Sandwiched between New York and Boston, the two biggest cities on the East Coast, New Haven, CT can be easy to overlook. You may have heard of Yale, the Ivy League university that has been one of the attractions of New Haven since its colonial days, but this vibrant Connecticut city has so much more to explore. New Haven is home to a mix of cultural, historical, and natural attractions as well as many distinct neighborhoods each with its own charm. Chances are: even a long-time resident hasn’t uncovered it all.
Whether you’re local or visiting, here are 5 lesser-known places to visit across New Haven.
Geography nerds, this one’s for you. New Haven is bookended by two reddish ridges — East Rock and West Rock. Both are sacred sites of legend for the Quinnipiac people, who were the original stewards of what is now New Haven, with a volcanic history. When European colonists sailed past New Haven on their way up Long Island Sound, these rock formations inspired the Dutch name for the area: “Rodenberghen,” or “red hills.”
East Rock Park might be the better known spot for hiking and panoramic views close to the city center, but the lesser-known West Rock Ridge State Park is worth a visit for hikers and history-buffs alike. Its main feature, the West Rock Ridge, towers over 600 feet and provides scenic views of the region. For the adventurous, the park offers several hiking trails, including the challenging Regicides Trail, named for the “regicide judges” who fled to this area after sentencing King Charles I of England. The trail stretches over 7 miles and is part of the longer Blue-Blazed Trail system, which connects hikers with a landscape of Connecticut’s forests and wildlife. At the summit, you’ll find Judges’ Cave, where the regicides Edward Whalley and William Goffe are believed to have hidden in 1661.
If you’re not up for a hike, you can still enjoy a gorgeous view of West Rock from the New Haven Botanical Garden of Healing – and then enjoy a coffee and some shopping in the Westville neighborhood!
New England’s coastline and historic lighthouses may well be the most beautiful and distinctive parts of the region. If you’re willing to take a slightly longer trip away from downtown, Lighthouse Point Park offers that New England charm without leaving the city. Whether you’re into taking a dip in the Long Island Sound, fishing off the dock, walking around the historic Five Mile Point Lighthouse or along the nature trails, the 82-acre park is an all-ages affair. If you visit in the early fall, the park is a great place to see hawks and birds of prey as they migrate through the area.
As a bonus, if you’re coming from downtown New Haven, you’ll pass through the Fair Haven neighborhood which was once famed for oystering.
The Dixwell neighborhood has always been a historic hub for the Black community of New Haven, a stomping ground for jazz legends and other musical greats, and since 2015, an incubator for groundbreaking art coming out of a renovated industrial building now known as NXTHVN (pronounced “Next Haven”).
Visual artist Titus Kaphar founded the organization to support emerging artists through a residency program as well as other mentorship and professional development opportunities. Visitors can check out the NXTHVN gallery space to see some of the resident artists’ work. The exhibitions here are often boundary-pushing and rooted in the experiences of underrepresented artists, making NXTHVN a refreshing, contemporary complement to New Haven’s more traditional art institutions. If you're looking to experience the city’s innovative side, NXTHVN is a must.
Did you know that New Haven is famous among East Coast foodies for its pizza? If you’re looking for a classic New Haven slice, Wooster Street is the place to be. Known as New Haven’s Little Italy, this neighborhood has been the center of the city’s Italian immigrant community, among other international communities who settled in the city around the turn of the 20th-century. It is also the birthplace of the New Haven-style “apizza” — a Neapolitan-inspired, thin-crust pie blackened in a brick oven. If you really want the full experience, try it with New England clams.
But Wooster Street is about more than just pizza. Libby's Italian Pastry Shop, for example, has been serving Italian pastries since 1922 and offers treats like cannoli, sfogliatelle, and fresh Italian ices. Wooster Street is the perfect spot for those wanting to dive into New Haven’s rich culinary traditions. And once you’ve had your fill, you can take a break in Wooster Square Park, where in the spring you’ll find an amazing display of cherry blossom trees.
Though part of Yale University, the Beinecke Rare Book & Manuscript Library is an attraction that stands out even if you’re not affiliated with the school. The library is free and open to the public to enjoy its architectural beauty and exhibitions showcasing some of the Library’s collection. The building is famous for its sleek design and translucent marble walls, which allow natural light to illuminate the library without damaging the books.
The Beinecke boasts hundreds of thousands of priceless manuscripts, letters, and rare books from throughout history, making it one of the world’s largest libraries dedicated to rare books. The Beinecke’s exhibitions rotate throughout the year, so each visit offers something new to explore. Not a book lover? Go for the architecture and thank us later.
Whether you're passing through or planning a longer stay, a trip to each of these lesser-known New Haven attractions should give you an authentic taste of the city.
Have your own favorite landmarks you think we should highlight? Get in touch with us at hello@amuseapp.com.
