Stamford

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 kilometres) 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 centre.

Go on a river cruise of the Long Island Sound, charter a boat from the harbour, 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 Centre, a non-profit environmental education organization located in the park. Book a two-hour ecological trip across the sound aboard their 80-foot (23-metre) 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 Centre. 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 Centre 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 kilometres) 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

4.5/5(2 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

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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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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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 Stamford Town Center and Stamford Center for the Arts.

South End
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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

While there might not be top attractions in West Side, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Stamford Center for the Arts and E. Gaynor Brennan Golf Course.

West Side
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Stamford / New York City

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Stamford / New York City

3 out of 5
135 Harvard Avenue, Stamford, CT
The price is CA $121 per night from Aug 12 to Aug 13
CA $121
CA $140 total
Aug 12 - Aug 13
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Stamford. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
6.4/10 (696 reviews)
"Close to the highway."

Reviewed on Aug. 9, 2025

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Stamford / New York City
Amsterdam Hotel

Amsterdam Hotel

2 out of 5
19 Clarks Hill Ave, Stamford, CT
The price is CA $114 per night from Aug 19 to Aug 20
CA $114
CA $132 total
Aug 19 - Aug 20
includes taxes & fees
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! (1,631 reviews)
"Close to highway."

Reviewed on Aug. 9, 2025

Amsterdam Hotel
The Stamford Hotel

The Stamford Hotel

3.5 out of 5
700 East Main Street, Stamford, CT
The price is CA $187 per night from Aug 18 to Aug 19
CA $187
CA $215 total
Aug 18 - Aug 19
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Stamford. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,097 reviews)
"Great stay"

Reviewed on Aug. 10, 2025

The Stamford Hotel
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

4 out of 5
720 Bedford St, Stamford, CT
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in Stamford. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
5.6/10 (48 reviews)
"While the physical property is well maintained, generally it could use a facelift and update. Also, the windows have not been cleaned in some Time!"

Reviewed on Jul. 13, 2025

Stamford Suites
Luxury Apartments by Hyatus at The Asher

Luxury Apartments by Hyatus at The Asher

4.5 out of 5
150 Broad St, Stamford, CT
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Stamford. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Stamford Town Center and Stamford ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (16 reviews)
Amazing!
"The apartment was amazing. It was spacious, clean, incredibly comfy bed (although it made early mornings a problem!). The check in process was really easy. I also love the fact there is a huge washer and dryer so was able to do some washing mid-stay and not have to fill my suitcase up too much. The ..."

Reviewed on Feb. 25, 2025

Luxury Apartments by Hyatus at The Asher
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 ...
9/10 Wonderful! (65 reviews)
A great beach getaway
"A cute hotel close to the beach! Super easy check in and check out."

Reviewed on Jul. 2, 2025

DUNE Fairfield Beach
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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