I read other blog posts on this subject and disagree with some of the lists! Therefore, here is my list of the best Connecticut Instagram spots, assorted by season. I have heard a lot lately how Connecticut is a drive through state; people are usually only using our highways to get to other New England States or New York. While I do agree we aren’t the most fabulous, we have a lot of beautiful locations worthy of a stop.

If you’ve read my blog for a while now, I’m sure most of these won’t be new to you. Let me know what you think!

Spring

Wicked Tulip Farm, Preston

Keep tabs on their website and social media for when it’s time to visit. It’s a bit of a drive for me from the western side of the state, but well worth it. I haven’t gone every year, but it’s a prime spot for spring!

Color Blends House & Garden, Bridgeport

This is one I go back to every spring. It’s only open for six weeks each year. The architecture and art galleries inside the house are also amazing to visit. If you visit during the week you may just have the place to yourself.

Yale Campus, New Haven

Walking the campus is great for spring, when the trees are flowering. Also see below for winter. The picture of me below is the garden behind the Scroll & Key building. It’s a bit hidden, but find it! You won’t be disappointed.

Topsmead State Forest, Litchfield

This is a good one for late spring, when more flowers are in bloom in the garden. The picture below was in June one year. Also a good place to go in early July.

Elizabeth Park, Helen S. Kaman Rose Garden, West Hartford

See more on my first visit there a couple of years ago. Mid June is the perfect time to visit.

Summer

Harkness Memorial State Park, Waterford

See my blog post about this park, here.

Mystic

A beautiful summer day is the perfect time to walk around Mystic. I personally love Mystic Pizza, but there are tons of restaurants to choose from. My family loves Mystic Village, I love walking around “downtown.”

Captain’s Cove and Seaside Park, Bridgeport

I love taking the kids here on a summer afternoon. We can walk the shops on the boardwalk (they open around noon-1ish) and eat lunch on the dock.

Buttonwood Farm Sunflower Field, Griswold

Be sure to get their famous ice cream afterwards!

Sticks and Stones Farm, Newtown

Also a great place to go in autumn. The place is filled with great kid friendly hikes, fun surprises around every corner and an amazing view from the fairy gazebo at the top. I love going barefoot in the cool stream. They have cabins to rent via Airbnb as well.

Silver Sands State Park, Milford

Go early in summer, while it’s still clean and looks nice. Check when there will be low tide and then walk out to Charles Island. I’ve even kayaked out to the island it and it’s awesome.

Studio 80 + Sculpture Grounds, Old Lyme

UPDATE! THE STUDIO IS NOW CLOSED, SO SAD :(

I take my kids every summer to the grounds and we wander around in amazement at the talented sculpture artists.

Autumn

Florence Griswold Museum, Old Lyme

During the month of October, the museum exhibits a Wee Faerie Village, each year a new theme. It’s so fun! The museum is very close to Studio 80; worth a trip and see both on the same day, but go in summer if doing both and see the flower gardens at the Griswold Museum.

Rails To Trails, Cutler’s Farm Rd entrance, path to Great Hollow Lake, Monroe

This dirt bath is stunning in autumn! You can walk, run, bike it, bring the dog on a leash and enjoy the beautiful trees. Also a great path for snowshoeing in winter.

Beardsley Zoo, Bridgeport

Also a fun place to go any time of year, but spring and autumn are my personal favorite times. The greenhouse is always green!

Enders Falls State Park, West Granby

Now, I can make the case for any Connecticut state park at any time of year, truly, but Enders Falls in autumn is completely breathtaking.

Winter

Yale Campus, New Haven

For indoor activities, Yale University Art Gallery and Beinecke Rare Book Library, although both can really be enjoyed any time of year :) Both are free.

Cava Restaurant, Southington

I’m not a fan of the food unfortunately, but the atmosphere for the holidays cannot be beat! Go for apps and drinks.

Barkhamsted Reservoir, Seville Dam, Barkhamsted

Now hear me out on visiting in winter…no one else is there! You still get to see the cool castle like tower. I took this photo January one year; it was picked up by a book! I did return this past autumn and the dam looked gorgeous surrounded by fall colors. It was very busy though!

Snowshoeing at Southford Falls State Park

See my blog post about my winter adventure.

Runner Ups

There are some honorable mention spots I want to include. These are ones you’ll find on most people’s lists and are worthy for a visit.

+Gillette Castle– I haven’t been inside yet! This summer, it’s happening.

+Mark Twain House– loved it. Didn’t take my kids; felt like a one and done destination.

+Essex- we walked around in summer. I’ve heard The Griswold Inn is amazing at Christmas. I would pick Mystic over Essex.

+ Bartlett Arboretum and Gardens, Stamford. It was a beautiful place but didn’t make my main list because they use high pitched sound machines to scare away bugs and it scares away my autistic children as well. I honestly couldn’t hear the machines myself. Kid repellent.

Well there is my list of my top 21 best Instagram Spots in Connecticut!

Are any of these on your main list?