Milford

Encompassing almost 300 acres of state-owned land, Silver Sands State Park is located on Long Island Sound. The park boasts an incredibly diverse range of terrain, including sand dunes, forest, a salt water marsh, and a swimming beach. In addition to splashing around in the water, visitors can come here to enjoy a picnic or stroll along one of the many trails or boardwalks that run through the park. The park also boasts a 14 -acre bird sanctuary that protects wading birds like egrets and herons, which makes it a popular destination with bird watchers.

1 Silver Sands Pkwy, Milford, CT 06460

One of Milford's most popular summer destinations, Walnut Beach offers a fishing pier and one of the longest boardwalks in the state. The sandy beach here is excellent for sunbathing, but visitors who prefer some shade are welcome to relax under the park's pavilion or at one of the covered picnic tables. Visitors also come here because of the beach's proximity to Charles Island, which can be reached by walking across a sand bar during low tide. Non-residents must pay a fee to park in the beach's designated parking lot, but on-street parking is available free of charge.

113 E Broadway, Milford, CT 06460

Situated on a long barrier beach right next to the Charles Wheeler Salt Marsh, The Coastal Center at Milford Point is a nature center and bird sanctuary that was established to protect the land and wildlife of Long Island Sound. The center offers educational displays and a unique tide pool replica as well as a boardwalk with several lookout points that provides the perfect way to explore the property. Visitors will also have the opportunity to observe a wide variety of birds in their natural habitat; more than 300 different species of birds have been spotted here, including several rare species.

1 Milford Point Rd, Milford, CT 06460, Phone: 203-878-7440

If you are traveling with kids

Only a few blocks away from Long Island Sound, the Robert Treat Farm is a 30-acre working farm that has been proudly family owned and operated since 1948. Produce grown on the farm can be purchased from the on-site farm store, which also offers a wonderful selection of gourmet food items like honey, bread, and pie, many of which are produced locally. There is also a garden center, where customers can purchase everything from beautiful flowers and shrubs to whimsical planters and lawn ornaments. The farm operates on a seasonal basis and is open Wednesday through Sunday between the months of April and October.

1339 New Haven Ave, Milford, CT 06460, Phone: 203-878-4270

Offering high-quality bicycles, scooters, stand up paddle boards, and kayaks for rent, Scoot & Paddle makes it easy for visitors to explore the beautiful nature in and around Milford. Equipment is available for people of all ages and experience levels, but a valid driver's license is required to rent the motor scooters. During the summer months, the shop hosts group paddles and other special events like sunset paddles with beachside yoga and scavenger hunts. Reservations are required for all events. Rentals are available between May and October, and the shop also offers a retail section that is open for holiday shopping in December.

28 Naugatuck Ave, Milford, CT 06460, Phone: 203-713-8282

Where to Eat

Specializing in Italian and Mediterranean cuisine, Bin 100 Restaurant offers a delicious selection of pizza, pasta, seafood entrees, and meat dishes. The award-winning wine list has an excellent pairing for every meal; cocktails and other beverages are available as well. Locals and visitors alike love the prix fixe dinner menu, a special four course deal with a wide range of options to choose from. The prix fixe menu is only available Sunday through Thursday, but the restaurant is open for dinner every night of the week. Private lunch or dinner events can be arranged for groups, and catering is available for take out as well.

100 Lansdale Ave, Milford, CT 06460, Phone: 203-882-1400

The Corner Restaurant is one of the busiest restaurants in Milford, and with good reason. The restaurant has built its reputation on its friendly service and delicious breakfasts, all of which are made using fresh, high-quality ingredients like real maple syrup and real butter. The most popular breakfast item on the menu is the decadent Stuffed French Toast, which comes in a variety of flavors, but customers will also find unique dishes like blackened eggs, Cuban tacos, and Malaysian pulled pork. The Corner is open for breakfast and brunch every day of the week, and it stays open for lunch on weekdays.

105 River St, Milford, CT 06460, Phone: 203-882-1150

Family owned and operated since 1965, the Seven Seas Restaurant is the oldest continually-running restaurant in Milford. It's best known for its cheerful, family-friendly service and generous portion sizes, and over the years, it's had the honor of hosting well-known personalities such as John Legend and Dan Patrick. The specialties here are the lobster rolls and the fried seafood dishes, but the menu also offers a wide selection of appetizers, soups, salads, burgers, sandwiches, and meat entrees.

16 New Haven Ave, Milford, CT 06460, Phone: 203-877-7327