5 Top-Rated Things to Do & Places to See in Greenwich (2024)
This prestigious Gold Coast town is one of the most affluent communities in Connecticut. Greenwich is home to many financial firms, hedge funds, and many impressive attractions, along with a lot of fun things to indulge in. Located in Fairfield County, this is a swanky coastal town that is ideal for those who want to spend their weekends at a more upscale location. It is in Greenwich that you will find many gated mansions, high-end shops, upscale restaurants, and much more. From pristine beaches to historical cottages, there is much to see and do in Greenwich. There is even a polo club in the town, which draws thousands of visitors on Sundays in the summer months.
5 Top-Rated Things to Do & Places to See in Greenwich
With opulent shopping and dining options, Greenwich is a must-visit destination in Connecticut.
1. Shop Till You Drop At Greenwich Avenue
The town of Greenwich is a shopper’s paradise. Greenwich Avenue is the town’s answer to a high street. This beautiful quaint street is lined with colorful flower boxes, stores that are fronted with spectacular displays that draw shoppers inside, and many luxury stores.
As can be expected from any posh town, many of the shops here come with expensive price tags and big brand names. You will find brands like Apple, Hermes, Saks Fifth Avenue, and TUMI. At the same time, for those who don’t want to make a dent in their pockets, there are less pricey options like Lululemon, LF, Shoes ‘N’ More, and many others.
And if shopping is not your cup of tea, you can simply enjoy the day wandering around Greenwich Avenue. Greenwich Avenue is also home to many mid and upscale cafes and restaurants.
2. Enjoy The Incredible Beach At Greenwich Point Park
Located on the tip of a peninsula that juts out into the Long Island Sound is a beautiful 147-acre park. This is an exclusive destination that might be tricky to visit, but you must try to make it as it is one of the most spectacular locations to check out in Greenwich.
The park is primarily worth visiting because of the long golden sandy beach it houses. From this glorious beach, you get to take in some stunning views of the Manhattan skyline as you relax and rejuvenate by the sea. There are many walking trails around, and you will find several concession stands to grab a bite to eat or a cool drink to refresh yourself. The park also offers grills, showers, multiple picnic tables, and a covered pavilion that makes it easy to spend a full day of fun with the family.
Kite surfing, windsurfing, and fishing are some other popular activities to do here, along with swimming in the calm shallow water. Greenwich Park has its own marina and a separate boat storage area for residents.
3. Take a Tour of the Bush-Holley House at the Greenwich Historical Society
This is one of the best-hidden gems of Connecticut. The Greenwich Historical Society is one of the must-visit attractions in Greenwich. As you enter the place, you will find the grounds are beautifully lined with multicolored flowers and feature a grape arbor, which is a spectacular sight to take in when it is in full bloom. Even if you are not a fan of history, simply wandering through this stunning property can be great fun.
As you enter the building, you will see huge museum galleries that display paintings by members of the Cos Cob art colony. You can also see a collection of works in the rotating exhibits. Here you will find a rooftop terrace, a store, a quaint cafe, and a library.
Another spectacular sight to see is the Bush-Holley House Museum, which is also located here. This is a National Historic Landmark that was built in the early years of the 1700s. The Bush family initially owned the place, and then it was purchased by the Holley family. It was used as a boarding house for writers and artists during the late 19th century, and today, offshoots of the main house host the society’s administrative offices.
4. Get a History Lesson at the Bruce Museum
The Bruce Museum is set up in a one-story building just across from Bruce Park. The museum features many changing exhibits throughout the year, offering something new to keep visitors engaged every time they stop by.
The best part about visiting this museum is the variety of its displays. You will find everything at the Bruce Museum, from photography to sculptures to giant geodes and Chinese brushwork. This is an ideal destination to bring kids as there is a separate science wing that features permanent exhibits like The Earth’s Minerals, Life between the Tides, and Every Object Tells a Story. With the help of life-sized dioramas, exciting displays, and exhibits, the museum serves as the perfect spot for educating visitors about the earth’s environmental history.
5. Bird Watching at the Audubon Center
There is an abundance of natural beauty in Greenwich, and the Greenwich Audubon Center is the perfect place to visit to spend a day watching birds. This beautiful and relaxing place is ideal for those who are searching for serenity and want to learn more about the environment. This is one of the best attractions in Greenwich, offering miles and miles of trails for hiking and many spots for bird watching. Make sure that you keep your binoculars with you and a good camera to capture some rare birds you get to see here.
Inside the Audubon Center is the Kimberlin Nature Education Center, which offers a lot of exciting activities to keep kids and grownups occupied. There is also the Hilfiger Children’s Learning Center, which has many hands-on exhibits, a story corner, and a puppet theater. You can also interact with live animals here. You will also run into the Nature Store in this building, full of many wonderful gifts to browse through.
You can perch yourself at the Perch Coffee Lounge if you get tired from bird watching and walking. Located in the Education Center, this is a bright and peaceful spot that has a separate reading area and Nature Theater that shows documentaries and live feeds from bird cams placed strategically all around the center. One of the flavors of coffee you must try out here is the ‘Bird Friendly Coffee,’ which is grown in a protected rainforest habitat.
