Top 15 Activities and Attractions in East Haven, CT

In Greater New Haven, the town of East Haven is mere minutes east of its larger neighbor yet boasts its own unique character.

During summer, the town’s beach serves as a delightful locale to relax by Long Island Sound. There is a charming seafood restaurant conveniently located just behind, which is highly recommended.

The Shore Line Trolley Museum, recognized as the oldest of its kind in the United States, stands out as a significant cultural attraction during this season. Visitors can ride vintage streetcars from various regions across the country.

East Haven has rich Italian-American heritage, which is evident from the numerous excellent dining establishments. The region’s distinctive pizza style, “apizza,” has contributed to New Haven’s reputation as a notable culinary destination.

Let’s explore the top attractions in East Haven:

1. The Shore Line Trolley Museum

Source: The Shore Line Trolley Museum / facebook

An exceptional piece of transport heritage, the Branford Electric Railway holds the title of the USA’s oldest continuously operating trolley line, established in 1900. 

The last service was recorded in 1947, after which the line was severed from the Connecticut Company’s streetcar network. Currently, it operates as a museum where visitors can enjoy rides on charming vintage trolleys set in a picturesque environment.

Available during spring and summer, the Shore Line Trolley Museum maintains a fleet of nearly 100 historic transit vehicles sourced from networks across America. Additionally, approximately 1,000 streetcar artifacts, including ticket punches, tokens, and hat badges, are displayed.

A must-see exhibit is Horsecar 76, the oldest preserved horse-drawn tram in the world. Meanwhile, the Manhattan Railway “G” is recognized as the oldest rapid transit car in the country, dating back to 1878. 

Moreover, PATH 745 survived the collapse of the World Trade Center on September 11.

2. East Haven Town Beach

Source: East Haven Town Beach / facebook

The public beach in town, while compact, is equipped with a variety of amenities and is meticulously maintained throughout the summer.

Lifeguards are present during the summer break, and young children can enjoy playing at the splash pad located nearby. Additionally, East Haven Town Beach is one of my preferred locations in Connecticut for shell collecting.

On an elevated grassy area, picnic tables are available, and adjacent to that is the well-reviewed Sandpiper Restaurant, which offers quintessential New England seaside cuisine, such as lobster rolls and freshly fried dishes, all with views of Long Island Sound.

It is worth noting that, as with all public beaches in Connecticut, there is a significant parking fee for non-residents at the designated lot. However, this fee can be avoided by utilizing the nearby streets.

3. Town Green

Shaded by hardwood trees, this historic green space has been central to community life for over two centuries.

This area was originally East Haven’s cemetery. Although the headstones were relocated to the East Lawn Cemetery to the south, it is intriguing to note that the remains still rest beneath the Town Green.

During summer, live music performances occur weekly on Sundays from the bandstand, and in December, this location serves as the backdrop for East Haven’s Christmas tree.

Among the various war monuments, the Soldiers’ Memorial (1911) features a Civil War-era Rodman gun mounted on a granite base.

This gun is one of the last remaining “Old Guards,” which was originally installed at Fort Nathan Hale at the onset of the Civil War before being moved to Lighthouse Point during the Spanish-American War in 1898.

4. First Congregational Church of East Haven

Source: Dougtone / Flickr

Located to the west of the Town Green along Main Street, this church is one of only a few in the state that dates back to the period before the Revolutionary War.

Known as Old Stone Church, this Georgian structure was completed in 1774 and deserves a visit.

The nave and tower are built from red sandstone sourced nearby in Fair Haven. The tower features a wooden belfry adorned with Corinthian columns and pilasters beneath an octagonal steeple.

The interior was renovated in 1850, during which the pulpit was repositioned to the east end, contrary to the prevailing practice of placing it along the south wall in colonial meeting houses.

5. New Haven-style Apizza

Source: John & Maria’s Pizzeria / facebook

East Haven is well-known for its Italian-American culture, to the extent that one of the significant local employers is the Calabro Cheese Corporation, which produces authentic mozzarella, parmesan, ricotta, and romano.

This Italian influence is clearly reflected in the various delis, pizzerias, restaurants, grinder shops, and Italian bakeries in the area.

New Haven’s significant Italian heritage has even given rise to its unique pizza style, known as apizza. This style resembles Neapolitan pizza with a thin crust and is baked at high temperatures in coal-fired ovens, typically served whole rather than by the slice. 

In my opinion, indulging in New Haven-style pizza is a quintessential experience while in the region. 

Recommended local establishments in East Haven include Aniello (346 Hemingway Ave), Tolli’s Apizza (410 Main St), John & Maria Pizzeria (280 Foxon Rd), and Capotorto’s Apizza Center (688 Foxon Rd).

6. Foxon Park Beverages

Source: Foxon Park Beverages / facebook

If you visit any independent pizzeria in East Haven or New Haven, you will likely find bottles from this notable soft drink brand. The nostalgic packaging of Foxon Park resembles a mid-20th century artifact.

Founded in 1922, this company enjoys prominence throughout New England, with its greatest presence in its hometown.

This brand distinguishes itself from other soft drink manufacturers in several ways, notably by maintaining the use of glass bottles with caps.

My primary appreciation lies in its use of cane sugar instead of the more common high-fructose corn syrup. 

The range of flavors includes grape, cream, cherry, lemon-lime, kola, orange, root beer, and strawberry. A distinctive New England offering is White Birch, which is clear and features a sweet, minty flavor that is quite unique.

Bottles are available in stores throughout East Haven, but you may also visit the source at the factory store located at 103 Foxon Blvd.

7. Lighthouse Point Park

Source: melissamn / shutterstock

A vital visit in East Haven is to this headland that safeguards the entrance to New Haven Harbor on its east side.

Lighthouse Point Park derives its name from the Five Mile Point Light, an octagonal sandstone tower erected in 1847 (replacing a structure from 1805) and deactivated just 30 years later.

The name, Five Mile Point, indicates its distance from the center of New Haven.

A highlight within the park is the Lighthouse Point Carousel, dating back to 1916. This attraction is one of only three in the world from this era featuring a camel among its 69 handcrafted horses.

Other amenities include a beach area, a splash pad, exhibits detailing the site’s natural history, pavilions, a shaded picnic area, and walking trails.

8. Cabaret On Main Theater

As I compile this list, the New Haven Academy of Performing Arts has recently relocated to a brand-new venue at 597 Main St in East Haven.

From its inception, the new location has received multiple awards, further enriching the academy’s extensive accolades. Managed by local artist Billy DiCrosta and Neil Fuentes, a nationally acclaimed chef with a flair for performance, the NHAOPA provides a platform for students and visiting artists alike.

The Cabaret On Main Theater serves as a permanent venue for the academy’s performances and is an exceptional location for experiencing live entertainment. Seasonal events, including the annual fall schedule and the festive Christmas Spectacular, are not to be missed.

9. The Beeracks

Source: The Beeracks / facebook

Since the 2010s, small-batch craft breweries have flourished in Connecticut, yet East Haven offers an unprecedented concept.

The Beeracks operates as a collaborative brewing cooperative, enabling several small beer brands to share the same facilities.

Participating brands include Overshores Brewing, Bestie, Hoax, Wellerman, and The Beeracks’ own brewmasters. In particular, I was impressed by Overshores’ Belgian-inspired lineup, which features Qwad, a robust Quadrupel. 

The recently updated taproom at 250 Bradley St operates Thursday through Sunday, providing pints, flights, and a variety of experiences.

Live music is a regular feature, along with occasional food trucks. Attendees are welcome to bring their own food or place orders from local establishments.

10. East Haven Fall Festival

Source: East Haven Fall Festival / facebook

East Haven concludes the summer season with this eagerly awaited event that takes place on the first Saturday of September.

Now in its third decade, the East Haven Fall Festival is held on the Town Green and features a plethora of activities throughout the day.

Enjoy live music from the bandstand, local restaurant food booths, a car show, and a variety of entertainment options for children, including amusement rides and a dedicated adolescent zone. 

If you are curious about the diversity of businesses in East Haven, be sure to visit the annual Business Expo housed in its own tent. 

For those present on Friday night, additional musical performances are typically featured, often headlined by a well-known artist accompanied by local community groups.

11. Fort Nathan Hale

Source: lcm1863 / Flickr

Situated on the east shore of New Haven Harbor, this historic location is bordered by a U.S. Coast Guard Station and a U.S. Armed Services Reserve Center.

Originally constructed as Black Rock Fort in 1776 on a rocky promontory to defend the harbor from British forces, it played a significant role during Tryon’s Raid in 1779 when a mere 19 men successfully compelled a numerically superior British force of 3,000 to redirect their landing point from New Haven to West Haven and Lighthouse Point.

Between 1807 and 1812, the site underwent reconstruction and was renamed Fort Nathan Hale. After experiencing deterioration in the 20th century, the site was restored and rededicated in 1976. I thoroughly enjoyed exploring the earthwork ramparts, drawbridge, moat, powder magazines, and a deep, bomb-proof bunker.

On the grounds stands a replica of the iconic statue of American spy Nathan Hale (1755-1776) created by Bela Pratt, depicting the hero in moments before his execution with his hands tied behind his back.

12. Alling Memorial Golf Club

Source: Alling Memorial Golf Club / facebook

A highly regarded public golf course, Alling Memorial Golf Club offers a straightforward yet immaculate place to enjoy a round.

However, the 18-hole course presents its own challenges, as the tee positions can be misleading. Fairways are narrow, bordered by hazards, and the well-manicured greens are always fast.

At times, golfers are treated to breathtaking views, particularly from the elevated tee on the par-3 hole #10.

Established in 1930, the club has hosted USGA, Connecticut PGA, and Connecticut Golf Association tournaments over the years.

13. Farm River State Park

Source: www.ct.gov

Spanning just over 60 acres of natural beauty along the west bank of the Farm River, this park is located before the river concludes its 16.5-mile journey to Long Island Sound.

Established in 1998, the park is flanked by luxury condominiums that provide stunning views of the river estuary.

The northern portion of the park is surprisingly rugged, featuring imposing bedrock outcrops and elevated viewpoints overlooking the Sound and Kelsey Island.

In the southern section, a tidal marsh is home to various wildlife, including snowy egrets, ducks, gulls, and blue herons. It is important to note that trail access may be limited due to parking constraints; however, this helps ensure that the serene landscape is never overcrowded.

14. Saltonstall Mountain/Lake Saltonstall

Source: Morrowlong / Wikimedia

Extending to a height of 322 feet, Saltonstall Mountain is one of the southernmost peaks of the broader Metacomet Ridge.

This basalt fault initiates at Long Island Sound and continues northward for approximately 100 miles to the Massachusetts-Vermont border.

Visitors can traverse Saltonstall Mountain via trails maintained by the South Central Connecticut Regional Water Authority. It is advisable to consult the latest guides, as trail markings have been updated in recent years. 

Located centrally within the ridge is the long and slender Lake Saltonstall.

Those possessing a Connecticut State Fishing License will find the lake stocked with a diverse range of fish, including trout, carp, walleye, yellow perch, and both smallmouth and largemouth bass.

15. Key to the Past Antiques

Source: Key to the Past Antique & Design / facebook

Situated in a modest building off the Governor John Davis Lodge Turnpike, this multi-dealer antique center offers 8,000 square feet of retail space.

I could easily spend an hour or two exploring this treasure trove for something unique. The inventory encompasses furniture, art, militaria, coins, decorative arts, lighting, mirrors, records, collectibles, and much more.

Key to the Past operates under the stewardship of a husband-and-wife team, Judith and Emil Serrano, and is consistently featured in CTNow’s “Best of New Haven” readers’ polls. The couple also manages another antiques center located a short drive east in Clinton.