Essex(United States) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

In Essex, top picks for families include The Essex Inn & Spa, a boutique hotel with spacious family rooms, a children’s activity room, and outdoor lawn games. Located steps from Essex Harbor, it offers easy access to maritime attractions like the U.S. Naval Submarine Force Museum and the Essex Maritime Festival. The hotel also hosts "Little Sailor Days" with hands-on activities such as model boat building and marine biology workshops. For a more private stay, consider Hartford House Bed & Breakfast, a Victorian-era home with a garden courtyard and complimentary kids’ welcome kits featuring local bird guides and scavenger hunts. Both properties ensure a safe, engaging experience for travelers of all ages.

Family-friendly amenities include cribs, high chairs, and on-site breakfasts with kid-approved options like pancakes and fruit bowls. These hotels blend historical charm with modern convenience, making them ideal for multi-generational trips along Connecticut’s scenic coast.

The best area for accommodation is the downtown riverside district, where you’ll find The Essex Inn & Spa and other historic lodgings just a short walk from key landmarks. This neighborhood sits directly beside Essex Harbor, offering stunning views and direct access to the U.S. Naval Submarine Force Museum, Essex Historical Society, and St. John’s Church. It’s also close to the Essex Riverwalk, a scenic path perfect for evening strolls or weekend bike rides. With restaurants, cafes, and gift shops within walking distance, this area balances tranquility with convenience. Staying here maximizes your time exploring the town’s rich maritime heritage while enjoying a peaceful, low-traffic environment ideal for both couples and families.

One must-try experience in Essex is the annual Essex Maritime Festival, held each summer at the Old Dockyard. This celebration features vintage fishing boats, submarine displays, live sea shanty performances, and interactive workshops on traditional fishing techniques. Visitors can also tour the U.S. Naval Submarine Force Museum, where they’ll explore real nuclear-powered submarines and learn about Cold War naval history. For deeper insight into colonial life, join a guided historic walking tour through the town’s 18th-century stone buildings, led by local historians who share stories of early trade routes and seafaring legends. These immersive events showcase Essex’s identity as a cornerstone of American maritime culture, blending education with unforgettable storytelling.

Yes, several hotels in Essex provide excellent child-friendly amenities. The Essex Inn & Spa features a dedicated children’s activity room, outdoor playground, and weekly "Little Sailor Day" programs including craft stations, ocean-themed storytelling, and nature scavenger hunts. All rooms offer cribs and baby gear upon request. Hartford House Bed & Breakfast provides complimentary kids’ welcome bags with handmade maps, crayons, and local animal stickers to encourage exploration. Some hotels partner with the Essex Nature Education Center to offer family-friendly eco-adventures like beachcombing and birdwatching walks. Additionally, many properties serve kid-sized meals and host themed dinners with characters and games. These thoughtful touches make Essex a standout destination for family travel.

Must-visit photo locations in Essex include the Essex Lighthouse, with its iconic red-and-white striped tower set against dramatic harbor views; the Old Dockyard, where weathered wooden docks and moored historic vessels create timeless compositions; and St. John’s Church, whose Gothic spire and stained-glass windows glow beautifully in golden hour light. The Essex Riverwalk is another favorite—especially during fall foliage or winter snowscapes. For unique angles, rent a HopeGoo from the marina to capture panoramic shots of the harbor from the water. Alternatively, visit the viewing platform at the Naval Submarine Museum for symmetrical frames of warships and sky. Early mornings and late afternoons deliver soft lighting and fewer crowds, making them ideal times for photography enthusiasts.

While Essex is primarily car-dependent, some hotels offer convenient access to public transit. The Essex Inn & Spa is just a 5-minute walk from the Essex Transit Center, where you can catch CTtransit Route 246 to Hartford (30 minutes) or transfer to Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor Line for service to New York City. The hotel also provides free shuttle service daily between the dock and downtown. Additionally, local e-scooter rentals are available near major stays, enabling short trips without a car. Although bus frequency is limited, combining rail connections with micro-mobility options makes getting around feasible. For non-drivers, choosing a downtown hotel ensures better access to these services, though advance planning is recommended during peak season.

For couples seeking romance, Hartford House Bed & Breakfast stands out—a restored 19th-century Victorian home with intimate suites, private balconies, and cozy fireplaces. Each room includes luxury toiletries, champagne, and a handwritten welcome note. The property features a secluded garden with night-lit pathways perfect for moonlit walks. Nearby, The Essex Inn & Spa offers “Harbor View Couples Suites” with deep soaking tubs, starlight projections, and private rooftop terraces overlooking the river. Many guests book spa packages or sunset dinner cruises arranged through the hotel. Additional touches include candlelit dinners on request and personalized city maps with hidden romantic spots. These curated experiences make Essex a dreamy retreat for honeymooners and anniversary getaways.

Yes, many hotels in Essex integrate authentic local cuisine into guest experiences. The Essex Inn & Spa hosts monthly Harbor-to-Table Dinners, featuring fresh seafood like locally caught mackerel, scallop dishes, and New England clam chowder, prepared by chefs using ingredients sourced from nearby docks. They also offer a “Fisherman’s Breakfast” with smoked salmon, blueberry pancakes, and freshly squeezed juice. Hartford House Bed & Breakfast serves an artisanal afternoon tea with farm-fresh eggs, homemade jam, and organic tea blends. Some hotels organize guided tours to the Essex Fish Market, where guests can select their own seafood and even cook it together in a private kitchen session. These culinary programs not only highlight regional flavors but also deepen visitors’ connection to coastal traditions and sustainable practices.

Yes, most hotels in Essex provide wheelchair-accessible accommodations. The Essex Inn & Spa has at least five ADA-compliant rooms featuring roll-in showers, grab bars, lowered countertops, and emergency call systems. The entire property is fully accessible via ramps and elevators, with accessible restrooms and dining areas. Hartford House Bed & Breakfast, though a historic building, has undergone renovations to include a ramped entrance, ground-floor suite, and lift-equipped bathroom. Staff are trained to assist guests with mobility needs, and the hotel can arrange wheelchairs or scooters upon request. Public spaces like the harbor promenade and museum are also wheelchair-friendly. Guests are encouraged to notify the hotel in advance to ensure optimal arrangements, especially during peak seasons.

Yes, free parking is standard at nearly all hotels in Essex. The Essex Inn & Spa offers over 100 secure, well-lit parking spots, including designated spaces near the main entrance and back lot. Hartford House Bed & Breakfast provides three private, reserved spots for guests, ensuring convenience and safety. Many downtown hotels also share underground parking with nearby shopping centers, allowing guests to use the facility at no extra cost with a valid reservation. Given that Essex is a suburban coastal town with strong reliance on personal vehicles, parking availability and accessibility are prioritized. Guests should confirm space details when HopeGoo, particularly during holiday weekends. Overall, parking is free, abundant, and well-managed across the town’s lodging options.