Marsh Botanical Garden is situated within the precincts of Yale University. Its name pays tribute to Othniel Charles Marsh, who bestowed this property upon the university. Beatrix Farrand planned the landscape of the garden that houses a wide variety of plant species. Faculty, students, nature lovers, researchers and many other visitors head to this botanical gardens that has four greenhouses, perennial beds, seasonal plants and much more.
An easy drive from downtown New Haven, this park is a beautiful respite from the hustle and bustle of life. As you meander along the curved, tree-lined roads up to the summit, you will be greeted by a spectacular view of the city, Long Island Sound and the New Haven Harbor. There is a prized bird sanctuary, picnic and playground facilities, and if you are in the mood for a brisk walk, there are 10 miles of hiking trails. Enjoy the great outdoors right in the city.
Long Island Sound is a unique estuary where salt water from the sea mixes with the fresh river water, creating a biodiversity of different species of flora and fauna. The Lighthouse Point Park attracts public to this ecosystem, where fishing and boating are among prime activities. Birdwatching, picnics, swimming, carousel and a kiddie playground, are other reasons to visit here. The lighthouse has quite a history and the renovated tower is definitely worth spending some time on. Moreover, Fantasy of Lights, Hawkfest and Paddle Day are events the whole family can enjoy.
Football fans everywhere are indebted to Yale coach Walter Camp for his 1879 codifying of American football as we know and love it today. Yale's Bulldogs play against other Ivy League teams from September through November, and, in alternate years, the renowned Harvard-Yale game attracts audiences and fans from afar. This is a big sporting event in New Haven and if you have the chance to catch a game, it is well worth it. Tailgate parties start the festivities prior to the match, so grab a picnic lunch and party in the parking lot before the big event. Games are played at Yale Bowl.
The New Haven Town Green is one of New England's oldest, completed in 1638. Portions of the Green were used as a cemetery until the 1820s when the headstones were moved to the new Grove Street Cemetery. The 16-acre public park is a popular site for concerts and picnics, and an overall excellent gathering place for locals and tourists alike. The Green is also the location of an Amistad memorial. Along the Green there are three churches built in the 1810s: Center Church, United Church and Trinity Church.
Lake Compounce Family Theme Park is the one of the oldest continuously operated theme parks in the United States. The amusement park and adjoining water park are two of the hottest summer attractions in the region, as well as the Wildcat, (a wooden roller coaster built in 1927 and reconstructed with new wood in 1985) and a carousel built in 1911. This is the perfect spot for some family fun or to just admire this historic and fun-filled attraction.
Encompassing an area of 242 acres (98 hectares), Whittemore Glen State Park Scenic Reserve was established in the year 1945. Nestled in Naugatuck in the state of Connecticut, this state park is operated by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. Hikers can explore the historic 10.3-miles (16.6 kilometers) long Larkin State Park Trail. Overlooking Hop Brook Lake, this wooded park also features several horse-friendly trails. This state park is a must-visit for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.