You ever drive down I-95 and see those signs for the outlets and think, "Yeah, maybe next time"? Honestly, most people just breeze right past Clinton, Connecticut. They see the big yellow signs for the Clinton Premium Outlets and assume that’s the whole story.
It isn't. Not even close.
I’ve spent a lot of time wandering the shoreline, and Clinton is one of those places that feels like a well-kept secret between the louder, more famous neighbors like Madison or Old Saybrook. It’s got this weird, wonderful mix of blue-collar maritime grit and high-end vineyard vibes. If you’re looking for things to do in Clinton CT, you’ve gotta look past the highway.
Why the "Blue Collar" Beach is Actually Better
Look, I love a fancy beach as much as the next person, but Clinton Town Beach is different. It’s tucked away at the end of Waterside Lane, and it feels... real.
At high tide, it’s your standard, beautiful New England beach with views of Long Island Sound. But when the tide goes out? That’s the magic. The water retreats so far it exposes these massive sandbars you can walk on for what feels like miles. You’ll see locals out there with their dogs (in the off-season) or kids hunting for hermit crabs in the tide pools.
The coolest part is the old stone bridge over the Hammock River nearby. You can actually fish right off it. It’s not flashy, but it’s quintessential Connecticut. Just remember, if you aren't a resident, you'll need to pay for a daily pass during the summer months (usually Memorial Day through Labor Day).
The Vineyard That Feels Like France (Seriously)
If you’re done with the sand, head inland a few minutes to Chamard Vineyards. I’m not exaggerating when I say this place feels like it was airlifted out of the French countryside and dropped onto Cow Hill Road.
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They have about 20 acres of vines, mostly Chardonnay and Cabernet Franc. But don't just go for a quick tasting and leave. The Bistro at Chamard is where the real action is. It’s farm-to-table before that was a buzzword everyone used. They’ve got their own farm on-site, and the menu changes with whatever is coming out of the dirt.
Order the moules frites or a local cheese board. Sit by the big stone fireplace in the winter, or out on the patio overlooking the vines in the summer. It’s one of those spots where you can actually hear yourself think. It’s quiet. It’s refined. And the wine is actually good—they’ve won "Best Wine in CT" from Connecticut Magazine for over a decade straight.
History You Can Actually Touch
Most "historic sites" are just old houses with "Do Not Touch" signs. Clinton handles its history a bit more authentically.
Take the Adam Stanton House and General Store. Built in 1791, it’s not just a house; it was a hub of commerce. Because the family stayed in the house until the 1900s, almost everything inside is original. It’s like a time capsule that forgot to open. You can see the actual shelves of the general store exactly how they were 200 years ago.
Then there’s the Clinton Historical Society at the "Old Brick" (the Elisha White House).
- The Buell Tool Museum: If you’re into woodworking or just like seeing how people survived before Home Depot, this place is wild. It’s full of hand-forged 18th-century tools.
- George Flynn Library: Over 20,000 documents for the real history nerds who want to trace the town’s lineage back to 1663.
- The Yale Connection: Did you know Yale University basically started here? The first classes for what would become Yale were held in the parsonage of Reverend Abraham Pierson in Clinton back in 1701. There’s a statue of him right outside the Town Hall.
Eating Like a Local (Seafood and Beyond)
You can’t visit a shoreline town without eating lobster. It’s basically the law.
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While everyone flocks to the famous spots in neighboring towns, Westbrook Lobster (which is actually in Clinton, don't let the name confuse you) is a massive local favorite. Their lobster bisque is heavy on the cream and heavier on the meat.
If you want something a bit more "dockside casual," head to the marinas. Shanks is literally a food truck converted from an old boat, sitting right at Harborside Marina. You eat outside, watching the boats come in. It’s pricey, but you’re paying for the view and the fact that the fish was probably swimming that morning.
For something totally different, try Baja Burrito. It’s a tiny little joint that serves up California-style tacos and burritos that have no business being that good in a small New England town. It's the perfect "grab-and-go" before heading to the beach.
The Shopping Paradox: Outlets vs. Antiques
Clinton is a town of two halves when it comes to spending money.
On one hand, you have Clinton Crossing Premium Outlets. It’s an outdoor "village" style mall. It's got the heavy hitters—Saks OFF 5TH, Nike, Polo Ralph Lauren. It’s clean, it’s easy, and on a Tuesday morning, it’s incredibly peaceful.
On the other hand, you have the antiques. Clinton is a sleeper hit for antique hunters. Key to the Past Antique Center and Edwin C. Ahlberg Antiques are the spots to hit. You aren't finding IKEA furniture here. You're finding mid-century modern pieces, weird Victorian taxidermy, and maritime relics that look like they came off a 19th-century whaling vessel.
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Get Out on the Water
If you’re into fishing, Clinton is your home base. The town is packed with marinas—Cedar Island Marina and Old Harbor Marina are the big ones.
You can hop on a charter like Bluefin Sportfishing or Flying Connie. They’ll take you out into the Sound to hunt for Striped Bass or Bluefish. If you’d rather do the work yourself, Indian River Kayak lets you rent a boat and paddle through the marshes. It’s a totally different perspective of the town—quiet, bird-filled, and away from the noise of the Boston Post Road.
Surprising Details Most People Miss
- The Witch Hazel Fact: Clinton was once the global capital of witch hazel production. The Ponds/Unilever factory was a massive part of the economy here for decades. You can still see witch hazel growing in the historic society's gardens.
- The Clinton Trolley: In the summer, there’s a free trolley that runs from the train station to the beach and the outlets. It’s a lifesaver if you don't want to fight for beach parking.
- Henry Carter Hull Library: It sounds boring, but this library is a community powerhouse. They host outdoor concerts and have a maker space that’s better than most tech hubs.
How to Do Clinton Right
If you're planning a trip, don't try to cram everything into four hours. Start your morning at Coffee Break for a greasy-spoon breakfast. It’s where the locals talk town politics.
Spend the late morning walking the sandbars at the Town Beach. Grab a lobster roll for lunch, then spend the afternoon either hitting the Outlets for deals or digging through the "Old Brick" for history.
Finish the day at Chamard Vineyards. Watch the sun go down over the grapes with a glass of Chardonnay. It’s the perfect way to realize that Clinton isn't just a stop on the highway—it’s a destination in its own right.
To make the most of your visit, check the tide charts before you go to the beach. You want to be there about an hour before low tide to get the full sandbar experience. Also, if you’re heading to the Bistro at Chamard, book a reservation at least a week out for weekend nights. They fill up fast, even in the "off" season. For the history buffs, the Adam Stanton house is usually only open for tours on specific days in the summer, so call ahead before you make the drive just for that.