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Branford Information

Located 8 miles east of New Haven, Branford is a shoreline town in south-central Connecticut. It’s a town with many different communities that have all kept their unique characteristics intact. While the quality of life in this area is a great source of pride, the town’s 20+ miles of coastline is a state treasure. The crown jewel of this natural area is Thimble Island, to which visitors from near and far take cruises or private charters. Branford’s location halfway between the New York and Rhode Island borders makes it an ideal travel destination. The fact that the town is surrounded by nature’s bounty simply adds to the appeal.

Take a cruise to the Thimble Islands, the most majestic archipelago of islands in the area. If you prefer to stay on the mainland, you’ll still get amazing views of the islands from the shore at Branford Point Beach or Stony Creek Beach. There are over 15 parks in the area, if you prefer nature in a controlled environment. To experience the environment head on, head for one of the numerous hiking trails, lakes, ponds along the Shoreline Greenway Trail. The heart of the town is at the Town Green, where you’ll find numerous shops, restaurants and coffee houses in the vicinity. Stony Creek Brewery and Thimble Islands Brewing Company are noteworthy places to sit back and have a drink. The Stony Creek Museum and Shoreline Trolley Museum are the best places to learn more about the town and surrounding communities. To get a feel for the regional geography, take to the seas on a cruise or boat tour.

It only takes an hour to cross the border into the state of New York or Rhode Island. New York City is only 86 miles away, so head to the Big Apple for a mega city experience. You find internationally famous sights like the Empire State Building, Statue of Liberty and Times Square. Tour the different boroughs throughout the day, and catch musical in the evening. Head 82 miles in the opposite direction and you’ll be in Providence, Rhode Island in less than two hours. Check out the beautiful 18th and 19th century homes or the campuses of Brown University and the Rhode Island School of Design. Spend a day in one of the oldest cities in the United States for a fascinating day trip. If you prefer to stay within Connecticut’s borders, visit New Haven for a plethora of things to do. It’s home to Yale University, so you’ll find a lot of Yale-related points of attraction such as the University Art Gallery or Yale Center for British Art. But you’ll also find community venues like the Shubert Theatre, New Haven Green and the historic estate of Edgerton. Hartford, Connecticut is another great day trip destination. It’s the capital of the state, just 45 miles away. Like most capital cities, Hartford is full of culture, history and landmarks. The Mark Twain House and Harriet Beecher Stowe House are located in Hartford. You’ll also find the Wadsworth Museum, Connecticut Science Center and the Old State House in the city.

There are several neighborhoods to choose from when considering accommodations in Branford. Branford Center is essentially the heart of the town, if you prefer to be at the center of all the action. You’ll find plenty of shops, restaurants and coffee houses in the area. You’ll also be close to the venues that host concerts and other events. Branford Hills is a more commercialized strip along US Route One, with fast food eateries, strip malls and grocery stores. It’s close to trails that connect the Shoreline Greenway trail from New Haven to Madison. You’ll probably find rooms for rent or Airbnbs in this area. Indian Neck once used to be a lively tourist destination, but has since become quieter after commercial businesses shut down. The Stony Creek neighborhood has the ambiance of a seaside village, and has the closest access to the Thimble Islands. Another small beach community is located in Hotchkiss Grove, where you’ll find Bay Point Park, a grassy peninsula that extends into the ocean. This area was once popular for beach cottage rentals, though most have been converted into year-round homes. That’s not to say you won’t find a last-remaining cottage vacation rental or two in the neighborhood.

Connecticut Transit or Greater New Haven Transit provides transportation from New Haven to designated areas, including parts of Branford. However, the best way around this small town is by car, especially if you’re looking to cross state borders for various day trips. Interstate 95 will get you into town. If you’re set on taking communal transport, the town is a stop along the Shore Line East commuter rail line from New London to New Haven. Also, the Tweed New Haven Regional Airport is 3 miles west of Branford. There are cab and shuttle services available for hire on the way.