The fifth-largest city in New England and the largest in Connecticut, Bridgeport is home to the only zoo in the state of Connecticut, unique museums and great restaurants. Tour the Housatonic Museum of Art, visit the Barnum Museum, and learn with hands-on exhibits at the Discovery Museum and Planetarium. Stop by Captain's Cove Seaport where you will find a selection of shops, eateries and lovely water views.
The Discovery Museum and Planetarium
The Discovery Museum and Planetarium is an interactive, educational facility that acts as both an entertainment attraction and educational tool for local schools and caters to families and children. The museum is hands on and activity based, allowing visitors to learn through personal experience and interaction. This Bridgeport attraction places an emphasis on providing fun and creative programs, prompting a favorable environment for developing positive engagement with physical science.
The Discovery Museum and Planetarium is one of the best things to do in Bridgeport, Connecticut.
The museum is host to three permanent galleries, and it features lessons and activities on electricity, sound, and space. Three additional, traveling exhibits are showcased throughout the year. Planetarium Shows are designed for younger and older children, offering plenty of options.
Address: The Discovery Museum and Planetarium, 4450 Park Ave, Bridgeport, Connecticut, Phone: 203-372-3521
Beardsley Zoo
The only zoo in the state of Connecticut, Beardsley Zoo is popular with visitors statewide and beyond.
Address: Beardsley Zoo, 1875 Noble Ave, Bridgeport, Connecticut, Phone: 203-394-6565
Housatonic Museum of Art
The Housatonic Museum of Art, located in the Housatonic Community College, features a notable collection of art. A large number of significant artists have pieces exhibited in the museum, and a diverse collection of periods and mediums of work are represented.
Address: Housatonic Museum of Art, 900 Lafayette Blvd, Bridgeport, Connecticut, Phone: 203-332-5052
Joseph's Steakhouse
This classic shop open for lunch and dinner is known for its successful encapsulation of qualities characterizing a formal American steakhouse. Joseph's Steakhouse, located in downtown Bridgeport, emphasizes the quality of its meat offerings, which are listed alongside a menu of additional standard options for both lunch and dinner.
Address: Joseph's Steakhouse, 360 Fairfield Ave #2, Bridgeport, Connecticut, Phone: 203-337-9944
The Adventure Park at The Discovery Museum
The Adventure Park at The Discovery Museum is a zip line and climbing park within Bridgeport’s Discovery Museum. The park is home to 11 treetop trails, each of which consists of nearly 200 platforms.
Address: The Adventure Park at The Discovery Museum, 4450 Park Ave, Bridgeport, Connecticut, Phone: 203-690-1717
Duchess
Despite an orientation towards casual comfort food and a shop wide emphasis on speed, Duchess is focused on providing high quality meals with fresh ingredients. Duchess is fast food casual, with counter based ordering and self-clearing, and it features a bright and cheerful family friendly interior typical of a fast food establishment.
Address: Duchess, 35 Boston Avenue, Bridgeport, Connecticut, Phone: 203-333-2733
The Barnum Museum
The Barnum Museum, located in downtown Bridgeport, is dedicated to demonstrating the historical significance of the city of Bridgeport and the story of local citizen P.T. Barnum. Barnum, who is known for his contribution to American business and showmanship, is also the founder of the Barnum & Bailey Circus. The museum, housed in a historic home listed on the National Historic Register, hosts a series of year-round exhibits and several rotating demonstrations. Exhibits in the museum include both interactive and interpretive features.
Address: The Barnum Museum, 820 Main St, Bridgeport, Connecticut, Phone: 203-331-1104
Ralph 'n' Rich's
Open for lunch and dinner, Ralph 'n' Rich's is a popular downtown Bridgeport institution. Known for its classic Italian fare, the restaurant features a menu with a variety of traditional Italian favorites.
Address: Ralph 'n' Rich's, 815 Main St, Bridgeport, Connecticut, Phone: 203-366-3597
Captain's Cove Seaport
Captain's Cove Seaport is a small, waterfront event and tourism center situated near an expansive boardwalk surrounding Captain’s Cove Marina. A series of fish fry restaurants, shops, and lively bars comprise Captain’s Cove Seaport, and visitors can snack on casual meals, sip drinks, and visit the gift shops while perusing the 350-boat slips surrounding the small complex.
Throughout the year, visitors are able to take in live music and special events, all of which are advertised on Captain’s Cove Seaport’s website calendar. Additionally, various boat charters, including sports fishing, sunset cruises, and kids based sailing school, are available in the Marina.
Address: Captain's Cove Seaport, 1 Bostwick Ave, Bridgeport, Connecticut, Phone: 203-335-1433
