Connecticut’s Central Coast, located in the heart of New England, incorporates of some 17 cities and towns surrounding New Haven and Bridgeport, Connecticut’s two largest urban areas, and extends into the Lower Naugatuck River Valley. Here, you will find a region that combines suburban convenience, rural and small-town charm and some of the most dynamic and small-urban areas in the country. Connecticut’s Central Coast is rich with a combination of state-of-the-art facilities mixed with historic architecture, a picturesque shoreline, a temperate climate and access to all the offerings of the outdoors. It is laced with historical ties and is a remarkable place to visit. Maritime influence permeates the region. Mystic, an old harbor town, offers visitors a living glimpse of its past at the Mystic Seaport Museum.
Governor Dannel P. Malloy today announced the results of an economic impact study of the tourism industry in Connecticut, showing that the sector of the state’s economy generated $14 billion in total sales in 2013 – a three-percent increase from the prior year. “From incredible parks and green space, to great beaches and attractions, Connecticut’s economy benefits significantly from tourism,” Governor Malloy said. Connecticut also has a rich heritage of commercial fishing, from the offshore fleet in Stonington and New London, to Long Island Sound lobster boats spanning the coast to Greenwich. Commercial fishing makes an important contribution to Connecticut’s economy. In 2013, our commercial fishermen landed over 7 million pounds (live weight) of fin-fish, lobster, scallops, crabs and squid worth $14 million.