Located on Long Island Sound, Stratford borders the Housatonic River to the east and has 18 miles of coastline. Coastal and waterfront attractions sit alongside nature watching, aviation history and brewery culture. If you’re looking for a hotel in Stratford, consider what you’re most interested in: the coast, forests and wildlife, or museums and a brewery visit? These different themes give you a concrete basis for deciding whether Stratford is the right destination for your trip.
Forest and Nature Watching
Roosevelt Forest covers 495 acres and is part of the Town of Stratford’s park system. As a wildlife refuge, it gives visitors the opportunity to observe deer, small mammals, reptiles, amphibians and birds. Trees, ferns and wildflowers are also part of the nature-watching experience. The forest trails add an option for people who enjoy getting around on foot. Roosevelt Forest is therefore a place to observe not just individual animal species, but also plant life. This offers a different perspective on nature than the coast: here, the forest, trails and observable wildlife and plant life shape the experience.
Coast, Water and Short Beach
Stratford has five marinas, several fishing piers and two public boat ramps. These facilities offer different ways to enjoy the water: marinas and boat ramps are of interest to people who like boats, while the fishing piers are geared toward fishing. Short Beach adds a stretch of beach with a distinctive combination of access and nature. The northernmost section provides beach access for people with disabilities and also includes nesting areas for common terns and piping plovers. The information about beach access applies to this northernmost section; it should not be taken to apply to the entire beach.
Two Perspectives on Aviation History
The National Helicopter Museum features hundreds of photographs and models tracing the history of the helicopter in the United States and around the world. The Connecticut Air & Space Center takes a broader look at aerospace: the center preserves and restores a collection of aircraft and aerospace exhibits for public access in a museum. It invites visitors to follow in the footsteps of aviation legends and learn about Connecticut’s important role in aviation history. The two perspectives are clearly distinct: the National Helicopter Museum is dedicated to the history of the helicopter, while the Connecticut Air & Space Center focuses on aircraft, aerospace exhibits and Connecticut’s role in the field.
Plan a Brewery Visit
Two Roads Brewing operates a tasting room at 1700 Stratford Avenue in Stratford. Check the opening hours before your visit. Tours are also offered at the brewery; the tour schedule may change, so it’s a good idea to check current dates before planning. This lets you connect a potential visit with your interest in brewery culture without tying Stratford’s other attractions to a fixed itinerary.
Discover more destinations: Westport, Fairfield, Greenwich, Fairfield, Newtown, Danbury, Bridgeport, Ridgefield.
Return to the regional travel overview: Fairfield.
