The beach at Cove Island Park
Sometimes the best getaway isn’t the one that requires packing a suitcase and spending hours traveling. Whether you want to relax at the beach, mini golf or enjoy a seafood dinner, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite staycation ideas in the Stamford area. Make memories, recharge and enjoy a change of scenery without the hassle of traveling too far!
Gone Fishing!
Start the day by heading to Pete’s Place Bait & Tackle for fishing supplies (including bright, character themed fishing poles for kids). Then go to Cove Island Park to cast a line and see what you catch! Get your CT Fishing License here. Pack a lunch and have a picnic or pack some supplies and cook on the grills located around the park. If you want to continue your adventure, head to Cove Beach Grill for lunch and back to the beach at Cove Island Park for some playtime on the beach! Finish the day with a treat from TropiGlace.
Fishing at Cove Island Park
Beach Day!
We love West Beach for a fun and relaxing beach day. Park right at the sand and unload easily with kids! Plus there’s a playground on the sand! If you go in the morning, stop at Donut Delight or Beldotti Bakery on the way for donuts to eat at the beach. If you go in the late morning or early afternoon, enjoy some playtime and then walk to Brennan’s by the Beach for lunch out on the patio. If you hear to the beach in the evening, grab pizza on the way and enjoy pizza and evening playtime! There is usually an ice cream truck around for a sweet treat. We also love stopping at Sunny Daes Ice Cream on the way home!
Just remember, you do need a Stamford Beach Pass to park at Stamford beaches through September!
West Beach
Tee Off
Whether you want to play 18 holes, hit the driving range (fun for kids) or take a lesson, Sterling Farms is an awesome place to go. After you play enjoy a meal at The Stillery or The Royal Green. Check the show schedule at Curtain Call and check out a play while you’re there!
Head Out on the Sound
Enjoy a day on the Long Island Sound! Sign up for an afternoon or sunset sail on the SoundWaters Schooner (passengers must be 5 years or older) or book a private charter through Fairfield County Boat Charters! Back some snacks, lunch or dinner and enjoy the day, stress free!
Rent a Kayak or Paddle Board
Head to Westport and rent a kayak or paddle board to enjoy some time on the water! Sea Kayak Connecticut and Westport Paddle Club both offer hourly rentals, guided harbor tours, and easy access to the Saugatuck River right from their docks. Afterwards, grab a bite at The Boathouse at Saugatuck or The Whelk. For a great family option, head to Bartaco!
Mini Golf
Enjoy a round of mini golf at Norwalk Cove Marina Mini Golf! Play the 18-hole mini golf course and enjoy views of the beach while you’re at it! Grab lunch or dinner at Luca’s Beach Kitchen located directly on the beach, Sunset Grille or The Galley at Norwalk Cove Marina. If you want to take a little ride, go over to Overton’s Seafood and then walk over to Mr. Frosty’s Ice Cream Shop!
Norwalk Cove Marina Mini Golf
Enjoy the Day at Captain’s Cove
Head to Captain’s Cove in Bridgeport for outdoor summer fun in a family friendly atmosphere! Marina, waterfront restaurant, live music 4 days a week, drinks and Boardwalk Shops!
Visit Rowayton
Head to Rowayton to walk around, explore and enjoy lunch or dinner! Rowayton Seafood is our favorite. They also have a market and Pearl the Oyster Boat. Rowayton Pizza is great for casual dining. We love lobster rolls and ice cream at Brendan’s 101!
Pearl, The Oyster Boat
Head to the Water Park
Quassy Amusement Park in Middlebury, CT and Lake Compounce in Bristol, CT are great options within 2 hours of Stamford. Brownstone Adventure Sports Park in Portland, CT offers zip lining, swimming and water obstacles, cliff jumping, walk boarding, rock climbing, kayaking, paddle boarding and more!
Spend the Day on a Farm
Head to Jones Family Farm for berry picking, harvest your own flowers and enjoy time at the winery! Go to Silverman’s Farm for playtime, to see the animals, fruit picking and more! Lyman Orchards always has something exciting to do! All are a great way to spend the afternoon.