10 Can’t-Miss Spots Along My Walking Route in Branford, Connecticut

Located in the New Haven County of Connecticut, is a small beach town called Branford. With its place along Long Island Sound, this picturesque coastal town embodies the New England character. From scenic beaches to lush nature trails and busy marinas, learn about my favorite parts of Branford Connecticut that are all within a short mile radius of each other, making it easy to walk from one place to another.

Branford Point

Branford Point is one of the original neighborhoods in Branford, containing a local beach, a dock and marina, a playground for children, and many small beach houses. This location was originally known as Mulliner’s Point says Jane Peterson Bouley, a long-time member of the Branford Historical Society. It was named after Thomas Mulliner who was one of the first settlers from England in the 1600s. Today, this peaceful neighborhood is home to families of all ages and sizes who want to enjoy the coastal lifestyle without the hustle and bustle of a crowded beach. Visitors must park on one of the many side roads, as the parking lot is reserved for those with a Branford sticker. However, pedestrians can enjoy looking at the small, neutral colored beach houses as they make their way down to the water.

Stony Creek Brewery

Enjoy a high-quality beer with family and friends on the Branford River at Stony Creek Brewery. Built in 2010 by the Crowley family, this 34,000 sq. ft. multifunctional building can please all your needs. From weddings, concerts, gatherings, to chill hangouts, guests can book a private room on the top floor of the building or attend one of the many events the organization holds that unites the Branford community. This socializing hub supplies firepits, cornhole boards, food trucks, and more to create a more entertaining experience.

Foote Memorial Park

Located across the water from Branford Point, a walking app called Pacer describes the park as a 20.7-acre park that offers an array of amenities for all ages, including a lush green landscape with preserved trails, a basketball court, multiple tennis and pickleball courts, three softball fields, two playgrounds, and four baseball fields. Guests can either enjoy the peaceful environment by sitting on a park bench overlooking one of Branford’s many marinas. On the other hand, guests can add to the energetic aura with laughter and during the spring, summer, and fall months. Lastly, committed hikers, walkers, and runners can access the park all year round to enjoy the well-looked-after trails.

Dockside Seafood and Grill

This seasonal restaurant, open from March to October, is one of the best places seafood restaurants in Branford. Located in Safe Harbor Marina at Bruce and Johnson’s, guests can receive an excellent view of the water and some of the most colorful sunsets while they enjoy their freshly cooked meal. This old fashioned no reservation dining experience allows guests to interact with each other while sipping on a cold drink as they wait outside for a table. This is the perfect place for either a casual lunch break or a fancy dinner. You can also meet the owners, Susan and Traci; Otherwise known as “The Sassy Seafood Sister’s”.

Lenny’s Indian Head Restaurant

Just down the road from Dockside Seafood and Grill, is their rival, Lenny’s Indian Head Restaurant. In 1968, Lenny Conlin and his wife Theresa opened this beautiful restaurant in the Indian Neck neighborhood of Branford. Since then, the family business has been passed down through generations, adding a true family feel to the restaurant. The outdoor deck and boat bar overlook the Sybil Marsh where boaters are able to park right outside the restaurant and head in for a good meal. This well-known establishment has been serving the Branford community for decades, and has received recognition by The New York Times, USA Today, International Boating Magazine, and received Zagat’s “Award of Distinction”.

Owenego Inn

The Owenego Inn, otherwise known as the “O”, is the perfect New England beach and tennis club. This family-orientated business has had its doors open to the Branford community since 1847, and most families keep coming back for more each year. This picture-perfect location is on the shore of Long Island Sound. On some days when there isn’t a cloud in the sky, you can even see a faint New York skyline across the water. Members get to enjoy this tranquil location all day while grabbing a bite to eat at the Snack Bar, dipping their toes in the cold water, or working up a sweat on the tennis courts. At 5pm, all non-members are encouraged to join by attending one of the many food truck nights, firepit nights, or other major events that occur.

Breakfast Connections

Breakfast Connection, once known as “Scotty’s”, is truly the epitome of a hole in the wall restaurant. This breakfast diner is open from 5am to 12pm everyday serving the early morning crowd a delicious and hearty meal before work or school. This is truly a fan favorite by both locals and visitors who are looking for a quick and easy stop. With Branford High School being just up the road, this is a go to spot for students when they have a free period. The friendly staff who have worked there for years gives the feeling of a mom-and-pop restaurant. Yet, it is so much more than that. “Breakfast Connections has won several ‘Best’ restaurant designations during its many years of operations”, according to Vincent Salzo from Patch Media.

Home 

If you though Breakfast Connections was the heart of the Branford community, then just wait until you hear about Home. Home takes all of the amazing parts of a family dinner, like the comfort foods and a cozy dining area with couches and chairs and turns it into a relaxing experience away from your own home. Home’s motto is that “You will always feel at home here”. Whether you are in need of a nice little outing, or want an elegant, yet simple dining experience, Home can be that home away home. Located right on Main Street next to the Branford Green in the center of town, this restaurant is in the perfect area to attract regulars and newcomers.

Shoreline Café

Also in the center of town is Shoreline Café. This quick in and out style restaurant means you can order your food at the counter, choose whichever seat you like and within 7 minutes, your hot and steamy food will be right in front of you. Yet another family-owned business, Shoreline Café is committed to providing customers with the highest quality of ingredients through their trusted suppliers. They only purchase the “freshest fruits, vegetables, and meat from farms that uphold high standards of animal welfare.” Whether you are ordering a hot meal, or making your own salad at their salad bar, all of their food is cheap, healthy, quick, and of course, delicious.

James Blackstone Memorial Library

In the nineteenth century, the population of Branford, Connecticut was quickly rising above 5,000 people. At this point in time, it was clear to the most powerful people in the town that a library was needed. Timothy Blackstone, a railroad magnate living in Chicago but born in Branford, offered to pay for the whole library. He wanted to name the building after his father, James Blackstone, who was the “first selectman of Branford, a captain in the Connecticut militia and served in both the Senate and House of the Connecticut General Assembly”, according to Peter Borgemeister. Today, the building stands at 50 feet, where the sunshine reflects off the Tennessee marble exterior. Guests can walk directly through the 2000-pound pure bronze doors and explore each and every floor to ceiling bookshelves.