[Cruikshl]

If I wanted to drive the coast as to see the sound is there any certain area that is better for viewing it? Whenever we've driven to the coast the houses are so close together you can't see any water. Shame they are stacked on top each other. I am in Woodbury if that helps in telling me which way to go. We just want to drive up or down on a scenic highway.

[Cruikshl]

Evidently there is no way to see the sound from a highway. If we go to Rhode Island can we do that?

[JayCT]

The east coast is pretty developed so there is not a lot of long stretches of highway along the coast. I know there are short stretches here and there. Pequot Avenue goes along Southport Beach. St. Mary's (Eames Boulevard) in the Black Rock section of Bridgeport. Seaside Park in Bridgeport has a long drive along the water. You may need a sticker or to pay in seasons since it is a city owned park. Beach Street in West Haven is a pretty long street along the water as well. Jay

[skytrekker]

Originally Posted by Cruikshl

Evidently there is no way to see the sound from a highway. If we go to Rhode Island can we do that?

It may be a bit out of your travel aspirations with high gas prices- try Watch Hill in Rhode Island- not far from the CT state line-stunning.

[Cruikshl]

Originally Posted by skytrekker

It may be a bit out of your travel aspirations with high gas prices- try Watch Hill in Rhode Island- not far from the CT state line-stunning.

Thanks we will try that!

[wavehunter007]

Originally Posted by Cruikshl

If I wanted to drive the coast as to see the sound is there any certain area that is better for viewing it? Whenever we've driven to the coast the houses are so close together you can't see any water. Shame they are stacked on top each other. I am in Woodbury if that helps in telling me which way to go. We just want to drive up or down on a scenic highway.

I often wished the same thing. The USA has many majestic and scenic roads though the coastal margins of the mainland – and I have been to many. I think some of the best are: Route 1 on the Delmarva peninsula from Lewes to Ocean City, Route 12 on the Outer Banks (NC), Route 35 along the New Jersey coast, the views from Route 138 off the Newport Bridge in Rhode Island (really nice on a sunny day), the Pacific Coast Highway in California, and A1A in Florida (the Jupiter part is the best), US 98 through the Florida Gulf, ….and of course - down to the Keys on the Overseas Highway (the best in the United States).

Unfortunately - we have nothing anywhere close to that here in Connecticut. However, the following route is the best route for coastal sightseeing in Connecticut. The areas to the east of New Haven, tend to have more marsh and beach views…and are less crowed…than areas to the west of New Haven. Having done it many times – my vote (again –don’t expect A1A through Boca) for the best for views is 154 through to Saybrook Point. It’s Connecticut’s version of A1A (lol).


PART 1

Coming from New Haven (going north on I-95)…. get off at exit 53 – which will deposit
you on to Route 1 north in Branford.

Take Route 1 North only I block – and turn right at center island gas station onto Route 146.

Follow RT 146 through to Branford Center to the front of Branford Town Hall. Turn Right down Montowesse St (still on RT 146) and follow toward coastline. This road goes through marsh, beach, and coastal scenery with traffic that is generally light. It’s generally calm and tranquil ride.

Follow 146 through past the Pine Orchard Yacht & Country Club (you can slow up here and look around)…..stay on this road as it snakes across the marshes and coastal plains ………(some nice sound and marsh views here)……….toward Guilford. You will eventually reach Guilford Town Center (just past the Post Office). Continue past Guilford Center on RT 146 back toward US 1 North. There are several places to eat here, gas, DD, MD…etc.

Continue on US 1 north toward Madison……you will pass Hammonasset Ford…….some ice cream shops…….marshes….coves……marines…….keep going until you reach the North Madison Country Club (it will be on the drivers side). Turn right here – onto Wharf Road. Go through first Stop -Sign, then turn left (the only left) on to Middle Beach Road. Go down Middle Beach Road (be carful – there are joggers, walkers, kids…..here), When you come to the corner – go right….keep following along the coast..………some very nice high views of the Sound and beach here………..Eventually it will turn you left and you reach Liberty street. Turn right back toward Route US 1 North. Follow Route 1 north past the entrance to Hammonasset State Beach…..past Lenny and Joe’s (this is one of the most well known shoreline places to eat, you can sit outside, clean)…..Otherwise, continue north on US 1 through Clinton….through Westbrook….to Old Saybrook.

This is the A1A of Connecticut (lol). This is the part that you should roll down the windows. In Old Saybrook……. still on US 1…go past the Mcdonalds… to the gas station at the fork in US 1, bear right (Route 154). Turn right onto Route 154 (Great Hammock Road), and follow 154 …you will pass through the marsh and coastal plains….. past a small beach…around a bend……and come to the first Stop Sigh. Go through it and bear right…(follow sign toward Saybrook Point). Here are best views of coastal Connecticut looking out into the Sound that there are. Bear right over the South Cove Causeway…..as you going over the bridge (Katharine Hepburns first House was out at the point until it was destroyed in the 1938 hurricane- it was rebuilt closer inside Fenwick)…..go past the Marina……notice the parrots that have made nests on the telephone poles…..you will pass the Restaurant and resort Hotel and reach Saybrook Point Park. Turn in this charming park. You can park free, there is miniature golf, the Dock N Dine Restaurant (food was good last time I was there), views, benches…and strolling along the water. The story goes develops wanted to buy the Park – but Katherine Hepbuar helped the cities buy the property for a park. US 154 North gets you back to I-95. You are about 30 mins to New Haven, 50 mins to Hartford.

Good Luck.