Travel
5 Last-Minute Summer Trips Near Monroe
Big summer fun doesn't have to mean big travel — these low-stress ideas are perfect for a spontaneous weekend.
Summer is here, and while there’s plenty to do right in Monroe, sometimes a quick change of scenery is just what you need. Fortunately, we’re just a short drive from a variety of fun and affordable destinations perfect for a last-minute escape. Whether you're looking to explore somewhere new or just enjoy a quick weekend away, these five easy summer trips come together without the stress — or the price tag — of major travel plans.
Please note: Drive times are approximate and meant to give a general sense of distance. Actual travel time may vary depending on your exact starting point, destination and traffic conditions.
1. New Haven, Connecticut (~45 min)
Explore the vibrant city of New Haven, home to Yale University, with plenty of museums, historic sites and famous pizzerias to enjoy. Take a walk along East Rock Park for panoramic views of the city and Long Island Sound.
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2. Mystic, Connecticut (~1 hr 45 min)
Visit Mystic Seaport and Mystic Aquarium for family-friendly fun, or stroll through the charming downtown area filled with shops and waterfront dining. Don’t miss the scenic Mystic River drawbridge.
3. Madison, Connecticut (~1 hr)
Make it a beach day in Madison, home to Hammonasset Beach State Park, Connecticut's largest shoreline park. Kick back on miles of sandy beach, swim or picnic by the dunes and look for shorebirds along the trails. It’s the perfect low-key spot to unwind and watch a summer sunset.
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4. Middlefield, Connecticut (~55 min)
Slow down for a quick nature escape in Middlefield, where Wadsworth Falls State Park is the star. Stroll wooded trails leading to scenic waterfalls and find hidden swimming holes along the riverbanks.
5. East Haddam, Connecticut (~1 hr 15 min)
Step back in time in East Haddam with a visit to Gillette Castle State Park, a quirky medieval-style mansion perched above the Connecticut River. Tour the castle’s unique stone rooms, hike the surrounding trails for panoramic river views or bring a picnic to enjoy on the castle grounds.
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