Essex Travel Guide

Trek Zone

Town

Facts and practical information

Nestled along the picturesque Connecticut River, the charming town of Essex is a hidden gem in the United States. With its rich history, stunning natural beauty, and vibrant cultural scene, Essex offers a unique and unforgettable experience for travelers.

One of the town's main attractions is its historic district, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Strolling through the streets of Essex feels like stepping back in time, with beautifully preserved Colonial and Federal-style buildings lining the sidewalks. Visitors can explore the numerous antique shops, art galleries, and specialty boutiques that dot the area, offering a wide range of unique treasures and souvenirs.

For history enthusiasts, the Connecticut River Museum is a must-visit. Housed in a restored steamboat warehouse, the museum showcases the region's maritime history and offers interactive exhibits that bring the past to life. A highlight of the museum is the chance to take a cruise on the river aboard the historic steamboat, where visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.

Nature lovers will be in awe of the stunning landscapes that surround Essex. The town is situated on the Connecticut River Estuary, a designated National Estuarine Research Reserve, offering a wealth of outdoor activities. Visitors can explore the miles of scenic hiking trails that wind through the nearby forests and wetlands, or embark on a kayak or canoe adventure along the river.

Food lovers will also find plenty to indulge in while in Essex. The town boasts a thriving culinary scene, with a wide range of restaurants and cafes offering everything from fresh seafood to farm-to-table cuisine. Whether you're in the mood for a cozy waterfront dinner or a casual lunch at a charming cafe, Essex has something to satisfy every palate.

Alternative names: Area: 11.8 mi²Elevation: 36 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 41°21'8"N, 72°23'28"W

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ConnecticutUnited States

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Essex Top Attractions

Essex Attractions - What to See and Explore

Essex offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Connecticut River Museum, First Baptist Church of Essex, Centerbrook Congregational Church, Essex Historic District. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Specialty museum • Museum • Historical place
Connecticut River Museum
The Connecticut River Museum is a U.S. educational and cultural institution based at Steamboat Dock in Essex, Connecticut that focuses on the marine environment and maritime heritage of the Connecticut River Valley.
Church
First Baptist Church of Essex
The First Baptist Church in Essex, Connecticut, built in 1846, is notable for being one of only three Egyptian revival churches known to have ever been built in the United States. The architect was Minard Lafever.
Church
Centerbrook Congregational Church
The Centerbrook Congregational Church, also known as the Centerbrook Meeting House, is a historic church at 51 Main Street in the Centerbrook village of Essex, Connecticut.

Neighbourhood
Essex Historic District
Essex Historic District was a proposed district, nominated for listing on the National Register of Historic Places in 1978. It would have included parts of Main, N. Main, S. Main, and W. Main Sts. in Essex, Connecticut.
41°21'9"N • 72°23'24"W
Cooper & Smith Gallery
Art gallery • Museum • Shopping
41°21'15"N • 72°23'48"W
Essex Library
Library
Museum • Greek Revival architecture
Hill's Academy
Hill's Academy is a historic school building at 22 Prospect Street in Essex, Connecticut. It is now the home of the Essex Historical Society, and was also historically known as the Red Men's Hall because it served as an Improved Order of Red Men lodge.

Day trips

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

In the vicinity of Essex, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Mystic Seaport (Mystic), Submarine Force Library and Museum (Groton), Waterford Speedbowl (Waterford).

22 milesE
Museum, Maritime museum
Mystic Seaport, Mystic
Mystic Seaport, nestled in the picturesque town of Mystic, Connecticut, is a quintessential New England attraction and a treasure trove for maritime enthusiasts. This expansive museum, often referred to as The Museum of America and the Sea, offers a unique glimpse into...
16 milesE
Museum, Specialty museum, Military museum
Submarine Force Library and Museum, Groton
The Submarine Force Library and Museum, located in Groton, Connecticut, stands as a testament to the rich history and technological advancements of the United States submarine force. This unique museum is the only submarine museum operated by the United States Navy...
12 milesE
Racetrack, Sport venue, Sport
Waterford Speedbowl, Waterford
Rev up your engines and prepare for an adrenaline rush at the Waterford Speedbowl, an iconic car racing track nestled in the city of Waterford, Connecticut. This asphalt oval track has been fueling the excitement of motorsports enthusiasts since 1951, offering a...
28 milesW
Museum, Natural history museum, History museum
Peabody Museum of Natural History, New Haven
Nestled in the heart of New Haven, Connecticut, the Peabody Museum of Natural History offers a captivating journey through the Earth's past for visitors and locals alike. This renowned institution is a part of Yale University and stands as an educational landmark...
28 milesW
Museum, Art gallery, Art museum
Yale University Art Gallery, New Haven
The Yale University Art Gallery is the oldest university art museum in the Western Hemisphere. It houses a major encyclopedic collection of art in several interconnected buildings on the campus of Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut.