Blake Walsh

20 Best Things to Do in Greenwich, CT

  • Published 2022/09/26

Greenwich, a town located in the southwestern region of Fairfield County in Connecticut, is known as one of the richest towns in America.

It is famous for its elite polo club, upscale shopping district, and booming art scene.

If you are looking for a place where you can spend a relaxing day with your loved ones, the town has numerous parks where you can enjoy the outdoors and the fresh air.

For those who want a refreshing weekend getaway, there is also a beach that you can visit here.

No matter the occasion, you are sure to find what you are looking for here.

To make the most out of your trip, here is a list of the best things to do in Greenwich, CT:

Go Shopping at Greenwich Avenue

 Terra Italian restaurant at Greenwich Avenue

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If you are looking for an upscale shopping area and would like to buy some luxury items, Greenwich Avenue is the best place to be.

Spoil yourself with some luxury finds from the stores of Armani, Hermes, and many other upscale brand stores.

Clothing store at Greenwich Avenue

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Have fun walking around while looking at the beautiful displays on the shops all lined up on the street.

Saint Mary church located at Greenwich Avenue

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Greenwich Avenue is not only known for its shops, but it is also famous among visitors for having great spots to have a nice meal and bond with your loved ones.

So, if you are looking for your next shopping destination or simply want a mouthwatering meal with the whole gang, check out Greenwich Avenue for a great time.

Street clock at Greenwich Avenue

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Hike the Trails of Babcock Preserve

Whether you are just starting out on your fitness journey or are already an experienced hiker, exploring the trails of Babcock Preserve is something that you will definitely like.

The largest one among the parks in Greenwich, Babcock Preserve sits on a 300-acre land that features a 7-mile long trail.

So, make sure to wear comfortable clothes and appropriate shoes for a hassle-free hike.

While you’re here, relax your mind and revel in the beauty of nature.

For a memorable hike, watch out for the different types of native wildlife that usually appear here.

Have a Dinner by the Beach at Greenwich Point Park

Entrance to Greenwich Point Park

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Have a blast with the whole family at Greenwich Point Park.

Relax by the sandy shores and enjoy the views of clear open waters.

Savor the cool sea breeze while you munch on some tasty snacks and read your favorite book.

People at Greenwich Point Park

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Let your dog play with the young ones as you enjoy the calming sound of the waves crashing on the shore.

With plenty of space to run around, kids will definitely enjoy playing here.

Do not worry, as there are lifeguards here during summer to ensure that guests are safe all the time.

A house at Greenwich Point Park

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For a comfortable visit, there are changing rooms and restrooms available here as well.

This is also a good place to try out some water activities, such as windsurfing, kite-surfing, and salt-water fishing.

Before heading home, spend some quality time with the whole family at the picnic area for a lovely dinner by the beach.

The waters of Greenwich Point Park

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Schedule a Tour at Putnam Cottage

Another famous landmark that history buffs and nature lovers should include in their must-see places is Putnam Cottage.

Located in Putnam Hill, this cottage catches a lot of people’s attention because of its vibrant red appearance and its colorful history.

George Washington is said to have stepped into this cottage with his troops during the Revolutionary War.

Now, a famous museum among locals and travelers from all over the world, Putnam Cottage features exhibits, reenactments, and tours that will surely give you a glimpse of the happenings during the 18th century.

Do not forget to visit the vegetable garden and carriage barn when you drop by Putnam Cottage.

If you want to have a tour arranged for your group, make sure to arrange this before your arrival.

Let Your Dogs Play at Grass Island Dog Park

Looking for a place where your four-legged friends can have fun?

Then you’d be delighted to know that you can bring them to Grass Island Dog Park, where they can run around and play off-leash.

Do not worry, as this is a fenced area, so rest assured that they are safe while they are here.

There are also sections for large and small dogs, so they can all play freely.

There is a water supply here as well for your pet’s comfort.

Visit the Lighthouse at Great Captain Island

View of Great Captain Island lighthouse

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Great Captain Island is a playground and home for various species of birds, including egrets and herons.

It’s part of a three-island group, along with Little Captain and Wee Captain.

Locals say that they were named so because of a treasure buried there, but historical records show that they were named after Captain Daniel Patrick.

View of Great Captain Island lighthouse

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The island is found south of Greenwich’s coast and can be accessed by ferry from the city.

It is located near shipping routes with natural obstacles nearby, which is why a lighthouse was built here.

You can pay a visit to this historic lighthouse, built in 1838, and observe its walls tested by nature.

Also, there’s an osprey nesting platform nearby, and you’ll see them occasionally fly here and there.

Front view of Great Captain Island lighthouse exterior

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Stay Close to Nature at Greenwich Audubon Center

For some fresh air and gorgeous outdoor views of greenery, drop by Greenwich Audubon Center.

Go for a relaxing walk at the center’s Main Sanctuary’s 7-mile trail while enjoying being close to nature.

Watch different kinds of birds fly over the hardwood forests and marvel at amazing views of old fields, lakes, streams, and vernal pools when you reach the end of the trail.

To help the center reduce erosion on its trails, make sure to stay on the designated walkway while hiking.

If you have little ones who are eager to learn more about the ecosystem, you can visit Hilfiger Children’s Learning Center at Kimberlin Nature Education Center, which features nature-themed activities, natural history exhibits, a puppet theater, live animals, and a wildlife observation window.

Do not worry, as this is not only for the young ones.

Travelers of every age will also have the best time learning here through its well-curated nature exhibits.

Marvel at Beautiful Outdoor Views at Binney Park

With 32 acres of natural beauty and recreational areas, Binney Park is a great place to visit with the whole family.

You’ll find a stream and ponds here too, which contribute to its overall charm.

To really take in the amazing sceneries, you can follow its walking trails lined with lush greens.

For sports lovers, you can try out the soccer field, tennis court, or baseball field, all located amidst a gorgeous natural setting.

If you plan to bring along your significant other, you can have a perfect romantic time in the gazebo, talking and passing the time by.

There’s also a picnic area here, so bring some delicious snacks to make the most of the great views.

Moreover, the kids will certainly enjoy running around in the playground.

Immerse Yourself in the Town’s History at Greenwich Avenue Historic District

Signage of Greenwich Avenue Historic District

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Get your camera ready and take a walk along Greenwich Avenue Historic District, which has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1989.

Boasting infrastructures and architecture that date back to the late 19th century and the early 20th century, a visit here will surely make you feel like you have gone back in time.

The road of Greenwich Avenue Historic District

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Take time to admire the Beaux-Arts architecture of the Greenwich Town Hall (now known as The Greenwich Senior Center, which was built in 1905 and was the heart of the town’s government until 1977), as well as the Havemeyer Building, which features Richardsonian-Romanesque architecture.

If you want to immerse yourself in the town’s culture and history, make sure to drop by Greenwich Avenue Historic District.

Buildings at Greenwich Avenue Historic District

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Get Acquainted with Different Artworks at Flinn Gallery

This quaint and unassuming art gallery is located inside Greenwich’s public library.

Flinn Gallery is a non-profit organization and is run by volunteers who are passionate about enriching the lives of people by exposing them to different contemporary art exhibitions and other related programs.

From the outside, you won’t even suspect that this gallery can house a wide range of art displays coming from diverse periods of time, genres, and techniques.

Drop by Flinn Gallery and enjoy seeing art through the eyes of different artists.

Just make sure to visit their website first before going to the gallery to know which exhibitions are currently being featured.

Catch a Polo Match at Greenwich Polo Club

Have you always wanted to see a live polo match?

Then grab this opportunity and catch a match at Greenwich Polo Club, one of the most elite high-goal polo venues in the world.

Established in 1981, the polo club is home to the White Birch polo team that has been dominating the high-goal polo tournaments for over 25 years now.

If you are planning to watch a polo game with your friends, there is a match held at the polo club every Sunday that you can watch.

If you get hungry while you are here, do not worry as there are food trucks available.

If this is your first time watching a polo match and you want to ensure that you have a great experience here, go to the venue early so you can get good seats.

Take a Look at the Exhibits Featured in Bush-Holley House

Front View of Bush-Holley House exterior

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Bush-Holley House is another great place to visit for art enthusiasts.

This National Historic Landmark was once used as a boarding house for writers and artists during the 19th century, but now houses exhibits that can be enjoyed by the public.

Take a walk in its beautiful gardens for some fresh air and participate in events that are available all year round.

Do not forget to check out the exhibits while you are here, as they feature different displays that tackle various issues that continue to be relevant until today.

Make sure to check their website to see the exact dates for the exhibitions.

Enjoy a Quiet Afternoon at Montgomery Pinetum Park

Sit back and relax at one of the benches at Montgomery Pinetum while you savor some fresh air and calming views of green trees and the blue sky.

Spend an afternoon with your loved ones here if you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.

For those who want to take a breather, walk along the trails and gardens and just admire the beauty of nature that is surrounding you.

Take note that they are closed from mid-November to mid-March, so make sure to plan your trip to the park in advance.

Your fur babies are also welcome to spend the day here with you as long as you keep them on leash.

Admire Precious Artworks at Bruce Museum

Precious Artworks at Bruce Museum

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Located on a hill in downtown Connecticut, Bruce Museum is a popular spot both for locals and visitors of all ages.

They feature exhibitions that aim to help guests appreciate art and science more. ​

Walk around the spacious museum and explore their permanent science galleries, Natural Cycles Shape Our Land.

The galleries feature a section for geology, paleontology, the ice age, and a lot more.

If you want to enrich your knowledge of natural science, you can visit the Natural Science Lab to see some experiments.

Exhibit in Bruce Museum

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Aside from the permanent exhibits, they also make sure to offer a lot of temporary exhibits, so guests have something to look forward to every time they visit the museum.

Since 1912, the museum has started featuring sculptures and paintings made by artists from the Greenwich Society of Artists.

Today, they also feature art pieces made by American and European artists from the 19th and 20th centuries.

So, if you are an art enthusiast, make sure to drop by as there are plenty of interesting artworks to see here.

Birds displayed in Bruce Museum

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Freshen Up at the Bathhouses at Byram Shore Park

Open every day from 9 am to sunset, Byram Shore Park is a wonderful place for a swim.

It has the only public pool in the area, and if you want more space to swim and play, you can also swim in the freshwater Byram Beach.

After swimming, visit the bathhouses so you can freshen up.

For a scenic adventure, you can explore the vast waters on a boat.

If you want some friendly competition, head to the tennis court or ball field.

Cap off the night with a barbecue with family and friends.

For your convenience, there are picnic tables that you can use too.

Feel Refreshed and Energized at Thai Serenity Spa

Thai Serenity Spa specializes in various therapies in the lovely Greenwich Avenue neighborhood.

Thai Serenity Spa provides a wide range of therapies and services to help you live a quiet, stress-free life.

Each of their visitors is nurtured and relaxed with the use of unique and cutting-edge therapeutic procedures.

Their carefully chosen team of seasoned specialists, therapists, and practitioners will provide a friendly, inviting atmosphere with a holistic approach.

The well-liked Thai Serenity Spa in Greenwich, Connecticut, provides its clients the chance to refresh their bodies, thoughts, and spirit.

Purchase Best Selling Books at Diane’s Books

Diane Garrett established the family-run business Diane’s Books, which offers customized services.

Diane’s Books is the ideal literary holiday destination, a store where individuals of all ages may feel a great delight and awe unique to reading. Diane’s Books has the greatest variety of family books in the nation.

It’s a place to explore, learn about, and locate a hidden book gem, in addition to being a location to buy the most recent bestsellers.

It is renowned for its ability to recommend books to people.

Everyone on Diane’s team enjoys reading a lot, is knowledgeable about many kinds of books, and is happy to recommend them.

Visit Griffith E. Harris Golf Course and Play Golf with Buddies

Practice golf at the Griffith E. Harris Golf Course, a premiere course administered by the Town of Greenwich and the only public golf course in town.

The Griff, an 18-hole golf course with a prestigious and top-tier Robert Trent Jones design that was constructed in 1964, is regarded as one of the best in the region.

The championship-caliber layout includes four tees for every hole to suit players of all skill levels.

Driving ranges, greens, and chipping facilities with sand traps are also available for practice.

On-site amenities feature a complete-service restaurant, a golf store with assistants available for lessons, and a wide selection of golfing equipment and apparel.

Ask for an Art Consult at C. Parker Gallery

Property owners, art enthusiasts, and collectors engage with art through the full-service arts center and consultancy C. Parker Gallery.

They have more than 1,800 unique paintings, posters, sculptures, and souvenirs in their collection, created by more than 70 different artists.

Thanks to their massive network of talented artists and merchants, they can also set up commissions and find other collectible works you want.

They assist their clients in finding the items they are looking for with the help of their vast market knowledge, a large collection of creative artwork, and a special connection to the art world.

They help their customers find pieces of art that fulfill their ideas and aesthetics by guiding them in the right direction.

There are also four extremely active male and female golf clubs that compete each week throughout the season.

Shop Designer Items at CODOGIRL

A green fashion brand called CODOGIRL specializes in reselling expensive designer goods and repurposing antique designer clothing.

They provide everyone the chance to save money on completely new and pre-owned designer bags, apparel, and jewelry while providing an eco-friendly and cost-effective route to high fashion.

Its in-demand refashioning service allows you to revitalize vintage clothing and bags while conserving their historical significance and improving the environment.

Your out-of-date clothing will be refashioned into fashionable ensembles by their team of talented designers.

You’ll save dollars and the earth’s natural resources while feeling and looking fantastic.

The refashion service offered by CODOGIRL has the power to fundamentally alter the fashion business.

Final Thoughts

Whether you are looking for a relaxing weekend getaway with your family or want to go on an outdoor adventure, this town has something interesting to offer.

With plenty of parks, museums, and historical sites to see here, having fun will be the least of your worries.

For a great and fun time at Greenwich, make sure to check out this list when you’re making your itinerary.

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