Additional Coverage:
- I love New York, but I’ll always choose one of Connecticut’s incredible beach towns over the Hamptons (businessinsider.com)
Connecticut Coast Offers Hamptons-Style Charm Without the Hamptons Commute
Forget the Hamptons traffic! This summer, explore Connecticut’s charming coastal towns, offering a similar vibe but much closer to home for many.
As a Connecticut native and former New Yorker, I’m always drawn back to the unique blend of seaside relaxation and upscale amenities our shoreline offers. Here are some of my personal favorites, all within a three-hour radius of NYC:
Fairfield: Laid-Back Luxury
Fairfield provides a relaxed, Hamptons-esque escape with beautiful beaches, bustling farmers’ markets, and charming downtown cafes. Jennings and Penfield beaches offer classic seaside eats, while Sasco Beach provides a more secluded experience.
For pampering, Wine N Cheese Day Spa is a must, with facials, fine wine, and charcuterie boards. Dining options range from fresh pasta at Centro to sophisticated cocktails and mussels at Sinclair.
Finish your evening with a nightcap at the speakeasy-style J.B. Percival Co.
Fairfield is about an hour from NYC by train.
Greenwich: See and Be Seen
Greenwich exudes an exclusive, “see-and-be-seen” atmosphere reminiscent of the Hamptons. With its impressive architecture and celebrity residents, it’s a prime spot for stargazing.
Enjoy 147 acres of walking trails at Tod’s Point, charter a yacht, explore the Greenwich Audubon Center, or indulge in some high-end shopping. As the sun sets, relax in an Adirondack chair at Tod’s Point with views of the Manhattan skyline.
Elm Street Oyster House and OG Social offer dining and entertainment options. Greenwich is a quick 45-minute train ride from NYC.
Old Saybrook: Hallmark Movie Charm
Old Saybrook offers the historic charm of Sag Harbor but with a more secluded, Hallmark movie feel. Explore idyllic bookshops, antique stores, and art galleries.
Stay at Saybrook Point Resort & Marina, rent a bike, and enjoy the town’s quaint shops. Harvey’s Beach is perfect for boating and seashell collecting.
Savor waterfront dining at Fresh Salt or enjoy classic fish and chips at Little Pub. The Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center offers evening entertainment.
Old Saybrook is accessible by train from NYC in approximately two hours.
Mystic: Coastal History and Vineyards
Mystic blends charming seafood restaurants, ice cream parlors, and boutiques with a rich nautical history. Nearby vineyards, like Jonathan Edwards Winery and Saltwater Farm Vineyard, offer a Hamptons-style wine-tasting experience.
Browse handmade soaps and crafts in Olde Mystic Village. Explore beaches like Esker Point, Williams Beach, and Bluff Point State Park.
Enjoy dinner with a view at The Treehouse at Oyster Club, nestled among the trees overlooking downtown Mystic. Mystic is about a two-and-a-half-hour drive from NYC.