Essex Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Essex featuring a house
Essex
Essex featuring a house
Essex which includes a marina
Essex which includes a marina

The charm of Connecticut is abundantly clear in this historic town with inextricable links to the river and an enticing old-world atmosphere.

Essex has been described as “one town, three villages,” a description that captures the varied charms of this riverside community. Travel between Essex Village, Centerbrook and Ivoryton to enjoy the numerous attractions. Fascinating museums, classically American main streets and atmospheric arts venues characterize a place that has been voted one of the country’s finest small towns.

European settlers first established communities here in the late 17th century. The town was once one of New England’s crucial shipbuilding centers. Wander the banks of the Connecticut River, where over 600 vessels were built between the Revolutionary War and the Civil War.

Discover more of Essex’s maritime past and the history of boating in the Connecticut River Museum. Exhibits here include a full-scale, working replica of the first American submarine and displays showing how Native Americans relied on the river. The museum also offers excursions along the water in a historical vessel and a river festival every May.

Browse the stores on Main Street, where traditional timber buildings, hotels and storefronts hark back to a bygone era. Take a break from shopping in one of the restaurants or art galleries along the way.

Stroll along the walking trails of Canfield Woods, a pleasant nature preserve on the edge of town. Paths lead beneath red maples, American chestnuts and spruces, among others. Bring your binoculars to spot deer, foxes and a variety of birds.

Relax for an evening in the Ivoryton Playhouse, a stunning theater that has stood on this site for over 100 years. Professional musicals, dramas and comedies are performed in this storied venue throughout the year.

Essex is about 40 minutes away from New HavenOpens in a new window and 20 minutes from Middletown by car. Travel by boat to arrive here in style, docking in one of the marina slips in the center of Essex Village.

Come to Essex in any season of the year. Spring and summer bring warm days by the river, while fall promises New England’s famous colorful foliage.

Motel 6 New Haven - Branford, CT

Motel 6 New Haven - Branford, CT

2 out of 5
320 E Main St, Branford, CT
The price is ₹6,149 per night from 28 Jul to 29 Jul
₹6,149
₹7,157 total
28 Jul - 29 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this motel in Branford. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their reviews. ...
6.8/10 (1,012 reviews)
"😍"

Reviewed on 21 Jul 2025

Motel 6 New Haven - Branford, CT
Mohegan Sun

Mohegan Sun

4.5 out of 5
1 Mohegan Sun Boulevard, Montville, CT
The price is ₹18,663 per night from 20 Aug to 21 Aug
₹18,663
₹23,617 total
20 Aug - 21 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury resort in Montville. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 2 indoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,941 reviews)
"The place was big and clean and we would definitely go back but the TV in the room didn't work and they didn't fix it while we were there or give us a different room. They did gives us some money back on the room for the inconvenience."

Reviewed on 22 Jul 2025

Mohegan Sun
Mystic Marriott Hotel and Spa

Mystic Marriott Hotel and Spa

4 out of 5
625 North Rd, Groton, CT
The price is ₹16,851 per night from 24 Aug to 25 Aug
₹16,851
₹21,540 total
24 Aug - 25 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Groton. Enjoy free parking, a full-service spa and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,003 reviews)
"Our room was very quiet despite the fact that there was a national dance competition taking place. I doubt they’ll ever get all of the sequins and glitter out of the carpets."

Reviewed on 21 Jul 2025

Mystic Marriott Hotel and Spa
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Postcard Cabins Machimoodus

Postcard Cabins Machimoodus

2 out of 5
298 E Haddam Moodus Rd, East Haddam, CT
Stay at this cabin in East Haddam. Enjoy free parking, patios and climate control. Popular attractions Machimoodus State Park and Amasa Day House are located ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (41 reviews)
"Check in was easy, the cabin was clean and comfortable, and the overall area was quiet and peaceful. The ability to have a small campfire was a welcome bonus."

Reviewed on 20 Jul 2025

Postcard Cabins Machimoodus
Cliffside Resort Condominiums

Cliffside Resort Condominiums

3 out of 5
61475 Route 48 (North Road), Greenport, NY
Stay at this 3-star beach aparthotel in Greenport. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Railroad Museum of Long Island and ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (228 reviews)
Nice view and beach access was great!
"Beautiful property! View was awesome, nice beach with chairs. The room could use some updating, stove top was broken so our morning coffee was delayed as the burner was very slow to heat the water for our French press we travel with. The view from our room was peaceful however the barbecue area was ..."

Reviewed on 10 Jul 2025

Cliffside Resort Condominiums
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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