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 characterise 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 theatre 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 centre 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 colourful 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 £61 per night from 10 Jul to 11 Jul
£61
10 Jul - 11 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 (1,003 reviews)
"Great experience customer services lovely experiences helped with whatever they could"

Reviewed on 3 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 £200 per night from 9 Jul to 10 Jul
£200
9 Jul - 10 Jul
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! (1,920 reviews)
"Was so grateful to have our room early as we had only a town night stay. Staff amazing, Many food choices. Comedy club was spur of the moment and was perfect! It was a perfect getaway! Thank you!"

Reviewed on 4 Jul 2025

Mohegan Sun
Hyatt Place Uncasville - Casino Area
Hyatt Place Uncasville - Casino Area
3 out of 5
2049 Norwich, New London Turnpike, Montville, CT
The price is £100 per night from 7 Jul to 8 Jul
£100
7 Jul - 8 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Montville. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2,431 reviews)
"Clean room. Staff very friendly."

Reviewed on 3 Jul 2025

Hyatt Place Uncasville - Casino Area
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 ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (31 reviews)
"Our second visit in 2 months. The location is great for local summer theaters. We like camping, so glamping is one step up, with A/C and a very clean unit. It's quiet and in a lovely wooded area with complete privacy. Very well designed cabin, they've thought of every detail needed for comfort in ..."

Reviewed on 27 Jun 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! (224 reviews)
"Quiet"

Reviewed on 23 Jun 2025

Cliffside Resort Condominiums
Rustic Lakeside Cabin at White Gate Farm
Rustic Lakeside Cabin at White Gate Farm
East Lyme, CT
Stay at this beach cabin in East Lyme. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a garden and patios. Popular attractions Cedar Ridge Golf Course and Flanders Plaza Shopping Center ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (108 reviews)
Peaceful
"Peaceful location - and unique!"

Reviewed on 27 Jun 2025

Rustic Lakeside Cabin at White Gate Farm
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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