Stamford, CT

Travel Guide
Stamford
Stamford
Photo by crissibeth
This coastal community on the Connecticut shoreline offers plenty of ways to enjoy and interact with the parks, forests and beaches that make up its surrounds.

With parks, forests and more than 14 miles (22 kilometers) of coastline, the small seaside community of Stamford relishes living life outdoors. You’ll also find numerous attractions for those who want to stay indoors, including cinemas, cafés and an arts center.

Go on a river cruise of the Long Island Sound, charter a boat from the harbor, and splash in the surf at Cove Island Park’s sandy beaches. You can also walk, ride and skate the park’s trails and take a tram ride through the grounds. 

Go to the SoundWaters Center, a non-profit environmental education organization located in the park. Book a two-hour ecological trip across the sound aboard their 80-foot (23-meter) three-masted Schooner. Hoist the sails, test the water quality and learn more about the marine life beneath the waves. For details visit SoundWaters’ official website.

Connect with nature at the Bartlett Arboretum and Gardens. The 91-acre (37-hectare) preserve encompasses more than 2,000 varieties of trees, forest trails, themed gardens and a herbarium. Keep an eye out for some of the native wildlife as you wander along the boardwalk through the red maple swamp. See snapping turtles, raccoons, wood frogs, barred owls and woodpeckers.

Walk some of the 80 acres (32 hectares) of nature trails and visit a working farm at the Stamford Museum and Nature Center. Enjoy a picnic by the lake and see the natural history and art exhibits inside the Bendel Mansion Museum. The estate was once the property of the late New York designer and department store owner Henri Willis Bendel. Get a close-up view of the moon and planets from the observatory and watch a stellar presentation at the planetarium.

Go to the downtown area and catch a play, musical or comedy show at the Stamford Center for the Arts. Check out some contemporary art at Franklin Street Works, a two-story art space and café. 

Stamford is located 40 miles (64 kilometers) north of New York City. Catch a train or drive from the city. Get around by bus or rent a car to get out of town and enjoy the natural surrounds.

Where to stay in Stamford

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Downtown Stamford

4/5(199 area reviews)

Central business district with major retail establishments, a shopping mall, and a university campus. Explore the historic district's architecture, enjoy bars and restaurants near Columbus Park, and easily access the Metro-North train station.

Downtown Stamford
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Cove - East Side - Shippan

3/5(20 area reviews)

While visiting Cove - East Side - Shippan, you might make a stop by sights like West Beach and Chelsea Piers.

Cove - East Side - Shippan
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South End

While South End might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Museum of Black World War II History and Stamford Town Center.

South End
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Waterside

While there might not be top attractions in Waterside, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Stamford Town Center and Stamford Center for the Arts.

Waterside
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North Stamford

Discover the serene atmosphere of North Stamford, featuring the Stamford Museum and Nature Center, Bartlett Arboretum, and historic Old Long Ridge Village. Easily accessible via Metro-North Railroad and CTTransit buses.

North Stamford
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West Side

If you're spending some time in West Side, Lione Park and Hatch Field are top sights worth seeing.

West Side
Amsterdam Hotel
Amsterdam Hotel
2 out of 5
19 Clarks Hill Ave, Stamford, CT
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NT$3,250 per night from Nov 29 to Nov 30
NT$3,250
NT$3,767 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 29 - Nov 30
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Stamford. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,510 reviews)
"Staff was nice. Bed pillows were old as was bedding."

Reviewed on 2024/11/20

Amsterdam Hotel
The Stamford Hotel
The Stamford Hotel
3.5 out of 5
700 East Main Street, Stamford, CT
The price is NT$4,483 per night from Dec 11 to Dec 12
NT$4,483
NT$5,156 total
includes taxes & fees
Dec 11 - Dec 12
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Stamford. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,063 reviews)
"Great place to stay!"

Reviewed on 2024/11/18

The Stamford Hotel
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Stamford / New York City
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Stamford / New York City
2.5 out of 5
135 Harvard Avenue, Stamford, CT
The price is NT$3,016 per night from Dec 16 to Dec 17
NT$3,016
NT$3,468 total
includes taxes & fees
Dec 16 - Dec 17
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Stamford. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
5.8/10 (236 reviews)
"The hotel was under renovations so the main entrance was shabby. The room could use a facelift too. Staff was welcoming. Breakfast was decent. Location is great."

Reviewed on 2024/11/16

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Stamford / New York City
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.
Stamford Suites
Stamford Suites
2.5 out of 5
720 Bedford St, Stamford, CT
Book a stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Stamford. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
6.8/10 (766 reviews)
"All is well"

Reviewed on 2024/11/14

Stamford Suites
DUNE Fairfield Beach
DUNE Fairfield Beach
3 out of 5
1160 Reef Rd, Fairfield, CT
Stay at this 3-star beach apartment in Fairfield. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and free bicycles on site. Popular attractions Penfield Beach and Fairfield ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (38 reviews)
"The property is generally old, but it was a nice renovation. Of the room."

Reviewed on 2024/10/25

DUNE Fairfield Beach
Global Luxury Suites White Plains
Global Luxury Suites White Plains
3.5 out of 5
57 Bank St, White Plains, NY
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly apartment in White Plains. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and valet parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Galleria ...
6.8/10 (26 reviews)
"Great location, friendly people, great apartment"

Reviewed on 2024/11/18

Global Luxury Suites White Plains
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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