Part 19 of our 25-part Southeast road trip series takes us to the Constitution State — and Connecticut is one of the most charming and dog-friendly states in the entire Northeast. From the rolling hills and covered bridges of the Litchfield Hills to the historic shoreline towns of Mystic and Old Lyme, the vibrant food scene of New Haven, and the quiet beauty of the Quiet Corner, Connecticut rewards the curious road tripper with dogs in tow at every turn.
🐾 Why Connecticut?
Connecticut is the smallest state in our series, but it punches well above its weight in terms of dog-friendly charm. The Litchfield Hills in the northwest corner are among the most beautiful landscapes in New England. The Connecticut shoreline has a quieter, more refined character than the Jersey Shore or Cape Cod. And New Haven is home to what many consider the best pizza in America — and several dog-friendly patios to enjoy it from.
🏨 Pet-Friendly Hotels & Stays
The Mayflower Inn & Spa — Washington (Litchfield Hills)
One of the most beautiful country inns in all of New England, set on 58 acres of manicured gardens and woodland. Welcomes pets in select accommodations.
The Inn at Stonington — Stonington
A beautiful waterfront inn in the charming village of Stonington that welcomes pets.
Saybrook Point Resort & Marina — Old Saybrook
A beautiful waterfront resort at the mouth of the Connecticut River that welcomes pets.
The Delamar Greenwich Harbor — Greenwich
A beautiful waterfront hotel in Greenwich that welcomes pets, steps from excellent restaurants and boutiques.
🍽️ Pet-Friendly Restaurants & Cafés
Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana — New Haven
The legendary New Haven apizza institution with a dog-friendly outdoor area. The white clam pizza is one of the great American culinary experiences.
The White Hart Inn — Salisbury (Litchfield Hills)
A beloved Litchfield Hills inn and restaurant with a beautiful dog-friendly outdoor area.
Oyster Club — Mystic
A celebrated Mystic restaurant with a dog-friendly outdoor area celebrating the Connecticut shoreline's extraordinary seafood.
Arethusa al tavolo — Bantam (Litchfield Hills)
A celebrated farm-to-table restaurant with a dog-friendly outdoor area. One of the best restaurants in Connecticut.
🍺 Dog-Friendly Breweries
Two Roads Brewing Company — Stratford
One of Connecticut's most celebrated craft breweries with a large dog-friendly outdoor space in a stunning converted industrial building.
Kent Falls Brewing Company — Kent (Litchfield Hills)
A beloved Litchfield Hills craft brewery with a beautiful dog-friendly outdoor space on a working farm.
Thimble Island Brewing Company — Branford
A beloved Connecticut shoreline craft brewery with a dog-friendly outdoor space and great nautical atmosphere.
🌲 Dog-Friendly Parks & Trails
Sleeping Giant State Park — Hamden
Dog-friendly trails to the summit of the "Sleeping Giant" ridge with panoramic views of Long Island Sound.
Litchfield Hills Trails — Northwest Connecticut
Hundreds of miles of dog-friendly trails including the White Memorial Conservation Center with 35 miles of trails around Bantam Lake.
Bluff Point State Park — Groton
A beautiful coastal reserve near Mystic with dog-friendly trails through forest and along the rocky shoreline.
Hammonasset Beach State Park — Madison
Connecticut's largest shoreline park with dog-friendly beach access in designated areas.
🗺️ Suggested Road Trip Route
Start in Greenwich & Westport → north to the Litchfield Hills → east to New Haven → east along the shoreline → finish in Mystic & Stonington. Connecticut is small enough to cover thoroughly in 3–4 days.
🐶 Pro Tips
- The Litchfield Hills are at their most spectacular during fall foliage (mid-October) — book well in advance.
- New Haven's apizza scene is a genuine American culinary treasure — Frank Pepe's, Sally's, and Modern Apizza are all worth visiting.
- Mystic Seaport Museum does not allow dogs inside — enjoy the dog-friendly town and nearby Stonington instead.
- Kent Falls Brewing's farm setting is particularly beautiful in spring and summer — arrive early on weekends.
Have a favorite dog-friendly spot in Connecticut we should add? Drop it in the comments!
🐾 This is Part 19 of 25 in our Southeast Dog-Friendly Road Trip Series.
← Part 18: New York | ↑ Back to the Series Hub | Part 20: Rhode Island →