Madison, Connecticut travel guide: things to do, food & where to stay

Overview

Madison is a town in New Haven County of Connecticut. It is in the central part of the Connecticut shoreline. The population of Madison was around 18,000 as of 2014. Much of Madison is known for its pricey, historical homes and its miles of beach.

2 sights · 3 things to do · 5 places to stay

Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage

Best things about Madison

Hammonasset State Park

This state park offers endless amounts of things to do for couples and for families. There are over 1,000 acres of campgrounds, parks, beaches, walking trails, bike paths, and fields. Meigs Point Nature Center is also wi…

Deacon John Grave House

Began as a primitive two-room dwelling that is now a classic New England saltbox. The house has been inhabited for over 300 years by the descendants of Deacon John Grave.

Scranton Memorial Library

Historical library in the heart of Madison. The library offers beautiful architectural sites and an array of activities each day for children.

Beebe Marine

Located on East River, Beebe Marine offers a full range of boating services, along with a full marina to walk around and explore yachts and sea-life.

Eagle Watches on the Connecticut River

Every winter visitors and residents can watch the Bald Eagles make their way from Canada to the Connecticut River to find ice free fishing. Professionals help people spot the eagles while giving the history of the majest…

Plan your trip

Best time to visit & weather

Most comfortable: May–Oct. Summer highs reach about 83°F; winter lows dip to about 15°F. Cold months (Jan, Feb) can bring snow and ice; check road conditions. Wettest: Oct and Aug. (climate data from nearby Waterbury)

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 — 14 mi away. Directions
BDL Bradley International Airport, Hartford — 42 mi away (major hub). Directions

CT Transit – public transportation for all of Connecticut.

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 Hammonasset State Park, Deacon John Grave House, Scranton Memorial Library
Afternoon Beebe Marine, Eagle Watches on the Connecticut River

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

Map

Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.

Understand

The total area of Madison is 38.6 square miles. It was founded in 1641 as "East Guilford". It was named its own town in 1826, which separated Madison from is bordering town of Guilford.

It is 15 miles east of New Haven and 35 miles south of Hartford. Madison is immediately bordered to the east by Clinton, on the north by Durham, on the south by Long Island Sound, and on the west by Guilford.

Get in

By plane

Tweed New Haven Regional Airport (New Haven, CT), in New Haven County, about 17 miles from the main business district of Madison.
Bradley International Airport (Windsor Locks, CT) in Hartford County, halfway between Hartford, Connecticut and Springfield, Massachusetts. It is Connecticut’s busiest commercial airport.

By bus

CT Transit – public transportation for all of Connecticut.

By car

To get into Madison take route I-95 to exit 61.

Get around

For east and west transportation access there are three major roads that intersect Madison; Interstate 95, US highway 1 (Boston Post Road), and state highway 80. State highway 79 allows for north and south town access. All roads can have considerable traffic when going to the more heavily populated areas.

See

See Deacon John Grave House

Began as a primitive two-room dwelling that is now a classic New England saltbox. The house has been inhabited for over 300 years by the descendants of Deacon John Grave.

📍 581 Boston Post Road⚠ Last checked Aug 2016 — confirm before you go

Maps Website

See Scranton Memorial Library

Historical library in the heart of Madison. The library offers beautiful architectural sites and an array of activities each day for children.

📍 801 Boston Post Road☎ +1 203-245-7365⚠ Last checked Aug 2016 — confirm before you go

Maps Website

Do

Do Hammonasset State Park

exit 62 from Interstate 95 North, if you are already in Madison take a 20 minute drive east to the major shoreline.🕒 7 days a week at 8AM until sunset💲 variable fees during peak season☎ +1 203 245-2785⚠ Last checked Aug 2016 — confirm before you go

Maps Website

Do Beebe Marine

Located on East River, Beebe Marine offers a full range of boating services, along with a full marina to walk around and explore yachts and sea-life.

📍 21 Boston Post Road☎ +1 203-245-8665⚠ Last checked Aug 2016 — confirm before you go

Maps

Do Eagle Watches on the Connecticut River

📍 871 Boston Post Road💲 $20 admission fee which includes lunch after the excursion☎ +1 203-245-9056⚠ Last checked Aug 2016 — confirm before you go

Maps

Buy

Antiques:

Kirtland H. Crump Clocks, 387 Boston Post Road, antique clocks, repair & restoration. Contact: +1 203-245-7573.
Walker Loden, Ltd, 788 Boston Post Road, antiques, gifts, jewelry, accessories. Contact: +1 203-245-8663.

Apparel:

Anna Mia’s, 698 Boston Post Road, women's shoes, boots & accessories. Contact: +1 203-245-8118.
Ciao Bella Moda International, 36 Wall Street, pre-teen, teen & up clothing & accessories, unique. Contact: +1 203-245-1819.
Clinton Sport Shop, 16 West Main Street, sporting goods & apparel. Contact: +1 860-669-1009.
Country Shop of Madison, Inc., 684 Boston Post Road, women's clothing & accessories. Contact: +1 203-318-0368.
Jolie Boutique, 670 Boston Post Road, women's clothing, accessories & jewelry. Contact: +1 203-245-5828.
Khaki and Black, 22 Durham Road, men's & women's apparel & Simon Pearce glassware. Contact: +1 203-245-8887.

Beauty:

Foxglove Gallery, 129 Samson Rock Drive, gifts, bath and body. Contact: +1 203-245-2481.
Hair Concepts, Inc., 883 Boston Post Road, hair styling. Contact: +1 203-245-2767.
Skin Secrets, LLC, 119 Samson Rock Drive, beauty, nail and skin care. Contact: +1 203-245-8188.
Timothy Pamment Salon, 22 Durham Road, hair salon, hair care, skincare by Skin Ceuticals. Contact: +1 203-245-7707.

Jewelry:

Bella Perlina, LLC, 673 Boston Post Road, individually created jewelry. Contact: +1 203-245-4850.
Paul Lirot Jewelers, 73 Wall Street, jewelry, design & repairs, estate jewelry. Contact: +1 203-245-0320.
The Silver Moon, 769 Boston Post Road, silver jewelry. Contact: +1 203-318-8329.

Gifts and accessories:

Everlastings, LLC, 18 Wall Street, custom floral design, decorative accessories. Contact: +1 203-245-1391.
Madison Cheese, 129 Samson Rock Drive, International cheeses, gourmet food, custom baskets. Contact: +1 203-245-5168.
The Nosey Goose, 33 Wall Street, gift and antique shop. Contact: +1 203-245-3132.
The Audubon Shop, 907 Boston Post Road, optics, natural history books, wildlife art. Contact: +1 203-245-9056.
Savvy Tea Gourmet, 28 Durham Road, teas, tea related items and accessories, breakfast and lunch. Contact: +1 203-318-8666.

Eat

Café Allegre, 725 Boston Post Road, Romantic dining experience offering an array of Italian cuisine. Located in the heart of downtown Madison. Open Tuesday to Thursday from 11:30AM to 2:30PM, Tuesday to Thursday from 5:30PM to 10PM, Friday from 11:30AM to 2PM, Friday from 5:30PM to 10:30PM, Saturday from 5:30PM to 10:30PM, and Sunday from 1PM to 9PM. Contact: +1 203-245-7773.
Fish Tale Restaurant, 1301 Boston Post Road, Fresh seafood cuisine, offering homemade soft serve ice cream. Open Sunday to Thursday from 11AM to 9PM, and Friday to Saturday from 11AM to 10:30PM. Contact: +1 203-245-7289.
Madison Beanery Hometown Bakery, 712 Boston Post Road, Endless amounts of coffees and desserts. Contact: +1 203-245-1323.
Zhang’s Restaurant, 44 Boston Post Road, There is an abundance of Chinese delicacies like the Jumbo Shrimp with Walnut with a white Marnier sauce, and Crispy Orange Beef. Japanese specialties like Donburi, Udon and sushi. Open Monday to Thursday from 11AM to 10PM, Saturday from 11AM to 11PM, and Sunday from noon to 10PM. Contact: +1 203-245-3300.

Sleep

Stay Madison Beach Hotel

Waterfront hotel.

📍 94 West Wharf Road☎ +1 203-245-1404⚠ Last checked Aug 2016 — confirm before you go

Maps

Stay Beach Tree Cottages

Cottages set within a tranquil landscape. Cottages consist of bedroom with queen size bed, full bath, living room with pull-out couch, and kitchenette with all necessary appliances. Walk or bike to Hammonasset State Park.

📍 1187 Boston Post Road☎ +1 203-245-2676⚠ Last checked Aug 2016 — confirm before you go

Maps