It’s easy to see why Stamford is deemed one of Connecticut’s best cities. It’s on the water, houses vast, verdant parks (some even have beautiful beaches), and its downtown core boasts a heady vibe not found in some of the state’s quieter, more charming towns.
Stamford is dotted with cool things to do, like shop in boutique stores, grab a bite on an outdoor patio on Bedford Street, get inspired at the Stamford Museum & Nature Center, or wander the trails at Cove Island Park.
The best part? Stamford’s attractions lie within easy reach of New York City, making this a perfect place to visit for a day trip. The Metro North Train from Grand Central takes an hour and arrives downtown, a mere 10-minute walk from Stamford Town Center.
Here are the best things to do in Stamford.
10 Stroll Along The Boardwalk At Harbor Point
Harbor Point looks a lot different than it did a few years ago. This once unfavorable industrial area is now peppered with high-rise apartment buildings, top-rated restaurants, and picturesque water views. It’s also home to over 20 acres of parks, more than 15 of the city’s best restaurants, and a lively nighttime scene.
Sandwiched between the I-95 and Kosciuszko Park, this popular peninsula is a hub of exciting activities and entertainment throughout the year. In fact, the area boasts over 200 events annually including the SoundWaters Annual HarborFest in late August, the Annual Health Wellness & Lifestyle Expo in early September, and the Howl-O-Ween Pet Costume Parade in late October.
From outdoor yoga classes to seasonal farmers markets to fun runs, there’s always something happening at this fun point of interest.
Harbor Point offers complimentary access to water taxis and trolleys to help visitors travel around the city.
The Granola Bar is the best place to visit for a weekend brunch. The Crunchy Elvis and Avo-Toast are hard to beat.
9 Visit The Ferguson Library
Think visiting a library while on vacation is going to be boring? Not if it’s Stamford’s Ferguson Library. More than just a home for classic tales, spooky stories, and fantastical tomes, this historic building plays host to many must-attend events.
From crime-writing workshops to author talks to film screenings to art shows to drum circles, there’s always something interesting on the calendar at Ferguson Library.
The library has three branches in the city, but the Main Library is the largest and dates to the late 19th century. It lies in the Dimattia building downtown.
Keep all eyes on the road—The Bookmobile is the library’s traveling branch. It’s been roaming the city’s streets since 1940 and can usually be found around town on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.
- Address: One Public Library Plaza, Stamford, Connecticut
- Hours: From 10 am to 8 pm Monday through Thursday, from 10 am to 6 pm on Friday, and from 10 am to 5 pm Saturday and Sunday.
8 Take Family Photos In Goodbody Garden
The Stamford Garden Club should be commended for their phenomenal and tireless job with the Goodbody Garden. A stunning slice of tranquility set within a residential neighborhood, this is one of the most beautiful attractions in Stamford.
The blooms are most spectacular in late spring, but summer’s blossoms are a close second.
Bordering the Goodbody Garden is one of the city’s most historic (and ruined) landmarks, Fort Stamford. A popular place to visit for its scenic backdrop, this fort was only active for two years—between 1781 and 1783. In 1975, it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
This is a popular place to take photos, so expect to spy brides, grooms, pets, and families all spiffed up and smiling (or wagging their tails) for posterity.
- Address: 900 Westover Road, Stamford, Connecticut
7 Walk The Dog At Mianus River Park
A quick, five-minute drive from Goodbody Garden, Mianus River Park offers visitors 391 acres of nature reserve to explore. Located on the border with the upscale town of Greenwich, this natural wonderland consists of two miles of the Mianus River, vernal pools, winding trails, and vernal pools, not to mention a vast array of incredible wildlife.
Dogs are more than welcome here, but they must be leashed at all times.
Live nearby? Join one of the monthly hikes. Known locally as “Plikes,” they happen on the first Monday of each month. Bring a garbage bag and gloves, as the two-hour event involves cleaning up the trails along the route.
- Hours: Daily from sunrise to sunset.
6 Get Active At Chelsea Piers
There’s virtually no end to the fun that can be had at Chelsea Piers in Stamford. An athletic club with branches in New York City and Brooklyn, spending time here is one of the best things to do with the family.
Not sure it’s a fit for everyone in the clan? The sports on offer are plentiful and include everything from trampoline to volleyball to parkour to soccer to figure skating. There’s even a Splash Zone and gym, as well as multiple fitness classes available. With 400,000 square feet on offer, this place is literally activity central.
As always, members get better rates, so it’s best to purchase a membership for those who live in the area.
- Address: 1 Blachley Road, Stamford, Connecticut
5 Find Serenity At Bartlett Arboretum And Gardens
There’s something magical about spending time at the Bartlett Arboretum and Gardens. No matter how stressed a person might be when they enter this natural wonderland, they feel lighter and rejuvenated by the time they leave. The reason? Fresh air, babbling brooks, singing birds, and lush forests so resplendent, they cause all types of tension to disappear.
A family-friendly attraction, there are multiple classes and activities aimed at children. The “secret head scavenger hunt” is particularly enchanting. Kids (and their grownups) are encouraged to find the “faces” hidden throughout the grounds.
This is also a very romantic place for couples to spend a few hours, so head here when an amorous mood hits. Visit in fall to really feel the romance—a remarkable kaleidoscope of colors burst onto the scene, taking the breath away from every visitor.
There’s always something interesting on the calendar. Be sure to check before visiting and sign up for a tour (like the Animal Detectives Hike), birding adventure, or art class.
Dogs are welcome to explore the trails, but they must be leashed.
- Address: 151 Brookdale Road, Stamford, Connecticut
- Hours: Daily from dawn to dusk.
4 Grab A Bite On Bedford Street
The best advice for visiting Stamford’s Bedford Street is to come hungry! One of the most bustling streets in the downtown core, this is where visitors come to nosh on tasty cuisine from around the world. Rave-worthy restaurants line both sides of the street, and many offer outdoor patios to enjoy when the weather is nice.
Bedford Hall Craft Kitchen & Bar is consistently good and boasts a warm and inviting place to enjoy a few cocktails, as well as a palate-pleasing menu that includes gluten-free options. Bedford Thai is another tasty place to visit for fresh dishes with a delicious pop of flavor. Mecha is a cult classic for noodle lovers. All its dishes are divine, but expect to wait as this is one of the more popular restaurants in town.
Attention all retail lovers: Stamford Town Center lies mere steps away from the action on Bedford Street. Those with a penchant for shopping will want to spend a couple of hours wandering through the stores at this shopping mall.
3 Watch A Show At The Palace Stamford
There’s no lack of entertainment at The Palace Stamford. Whether tourists are fans of dance, orchestra, comedy, or pop, there’s bound to be a show they’ll enjoy. And the entertainment here is top-notch. Everyone from Trevor Noah to The Temptations to Tony Bennett have performed at this venue.
Inside, the theater, which opened in 1927, retains its old-timey charm, but it’s been lovingly restored to ensure every audience member has an optimal view. There’s no need to trek to busy New York City when there are Class A performances in a stellar venue right here.
- Address: 61 Atlantic Street, Stamford, Connecticut
2 Get Inspired At The Stamford Museum & Nature Center
It’s tough to decide which part of the Stamford Museum & Nature Center to visit first. This expansive center is home to a wide, wooden boardwalk through the woods, the impressive Bendel Mansion, the stunning Knobloch Family Farmhouse, and the lovely Heckscher Farm. As if that wasn’t enough. There’s also the Overbrook Nature Center, which boasts tranquil trails and family-friendly programs.
Take the kids and entertain them with a self-made scavenger hunt. There are multiple marble statues atop a hill that overlooks Lake Laurel. See who can spot them first. Once they find the uber-fun playground, though, it will be difficult to get them to leave.
Don’t miss the Family Fest Sundays. There are nine offered annually and they run from 10 am to 2 pm. Check their site for more information.
There’s a lot to see at the Stamford Museum & Nature Center, so it’s best to plan for at least two hours at this attraction.
- Address: 39 Scofieldtown Road, Stamford, Connecticut
- Hours: Stamford Museum Galleries & Bendel Mansion are open daily (except holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day) from 9 am to 5 pm Monday through Saturday or Sundays from 11 am to 5 pm. Winter hours close a half hour earlier, at 4:30 pm.
1 Play All Day At Cove Island Park
There are few better places to spend a warm, sunny day in Stamford than Cove Island Park. Set in the southeast of the city, in a section known as the Cove; this is the perfect place to visit for families and couples looking for an outdoor adventure.
This large area (it spans about 83 acres) is home to a marina, multiple trails perfect for walking, running, and rollerblading, and a playground. There’s also a large, grassy lawn perfect for picnics, BBQ grills, a tennis and basketball court, softball fields, and two beaches.
The park is vast; catch the shuttle from one area to another during summer.
No time to spend a whole day? That’s okay; even a couple of hours will make for a well-deserved stop and excellent leg-stretching opportunities during an East Coast road trip.
- Address: 363 Weed Avenue, Stamford, Connecticut
- Cost: Non-residents can expect to pay a daily fee of $42.50 on weekdays or $69 on weekends and holidays. Residents can purchase a seasonal beach permit online for as little as $26.59.