & availability at the Adorable Beach Cottage
Things To Do Near Milford, CT
While Milford has plenty to see and explore, there are some wonderful places to visit nearby, so I wanted to share these options with you as well.
14. Spend The Day In New Haven
Just 15-20 minutes from Milford (or maybe more, depending on traffic 😉), you’ll arrive in the beautiful city of New Haven, known for being the home of Yale University.
But there’s so much more to New Haven than Yale, of course, and you can easily fill up a day here exploring all the best places. Some of my favorite things to do in New Haven are:
→ Enjoy the views from East Rock Park, overlooking the city (you can either walk up for a work-out, or drive up).
→ The Pardee Rose Gardens, which are great from spring to late summer, but the roses begin to bloom in June.
→ Lighthouse Point Park, which is home to Five Mile Point Lighthouse, and over 80 acres of space to explore, including coastline.
→ The famous New Haven food trucks, which are usually parked along Sachem Street, Long Wharf, and Cedar Street.
→ Check out the local breweries, with Armada Brewing and Hoax Brewing Co. being some especially great ones (but there are several in the city to visit).
→ There are also fantastic museums in New Haven, with the New Haven Museum being a great one to start with. The building itself is so beautiful, and is considered to be one of the best examples of Colonial Revival architecture in Connecticut.
15. Explore Westport
Westport is about 20-30 minutes from Milford, and another fun place to explore in the area. Known for the beautiful and sandy Compo Beach, as well as Sherwood Island State Park, it has plenty of outdoor space to enjoy on a nice day.
Westport is also a great shopping destination, and home to one of the few Terrain storefronts in the U.S., which is an absolutely stunning shop with its own café. It’s virtually impossible to walk out of there empty-handed!
Pro Tip: There can be some traffic around rush hour getting to and from Westport, as its further west, so you’ll want to consider this when planning your visit.
16. Plan A Beach Day In Fairfield
Fairfield is a place in Connecticut that surprised me on my first-ever visit, in a good way! Located just 15-20 minutes from Milford, Fairfield is home to a charming downtown area with great shopping, as well as some really nice beaches.
The perfect day in Fairfield starts with a visit to the beach, and Jennings Beach is my favorite in town. It’s a public beach, but will charge out-of-state visitors a fee to park in-season, so plan accordingly.
Then, head to their downtown area, and visit the shops and restaurants on Post Road (the main road in downtown). There are so many cute and fun places to visit in the downtown area, and it’s definitely worth budgeting some time here for shopping, and dinner out to end your day.
Bonus: Also Swing By Bridgeport
If you have some extra time, you can also head to Bridgeport, which is the neighboring town of Fairfield, and visit the Monger Market, one of New England’s largest and best antique shops. And then walk out to Fayerweather Island Lighthouse. The lighthouse requires a walk on a jetty, but it’s a really cool spot to explore.
17. Visit Hammonasset Beach State Park
Known as the best beach in Connecticut, Hammonasset Beach State Park is definitely a favorite of mine in the area.
Located a bit further from Milford, at around 30-40 minutes away, Hammonasset not only has a long and sandy beach to enjoy, but also a great paved walking path that spans about 2 miles one-way parallel to the coastline, as well as the Meigs Point Nature Center, and great spots for bird-watching.
There is a fee for out-of-state visitors in-season, but this is one of the parks with a pricey admission fee that I think is very much worth it.
18. Take A Day Trip To Mystic
Mystic is just over an hour from Milford, making this a longer day trip option, but so worth it!
One of the most charming waterfront towns in Connecticut, Mystic is pretty much on the Rhode Island border. And, despite its smaller size, it’s loaded with all kinds of fun things to do, including:
→ The Mystic Seaport Museum
→ Mystic Aquarium
→ The quaint downtown Main Street and Bascule Bridge
→ Olde Mistik Village, one of the coolest and most unique outdoor shopping areas in New England
→ B.F. Clyde’s Cider Mill (in season, only)
→ Nearvy Stonington, which has its own charming downtown and great vineyards
Psst! I have an entire post on things to do in Mystic, if you need some more ideas for your trip 😉
19. See Charming Guilford
Last on my list for day trips near Milford is quaint Guilford, which very much feels like Stars Hollow from Gilmore Girls.
Guilford is only about 25 minutes from Milford, and their downtown area is centered around a lovely green space, with cute little shops and eateries on the surrounding side streets. It’s also home to some beautiful, historic houses, and overall, feels like a quintessential New England destination. It’s good to know that downtown Guilford is pretty small and doesn’t require a lot of time, but it’s definitely worth the excursion.
Outside of downtown is also Bishop’s Orchards, which is a great place to visit in the fall season. However, they have a year-round farm market & winery just down the road from their orchard, which is a great place to pick up some of their baked goods and such.
Milford, CT FAQ
Is Milford, CT Worth Visiting?
I think so, yes! It’s not a destination that will appeal to everyone, especially if you’re looking for amazing beaches. While I really enjoy the smaller beaches in town, they also tend to be rocky, and expensive for out-of-state visitors in the summer season.
However, that’s also why I tend to visit in spring or fall, which I’ll get more into down below.
That said, I really love Milford, and my stays in nearby Stratford at The Surfside Hotel make for such a fun and relaxing getaway. I love walking around the downtown area, visiting the parks, and also taking mini day trips to nearby places, since Milford is so close to some great destinations. I always look forward to my visits here.
Is Milford, CT Walkable?
Yes and no. In general, you’ll need a car. The downtown area of Milford is very walkable, however, everything else is located far enough away that you’ll need to drive everywhere.
What’s The Best Time To Visit?
So, as mentioned, I really prefer to visit Milford when the state parks are not charging out-of-state visitors to park. Admission fees apply to many parks between May 1 and September 30, but outside of these dates, you can visit the parks without paying a fee.
This also includes most of the beaches in town.
For that reason, I really love to visit in April and October. Of course, it’ll be too cold to go swimming, but since the beaches are pretty rocky in this area, I simply enjoy the overall ambiance of the coastline instead. The trails and parks are still very enjoyable this time of the year.
In the summer season, I think it’s more worth it to visit places with larger, sandier beaches, like Hammonasset, or driving over to Rhode Island or Cape Cod, for example. You get more for your money in places like that in terms of beaches.
Is Milford The Same As New Milford?
No, and this can be confusing if you’re not familiar with the area! New Milford is a town in northwestern, CT in the Litchfield Hills region about 1 hour away, heading toward The Berkshires in Massachusetts. Milford is the coastal city that this post is about 😊
That’s A Wrap On Fun Things To Do In Milford, CT!
And there you have it! My guide on all the fun things to do in beautiful Milford, CT. Whether you’re looking to relax on the beach, enjoy the lovely parks, or explore the nature trails, there’s a wonderful variety of things to do for a relaxing getaway along the coast. Happy planning!
