Madison vacation rentals

Discover New England's marvelous Madison

Nestled against the shoreline of Connecticut's Long Island Sound, and just a 30-minute drive from New Haven, Madison offers a postcard-perfect example of New England picturesque. From days spent shopping at the independent stores and eateries in the town's charming downtown to relaxing along the unspoiled coastline at Hammonasset Beach State Park, ample activities and attractions allow travelers to explore at their own pace. If you're planning to stay a while, Madison vacation rentals are the perfect way to stay close to the action, offering a relaxed base for your getaway, whether traveling with family, friends or both.

Activities and attractions in Madison

Do you want to find things to do during your stay? Although it can be tempting to stay in your comfortable vacation rental, you'll want to experience everything that makes Madison a fun place to get away. Here are some of the most popular attractions to see, all within 30 miles (48.2 km) of the city center:

• Chamard Vineyards (1.7 mi / 2.8 km)
• Essex Steam Train (9.6 mi / 15.5 km)
• Stay and Play LLC (9.8 mi / 15.8 km)
• Connecticut Sportsplex (12.7 mi / 20.5 km)
• Machimoodus State Park (14.7 mi / 23.7 km)
• Powder Ridge Mountain Park and Resort (16.6 mi / 26.7 km)

Find your perfect spot in Madison

Indoors or outside, Madison offers a quintessential New England experience. The town's quaint downtown features independent dining spots and boutique stores selling handcrafted bird boxes, not to mention an old-fashioned movie theater and a world-famous bookseller. Travelers keen to soak up more of the same can explore nearby New Haven, while those who prefer natural surroundings can find their perfect spot on the sand along the 2 miles of beachfront at Hammonasset Beach State Park. Over the summer, free events such as S'mores on the Shore movie nights and Wednesday-night concerts are a lovely way to end the day.

Seasonal appeal in Madison

Madison weather is fairly typical of New England. Daytime temperatures over the summer months of July and August can soar toward 90 degrees, although breezes floating in from Long Island Sound can prevent the stuffy air of further inland. Despite the appeal of spending sun-drenched summers in Madison vacation rentals, there's little debate that the best time to visit anywhere in New England is during fall. Brilliant colors start to turn the foliage into a dazzling display of red, orange and yellow - and the daytime temperatures are still plenty warm enough to get outside and enjoy the show.

Natural wonders near Madison

The appeal of the unspoiled sandy beach at Hammonasset Beach State Park can't be understated but travelers willing to travel a little further afield will find numerous natural delights on the menu. The East River Wildlife Area, located at the edge of Madison's western border is home to all manner of creatures, including American oystercatchers and majestic great blue herons, making it the perfect spot for wildlife watching and photography. To the northeast of the town, the 16,000-acre Cockaponset State Forest offers hiking, horseback riding and mountain biking for much of the year, and cross-country skiing and snowmobiling in winter.

Transportation to and around Madison

The nearest airport is in New Haven, CT (HVN-Tweed - New Haven Regional), located 16.5 mi (26.5 km) from the city center. If you can't find a flight that's convenient for your trip, you could book a flight to New London, CT (GON-Groton - New London), which is 27.6 mi (44.4 km) away.