visit milford ct

Home » Travel Guides » United States » Connecticut (CT) » 15 Best Things to Do in Milford (CT)

15 Best Things to Do in Milford (CT)

The longest coastline of any settlement in Connecticut is found at this city, West of New Haven and bounded by the Housatonic River.

What surprises me is just how varied Milford’s shoreline can be, at the bird-rich Charles Island and Milford Point or sandy stretches like Walnut Beach. The entire shore is primed for outdoor activities like paddleboarding, kayaking, and cruises aboard a schooner.

On the third Saturday of August the city puts on the Milford Oyster Festival, an event with a reputation that goes well beyond Connecticut. Honoring the city’s traditional oystering business, it pulls in big-time musicians and hundreds of artisans and vendors.

Away from the water, the city has an unusually long green, with an awesome selection of restaurants on its eastern side. Then you’ve got the Connecticut Post Mall, the largest enclosed shopping mall in the state. 

1. Silver Sands State Park

A stunning piece of protected coastline, Silver Sands State Park crams a mosaic of habitats into its 300 acres.

There’s a beach hemmed by a boardwalk, as well as dunes, woodland and revitalized salt marsh.

Most compelling of all for me is the supposedly cursed Charles Island, out in Long Island Sound and serving as a bird sanctuary.

Between August and May you can actually walk to Charles Island, along a tombolo revealed at low tide.

The island’s wooded interior is off limits for its heron and egret rookeries. You can stroll around the shore and will have ample bird-spotting opportunities.

My piece of common sense advice is to keep an eye on the tide schedule before you make the trip.

Back on the mainland, the park is a feeding site for least and common terns, and raptors like snowy owls, short-eared owls and rough-legged hawks spend the winter here.

2. Walnut Beach

Go down a bit from the state park and you’ll be on this sandy beach, edged by a quiet residential neighborhood.

There’s a continuous boardwalk behind both Silver Sands Beach and Walnut Beach. At the latter you’ll come to a small pier for fishing and just looking out onto Long Island Sound.

As with most public beaches in Connecticut there’s a significant fee for non-residents to use the parking lot.

That aside, Walnut Beach is a joy, with safe and shallow water that seems to take forever to get above waist-height. The beach also has lifeguard cover until mid-afternoon throughout the summer break.

There’s a smattering of restaurants and an ice cream parlor on the streets pulling off the shore. Meanwhile an ice cream truck will be parked on the beachfront at peak times.

My perfect time to come is at the end of July for the annual Sand Sculpture Contest. This event has been going strong for some 50 years now.

3. Boothe Memorial Park and Museum

Strictly speaking, this attraction is in Stratford but is effortlessly close to Milford in its location high on the west bank of the Housatonic River.

At the Boothe Memorial Park and Museum you’ll be traveling back to Connecticut’s earliest years.

The foundations of the Boothe Homestead date from 1663, though the building above was reconstructed around 1840. 

This property and the 32 acres around it was the home of the Boothe family for generations until it was bequeathed to Stratford in 1949. 

Earlier, in the 1910s the brothers David Beach Boothe and Stephen Nichols Boothe had opened their estate to visitors. Today there are 20 historically significant buildings at the park to be toured in summer.

These include a trolley station, blacksmith shop, chapel, carriage house, windmill, Americana Museum, miniature lighthouse, and Connecticut’s last surviving highway toll booth.

To go with these curiosities there’s an enchanting formal rose garden with a pergola and fountain.

4. Milford Oyster Festival

For a lot of the 19th and early 20th century, oystering was the source of many livelihoods in Milford. It was all thanks to the productive beds at Milford point where the Housatonic joins Long Island Sound.

This heritage was first celebrated with an oyster festival in 1975. Since then the event has become a Milford institution, taking place on the third Saturday in August, no matter the weather.

If you have a thing for classic rock, some heavyweight acts have headlined the festival in the last 20 years. I’m talking, Blue Öyster Cult, Lou Gramm, Kansas, The Marshall Tucker Band, Jefferson Starship, and Joan Jett and the Blackhearts.

But the real stars are the oysters, and with 30,000, all harvested in Milford waters and served at an awesome food court.

To go with the seafood and music on two stages, there’s craft beer and premium wine, a children’s stage, and 200+ arts and craft vendors. 

You’ve also got a canoe and kayak race, and unforgettable cruises aboard the SoundWaters Schooner.

5. Connecticut Audubon Society Coastal Center at Milford Point

Where the Housatonic River flows into Long Island Sound is the 840-acre Charles E. Wheeler Salt Marsh and Wildlife Management Area.

Partly thanks to its abundant shellfish, this environment of dunes, barrier beaches, tide pools and tidal salt marshes supports an incredible variety of birdlife (315 recorded species). 

On a barrier beach at Milford Point is a Connecticut Audubon Society Coastal Center. Here you can experience and learn more about this natural wealth. The volunteers are a big part of this, and let me know what to look out for on my visit. 

American oystercatchers and piping plovers nest on the beach, and ospreys nest in the marsh. Added to that, a multitude of shorebirds congregate here in late-summer and snowy owls winter in this habitat.

The Coastal Center has interesting interpretive exhibits, and sets up cams for ospreys and purple martins. Along with the preserve’s beaches there are four observation platforms for bird-watching, equipped with scopes.

6. Milford Green

Milford holds the distinction of the longest green in New England. This verdant, tree shaded strip is beautifully landscaped, and peppered with little monuments like a bandstand, flagpole and war memorial on a large circular flower bed.

There are family-run shops, local amenities and tempting dining spots all along the green but particularly on the east end. When I wrote this article there was seafood, Thai, Mexican, pub fare, ice cream, contemporary American cuisine, and much more. 

The Memorial Day parade takes place right here at the end of May, and in late-November you can swing by for the annual lighting tree ceremony. This is accompanied by sleigh rides, cookies and hot chocolate.

7. Eisenhower Park

If you’re up for some exercise away from the beach, Eisenhower Park in the north of Milton is the best bet, and was given a real makeover in the 2010s.

There are riverside walking trails, tennis courts, soccer fields, trails for horseback riding, a baseball field (Foote Field) and a recently expanded dog park.

For littler park-goers Eisenhower Park has an excellent accessible playground. Here Bodie’s Place features an enormous new splash pad, which won over my kids right away.

Then later in the year, it’s a gorgeous place to appreciate the fall colors. Right across North Street from the park is the nine-hole, public Orchards Golf Course.

8. Tribus Beer Co.

Milford was relatively late to catch the craft beer wave that swept across the country in the 2010s. It wasn’t until 2017 that its first brewery, Tribus Beer Co. rolled out its brews.

Better late than never though, as Tribus is a popular hangout. This spot prides itself on its relaxed family-friendly atmosphere, and is open to children and pets.

Something neat about the brewery is that it is constantly updating its range, experimenting and trying new recipes, and kicking some creations to “Beergatory”. 

There were 15 beers on tap when I called in. These included IPAs, a Pilsner (BIER), and, my favorite, a coffee Imperial Stout (Wakey Wakey). 

Tribus Beer Co.is open Tuesday through Sunday and has a busy event schedule. You’ve got live music, trivia nights, seasonal fun, and daily food trucks, from tacos to BBQ.

9. Milford Historical Society

To get better acquainted with the town’s past you could head for the Milford Historical Society. This organization preserves antiquities related to Milford, as well as three historic houses.

In the society’s collections are Native American clay pots and arrow heads dating back as much as 10,000 years, as well as Milford furniture belonging to prominent local families.

The three properties in the society’s care are the Eells-Stow House, dating to 1700 and believed to be Milford’s oldest house. 

There’s also the five-bay Clark-Stockdale House (1780), and the Bryan-Downs House, dating to 1785. The latter was relocated to the Historical Society property in 1977. 

The herb garden, expanded in 2013, is next to the Bryan-Downs House and is planted like an 18th-century formal garden. 

A real treat for me was the Country Store & Gift Shop. This is a wonderful miscellany, filled with quirky items, from Colonial-style hats to games like pick-up sticks and dominoes.

10. Outdoor Activities

Based right on Walnut Beach, Scoot & Paddle rents out kayaks, paddleboards, motor scooters, bikes and beach accessories seven days a week from mid-May to Labor Day.

You can book equipment for an hour, two hours, half-day, full-day or whole weekend. If you’re new to paddleboarding you can sign up for a private or group lesson. 

Meanwhile Scoot & Paddle organizes a range of special “Group Paddles”, at sunset or sunrise. Some are even combined with yoga on the beach.

Kayaks come in single or tandem “sit-on-top” varieties, both of which are accessible for all experience levels and need minimal instruction.

The open cockpit design means the kayak won’t fill with water if capsized. I had a mishap and was able to climb back on board and continue my adventure.

11. Sports Center of Connecticut

A day of active fun awaits at Sports Center of Connecticut. This family fun center has facilities for a whole host of sports and activities.

There’s a skating rink offering hockey lessons, a TopTracer driving range, batting cages, basketball court, duckpin bowling, paintball arena, state-of-the-art 100-game video arcade and a newly renovated laser tag arena.

My personal highlight, and an activity that the whole family can take part in is mini golf. The 18-hole course here is gimmick-free, and landscaped with a river and waterfall.

If you catch some bad weather, Sports Center will even give a complimentary waterproof poncho while you play.

12. Robert Treat Farm

There’s a charming family-run farm on this picturesque property in Milford. This patch of land has a farming heritage that goes back to the 17th century, while the current family has been here since the 1940s.

Robert Treat Farm is committed to sustainability, producing a changing array of fruits and vegetables throughout the growing season. Also here is a garden center where you can pick up everything you need for your garden, from rare annuals to fruit trees. 

When I went to press the farm store was open Friday through Sunday, and was stocked with tons of local speciality goods. These included fresh breads, milk in glass bottles, farmstead cheeses, and honey.

13. Connecticut Post Mall

The largest mall in the state is right here in Milford, on three stories and housing more than 200 tenants.

The Connecticut Post Mall arrived as an open-air shopping center in 1960 and wasn’t actually enclosed until 1981. Since then it has come through various expansions, the most-recent in the mid-2000s at a cost of $118m.

When I shopped here, the anchors were Macy’s, Boscov’s, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Target, Dave & Buster’s, and the store selection is mostly midmarket. A few nationwide and international brands include H&M, GameStop, American Eagle, Abercrombie & Fitch, Hot Topic and Victoria’s Secret.

For food court choices you’ve got chains like Johnny Rockets, Starbucks, Buffalo Wild Wings, Chipotle, and Charleys Philly Steaks, to name a small few.

Add to that a big helping of entertainment at the 14-screen Cinemark multiplex, which also has an IMAX theater.

14. Wilcox Park

This small urban park is in a charming location at the head of Milford Harbor.

You could come for a short hike or bike ride by the water spotting waterfowl, or take advantage of the tennis courts, basketball courts and baseball fields.

There’s a sweet pavilion looking over the water, used for the Milford Oyster Festival, as well as public boat launches (permit needed). At the main jetty you can occasionally board the Schooner SoundWaters for educational cruises.

Milford’s main dining district is just over the North River and connected by a little pedestrian bridge.

15. New Haven

Milford has an identity of its own, but sits within a fifteen-minute drive of the city of New Haven, the home of Yale University.

This puts a feast of culture at your fingertips, as the university’s museums are world class and open to the public.

There are ancient antiquities and masterpieces by van Gogh and Gauguin at the Yale University Art Gallery.

Children will be crazy for the mounted dinosaur fossils at the Peabody Museum of Natural History. Meanwhile at the Yale Center for British Art you can pore over sublime paintings from across the pond, by Reynolds, Gainsborough, Turner, Constable et al. 

New Haven is also rewarding just to poke around on a walking tour, and I can’t forget to mention the city’s distinctive pizza style (available locally too). 

Be sure to sign up for a university tour to see the climate-controlled inner workings of the Beinecke Rare Book & Manuscript library. This holds a copy of the Gutenberg Bible, among many other invaluable volumes.

15 Best Things to Do in Milford (CT):

• Silver Sands State Park
• Walnut Beach
• Boothe Memorial Park and Museum
• Milford Oyster Festival
• Connecticut Audubon Society Coastal Center at Milford Point
• Milford Green
• Eisenhower Park
• Tribus Beer Co.
• Milford Historical Society
• Outdoor Activities
• Sports Center of Connecticut
• Robert Treat Farm
• Connecticut Post Mall
• Wilcox Park

23 Best & Fun Things to Do in Milford (CT)

Milford is a city filled with wonders of nature located within coastal Connecticut and New Haven County, United States.

The city has the longest coastline in Connecticut and is by the Housatonic River, this amazing feature makes it bird-rich, featuring different species of birds.

There are lots of fun things to do in Milford especially for outdoor fun activities like swimming, hiking, biking, fishing, sunbathing, bird watching, lots of sporting activities, and more.

It is also a festive city where the famous Milford Oyster Festival is celebrated, drawing crowds as well as big-time musicians, vendors, and a lot of artisans. For a fun time here, let’s explore the best things to do in Milford.

Things to Do in Milford, CT

1. silver sands state park.

Amongst the top things to do in Milford is a visit to Silver Sands State park.

Located on Long Island Sound, Silver Sands State Park is an outstanding park which occupies about 300 acres of natural land space.

This amazing park has several interesting features which include a swimming beach, forest, dunes, a saltwater marsh, and a diverse range of terrain.

It also has evenly connected trails or boardwalks which cuts across the park where visitors can easily take a comforting stroll and lots of available comfortable areas to host picnics.

Silver Sands State Park is also an ideal place for interested bird watchers as it has 14 -acre bird sanctuary which is home to several wading birds like herons and egrets.

Address: 1 Silver Sands Pkwy, Milford, CT 06460, United States

2. Milford Historical Society

If you are looking to know the history of this exciting town, Milford Historical Society is the perfect place for you.

This historical society is known for preserving ancient valuables that connect to the history of Milford which includes three historic houses.

In the summer of 2019, the society has a series of remarkable displays from the Moger Collection archive photography given the title “Our Town – Our Story”.

Some of the features of this historic society include ancient Milford furniture which once belonged to prominent local families, and also Native American clay pots and arrowheads which predates about 10,000 years ago.

Some of the historical structures in this society are the Bryan-Downs House of 1785 though later relocated in 1977 to the Historical Society property, the five-bay Clark-Stockdale House established in 1780, and the Eells-Stow House from 1700 believed to be the oldest in Milford.

There is a herb garden beside Bryan-Downs House later expanded in 2013 which is planted in the style of an 18th-century formal garden.

Address: 34 High St, Milford, CT 06460, United States

3. Boothe Memorial Park and Museum

Though not located right in Milford, Boothe Memorial Park And Museum is situated at the west bank of the Housatonic River in Stratford which is effortlessly close to Milford, about 8mins-10mins drive.

This historical museum takes you on a journey through history to the early years of Connecticut’s.

Boothe Homestead building foundation was built in 1663, however the building was reconstructed later in the year 1840.

This structure is surrounded by about 32 acres of land space, which entirely was owned and the home to the Boothe family for several generations until 1949 when it was handed over to Stratford.

Moreover, before it was bequeathed to Stratford, it had been already opened for summer tour by visitors in the early 1910s by the two brothers of the Boothe family Stephen Nichols Boothe and David Beach Boothe.

Presently, there are about 20 historically significant structures in the Boothe Memorial Park and Museum for visitors to explore.

Some of the historical structures in this museum include a chapel, windmill, trolley station, carriage house, miniature lighthouse, Americana Museum, blacksmith shop, and the last standing Connecticut’s highway toll booth.

Along with the above-listed masterpiece is a rose garden which features a fountain and pergola.

4. Stonebridge Restaurant

Stonebridge Restaurant is a classic restaurant in Milford that offers varieties of delicious seafoods and American cuisine served in a comfortable environment.

The restaurant menu consists of various yummy welcoming appetizers which include hearty pub, tuna tartare, chips, and fish.

There is also a special Prix fix menu with about ten entree choices made available for customers between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. every day.

In the restaurant are a multiply dining environment to choose from which includes a casual pub section with a mahogany bar, a comfortable dining room beside a fireplace, and a nice arranged outdoor patio that gives a scenic view of the Wepawaug River.

Address: 50 Daniel St, Milford, CT 06460, United States

5. Milford Oyster Festival

Among other fun things to do in Milford is attending the Oyster Festival, hosted in memory of oystering of the 19th and early 20th century which was a key source of living in Milford at that time.

Milford Oyster Festival was celebrated first in 1975 and thereafter, it became a norm for the people of Milford who celebrates it annually on the third Saturday of every August.

If you are a fan of rock music, the festival should interest as it has a record of featuring different popular rockstars in the last 20years which includes The Marshall Tucker Band, Blue Öyster Cult (twice!), the Blackhearts, and Jefferson Starship, and Joan Jett.

However, the most important feature of this event is the oysters, and 2019 recorded about 30,000 harvested in the waters of Milford.

Other features of this event aside from oysters and rock music are craft beer and premium wine, a canoe and kayak race, 200 arts and craft stands, SoundWaters Schooner cruises, a children’s stage, and Main Street USA which comprise of stalls of different local businesses.

6. Bin 100 Restaurant

Bin 100 Restaurant is a unique restaurant in Milford that focuses on delicious Italian and Mediterranean cuisine.

They offer different kinds of Italian standard dishes which include pasta, pizza, meat, and seafood entrees.

They also have a suiting wine collections and beverages from around the world which goes with any selected befitting dish of your choice

The restaurant menu is filled with different promising cuisine to choose from aimed at satisfying both locals and tourists.

Bin 100 Restaurant is open every night for dinner and offers a prix fixe menu specially for Sundays through Thursday.

The restaurant also welcomes dinner events and private lunch for customers, with special catering services.

Address: 100 Lansdale Ave, Milford, CT 06460, United States

7. Connecticut Audubon Society Coastal Center at Milford Point

Connecticut Audubon Society Coastal Center is a nature endowed environment made up of barrier beaches, dunes, tidal salt marshes, and tide pools which are habitat to lots of shellfish as well as about 315 species of birdlife.

This beautiful center was established with the sole aim of protecting the wildlife and land of Long Island Sound.

The center is a place where you can visit to witness and learn about the wonders and beauty of nature.

The Connecticut Audubon Society Coastal Center at Milford Point is highly frequented during the summer period by American oystercatchers when lots of shorebirds gather here, piping plovers position on the beach, and ospreys nest in the marsh.

Among other beauties are significant interpretive exhibits and also cams are positioned for purple martins and ospreys. Other features of this center include a unique tide pool replica and also a boardwalk with several lookout points that offers a thorn view of the property and vicinity.

Finally, there are four observation platforms with scopes, structured along the center’s beaches for bird-watching. There are over 300 different birds species available in this park including rare species, so this a perfect place to visit while in Milford if you are a bird lover.

Address: 1 Milford Point Rd, Milford, CT 06460, United States

8. Walnut Beach

Walnut Beach is one of the most famous summer destinations in Milford, it has the longest boardwalks in the state and also suitable platforms for fishing.

The beach is perfect for visitors with intentions of sunbathing and also those who come to relax as it has a pavilion and many covered picnic tables which provide very comfortable shades from the sun.

This beach is also frequented because of it’s link to Charles Island, which can be easily accessed just by taking a stroll across a sand bar if there is low tide.

Using the beaches designated parking lot for non-residents attracts a fee, however visitors can easily park on-street which is free of charge.

9. Roosevelt Forest

Though exactly not in Milford, Roosevelt Forest is a 400-acre land space of mixed forest in Stratford which is just an 8 minutes drive from Milford across the Housatonic River.

The forest was developed by FDR’s Works Progress Administration to kick-start the town’s economy which had initially suffered Great Depression.

However, the special attribute of the Roosevelt Forest, and why it was developed was as a result of its amazing features of nature.

The forest is made up of spruces, oaks, pines, and maples which are habitat for birds, reptiles, and small mammals of different species. During the early summer, it is saturated with beautiful wildflowers.

Also, there are long hiking routes that cut across the forest to different locations and also few cooking pits and picnic shelters.

10. Milford Green

A practical example of nature’s beauty is the Milford Green, the longest green in New England with a smoothly organized landscape shaded with beautiful trees.

Milford green also features significant little monuments which include a flagpole, a war memorial surrounded by a circular flowerbed, and a bandstand.

At the east end and along the green there are several local amenities, welcoming dining spots, and family-run shops.

Try attending The Memorial Day parade while in Milford which is hosted in the green at the end of May or the annual lighting tree ceremony which takes place in late-November and features sleigh rides, hot chocolate, and cookies.

Address: Milford, CT 06460, United States

11. The Corner Restaurant

Known to be one of the busiest restaurant in Milford, the Corner Restaurant is a customer-friendly restaurant which offers diners with varieties of delicious breakfast along with a befitting customer service.

The restaurant’s dishes are prepared using fresh, high-quality ingredients which include real butter and real maple syrup.

Among other delicious breakfast available on the restaurants menu is the decadent Stuffed French Toast which they are famous for and also other cuisines like Malaysian pulled pork, blackened eggs, and Cuban tacos.

The Corner Restaurant is opened every day of the week for breakfast and brunch and on weekdays they are open for lunch.

Address: 105 River St, Milford, CT 06460, United States

Granada makes one of the top vacation spots in the world, check out our guide on things to do in Granada for a fun vacation.

12. Tour New Haven

A fifteen minutes ride from Milford, New Haven is a city where the spectacular Yale University with historical features is located.

The Yale University in New Haven has a different world-class museum that is open to the public making in journey into history not far from your reach while in Milford.

The Yale University Art Gallery houses special ancient antiquities and masterpieces crafted by Gauguin and van Gogh.

The Peabody Museum of Natural History also at Yale University, is welcoming for kids as it has mounted dinosaur fossils that will interest kids.

The Yale Center for British Art features remarkable paintings by Reynolds, Constable et al, Turner, and Gainsborough.

There are also Gothic monuments worth beholding in New Haven like the Harkness Tower.

You can also sign up for a tour at Yale University where you get to see the interior designs of Beinecke Rare Book & Manuscript Library, where the Gutenberg Bible is stored.

13. Robert Treat Farm

The Robert Treat is a vast 30-acre working farm located a few miles away from Long Island Sound. It was established in 1948 by the Roberts family who has operated it ever since.

The produce of the farm is available for sale and can be bought at a close-by farm store which has valuable food items like honey, pie, bread, and several locally produced food items.

They also have a garden center which consists of beautiful flowers and shrubs, whimsical planters, and lawn ornaments all available for purchase by interested customers.

Robert Treat Farm is open every Wednesday through Sunday from April to October, try going during these intervals of you plan on visiting.

Address: 1339 New Haven Ave, Milford, CT 06460, United States

14. Connecticut Post Mall

Connecticut Post Mall in Milford is known to be the largest mall in Connecticut, having about three stories which hosts over 215 stores.

The mall was initially established in 1960 as an open-air shopping center but later in 1981, it was enclosed to be an indoor mall, and ever since it has gone through series of expansions with the last being in the mid-2000s which cost about $118m.

The mall features stores for popular nationwide and international brands like Boscov’s, Dave & Buster’s, Dick’s Sporting Goods, H&M, Victoria’s Secret, Macy’s, American Eagle, Target, Abercrombie & Fitch, and Hot Topic.

For a dining time, they have different available eateries to choose from like Starbucks, Charleys Philly Stakes, Johnny Rockets, Chipotle and Charleys Philly Stakes, and several others.

Also, visitors can enjoy movie time in the 14-screen Cinemark multiplex, which also features an IMAX theater.

Address: 1201 Boston Post Rd, Milford, CT 06460, United States

Are you considering exploring California?, here is a list of things to do in Pacifica as well as things to do in Chino Hills for a fun exploration.

15. Eisenhower Park

Are you are looking for things to do in Milford for outdoor time?, try visiting Eisenhower Park, located at the north of Milford while visitors can peacefully exercise.

The park features walking trails, soccer fields, a baseball field, horseback riding trails, a baseball field, tennis courts, and a dog park that was expanded recently.

Visiting Eisenhower Park can also be added to your list of things to do in Milford with kids as it has an accessible playground, a big splash pad, and a Bodie’s Place where kids can have fun.

During summer, the park grounds are used to host different kinds of events which a perfect example is the Milford Food Truck Festival & Open Air Market, a popular event in may be attended by lots of vendors.

Also, there is a public Orchards Golf Course located across North Street of the park where you can play mini-golf while in the area.

Address: 780 North St, Milford, CT 06461, United States

16. Tribus Beer Co.

Beer production industries made waves for a long time in lots of areas before Milford finally got into the trend in 2017 when it’s first brewery called Tribus Beer Co. was established.

Nevertheless, the brewery is now popularly known widely as a peaceful and friendly environment that is open to everyone including children and pets.

A special attribute of this brewery is its proximity to try out new recipes carrying out experiments to update productions and add to beer collections worldwide.

A total of 11 types of rear beers were gotten from the brewery as of 2019 among which includes Called Quest (robust porter), Surgo (Kolsch), Brick (IPA). Tribus Beer Co., Ilford (sour IPA), and True Story (blonde).

Tribus Beer Co. has a busy event schedule and is opened on Thursday through Sunday hosting events like trivia nights and food trucks.

Address: 100 Raton Dr, Milford, CT 06461, United States

17. Wilcox Park

Located at the head of Milford Harbor, Wilcox Park is a small beautiful urban park that is filled with several fun-filled facilities.

Among several features of this urban park are tennis courts, baseball fields, and basketball courts all of which are available for use by interested visitors.

Other features include a large pavilion where events like the Milford Oyster Festival and also public boat launches (permit needed) are hosted, as well as a jetty where Schooner SoundWaters are boarded for fun purposes.

Wilcox Park is connected to Milford’s main dining district by a small pedestrian bridge that goes over the North River.

18. Scoot & Paddle

Among other fun things to do in Milford is the Scoot & Paddle which offers varieties of high-quality bicycles, stand-up paddleboards, scooters, and kayaks for rent making it easy for tourists to explore the wonders of nature in and about Milford.

There are suitable equipment for adults and children of all ages or different levels of experience, however, to be able to hire the motor scooters you must possess a valid driver’s license.

They host different kinds of events and group paddles during the summer period ranging from scavenger hunts to sunset paddles with beachside yoga, all of which require early reservations to be able to participate.

Scoot & Paddle are open for rentals between May and October. They also have a retails section for holiday shopping open in December.

Address: 28 Naugatuck Ave, Milford, CT 06460, United States

19. All In Adventures Escape Rooms

How about experiencing the fun of an Escape Room in Milford? All In Adventures Escape Rooms is the place to visit.

This lets you groups engage in problem-solving challenges as they try to escape a room, these centers feature escape rooms with quite a range of difficulty.

Try out the Sherlock’s Library room which gives you the opportunity to play detective, you can also take on the Zombie Apocalypse room to play a scientist who prevents an apocalypse.

Featuring seven escape rooms, All In Adventures Escape Rooms have something fun for every visitor.

This makes what to things to do in Milford, CT for a fun time, do consider for your Milford itinerary.

20. Spirits of Milford Ghost Walks

If you are a history lover or have intentions to know the history of Milford and you are as well not scared to visit some awkward places, Spirits of Milford Ghost Walks is the perfect activity for you.

Taking about 90-minute, the walk takes participants on a lantern-lit walk through the town in an approximately 1.2 miles route.

Along the route are stops in historical landmarks like the cemetery and some of the oldest structures in Milford.

To be a participant in the walk, tickets are required and are bought in person or online on their website. However, there is a limited spot therefore interested personnel are advised to purchase a ticket before time.

The tour is open for individuals of all ages and gender with a free spot for children below the age of four, this makes one of the best things to do in Milford.

Address: Hotchkiss Bridge, Factory Ln, Milford, CT 06460, United States

21. Sports Center of Connecticut

One of the best places to visit during your trip to Milford for sport lovers is the Sports Center of Connecticut, this center is located in Shelton, which is close to Milford, it is a center filled with remarkable and safe facilities for different kinds of sports and activities.

Among the sporting facilities featured in this center includes a basketball court, paintball arena, skating rink for hockey lessons, batting cages, laser tag arena, bowling alley, a driving range, and a state-of-the-art 100-game video arcade.

The center also features an 18-hole course landscaped with a waterfall and River in which the whole family can play mini-golf.

Sports Center of Connecticut also have waterproof poncho available for you if it begins to rain while you play.

Lastly, there is a Happy Hands Pottery Studio where visitors can mold, paint, design, and glaze their desired masterpiece, you can as well go in groups.

22. Saint Mary Church

Dedicated in 1995, Saint Mary Church is a remarkably good looking red brick church which is one of Precious Blood Parish two churches.

The church features varieties of architectural creativity which includes the carefully crafted oak pews, the beautifully painted ceilings in the sanctuary, and the building’s large oak doors with about ten made up with colorful glass windows marked with different biblical scenes.

The church host services every day in the morning by 7am and on Sunday’s about four different masses are held all through the day.

Saint Mary Church is open for marriage ceremonies but requires advance notice, they also carry out baptism by appointment every Sunday afternoon.

23. Bowlero Milford

For fun time with kids, add Bowling to your list of places to visit in Milford.

Bowlero Milford is a bowling, dining, and nightlife center in Milford, Connecticut. Get to experience the fun of backlight bowling, interactive arcade games, cocktails, and great meals.

Bowlero Milford makes what to do in Milford for those seeking for a couples fun time or a family fun time.

Are your kids in anticipation of fun? this makes one of the fun things to do in Milford, CT.

Bowlero is opened every day of the week, Mondays to Fridays sees opening time set at 3am and closing time at 10pm, whereas on Saturdays and Sundays, opening time is 10am and closing time 10pm.

Com have a fun time here bowling, gaming, and dining at Bowlero Milford.

Address: 1717 Boston Post Rd, Milford, CT 06460, United States

Explore other cities in Connecticut after your tour through Milford, here is a list of things to do in Danbury and some cool things to do in Hartford for a fun time.

Plan a Trip to Milford

Milford is a fun-filled city sophisticated with the beauty of nature. A trip to this wonderful city will be worth it as it has lots of fun things to do.

Plan your trip now, you can as well visit with family or loved ones, this article will serve as a perfect guide, pin it so you can easily fall back to while planning your trip.

Helping you Find the Best Things to do in Connecticut

The 10 Best Things To Do In Milford, CT in 2024

If you are looking for some things to do in Milford, CT, you have come to the right place.

In this article, you will learn a bit about the town of Milford, CT and get some ideas of fun and interesting things to do in this quaint Connecticut town.

Milford, Connecticut, along Long Island Sound, is a suburb of both New Haven and Bridgeport. Milford is also a bedroom community of New York City, due to its access to Interstate 95, the Wilbur Cross Parkway, and the Metro North Railroad. 

Even though Milford is a suburb and a bedroom community, it’s a vibrant city in its own right.

As with most Connecticut communities, Milford embraces its past.

Pirates cruised Milford’s shores, with neighboring Charles Island serving as a convenient place to bury treasure. The Milford Historic District includes many of the city’s oldest buildings.

Three of Milford’s historic houses are being preserved by the Milford Historical Society. 

There are so many things to do in Milford, CT.

Besides visiting the city’s historic homes and buildings and exploring the city’s beaches and exploring Long Island Sound, there is a large park with walking trails , an accessible playground , a dog park, and sports fields and courts.

Visitors can explore the island where an infamous pirate may have buried treasure and is now inhabited by birds. The city’s arts council has plays, exhibits, classes, and concerts open to the public.

One of the largest seafood festivals in New England invites visitors to enjoy good food and music and to have fun. For those interested in the paranormal, a nighttime tour teaches participants about Milford’s spiritual past. 

Here are the top 10 things to do in Milford, CT.

Most of the sites and activities on the list, unless noted, are open year-round. Some activities are weather-dependent, so inquire first before visiting. 

The 10 best things to do in Milford, CT in 2023

Milford Historic District

Established in 1975, the Milford Historic District, also known as the River Park Historic District , comprises approximately 190 buildings in an area that is bordered by Boston Post Road, North Street, West River Street, and Milford Harbor, and includes some of the surrounding streets. The Wepawaug River runs through the District. 

One key feature of the Milford Historic District is a park system along the Wepawaug River that includes three parks, four bridges, and two dams.

The ten-acre park system runs along both banks of the Wepawaug River. The bridges crossing the river and the stone dams that control the river’s waterflow date to 1952 and earlier.  

The buildings date from 1650 to 1936 and represent multiple architectural styles, including Victorian, colonial revival, Queen Anne, gothic, second empire, Dutch colonial, Italianate, Federal, and cross-gable.

The oldest house in Milford, the Thomas Buckingham House (61 North Street), was originally built in 1650. The house was remodeled in the eighteenth century and represents the pre-Revolutionary War three-story, central chimney style.

The oldest house believed not to be significantly altered is the Nehemiah Bristol House (124 North Street), a colonial-style residence built around 1700. 

While most of the District’s historic buildings are residential, there are two major non-residential historic buildings. The Milford City Hall (110 River Street), designed by Everetts Tracy and Edgerton Swartwout, was built in 1916.

The City Hall’s architecture is in the Federal style and was likely influenced by Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello. The United Church of Christ Congregational Church (34 West Main Street) was built in 1823, replacing the church’s previous building.

The church was built in Adamesque neo-classical style, with four columns on the exterior. 

Many of the homes and other historic buildings within the District’s boundaries have plaques indicating that the property is either on the National Register of Historic Places or is considered a historically significant landmark by the Milford Preservation Trust.

Milford Historical Society House Tours

The Milford Historical Society maintains three h ouses that are open for tours. The Eells-Stow House, the Clark-Stockade House, and the Bryan-Downs House are located on the Historical Society property. 

The Eells-Stow House dates back to a period between 1668 and 1720. Stephen Stow purchased the house from his brother-in-law Nathaniel Eells, who was the grandson of original inhabitant Samuel Eells.

Stow operated a trading business along Long Island Sound. During the Revolutionary War, Stow lost his life caring for 200 soldiers suffering from smallpox who were released from a British prison ship and cast ashore in Milford Harbor.

Thanks to the Daughters of the American Revolution, Stow’s house was saved from destruction.

The Clark-Stockade House was the first house built outside a stockade that protected Milford. Deacon George Clark started building the house in 1659, which grew to become a saltbox-style house. In 1780, builder Michael Peck dismantled the house and rebuilt it, repurposing many of the original building materials.

The house was moved from Bridgeport Avenue to the Historical Society in 1974. Much of the furniture in the house came from other historic Milford homes. 

The Bryan-Downs House was the home of Captain Jehiel Bryan and his family, including his son’s and daughter’s spouses.

The house originally was located on Boston Post Road between Milford and New Haven. Bryan’s grandson enlarged and remodeled the house and was used as rental property until the 1900’s.

In 1977, the house was erected at the Milford Historical Society, with the original windows and siding in place. Several exhibits are on the house’s first floor, including a collection of over 4,000 prehistoric Native American artifacts. 

House tours take place on Saturdays and Sundays from Memorial Day weekend to Columbus Day weekend. 

34 High Street, (203) 874-2664

Silver Sands State Park

Silver Sands State Park was born from the aftermath of Hurricane Diane in 1955. After Hurricane Diane destroyed 75 homes, Milford asked the State of Connecticut for help renovating Silver Sands Beach .

Milford transferred the land to the State Park Commission and in 1960, Silver Sands State Park became Connecticut’s fourth state shoreline park. 

Silver Sands’ beaches line a half-mile of shoreline. There is a ¾ mile-long boardwalk connecting Silver Sands Beach to Walnut Beach. There are several shorter walking trails on the park grounds.

A sandbar, or tombolo, connects Silver Sands Beach to Charles Island. 

Silver Sands State Park is home to two hundred different species of shorebirds, including ospreys, barn swallows, brant geese, snowy egrets, herring gulls, and clapper rails.

The park is open to fishing , with bluefish, striped bass, summer flounder, hickory shad, and weakfish among the species living in the ocean. 

The park is open from 8 AM to sunset. Parking fees apply to non-Connecticut registered vehicles. Lifeguards patrol the beach and waters in the summer months.

No alcoholic beverages are allowed in the park. Dogs are allowed only in the picnic areas.    

1 Silver Sands Parkway, (860) 424-3200

Charles Island

Bird lovers, get ready to be delighted, as Charles Island is one of the top things to do in Milford, CT for birdwatching.

Connected to Silver Sands Beach by a sandbar, or tombolo, Milford’s Charles Island is a wading bird rookery .

Most of the 14-acre island’s interior is fenced in to protect the birds, with public access limited to the island’s shoreline. Visitors can see the ruins of the Aquinas Retreat, a 1930’s religious retreat.

Charles Island was originally called Poquehaug. In 1639, the English settlers named it Milford Island. Charles Deal purchased the island in 1657 and renamed it Charles Island.

Captain William Kidd landed at Charles Island in 1699, en route to Boston, and may have buried some of his treasure there. Today, treasure hunters visit Charles Island looking for some of Kidd’s treasure. 

The Island went through several changes in ownership, with a fish fertilizer company, a summer resort and the Aquinas Retreat occupying the island.

The State of Connecticut now owns the island as part of the purchase of the land that became Silver Sands State Park.

The tombolo connecting Charles Island to Silver Sands Beach gets flooded twice a day when the tides hit. The tides produce dangerous currents and undertow.

It is highly recommended to walk the tombolo to Charles Island when the tide recedes and to walk the tombolo back to Silver Sands Beach three hours before high tide. Tide charts may be found online . 

There is no admission fee to visit Charles Island. The Island is closed to visitors from May 1 through September 9 in order to protect the bird population during nesting season. 

395 Meadowside Road, (860) 424-3200

Milford City Beaches

With seventeen miles of shoreline, the longest of any city or town in Connecticut, Milford has many public and private beaches .

Four of the city’s main public beaches are Anchor Beach, Gulf Beach, Walnut Beach, and Woodmont Beach. 

• Anchor Beach (136 Beach Avenue) is a small, simple beach located in the Woodmont borough. The beach has a small grassy, rocky spot jutting out into the water.

Beachgoers can see rock outcroppings and small islands on Long Island Sound. 

• Gulf Beach (Gulf Street) gives photographers a chance to take nice pictures of Charles Island.

The soft sandy beach also makes for a good spot to watch the sunset . The beach has a pier for fishing and wave watching. 

• Walnut Beach (119-199 East Broadway) is located in a neighborhood that once had amusement parks and dance halls and is reinventing itself as an artists’ community.

The large beach has a fishing pier, canopied picnic benches, a concert pavilion, a beach volleyball court, and a large sandy area. A mile-long boardwalk connects Walnut Beach to Silver Sands State Park. 

• Woodmont Beach, also called Middle Beach (Beach Avenue), sits within the boundaries of the Milford borough of Woodmont.

The beach, a combination of sand and rocks, has a walking path, a waterfront promenade, a volleyball court, views of Long Island Sound and coast side historic homes, and a fishing pier.

Swimmers may need to exercise caution due to the water’s shallow, uneven, rocky bottom surface.

There may be live music during the summer months. 

The beaches are open from sunrise to 9 PM from November through March and from sunrise to 10 PM from April through October. There is no charge to park at Anchor or Woodmont Beaches.

From May through September, Milford residents need a Resident Parking Permit to park at Gulf and Walnut Beaches.

Nonresidents will be assessed a daily parking fee . Lifeguards are on duty during the summer months. 

Milford Oyster Festival

Held annually on the third Saturday in August, the Milford Oyster Festival is one of the largest festivals in New England and has been named one of the top seafood festivals by Yankee Magazine .

The Festival’s food vendors serve up 30,000 locally cultivated oysters . 

Events taking place at the Milford Oyster Festival include an arts and crafts fair, a car and motorcycle show, oyster shucking contests, a Milford Fire Department open house, a Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla open house, a dunk tank, and canoe, kayak, and paddleboard races on Milford Sound.

The Festival also has areas with amusement rides and local vendors. 

Two stages offer live music. Headlining music acts appear on the Main Stage at Fowler Field. In previous years, Eddie Money, Blues Traveler, Blue Oyster Cult, Jefferson Starship, and Joan Jett have performed at the Festival.

The Lisman Landing Harbor Stage hosts a variety of music acts, local and tribute bands. 

Preferred parking is available at 145 High Street. Free shuttle buses operate between the Oyster Festival and Jonathan Law High School and the Connecticut Post Mall.

Milford’s Metro North rail station is within walking distance of the Festival. 

Spirits of Milford Ghost Walk

Haunted house lovers have no shortage of great things to do in Milford, CT.

The Spirits of Milford Ghost Walk takes visitors to a number of historic sites that have a haunted past.

Led by Milford journalist, professor, and author Cindy Wolfe Boynton, the 1.15-mile ghost walk features fascinating stories of Milford’s history. 

Wolfe Boynton uses her experience as a college professor, storyteller, and actor to tell the stories of people like Captain William Kidd, the pirate who placed a curse on Charles Island; the native Paugusset woman who strangled her two sons four hundred years ago; and the Colonial witch who is buried in Milford Cemetery.

Wolfe Boynton allows tour participants to try out paranormal investigating tools like dowsing rods and EMF detectors.  

Besides the standard Ghost Walk, there is a combination ghost walk and pub crawl that takes place in downtown Milford. Over the ⅓ mile route, there are stops at My Bar & Grille , SBC Milford , and Stonebridge Restaurant for ghost-themed cocktails.

Those taking the combination ghost walk and pub crawl must be 21 or older. 

The Ghost Walks and combination Ghost Walk and Pub Crawl take place on alternating weekends.

A complete schedule and advance ticket purchase information are available on the Spirits of Milford website .

All ghost walks begin at the Factory Lane side of the Hotchkiss Bridge. Parking is available at Fowler Field. 

Eisenhower Park

Two miles from downtown Milford, Eisenhower Park is a 220-acre family-friendly and dog-friendly park.

The park’s amenities include tennis and pickleball courts, a community garden, a baseball field, soccer fields, playgrounds, a dog park, a splash pad, a fitness course, and a model airplane runway.

One of the playgrounds is wheelchair accessible. 

One of the park’s more popular features are the walking trails . The flat and wide trails connect every portion of the park.

Along the trails, visitors will find migrating and nesting birds, butterflies, deer, rabbits, and loons. The Wepawaug River flows throughout Eisenhower Park, with a portion of the river’s water flow diverted to a pond.

The pond has a waterfall that flows to a small stream. A nearby small island is accessible by bridges. The forests and fields are located in what were former agricultural areas. 

Many community events are held at Eisenhower Park, including the Milford Arts Council’s annual Music Fest concert, the Milford Food Truck Festival, the Milford Open Air Market, and local non-profit organization fundraising events. 

Eisenhower Park is open daily from sunrise to sunset. There are two parking lots on North Street and a parking lot on West River Street near the dog park.

A city permit is needed to fly a model airplane in the park. 

780 North Street, (203) 783-3280

Exploring Milford’s Waters by Canoe, Kayak, or Paddleboard

If you are interested in kayaking or paddleboarding, the waterways have a lot of things for you to do in Milford, CT.

Milford has many waterways to explore by canoe, kayak, or paddleboard. Two of the most accessible waterways are Long Island Sound and the Housatonic River.

Milford Harbor, Gulf Pond, and the Indian River also attract paddlers. The breakwaters along Long Island Sound calm the Sound’s waters, making the Milford coastline a good place for paddlers to explore. 

Milford’s main canoe, kayak, and paddleboard launch sites are located at Silver Sands State Park, the Housatonic River State Boat Launch, the Charles Wheeler Wildlife Management Area (Second Avenue and Court Street), Gulf Beach, and the Milford Public Library (57 New Haven Avenue).

Milford’s Favorite Walks directory lists 29 different non-motorized boat and board launch sites, including Trubee Doolittle Park in Woodmont, Burwell’s Beach, and for access to the Indian River, the Connecticut Post Mall parking lot. 

One popular canoe and kayak paddling route is to go from Silver Sands State Park, circumnavigate Charles Island, then go west to Laurel Beach, just before the Housatonic River, and return along the coast to Silver Sands.

Another popular paddling route is to launch from the Charles Wheeler Wildlife Management Area, circumnavigate Nells Island along Long Island Sound and the Housatonic River, and return to the Charles Wheeler launch site.

The Milford Mirror’s website lists additional canoe and kayak paddling routes. 

The shoreline along Milford’s beaches is ideal for paddleboarders since the breakwaters protect the coast. For a change in scenery, paddleboarders can navigate around Nells Island, launching from the Charles Wheeler Wildlife Management Area.

However, it is best to paddle only during a rising tide in order to offset the current. 

Kayaks and paddleboards may be rented at Scoot & Paddle , located at 28 Naugatuck Avenue, near the Housatonic River.

Scoot & Paddle, which has been featured on Channel 8 , also offers group and private paddleboard lessons, group kayak paddle excursions, and paddleboard yoga sessions.

Event information is available on their Facebook page. 

Milford Arts Council

The Milford Arts Council is a non-profit organization that hosts exhibits, performances, and lectures, and offers classes in all aspects of the arts.

The Council’s goal is to make Milford an arts and culture destination. 

The Arts Council’s main arts center holds exhibits, open mic nights, and art and dance classes and invites Council members to show their artworks.

The Eastbound Theatre , located at the Arts Council, presents plays throughout the year.

The Firehouse Gallery hosts some art exhibits, art and improvisation classes, and, in association with the New England Guitar Society , classical guitar sessions. 

An oasis away from New Haven, Bridgeport, and New York City , Milford provides something for everyone to visit, explore, or participate in.

Visitors and locals will enjoy the 10 best things to do in Milford, CT. 

Sharing is caring!

• Facebook 19
• Pinterest 1

Related Posts

10 stunning outdoor wedding venues in connecticut, 10 top breweries in connecticut that are worth toasting to in 2023, leave a comment cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

• Make Campaign

Woodstock Fair, Woodstock

Mohegan Sun, Uncasville

Bartolo, Ridgefield

Sleeping Giant State Park, Hamden

Stella Blues, New Haven

Skydive Danielson, Killingly

Inspiration

More Inspiration

Mystic Aquarium, Mystic

Food & Drink Trails

Connecticut's Old State House, Hartford

Avalon Nightclub, Uncasville

Pilobolus, Washington

Spa at Saybrook Point Resort & Marina, Old Saybrook

Hartford Athletic, Hartford

George, Washington Depot

Saybrook Point Resort & Marina, Old Saybrook

IN THE MOMENT

Travel planning assistance 888-CTvisit (288-4748)

Connecticut Office of Tourism

450 Columbus Blvd., Suite 5 Hartford, CT 06103

• Resources & Links
• Privacy Policy
• Disclaimers

© 2024 Connecticut Office of Tourism

• Media/Press
• Email Sign Up
• Partner Login

Beaches & Parks

From shore to forest, explore Milford’s beautiful parks.

Silver Sands State Park

Walnut Beach

Eisenhower Park

Fowler Field

Anchor Beach

Wilcox Park

Woodmont Beach

The Coastal Audubon Center at Milford Point

Beaver Brook

Milford Green

North Street Green/Duck Ponds

Mondo Ponds

The Orchards Golf Course

Solomon Woods

Upcoming events.

• There are no upcoming events.

Instagram Feed

Discover Milford

Featuring over 17 miles of coastline, a picturesque historic walkable downtown, a wide range of amenities, and convenient access to transportation.

©2023 City of Milford . All rights reserved.

• Things To Do
• Living Here

Milford, CT

Connecticut

Around the Globe

Hurricane tracker, severe weather, radar & maps, news & features, winter center, health & activities, weather near milford:.

• Hartford , CT
• New Haven , CT
• Waterbury , CT

We have updated our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy .

Get AccuWeather alerts as they happen with our browser notifications.

Notifications Enabled

Thanks! We’ll keep you informed.