Essex

Travel Guide

Essex featuring a house
Essex
Essex which includes a house
Essex showing a marina
Essex featuring 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 RM301 per night from 7 Aug to 8 Aug
RM301
RM351 total
7 Aug - 8 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this motel in Branford. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
6.8/10 (1,019 reviews)
"It was good."

Reviewed on 28 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 RM915 per night from 25 Aug to 26 Aug
RM915
RM1,158 total
25 Aug - 26 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury resort in Montville. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 indoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,953 reviews)
"All around beautiful! Had such a good time!"

Reviewed on 27 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 RM754 per night from 25 Aug to 26 Aug
RM754
RM973 total
25 Aug - 26 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 ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,012 reviews)
"location clean"

Reviewed on 27 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! (42 reviews)
"It was quiet, relaxing, comfortable and outstanding clean. Check in was simple and easy, even with running behind schedule and a little hiccup with the door code. I got a response from a worker in 1 minute at a late hour. We well be booking another stay at the cabins in the future!!"

Reviewed on 28 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 WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Railroad Museum of Long Island and ...
9/10 Wonderful! (230 reviews)
"Great property overall with beautiful grounds, a pool and access to the beach. Condos are spacious and equipped with bathroom and kitchen items. Ours had a patio with a great view of the water! We will definitely stay here again."

Reviewed on 26 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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