(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont is encouraging Connecticut residents and those who live outside of the state to consider the many parks, beaches, and other destinations that Connecticut has to offer as they make recreational plans during the upcoming summertime tourism and activity season.

“Summer is a wonderful time to spend in Connecticut, with some of the best outdoor recreational opportunities around, including many state parks that are among the best in the country and are a huge part of our tremendous quality of life here in our state,” Governor Lamont said. “Tourism to our state has been increasing in recent years as more people learn about and explore the attractions of all kinds that Connecticut has to offer. Whether you’ve lived in Connecticut your whole life or have never been to our state, I guarantee there is a destination everyone with all interests can enjoy.”

Tourism is an $18.5 billion industry in Connecticut and supports more than 125,000 jobs in the state. In 2023, more than 68 million people visited Connecticut, up 2% from the prior year. (For more data, check out the most recent Connecticut State of Tourism Report.)

Connecticut tourist attractions and restaurants climb on national rankings

Recently, several attractions in the state have received notable attention in the rankings from national tourism publications, including by Condé Nast Traveler, which ranked Litchfield County as one of the “Best Places to Go in the U.S. in 2025,” and USA Today, which named Mystic Seaport Museum the “#2 Best Open-Air Museum” for the second consecutive year.

Connecticut also boasts some of the most celebrated restaurants in the U.S. that any foodie would love. Recently, several Connecticut chefs and restaurants have gained increased national recognition, capped by chef David Standridge of The Shipwright’s Daughter in Mystic capturing the world-renowned James Beard Award for best chef in the northeast, and several others named semifinalists, including Renee Touponce of Oyster Club and The Port of Call in Mystic who was nominated in the outstanding chef category, and Coracora in West Hartford nominated for outstanding restaurant.

Even Bradley International Airport, the state’s largest airport, has been named a “Top 10 Best Airport in the U.S.” by Condé Nast Traveler for the last eight consecutive years in recognition of its convenience, growing list of airlines and nonstop destinations, and amenities offered to travelers.

“Whether you’re escaping from NYC or Boston, or wanting a more accessible staycation, Connecticut’s blend of activities, culture, and cuisine offers a taste of everything,” Anthony Anthony, Connecticut’s chief marketing officer, said. “We’ve packed more fun per square mile than most states twice our size, which is likely why Connecticut has seen occupancy rates rise 2.3% year-to-date over last year and ahead of our regional peers.”

Connecticut also offers many opportunities in the popular area of agritourism. Visitors can pick their own apples, berries, and sunflowers at charming family farms, and taste locally-produced beverages at one of the state’s award-winning farm-cideries and wineries.

In the last year, the state also recently launched two new trails to guide visitors on some of the unique experiences that Connecticut has to offer, including the Connecticut Oyster Trail and the and the Connecticut Christmas Movie Trail, and later this year the state will officially launch the Connecticut Pizza Trail to celebrate its designation as the Pizza Capital of the United States.

The best way to explore tourism destinations in Connecticut and find activities to do in the state is by visiting the official Connecticut Tourism website at CTVisit.com.

State parks, forests, and beaches are available within minutes of any spot

Connecticut has a long history of celebrating and preserving its natural resources, and offers 110 state parks, 32 state forests, 29 state campgrounds, 117 state boat launches, and 4 coastal state beaches that provide any number of recreational opportunities. Located across the state, there is a state park available with a 15-minute drive of virtually any spot in Connecticut.

The best way to explore these opportunities and plan a trip is by visiting the official Connecticut State Parks website at CTParks.com.

“We are making your Connecticut State Parks more accessible than ever before,” Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) Commissioner Katie Dykes said. “Thanks to Governor Lamont and our partners in the state legislature, we’ve been hard at work putting Restore CT State Parks funding to use to improve roads, restrooms, electrical infrastructure, campgrounds, boat launches and more to ensure that these well-loved parks remain for the next generation of Connecticut residents. And, once again this summer, visitors arriving at our beautiful state parks in Connecticut-registered vehicles pay no parking fees thanks to the Passport to the Parks program. We’re making it even easier to access your state parks, and we hope you have a fun and safe summer season in the parks.”

The state also has made it a priority to make its natural resources accessible to everyone and now provides all-terrain wheelchairs at no cost at seven state parks, giving greater access to those who have varying mobility levels. To learn more about the All-Terrain Wheelchair Program and to make an online reservation to use an all-terrain wheelchair, visit ctparks.com/all-terrain-wheelchairs.

While most state parks are available to everyone at no cost, anyone driving a motor vehicle that has a Connecticut license plate does not have to pay any fees at those few state parks that require a fee to park, including at the popular Hammonasset Beach State Park, made possible by the Passport to the Parks program.

Governor Lamont has recently committed more than $70.7 million to make infrastructure repairs and improvements across the state park system, such as picnic pavilion repairs, restroom improvements, upgrades to campgrounds and boat launches, and more. (To view a full list of these projects, click here.)

Reservations at state campgrounds can be made online at connecticutstateparks.reserveamerica.com or by calling 1-877-668-CAMP (2267).

It is strongly recommended that anyone planning a visit to a state park or boat launch – especially on weekends or holidays – should check DEEP’s social media accounts for up-to-the-minute updates on parking lot capacity before heading to their destination. This information can be found on the social media app X at @CTStateParks and @CTBoatingInfo.

More than 15 million people visit Connecticut’s state parks and forests each year.