Stratford

City / town · Connecticut

Stratford

Best timeMay–Oct
From you
Nearest airportHVN · 13 mi
On this page

Overview

Stratford is a town in Connecticut. Stratford, Connecticut was founded in 1639. It is in New England and located on the Long Island Sound. It is east of the Housatonic River and it also part of Fairfield County. Stratford is 18.7 miles and has a population of 51,384 people. Stratford is only an hour in driving distance from parts New York. Stratford consists of multiple public bathing beaches, five marinas, fishing piers, and two public boat launching facilities. Stratfords' mission statement is as follows, "To enhance the quality of life within the community by providing services with professionalism and a commitment to excellence." It is quite noticeable driving through the town of Stratford that the town sticks to their mission statement.

10 sights · 2 things to do · 4 places to eat · 1 bars & cafés · 3 places to stay

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

Best things about Stratford

Ephraim Wheeler House

Isaac Lewis House

Sikorsky Memorial Airport

Stratford is the birthplace of the American helicopter industry. In 1939 Igor Sikorsky successfully flew the first helicopter at his Stratford based helicopter plant. This airport is the hub of corporate activity and pro…

Roosevelt Forest

The town of stratford owns this 250 acre forest. Many people hike here on the hiking paths.

Boothe Memorial Park

32-acre park was willed to the town of Stratford after the death of David & Stephen Boothe. In the museum there is a collection of buildings such as a carriage house, Americana Museum, mini lighthouse and windmill, a…

Nathan B. Booth House

Nathan B. Booth House was also listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1992. It is a post-and-beam construction farmhouse that was built in 1843.

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)

Jan: 3.6 in rain3.6"Jan: high 35°F, low 15°F35°15°JanFeb: 3.6 in rain3.6"Feb: high 39°F, low 18°F39°18°FebMar: 4.4 in rain4.4"Mar: high 47°F, low 26°F47°26°MarApr: 4.5 in rain4.5"Apr: high 59°F, low 36°F59°36°AprMay: 4.6 in rain4.6"May: high 70°F, low 46°F70°46°MayJun: 4.7 in rain4.7"Jun: high 78°F, low 58°F78°58°JunJul: 4.6 in rain4.6"Jul: high 83°F, low 62°F83°62°JulAug: 4.8 in rain4.8"Aug: high 81°F, low 60°F81°60°AugSep: 4.8 in rain4.8"Sep: high 74°F, low 51°F74°51°SepOct: 5.2 in rain5.2"Oct: high 63°F, low 39°F63°39°OctNov: 4.4 in rain4.4"Nov: high 52°F, low 31°F52°31°NovDec: 4.2 in rain4.2"Dec: high 41°F, low 22°F41°22°Dec

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 — 13 mi away. Directions
  • ISP Long Island MacArthur Airport, Islip — 28 mi away. Directions
  • LGA LaGuardia Airport, New York — 49 mi away (major hub). Directions

Interstate 95 (Connecticut Turnpike), US Route 1, the Merritt Parkway (Route 15), Route 108 (Nichols Avenue), Route 110 (East Main Street and River Road), Route 113 (Lordship Boulevard and Main Street), and Route 130 (Stratford Avenue and Ferry Boulevard) all cross Stratford.

Full “Get in” guide ↓

Budget & where to stay

No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.

Sample 3-day itinerary

Day 1

  • Morning Isaac Lewis House, National Helicopter Museum, Sterling Homestead
  • Lunch Acapulcos
  • Afternoon Connecticut Air & Space Center, Sikorsky Memorial Airport
  • Dinner Panda House
  • Evening Paradise Pizza Bar

Day 2

  • Morning Ephraim Wheeler House, Nathan B. Booth House
  • Lunch Gaetano's Deli
  • Afternoon Boothe Memorial Park, Capt. David Judson House
  • Dinner Bella Napoli

Day 3

  • Morning Roosevelt Forest
  • Afternoon Stratford Speedway

Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.

Food for you

Stratford is full of restaurants! There are multiple places to eat on every street corner! Make sure to check out some of the most popular restaurants!

Cuisine (tap to filter)

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.

    Get in

    By car

    Interstate 95 (Connecticut Turnpike), US Route 1, the Merritt Parkway (Route 15), Route 108 (Nichols Avenue), Route 110 (East Main Street and River Road), Route 113 (Lordship Boulevard and Main Street), and Route 130 (Stratford Avenue and Ferry Boulevard) all cross Stratford.

    By train

    Metro North

    You can find prices and train schedules by visiting the metro north website! http://www.mta.info/mnr/

    Get around

    Many of the shopping plazas and popular parts of town are located on Main Street. Walking on Main Street is the most common way of getting around. There is also a bus that runs through the town 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can find a bus stop on almost any street corner. Also, many people bike around the town. Be sure to check out some of the bike trails!

    See

    Stratford, Connecticut is a very historical place. If you visit here be sure to check out these places and learn as much as you can.

    See Ephraim Wheeler House

    📍 470 Whippoorwill LaneChecked May 2025
    Maps

    See Isaac Lewis House

    📍 50 Paradise Green PlaceChecked May 2025
    Maps
    • Stratford Point Lighthouse, Stratford Point at mouth of Housatonic River

    See Sikorsky Memorial Airport (BDR)

    Stratford is the birthplace of the American helicopter industry. In 1939 Igor Sikorsky successfully flew the first helicopter at his Stratford based helicopter plant. This airport is the hub of corporate activity and provides commuter service to other cities. Sikorsky Aircraft is the leading manufacturer of helicopters. Here helicopters are built for military and commercial applications.

    ☎ +1 203-466-6205Checked May 2025
    MapsWebsite

    See Roosevelt Forest

    The town of stratford owns this 250 acre forest. Many people hike here on the hiking paths.

    Checked May 2025
    Maps

    See Boothe Memorial Park

    32-acre park was willed to the town of Stratford after the death of David & Stephen Boothe. In the museum there is a collection of buildings such as a carriage house, Americana Museum, mini lighthouse and windmill, a clocktower museum, a trolley station, a chapel, blacksmith shop as well as the original Sikorsky Bridge toll booth from the Merritt Parkway.

    📍 Main Street Putney☎ +1 203-381-2046Checked May 2025
    Maps

    See Capt. David Judson House

    This historic house was built by David Judson in 1723 and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This museum is open to the public and has original furnishings from the 18th century. It is also believed that the cellar was used as slave quarters in the 18th century.

    📍 967 Academy Hill
    Maps

    See Nathan B. Booth House

    Nathan B. Booth House was also listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1992. It is a post-and-beam construction farmhouse that was built in 1843.

    📍 6080 Main Street☎ +1 203-378-6489Checked May 2025
    Maps

    See Sterling Homestead

    Sterling Homestead was created by John William Sterling in 1886. This mansion was designed by Bruce Price who designed halls at Yale University. After the death of Cordelia Sterling, the house was donated and is now used as a community center to Stratford, Connecticut.

    📍 2225 Main Street☎ +1 203-378-2606Checked May 2025
    Maps

    See Connecticut Air & Space Center

    Set in buildings 6 and 53 at the former Stratford Army Engine Plant complex, part of a storied history of aircraft manufacturing since WWII, where the Vought Corsair and Sirkorsky S-60 "Skycrane" helicopter and Wright radial engines were built. Now this museum is one part display, and two parts workshop, for lovingly restored warbirds. Visitors must be 18 or older for admission. Check in at nearby 550 Main St for a briefing and clearance, before visiting the museum.

    📍 550 Main StCheck in at 550 Main St, then go to buildings 6 and 53🕒 Tue Sat 9AM–5PM, Thu 9AM–5PM, Mon Wed Fri Sun closed💲 $9 (requested)☎ +1 203-380-1400⚠ Last checked Nov 2019 — confirm before you go
    MapsWebsite

    See National Helicopter Museum

    📍 2480 Main Stat Stratford Eastbound Railroad Station🕒 Memorial Day to mid-Octoberː Fri-Sun 1-4PM☎ +1 203-375-8857Checked May 2025
    MapsWebsite

    Do

    You'll likely never be bored in Stratford, as there is always so much to do all year round. You can go ice skating, go to the movies, go shopping and mini golf.

    Do Stratford Speedway

    At Stratford Speedway you can go Go-Karting with your entire family! Stratford Speedway has very cheap prices and is fun for everyone! They also book parties!

    📍 725 Barnum Ave Cutoff☎ +1 203-375-1171
    Maps

    Do Sports Center of Connecticut

    At the Sports Center of Connecticut located on the Stratford/Shelton border you can do everything from lazer tag, mini golf, ice skating, fun bowling, batting cages, arcade, and driving range! Book parties, take the family, or go with friends! Open year round.

    📍 284 River Road☎ +1 203-929-6500
    Maps

    Buy

    There are many great shopping centers in Stratford. You can get just about everything you need without even leaving the town! Be sure to check out all of these shopping centers. You can find high-end designers clothes for lower prices and stores such as Marshall's and Burlington Coat Factory, and you can find everyday necessities at the local CVS and Walgreens.

    Shop Paradise Shopping Plaza

    Paradise Shopping Plaza has several stores, including a bakery, a sporting goods store, pet grooming, a nail salon, and a 7-Eleven convenience store with Amazon lockers.

    📍 3637 Main St☎ +1 203-000-1111Checked Sep 2026
    Maps

    Shop Station House Square

    Coffee shops and restaurants, tailor, chiropractor, and massage therapist. Dentists around the corner.

    📍 2505 Main Streetacross from the train station☎ +1 203-378-7188Checked Sep 2026
    Maps

    Shop Ryders Landing Shopping Center

    This shopping center is located right off of one of the highway exits. It includes places to eat, a bank, liquor store, veterinarian, and clothing stores.

    📍 88 Ryders Lane
    Maps

    Eat

    Stratford is full of restaurants! There are multiple places to eat on every street corner! Make sure to check out some of the most popular restaurants!

    Eat Acapulcos

    Mexican

    Mexican food. There is a nice environment in this restaurant. Good to bring your family. They have a party room and also another room with a bar. Outdoor and indoor seating.

    📍 2419 Main Street☎ +1 203-378-7900
    Video reviews: Instagram reels · TikTok · YouTube
    Maps

    Drink

    Drink Paradise Pizza Bar

    Pizza

    Paradise Pizza is a restaurant but has a bar attached to it in a different room. On football game days they have specials and on holidays such as St. Patricks Day.

    📍 3610 Main Street☎ +1 203-377-0476
    Video reviews: Instagram reels · TikTok · YouTube
    Maps

    Sleep

    Stay Homewood Suites Stratford

    Fully equipped kitchen with microwave, full-size refrigerator and two-burner stove.

    📍 6905 Main St☎ +1 203-377-3322
    MapsWebsite

    Stay Quality Suites

    📍 1500 South Avenue
    MapsWebsite

    Stay Surfside Hotel

    Located only steps away from the water this motel is a beautiful place to say. The restaurant is very nice and also has an outdoor bar.

    📍 10 Washington Parkway💲 $300
    MapsWebsite

    Nearby

    My experience

    Write about your trip here. Notes save automatically in this browser as you type; back them up from My journal.