The Hamden center is about 1 mile south of Quinnipiac University and 4 miles north of East Rock Park.
For the best experience possible, consider visiting Hamden in the early summer months, between May and July. During this time, the area enjoys clear skies and temperatures in the mid-90's. While these higher temperatures may not seem attractive, being located in a northern state in close proximity to the North Atlantic Ocean serves to make this a very enjoyable time to visit. Keep in mind, however, that many other travelers will be planning their stay in the area as well. This means hotel rooms may be more difficult to come by with higher nightly rates. For this reason, it is important to book your room as early as you can to get the best possible rates.
If you'd rather avoid larger crowds, consider visiting during the Fall. Fewer tourists and lower temperatures aren't the only things that make an autumn trip desirable. During the fall, the area transforms into a vibrant canvas of color. This can be a wonderfully relaxing experience, particularly if you enjoy spending time outside. Hotels are quite a bit easier to come by this time of year and rates tend to be a bit lower.
Planning a great trip is one thing, but getting a discount on your hotel can help to sweeten the deal. There are plenty of hotels in the area offering discounts for seniors and AAA members alike. Clarion Hotel and Suites of Hamden and New Haven offers discounts to AAA members, allowing you to save up to 15 percent on your nightly rates. Nearby attractions include the Peabody Museum of Natural History, the Connecticut Children's Museum, and Harkness Tower. Guests at this hotel can enjoy access to amenities like free breakfast and an indoor pool. Pets are welcome here as well.
The Courtyard New Haven at Yale offers attractive discounts for seniors, as well as amenities such as access to an on-site fitness center and a bar and lounge. Popular attractions close to this hotel include the Shubert Theatre, Marsh Botanical Garden, and the Knights of Columbus Museum. The Courtyard is also located relatively close to downtown, offering easy access to plenty of shopping and fine-dining venues.
Travelers interested in striking a nice balance between value and comfort will have plenty to choose from in the Hamden area as well. The Hilton Garden Inn of Milford offers easy access to nearby attractions like Quigley Stadium, Yale Bowl, and the Connecticut Tennis Center. Guests can expect to enjoy comfortable amenities such as an on-site bar and lounge, 24/7 fitness center, and an indoor pool. The hotel's close proximity to Interstate 95 means you'll be able to easily reach many of the area's top destinations to make the most of your stay.
The Radisson Hotel of Cromwell is a little farther out, but is located close to attractions like Lyman Orchards, St. Clement Castle and Marina, and Hawk's Landing Country Club. Located just off of Highway 372 and Interstate 91, it's quite easy to reach many of the area's other top locations as well. Some great shopping locations are also within easy reach of this hotel. Guests staying at the Radisson are welcome to bring their pets along and can enjoy access to an on-site bar and lounge, indoor pool, and a well-equipped fitness center.
Knowing where you're going to stay is just the beginning of planning a memorable trip to Hamden, Connecticut. Once you've got that worked out, consider planning an itinerary of activities and locations you'd like to explore during your stay. There are plenty of things to see here and it's impossible to experience everything in one trip, so it's important to decide on your top destinations before arriving. Here are just a few suggestions to get you started.
Sleeping Giant State Park offers plenty of opportunities to enjoy nature at its finest. The area is particularly beautiful during autumn months and boasts plenty of hiking trails and picnic areas. Hiking trails offer a variety of challenge levels. Whether you're an avid outdoor enthusiast or a beginner, there's something here for everybody to enjoy.
History buffs will love the wide variety of museums in the Hamden area. One particularly interesting destination is Ireland's Great Hunger Museum. Immerse yourself in the heart-wrenching stories of one of Ireland's most devastating famines and learn how the people of the time survived under conditions we can only imagine in modern society. This museum provides a rather humbling experience but will also inspire and warm your heart with stories of unfathomable compassion and the indomitable will of the human spirit.
For a relaxing day on the green, consider making time to visit the Laurel View Country Club. This is one of the most popular golf venues in the area and boasts spectacular views while offering holes of varying challenge levels. After a long day perfecting your short game, there are plenty of fine dining options nearby as well.
Hamden has a lot to offer, regardless of your travel style and specific reasons for visiting, particularly if you're interested in exploring early American history and experiencing the some of the finest countrysides in New England. While it's a good idea to plan out your activities ahead of time, some of the best trips to the area have happened when people took a chance to explore something new. America was built on the shoulders of explorers and there is no better way to honor their memory and immerse yourself in that history than by doing some exploring on your own.
Don't be afraid to wander off the beaten path. If you're feeling particularly adventurous, ask some local residents about their favorite destinations. You might just find yourself experiencing things many other visitors to the area never thought to try.