Overview
Essex is a city in Connecticut River Valley.
1 sights · 1 things to do
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Essex
Connecticut River Museum
Located on the waterfront, this museum explores the rich history of New England's largest river and offers environmental education programs geared for adults and children alike.
Connecticut River Expeditions, LLC
Located at the Connecticut River Museum and Steamboat Dock, CRE offers many cruises and boat rides on the lower Connecticut River. Of special interest are the eagle watch cruises in February and March. The wildlife is in…
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: May–Oct. Summer highs reach about 85°F; winter lows dip to about 19°F. Cold months (Jan, Feb) can bring snow and ice; check road conditions. Wettest: Oct and Sep. (climate data from nearby Hartford)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- HVN Tweed New Haven Airport, New Haven — 27 mi away. Directions
- WST Westerly State Airport, Westerly — 30 mi away. Directions
- BDL Bradley International Airport, Hartford — 43 mi away (major hub). Directions
CT Rt. 9 passes through Essex about 45 miles south of Hartford and about 5 miles north of I-95 exit 69 in Old Saybrook.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Sample 1-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Connecticut River Museum
- Afternoon Connecticut River Expeditions, LLC
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Get in
CT Rt. 9 passes through Essex about 45 miles south of Hartford and about 5 miles north of I-95 exit 69 in Old Saybrook.
See
Do
Nearby
Old Saybrook
City / town · 40 listings · 4 mi away
Old Lyme
City / town · 21 listings · 5 mi away
East Haddam
City / town · 16 listings · 8 mi away
Clinton
City / town · 10 listings · 8 mi away
East Lyme
City / town · 6 listings · 8 mi away
Madison
City / town · 11 listings · 12 mi away
Waterford
City / town · 8 listings · 13 mi away
Montville
City / town · 6 listings · 14 mi away
My experience
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