Norwalk sits along the Long Island Sound shoreline in southwestern Fairfield County, with a Metro-North stop putting Grand Central under an hour away. One of the most diverse and rapidly evolving mid-size cities in New England, it shines with its SoNo arts and dining district and island-studded harbor. The Maritime Aquarium on North Water Street dazzles with jellyfish galleries, juvenile sand tiger sharks, and an IMAX theater. Stepping Stones Museum for Children charms families with hands-on exhibits, while Calf Pasture Beach offers spectacular Sound sunsets. The Norwalk Islands and Sheffield Island Lighthouse reward visitors with an 1868 granite lighthouse and impressive osprey colonies.
The dining scene is accomplished and diverse. Sono Seaport Seafood on Water Street serves the benchmark lobster roll and exceptional fried clams. Habana on Washington Street charms with authentic Cuban ropa vieja and caramelized plantains, while Match rounds things out with wood-fired contemporary American fare in one of southwestern Connecticut’s finest dining rooms.