Stamford, the third largest city in Connecticut, is located on the Long Island Sound. Groups can walk the 19 miles of shoreline, kayak on the Long Island Sound or hike scenic trails. Visitors also can take a selfie with more than 100 works of public art.

Downtown offers a broad array of shops, restaurants, services, arts, education and events.

“The City of Stamford is a vibrant, year-round destination filled with unique neighborhoods and historic districts boasting hundreds of shops, restaurants and arts and cultural venues, as well as lush green spaces,” said Randy Fiveash, director of Connecticut Office of Tourism. “New businesses are driving an energy and incredible influx of people, experiences and ideas.”

ASK
Connecticut Office of Tourism
888-288-4748
ctvisit.com

EXPLORE

Stamford Museum & Nature Center, Stamford, Conn. Credit: Courtesy Connecticut Office of Tourism
Stamford Museum & Nature Center, Stamford, Conn.
Credit: Courtesy Connecticut Office of Tourism

Located in the woods of northern Stamford, the Stamford Museum & Nature Center is filled with art, 80 acres of nature trails and a scenic working farm. The collection includes American art, Native American art and artifacts, natural history of New England, American history and culture before 1940, and Connecticut agriculture.

ENJOY

Bartlett Arboretum & Gardens, Stamford, Conn. Credit: Romy Lee
Bartlett Arboretum & Gardens, Stamford, Conn.
Credit: Romy Lee

Bartlett Arboretum & Gardens preserves a 93-acre sanctuary of southwest New England’s natural ecosystems. Admission is free. Miles of trails reveal the best of Connecticut’s native landscape: award-winning champion trees, gardens, wildflower meadows, and red maple wetlands and boardwalks. Visitors experience and enjoy nature.

SEE

The Palace Theatre, Stamford, Conn. Credit: Courtesy Connecticut Office of Tourism
The Palace Theatre, Stamford, Conn.
Credit: Courtesy Connecticut Office of Tourism

Head to The Palace Theatre for a performance. The 1927 vaudeville house was restored and re-opened in 1983 for live theater, opera, dance, comedy and concerts, plus art exhibitions in the Sackler Gallery. A multiphase improvement project provided a Broadway-size stage, new dressing rooms, and wardrobe and costume maintenance facilities.

SHOP

Stamford Town Center, Stamford, Conn. Credit: Stamford Town Center
Stamford Town Center, Stamford, Conn.
Credit: Stamford Town Center

Stamford Town Center, a downtown shopping and entertainment center, opened in 1982. With new stores, new retail concepts, and a variety of unique events and activities, the center lives up to its image as the best place to shop in Fairfield County. About 130 stores and restaurants are located on four levels.