Skip to main content
Usitour
Park & Garden

Lighthouse Point Park

📍 2 Lighthouse Rd, New Haven, CT, USA
No photos yet
4/ 5.0
★★★★☆

Quick Facts

Location
USA, New Haven
Category
Park & Garden
Duration
1-2 hours
Address
2 Lighthouse Rd, New Haven, CT, USA
Coordinates
41.2600, -72.9000

Introduction

Lighthouse Point Park sits on the east shore of New Haven's Long Island Sound, an 82-acre waterfront forest park named for the historic Five Mile Point lighthouse built in 1847 of granite. The lighthouse once guided countless sailors into New Haven Harbor; though decommissioned, it remains the park's spiritual landmark. The park was designed by 19th-century landscape master Donald Grant Mitchell, with winding drives and century-old oak walks evoking English picturesque garden style. Inside are a nature center, bird sanctuary, playground, picnic areas, and a small zoo, making it New Haven families' top weekend destination. In autumn, forest maple meets Sound views; in winter, the Christmas light show is one of Connecticut's most romantic holiday scenes.

✨ Highlights

1
1847 Granite Lighthouse
The Five Mile Point lighthouse once guided sailors into New Haven Harbor; decommissioned but still the park landmark
2
English Landscape Style
Donald Mitchell's winding drives and century-old oak walks evoke English picturesque gardens
3
Long Island Sound Frontage
82-acre waterfront forest park with beach and rocky shore, looking toward Long Island
4
Bird Sanctuary
On-site bird sanctuary and nature center, a popular Connecticut birding spot
5
Autumn Maple Spot
Forest maple meets Sound views in autumn, New Haven's best fall color spot
6
Winter Christmas Lights
The winter Christmas light show is one of Connecticut's most romantic holiday scenes

🛈 Practical Info

→Transport：About 15 minutes from Yale University via I-95 East exit 50
→Best Time to Visit：October fall color and December light show; summer weekends for swimming
→Recommended Duration：Half day for park and beach; extend with picnic to a full day
→Notes：Summer weekend parking is tight; arrive early or bike in
→Opening Hours：Park sunrise to sunset; lighthouse interior open summer weekends
→Ticket Information：New Haven residents free; non-residents USD 10/car on weekends

💡 Tips

• New Haven residents enter free with ID; non-residents should visit weekdays to avoid parking fees
• Spring and fall migration 6-9am is prime, with hundreds of species visible
• Summer weekends allow climbing to the top for panoramic Sound views; first-come basis
• December light show is drive-through; visit weekdays to avoid long queues
• Pair with Yale University campus and the British Art Museum for a full day

FAQ

What are the opening hours of Lighthouse Point Park?

Park sunrise to sunset; lighthouse interior open summer weekends

How much is the admission for Lighthouse Point Park?

New Haven residents free; non-residents USD 10/car on weekends

Any practical tips for visiting Lighthouse Point Park?

New Haven residents enter free with ID; non-residents should visit weekdays to avoid parking fees Spring and fall migration 6-9am is prime, with hundreds of species visible

How long should I spend at Lighthouse Point Park?

A typical visit takes 1-2 hours.