From beach days to farm dinners, this is your ultimate local summer bucket list.

Looking for the best ways to soak up summer in Fairfield County? Whether you’re craving beachside relaxation, foodie adventures, or family-friendly festivals, we’ve got you covered. Here's a curated list of 50 must-do activities to make the most of the sunny season—from coastal fun to cultural gems and quiet staycation ideas.

🌊 Beach + Waterfront Fun

Fairfield County’s shoreline is packed with stunning views and outdoor adventures:

• Paddleboard or kayak from Five Mile River in Rowayton

• Watch the boats and grab a drink at Captain’s Cove Seaport in Bridgeport

• Ferry over to the historic Sheffield Island Lighthouse

• Enjoy dockside live music at Sunset Grille in Norwalk

• Spend a beach + picnic day at Sherwood Island State Park

• Take a dip in the freshwater at Lake Mohegan

• Book a sunset cruise from Norwalk or Stamford Harbor

• Dine al fresco at Ripka’s Beach Café

🍔 Food + Drink Spots

Savor the flavors of summer with these local favorites:

• Grab a lobster roll at Knapp’s Landing or Overton’s

• Cool down with handcrafted ice cream from Ferris Acres Creamery

• Try outrageous cones at Milkcraft in Fairfield

• Sip a flight at Brewport or Lock City Brewing

• Pack a gourmet picnic from The Pantry or Mike’s Organic

• Don’t leave without trying the legendary hot oil pizza from Colony Grill

• Toast the sunset with a cocktail at The Wheel in Stamford

🧺 Outdoor Adventures

Stay active and get outside with these scenic activities:

• Hike Devil’s Den Preserve or Mianus River Park

• Birdwatch at Audubon Greenwich

• Bike the Norwalk River Valley Trail

• Stroll through Waveny Park or Cranbury Park

• Pick berries at Jones Family Farms in Shelton

• Watch the sunset at Ambler Farm in Wilton

• Catch a movie under the stars

• Bring a picnic and see Shakespeare on the Green at Curtain Call

• Cast a line off Norwalk Pier at Calf Pasture Beach

• Go horseback riding at a local farm or stable

🎉 Local Events + Festivals

Celebrate community all season long:

• Join the fun at Colombian Independence Day (July 19, Stamford)

• Experience global flavors at Island Vibes Caribbean Fest (July 20)

• Attend Jazz in the Park (July 13, Mill River Park)

• Search for Waldo during Find Waldo in Ridgefield (All July)

• Dance and eat your way through the Hey Stamford! Food Festival

• Hunt for treasures at Elephant’s Trunk Flea Market

• Explore creativity at the Westport Fine Arts Festival

• Support artisans at Guilded Lynx Market in Ridgefield

• Reserve your seat at a pop-up dinner or farm-to-table event

🧘 Self-Care + Staycation Moments

Reset your routine with these local escapes:

• Take a yoga class outdoors or right on the beach

• Treat yourself to a staycation at Delamar Southport or The Lloyd

• Book a spa day at J House Greenwich or New Beauty & Wellness

• Curl up with a good read at Pequot Library or Ridgefield Library

• Enjoy a solo café morning with your journal and a latte

• Try something new with a pottery or painting class

• Create your own walking tour of historic homes

• Visit a local museum like The Bruce, Aldrich, or MoCA Westport

• Wake up early to watch the sunrise from your favorite beach

• End the day with an evening bonfire and s’mores