5 Things to Do in New Haven, CT

Explore the Fun & Food that New Haven Offers

Whether you are local or a visitor of New Haven, Connecticut – there are plenty of things to do around town. From incredible sites to visit with breathtaking, historic architecture to delicious cuisine, New Haven offers many options for fun and entertainment.

Yale University

As one of The United States’ oldest colleges, Yale University traces its roots to the 1640s, when colonial clergymen led an effort to establish a local college in the tradition of European liberal education.

Many visitors, potential students and their families explore the beautiful grounds with unique and stunning historic Gothic Revival buildings and other architectural feats.

Explore Yale’s three centuries of history, and learn more about traditions that have become part of the fabric of the university.

∙ Harkness Tower is open to the public. The tower balcony under the clock face offers a breathtaking view of the Yale campus and New Haven downtown. The tower is a Yale landmark and a must-see on your Yale itinerary.
∙ Connecticut Hall is also one of the oldest buildings in Connecticut and the only remaining example of colonial-era architecture built at Yale University. It was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1965.
∙ Battell Chapel is the largest chapel of Yale University in New Haven. The chapel is in High Victorian Gothic style of rough brown sandstone.
∙ Sterling Memorial Library is the largest library at Yale University, containing over 4 million volumes. It is an example of Gothic revival architecture, designed by James Gamble Rogers, adorned with thousands of panes of stained glass created by G. Owen Bonawit. The Library has 15 levels, each with its own category of books.

Lighthouse Point Park

Lighthouse Point Park in the Morris Creek Nature Preserve, is a 20-acre salt marsh that is partly owned by the New Haven Land Trust.

The 82-acre park is located at the eastern side of New Haven Harbor in the East Shore neighborhood, and visitors bask in a gorgeous view of Downtown New Haven.

The park features the deactivated Five Mile Point Light, which is open for tours on special events, and the Lighthouse Point Carousel, which is operated seasonally.

Park amenities include a sand beach area with a bath house, restrooms, a boat launch, two pavilions, splash play area, playground, summer concession stand, fishing pier, picnic tables, grills, and nature trails.

The park is located on the Atlantic flyway, a major migration route for butterflies, hawks, and many other bird species, which makes it a popular site for bird watching. Events include the annual fall “Migration Festival at Lighthouse Point Park”, bird watching walks, hawk displays, butterfly observations, and an annual hawk count.

Little Italy

For those in search of the perfect pizza or delicious cannolis, you must explore New Haven’s’s very own Little Italy.

Little Italy occupies Wooster Street to the east of downtown New Haven. You can recognize it by the red and green arch and small Italian flags. The area has more than a half dozen well-known Italian restaurants.

Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana opened in 1925 and is one of the oldest and most popular pizza places in Connecticut. There will likely be a lengthy wait, but well worth it.

Consiglio’s Restaurant in Little Italy serves delicious homemade pasta and other Italian fare that will make your mouth water.

Need to satisfy your sweet tooth? Libby’s is famous for their perfect cannoli which is crispy on the outside and stuffed with rich filling. They also have a great selection of cookies and other desserts to feed your sugar craving.

Museums

Peabody Museum of Natural History was one of the first natural history museums in the world, and over time, it’s grown to be one of the biggest. Visitors can experience a combination of extensive galleries that cover paleontology, anthropology, geology, and biology, among others.

One of the most popular exhibits is the Egyptology collection, which includes the granite Head of Osiris, mummies, coffins, and a bust of the Ptolemaic King. The Peabody Museum of Natural History is also home to a Great Hall of Dinosaurs, including a mounted brontosaurus, along with vast fossil collections.

The Yale Center for British Art has a historic collection of works from across the pond, the largest of its kind outside of the UK. Visitors can trace the journey of British art through the eras thanks to the assemblage of paintings by Hogarth, Reynolds, Hepworth, and Constable among others.

New Haven Theaters

New Haven is home to a number of distinguished theaters, where locals and visitors flock to enjoy the best live action shows in Connecticut. Take time to watch some of the best storytelling in the country. Shed some tears, share some laughs, and get lost in amazing shows.

Shubert Theater
(203) 562-5666
247 College St New Haven, CT 06510
Upcoming Shows >>

Yale Repertory Theatre
(203) 432-1234
1120 Chapel St, New Haven, CT 06510
Upcoming Shows >>
Long Wharf Theatre
(203) 693-1486
222 Sargent Drive New Haven, CT 06511
Upcoming Shows >>

Lyric Hall Theater
(203) 389-8885
827 Whalley Avenue, New Haven CT 06515
Upcoming Shows >>

Explore the Best of New Haven

Whether visiting, or a local that is in search of exploring the city, there are a great number of activities, places, and events to enjoy the beautiful city of New Haven, in Connecticut.

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