A scenic slice of New England
Set on the Long Island Sound shoreline, Guilford is a laid-back summer town just 20 minutes from Yale University. This makes Guilford vacation rentals eternally popular with parents, students and professors alike. The town is a haven for sun seekers, with a handful of sandy beaches to enjoy, not to mention forested walking trails, scenic paddling routes and a friendly local golf course. History buffs will be in their element, as Guilford boasts one of New England's largest collection of historic homes.
Touch base with van Gogh
Whether you're attending a graduation ceremony or simply visiting an Ivy League college, Guilford is a short drive from Yale University. The 300-year-old New Haven campus is dotted with Gothic and Victorian-inspired buildings. You can sign up for a guided walking tour or visit world-class galleries like the Yale Center for British Art. If van Gogh is on your wish list, don't miss Yale University Art Gallery, where you'll find masterpieces like "The Night Cafe". Closer to home is the characterful Hyland House Museum. It's housed in a red saltbox building and showcases a fascinating collection of local artifacts.
Hit the sand or the green
One of Guilford's biggest drawcards is its pristine coastline. It's laced with sandy beaches and low-slung dunes that lure a constant stream of sun seekers. Want to maximize your time at the beach? Guilford vacation rentals put you just steps from the water. With breezy living areas, sun decks and sweeping views of Long Island Sound, summer cottages make it easy to slip into vacation mode. If you want to stretch your legs, why not enjoy a round at Guilford Lakes Golf Course? Non-members are welcome so don't be shy about booking a tee time.
Gear up for graduation season
Visitors flock to Guilford in the summer, when the town is drenched in East Coast sunshine. Long weekends always fill up fast with New Yorkers wanting to escape the city. Visitor numbers also soar during Yale's annual University Commencement in May. It's held at the historic Old Campus and sees university degrees formally conferred. Followed by a sea of flying graduation hats, of course. Planning on watching a loved one graduate? Swap shoebox hotel rooms for spacious Guilford vacation rentals. All you need to do is supply the bubbly.
Exploring the natural features in Guilford
Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast or just want to appreciate the scenery, you'll be sure to find the perfect setting for your vacation in Guilford. Here are a few of the area's most enchanting sights, all within 30 miles (48.2 km) of the city center:
- Hammonasset Beach State Park (6.2 mi / 10 km)
- Hammonasset Beach (7.2 mi / 11.6 km)
- East Haven Town Beach (10.5 mi / 16.9 km)
- Westbrook Town Beach (11.2 mi / 18.1 km)
- Lighthouse Point Park (12 mi / 19.4 km)
- East Rock Park (12.1 mi / 19.5 km)
Traveling to and around Guilford
The nearest airport is in New Haven, CT (HVN-Tweed - New Haven Regional), located 11.3 mi (18.2 km) from the city center. If you can't find a flight that's convenient for your trip, you could also fly into Bridgeport, CT (BDR-Igor I. Sikorsky Memorial), which is 25.3 mi (40.8 km) away.
If you prefer train travel, the main station is Guilford Station.