Milford is a classic New England town that offers a mix of history, natural beauty, and modern convenience. The heart of the town features stately old buildings, including a steepled white church and a gazebo on the green. A variety of independent restaurants can be found around Broad Street, and the Lower Duck Pond’s manmade waterfall is a popular spot for photographers. The Milford Arts Council operates a multipurpose space within a converted train station, which includes a theater and art gallery. Additionally, three 18th-century buildings house the Milford Historical Society, offering a glimpse into the town’s rich past.
One of the standout features of Milford is its location near water. The Housatonic River flows into Long Island Sound, and the marina in Milford Harbor is bustling with boats. The Milford Yacht Club has been active for over a century, and visitors can enjoy nearby beaches like Fort Trumbull Beach and Gulf Beach, both within a mile of downtown. Gulf Beach has a pier that’s popular with anglers, as well as picnic areas and sandy shores. Boardwalks in Silver Sands State Park invite walkers and cyclists to explore the area, while birders can enjoy the marshlands of the Charles E. Wheeler Wildlife Area just a short drive away.
The town’s location makes it an ideal escape from the hustle and bustle of New York City. Situated in New Haven County, Milford is only 60 miles from Manhattan, offering a peaceful retreat that feels much more remote than it actually is. It’s a great addition to a road trip along the New England coast, combining scenic drives with easy access to cultural and recreational activities.
Milford was founded in 1639, making it one of the oldest towns in what would become the United States. The town boasts several unique landmarks, such as the Robert Treat Memorial Tower, which resembles a medieval turret, and Liberty Rock, used by the Continental Army during the American Revolution. Some of the town’s houses date back centuries, and the current town library stands on the site of a former grinding mill. For much of its history, Milford has remained relatively quiet, often overshadowed by New Haven, a cultural hub known for Yale University and its many attractions. While New Haven draws large numbers of visitors, Milford has grown into a town of 50,000 residents, sometimes referred to as a “city.”
Its proximity to Bridgeport, home to the Bridgeport and Port Jefferson Ferry, makes it accessible for travelers from Long Island. I-95 runs through Milford, making it a convenient stop for those driving along the Eastern Seaboard. This highway connects New York to cities like Providence and Boston, and Milford serves as a useful pit stop for stretching legs and grabbing a meal. Travelers looking to avoid busy highways can also take secondary roads to reach the town.
For those traveling from New York City, reaching Milford is straightforward via the Metro-North Railroad, which stops at the town’s station on its way to New Haven. The journey takes about 90 minutes each way, and the station is located just blocks from the business district, eliminating the need for a rental car or taxi. Accommodations in Milford range from $60 to $250 per night, with most located in the eastern and western suburbs. The Milford Transit system offers city buses for local transportation.
Drivers should be cautious when using GPS, as there are multiple towns named Milford in New England, including one in Massachusetts and another in New Hampshire. New Milford, Connecticut, is another charming village located near the New York state border, but it’s about an hour north and not close to the water. For those interested in exploring similar small towns, Redding, Connecticut, is a scenic option often called “Vermont within 60 miles of NYC.”
