Branford Travel Guide

Trek Zone

Town

Facts and practical information

Located in the picturesque state of Connecticut, Branford is a charming town that offers a perfect blend of history, natural beauty, and coastal charm. With its rich heritage and stunning landscapes, this hidden gem is a must-visit destination for travelers seeking a unique and authentic experience.

One of the main attractions in Branford is its beautiful shoreline. With miles of sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters, it is the perfect place to relax, swim, or simply take a leisurely stroll along the coast. Whether you prefer sunbathing on the beach, exploring the tide pools, or enjoying water sports such as kayaking and paddleboarding, Branford's shoreline has something for everyone.

For history buffs, Branford has a fascinating past waiting to be discovered. The town's historic district is home to an array of well-preserved buildings, some dating back to the 18th century. Take a walk along the charming Main Street and admire the architecture of the historic houses, browse through quaint shops, or savor a meal at one of the local restaurants housed in centuries-old buildings.

Nature enthusiasts will be delighted by the abundance of natural beauty in Branford. The town is surrounded by lush forests, meandering rivers, and scenic hiking trails. Explore the Branford Supply Ponds, a nature reserve that offers picturesque views and opportunities for bird-watching, fishing, and picnicking. For a more challenging hike, head to the nearby Stony Creek Quarry Preserve, where you can marvel at the stunning views of Long Island Sound from the top of the quarry cliffs.

In addition to its natural and historical attractions, Branford also boasts a vibrant arts scene. The town is home to numerous art galleries and hosts regular art festivals and cultural events. Immerse yourself in the local arts and crafts scene, or catch a performance at one of the theaters in town.

Alternative names: Settled: 1644Population: 29.4 thous.Area: 28 mi²Elevation: 39 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 41°16'49"N, 72°48'41"W

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ConnecticutUnited States

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Branford Top Attractions

Branford Attractions - What to See and Explore

Branford offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Branford Point Historic District, James Blackstone Memorial Library, Stony Creek Puppet House, Pine Orchard Union Chapel. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Neighbourhood • Georgian architecture
Branford Point Historic District
The Branford Point Historic District is a historic district in Branford, Connecticut. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1988. It includes a significant portion of the Branford Point neighborhood, generally considered to be the area along the west side of the Branford Harbor to the Amtrak railroad tracks.
Library • Branford Center
James Blackstone Memorial Library
James Blackstone Memorial Library is a public library located in Branford, Connecticut. It is commonly referred to as the Blackstone Library or the Branford Library.
Concerts and shows • Theater
Stony Creek Puppet House
The Stony Creek Puppet House was a theater in the Stony Creek section of Branford, Connecticut, near New Haven and the famed Thimble Islands. Built in 1903 as a movie theater, it became the home for community theater and summer stock productions.

Church • Stony Creek
Pine Orchard Union Chapel
Pine Orchard Union Chapel is a historic nondenominational chapel at 25 Chapel Drive in Branford, Connecticut. Built in 1897, it is one of a modest number of seasonal resort chapels built along the Connecticut coastline, and a particularly fine example of one with Queen Anne styling.
41°16'47"N • 72°48'57"W
Isaac Palmer House
The Isaac Palmer House is a historic house at 736–756 Main Street in Branford, Connecticut, USA. Built about 1810, it is a good local example Federal period architecture. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1988.
Colonial architecture • Pine Orchard
Blackstone House
The Blackstone House is a historic house at 37 First Avenue in Branford, Connecticut. Built in the second quarter of the 18th century, it is one of Branford's modest number of surviving 18th-century houses, and a well-preserved example of the Second Period of colonial construction.
Colonial architecture
Edward Frisbie House
The Edward Frisbie House is a historic house at 699 East Main Street in Branford, Connecticut. Probably built about 1750, it is a fine local example of Georgian residential architecture, historically attributed to one of the area's early settlers. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1988.
Colonial architecture • Pine Orchard
Zaccheus Baldwin House
The Zaccheus Baldwin House is a historic house at 154 Damascus Road in Branford, Connecticut. Built in the last quarter of the 18th century, it is one of Branford's small number of surviving and well-preserved houses of that period. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1988.
41°16'31"N • 72°45'27"W
Edward Frisbie Homestead
The Edward Frisbie Homestead is a historic house at 240 Stony Creek Road in Branford, Connecticut, United States. Built about 1790 by the grandson of one of Branford's first settlers, it is a little-altered and well-preserved example of Federal period architecture. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1985.
Colonial architecture
Eliphalet Howd House
The Eliphalet Howd House is a historic house at 675 East Main Street in Branford, Connecticut. Probably built about 1730, it is one of the town's few surviving 18th-century houses, and a good example of a two-story Georgian colonial house. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1988.
Colonial architecture • Stony Creek
John Hoadley House
The John Hoadley House is a historic house at 213 Leete's Island Road in Branford, Connecticut. Built about 1810, it is a well-preserved example of late colonial architecture. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1988.
Colonial architecture • Branford Center
Timothy Bradley House
The Timothy Bradley House is a historic house at 12 Bradley Street in Branford, Connecticut. Probably built c. 1730, it is one of Branford's handful of surviving 18th-century houses. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1988.
Colonial architecture • Pine Orchard
House at 161 Damascus Road
161 Damascus Road is a historic house in Branford, Connecticut. Built about 1750, it is a well-preserved example of mid-18th century colonial residential architecture. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1988.
Colonial architecture • Stony Creek
House at 29 Flat Rock Road
29 Flat Rock Road is a historic house in Branford, Connecticut. Probably built in the second half of the 18th century, it is a well-preserved example of a modest period farmhouse, a type of which relatively few now survive in the town. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1988.
Colonial architecture • Branford Center
Samuel Beach House
The Samuel Beach House is a historic house at 94 East Main Street in Branford, Connecticut. Built about 1790, it is one of the town's modest number of surviving 18th-century houses. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1988.
Colonial architecture • Greek Revival architecture
Isaac Hoadley House
The Isaac Hoadley House is a historic house at 9 Totoket Road in Branford, Connecticut. Built in 1757, it is a well-preserved example of Georgian residential architecture, with later Greek Revival features added. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1988.
Colonial architecture • Pine Orchard
Orrin Hoadley House
The Orrin Hoadley House is a historic house at 15 Sunset Hill Road in Branford, Connecticut. Built about 1785, it is a good example of late colonial residential architecture, and one of the town's modest collection of 18th-century buildings. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1988.
Colonial architecture • Pine Orchard
Norton House
The Norton House is a historic house at 200 Pine Orchard Road in Branford, Connecticut. Built about 1715 in what is now Madison, it is one of Branford's small number of well-preserved 18th-century houses. It was moved to its present location about 1940, and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1988.
Colonial architecture • Pine Orchard
Timothy Baldwin House
The Timothy Baldwin House is a historic house at 186 Damascus Road in Branford, Connecticut. Built about 1819, it is a well-preserved late example of Georgian Colonial architecture, associated with a prominent local family. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1988.

Day trips

Branford – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Branford, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Long Island Aquarium (Riverhead), Discovery Museum and Planetarium (Bridgeport), Quassy Amusement Park (Middlebury).

26 milesS
Shark and sea lion shows plus boat rides
Long Island Aquarium, Riverhead
The Long Island Aquarium in Riverhead, New York, is a premier aquatic adventure in the heart of Long Island. Established as an educational and interactive marine exhibit, the aquarium offers visitors an up-close view of a diverse range of sea life, making it an ideal...
22 milesW
Museum, Children's museum, Observatories and planetariums
Discovery Museum and Planetarium, Bridgeport
Nestled in the heart of Bridgeport, Connecticut, the Discovery Museum and Planetarium stands as a beacon of learning and exploration for individuals of all ages. This educational landmark offers a wealth of interactive exhibits and displays that ignite curiosity...
24 milesNW
Water park, Theme park, Amusement park
Quassy Amusement Park, Middlebury
Quassy Amusement Park, nestled in the picturesque town of Middlebury, Connecticut, is a charming family destination that has been delighting visitors for over a century. Established in 1908, this traditional amusement park offers a slice of Americana with a blend of...
23 milesW
Lake
Great Hollow Lake, Monroe
Nestled in the tranquil town of Monroe, Connecticut, Great Hollow Lake offers visitors a serene escape amidst nature's splendor. This picturesque lake is a cherished spot for both locals and tourists looking to enjoy outdoor activities and the peaceful surroundings.
20 milesW
Animals from North and South America
Beardsley Zoo, Bridgeport
Nestled in the heart of Bridgeport, Connecticut, Beardsley Zoo offers an enchanting wildlife experience for visitors of all ages. As the only zoo in the state, it has been a cherished destination for families, tourists, and animal lovers since its opening in 1922.