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HomeRoad TripsNorth AmericaUnited StatesEast USAConnecticut Connecticut River Valley Panoramic Road
East Haddam Bridge

Connecticut River Valley Panoramic Road

Old Lyme - Lyme - East Haddam - Portland - Middletown - Essex

Expect on your itinerary

Security Security
Landscape Landscape
Road conditions Road conditions
Benefit-stress ratio Benefit-stress ratio
Comfort Comfort
Urban life Urban life
Culture Culture
Historical sites Historical sites
Connecticut River Valley Panoramic Road ACTIVATE MAP Stages6 km98 h/stage0.3

Best months to drive

I II III IV V VI
VII VIII IX X XI XII

Road Trip Costs

How much does it cost to go on a Connecticut River Valley Panoramic Road in Connecticut ?

Economy
Low budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 45EUR drive & more 13EUR sleep & more 77EUR eat & more 72EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 162EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 207EUR
Standard
Mid budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 54EUR drive & more 13EUR sleep & more 121EUR eat & more 108EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 242EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 296EUR
Premium
High budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 90EUR drive & more 25EUR sleep & more 198EUR eat & more 144EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 367EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 457EUR
Camper
On the road in RV, overnight at camp grounds with self-catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 225EUR drive & more 25EUR sleep & more 55EUR eat & more 72EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 152EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 377EUR
Car rental Book hotel Flights
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Connecticut River Valley Panoramic Road Itinerary

The Connecticut River Valley Panoramic Road is a 98km road trip that starts and ends in Old Lyme, United States. Along the way, you will pass through the towns of Lyme, Portland, and Essex. The best time to drive this road trip is in the spring or summer, when the lush green of the valley is at its most vibrant. On this trip, you will experience stunning panoramic views, rolling hills, and picturesque towns. The road conditions are excellent and the route is suitable for all drivers. You can complete the trip in one day, and the cost is manageable for most budgets. Whether you're looking for a romantic getaway or a family adventure, the Connecticut River Valley Panoramic Road offers a high-level experience and memories that will last a lifetime.
number of days 1 number of days
route length 98 km route length
budget fair budget
good for family good for
traffic direction on the right traffic direction
accident level low accident level

START Old Lyme

Distance 98 km Driving time 1.8 h Pace: modest 25.4 kWh Airports HVN
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Old Lyme is a charming town located in the Connecticut River Valley in the United States. It is the ideal starting point for the Connecticut River Valley Panoramic Road, a scenic road trip offering stunning views. Visitors will find plenty of interesting sights to explore in Old Lyme, including the Florence Griswold Museum, a beautiful 1817 mansion with a stunning collection of American Impressionist paintings. The town also boasts a number of stunning beaches, perfect for swimming, fishing, and beachcombing. For those traveling by air, the closest international airport is Bradley International Airport (BDL). Car rentals are available at the airport, making it easy to begin the Connecticut River Valley Panoramic Road. Along the way, visitors will find some of the best sights in the state, such as the historic Yale University, the breathtaking Mystic Seaport, and the charming seaside towns of Mystic and Stonington. Old Lyme is the perfect starting point for a memorable road trip.

1 Old Lyme - Lyme

Distance 8 km Driving time 0.1 h Pace: fast 2.4 kWh View map Itinerary
EV charging station dining venues scenic road junction of road trips accommodation options
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Welcome to the Old Lyme to Lyme road trip! This 5-mile journey will take you less than an hour, so you'll be able to enjoy the scenic road and all the sights in no time. The first stop is Old Lyme, a small town known for its art galleries, antique shops, and historic buildings. Make sure to check out the Florence Griswold Museum, the Lyme Art Association, and the Lyme Historical Society if you're looking for a dose of culture. For a taste of nature, don't miss out on the Nehantic State Forest and the Great Island Wildlife Refuge. Your next destination is Lyme. This charming town is home to the Bee and Thistle Inn and Spa, a historic inn with a picturesque setting. Be sure to visit the Beebe Meadow Wildlife Sanctuary and the Connecticut College Arboretum to take in some of the natural beauty of the area. No matter where you stop, you're sure to have a great time on this road trip! For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, check out the Itinerary for this stage. Enjoy your journey!

2 Lyme - East Haddam

Distance 24 km Driving time 0.4 h Pace: modest 6.2 kWh View map Itinerary
dining venues junction of road trips accommodation options
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Are you ready for an amazing road trip adventure? Starting in Lyme, United States, and ending in East Haddam, this 15mi drive will take you less than one hour. You will be able to take in some of the most amazing sights that these two places have to offer. In Lyme, you must visit the Nathan Hale Schoolhouse, a unique structure built in 1780. This is the very same structure that Nathan Hale taught in before he was captured by the British during the Revolutionary War. Also, don't forget to visit the Lyme Art Association, a great place to admire artworks from local artists. In East Haddam, you must visit the Gillette Castle State Park. This castle was built by William Gillette, a famous actor from the early 20th century. You will be able to explore the grounds and take in the incredible views from the castle's towers. Additionally, take a tour of the Goodspeed Opera House, a theater that has been around since 1876 and has hosted some of the most famous musicals in history. For more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your road trip!

3 East Haddam - Portland

Distance 19 km Driving time 0.3 h Pace: fast 5.7 kWh View map Itinerary
EV charging station dining venues junction of road trips interesting  historic site accommodation options
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Embark on an exciting road trip adventure from East Haddam to Portland! This 12mi journey will take you less than an hour to complete, but don't rush it! Along the way, be sure to keep an eye out for historical sites, as there are plenty of them to explore. Start your journey in East Haddam, a small town in Connecticut, and take a stroll along the Connecticut River. Stop at Gillette Castle State Park for a picnic, and take a tour of the castle to learn about its fascinating history. Then, head to the town of Portland to admire the picturesque views of the Connecticut River and the Portland-Columbia Covered Bridge. Continue your journey to the town of Middletown, home to Wadsworth Falls State Park. Here, you can take a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear waters of the falls, or just sit back and enjoy the beautiful scenery. As you make your way to your final destination, don't forget to visit the historical sites of South Glastonbury, such as the Glastonbury Historical Society and the Glastonbury Town Hall. Finally, you'll arrive in Portland, a vibrant city with plenty of things to see and do. Visit the Wadsworth Mansion, a stunning historic estate, or take a tour of the Portland Museum of Art. You can also explore the city's many parks and gardens, or take a stroll along the Connecticut River. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, check out the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your road trip from East Haddam to Portland!

4 Portland - Middletown

Distance 2 km Driving time 0.1 h Pace: slow 0.5 kWh View map Itinerary
EV charging station dining venues scenic road junction of road trips accommodation options
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Are you ready for an epic road trip from Portland to Middletown? Get ready to experience the beauty of the Pacific Northwest as you drive through the scenic roads of Oregon. This trip is just 1 mile long and will take you less than 0 hours to complete. Along the way, you will get to experience the vibrant city of Portland and the quaint town of Middletown. In Portland, take a stroll through the Pearl District and enjoy the city's diverse restaurants and galleries. In Middletown, explore the historic downtown area and visit the local farmers market. Make sure to take your time and enjoy the journey. You never know what you may find along the way! For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, be sure to check out the Itinerary for this stage of your road trip.

5 Middletown - Essex

Distance 36 km Driving time 0.8 h Pace: modest 9.3 kWh View map Itinerary
dining venues scenic road junction of road trips
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Welcome to the amazing road trip from Middletown to Essex! This is a 22 mi journey that will take you less than an hour to complete. Along the way, you will be able to visit some of the most interesting places in the area. Start your journey in Middletown and visit the historic buildings and sites, such as the Middletown Historical Society, the Middletown Arts Center, and the Middletown Library. After that, you can explore the beautiful scenery of the area, including the picturesque views of the Connecticut River. Continue your road trip to Essex and visit the historic sites, such as the Essex Steam Train and Riverboat, the Connecticut River Museum, and the Griswold Inn. You can also explore the lovely beaches, lighthouses, and other attractions in the area. As you drive, take some time to enjoy the scenic views of the Connecticut River and the surrounding countryside. At the end of your journey, you will have experienced some of the most interesting places in Middletown and Essex. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the Itinerary of this stage. Enjoy your road trip!

6 Essex - Old Lyme

Distance 9 km Driving time 0.2 h Pace: modest 2.3 kWh View map Itinerary
EV charging station dining venues scenic road junction of road trips accommodation options
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Are you looking for a great road trip experience? Look no further than the Essex to Old Lyme route! This 6-mile stretch of road is a perfect way to spend an afternoon, with breathtaking views and plenty of attractions to explore. You'll be able to make the trip in less than an hour, so you can take your time and enjoy the ride. Start your journey in Essex, where you can explore the Connecticut River Museum, the Griswold Inn, and the Pratt House. Then, take a leisurely drive through the scenic countryside to Old Lyme. Once you arrive, don't miss out on the Florence Griswold Museum, the Lyme Art Association, and the Old Lyme Middlegrounds State Park. This route is just one part of a larger tour, so be sure to check out the rest of the itinerary for more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the way. With so much to see and do, you won't want to miss out on this amazing road trip experience!

  Old Lyme

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Old Lyme is a beautiful town in the U.S. state of Connecticut, situated at the mouth of the Connecticut River. It is the perfect ending point for the Connecticut River Valley Panoramic Road, a scenic drive that takes you through some of the most picturesque countryside and towns in the state. In Old Lyme, visitors can take in some of the best colonial architecture in the region. The town's historic district is home to the Florence Griswold Museum, a former boardinghouse that was home to a number of prominent American Impressionist painters. Here, visitors can explore the house and stroll through the picturesque grounds, which feature a beautiful riverside garden. The town is also home to Lyme Art Association, which is housed in a historic building and features rotating exhibitions of works by regional artists. Just down the road is the Lyme Historical Society, which offers visitors a glimpse into the town's past with its collection of artifacts and documents. Old Lyme is also a great place to relax and enjoy nature. The town is home to miles of trails, many of which are part of the Connecticut River Estuary, a National Estuarine Research Reserve. Hiking and biking trails wind through the woods, offering visitors a chance to explore the area's natural beauty. For those traveling by air, the closest international airport is Bradley International Airport (BDL). From there, it is a short drive to Old Lyme. Old Lyme is the perfect end to the Connecticut River Valley Panoramic Road. With its wealth of history, culture, and natural beauty, this charming town is a must-visit for anyone looking to explore the region.

Connecticut River Valley Panoramic Road at a glance

Hopefully, our road trip idea has become a superb inspiration for your future holidays.
It is a ready-made option that can be easily expanded into a complete road trip – the sky is the limit.
If car travel is the preferred travel mode for you, there are a number of vital traffic regulations to follow and a list of elements to remember to make your trip safe. The following road rules will surely become useful for all tourists who are considering car hire or camper rental.
When sightseeing around Connecticut , there are multiple traffic rules to be remembered. Alcohol is best to be avoided at all if Connecticut is your travel destination. Holidayers ought to remember that the permitted consumption limit is low and equals only 0.5‰. Exceeding the maximum speed limit, which is 40km/h, around the city may lead to a speeding fine. Around rural areas, tourists can travel at the maximum speed of 72km/h. Exceeding the permissible speed of 129km/h. In order to stay safe, it is best to drive with your headlights on at daytime and equip your car with a first aid kit and fire extinguisher.
How about the costs of the trip? Well, depending on the budget option that interests you, the money that you have to pay for your trip expenses will differ. A wide range of budget configurations is showed below.
If you go for the cheapest offer, you have to spend the maximum of 13 EUR on gasoline to cover the planned 98km. Economy accommodation options will cost holidayers roughly 77 EUR. You should also take into consideration the fact that you will spend around 72 EUR for restaurants and food in this option. Travellers will have to pay around 45 EUR if they are interested in the cheapest car hire option as well. Thus, the estimated travel expenses amount to more or less 162 EUR without vehicle hire and 207 EUR with vehicle rental.
When it comes to the standard offer, you have to spend the maximum of 13 EUR on the gasoline needed to cover the tour. If you are into standard accommodation options, you should keep in mind that the costs may amount up to approximately 121 EUR. Drivers may expect that the standard option in terms of restaurants and food will cost more or less 108 EUR. Also, for those who are considering hiring a car, a standard one costs around 54 EUR. Summing up the standard offer, the estimated cost of the road trip will total around 296 EUR for holidaymakers who would like to try vehicle hire and 242 EUR for those who are not interested in rental.
The highest level of comfort of the premium option will come up to the expectations of the most demanding travellers. When it comes to this offer, the estimated cost of the road trip will total roughly 457 EUR for holidaymakers who are considering vehicle rental and 242 EUR for those who do not need a rental car. Travellers who want to cover the trip in a premium hire vehicle can expect a cost of around 90 EUR. When it comes to the top standard option of the adventure, you need to spend the maximum of 25 EUR on the fuel needed to cover the road trip. You should expect to pay roughly 144 EUR for restaurants and food and approximately 198 EUR for overnight stays if you opt for the highest standard of services during your tour.
Connecticut River Valley Panoramic Road will also match up the expectations of all camper enthusiasts. If you are considering this transport option, you will pay up to around 225 EUR. You will spend around 25 EUR on gasoline allowing to cover all stages of the trip. Camper lovers should expect to pay roughly 72 EUR for expenses connected with food and approximately 55 EUR for overnight stays.
The section Road Trip Costs shows all the above details in a straightforward manner.
If Connecticut River Valley Panoramic Road has sparked your creativity, there are plenty of thrilling journeys on our website. Hopefully, the great diversity of travel opportunities will surely cater to the needs of the most demanding holidaymakers.

Facts for safer driving in Connecticut

drink drive limit drink drive limit 0.5
max speed urban max speed urban 40 km/h
max speed rural max speed rural 72 km/h
max speed highway max speed highway 129 km/h
headlights at daytime headlights at daytime off
fire extinguisher fire extinguisher yes
tolls tolls yes
seat belts seat belts yes

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