There’s always something happening in this bustling city on Long Island Sound, and boaters have a VIP pass to the party!
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NORWALK AT A GLANCE
GETTING TO NORWALK:
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The Norwalk Story
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The main channel to Norwalk Harbor leads past Manresa Island before turning north-northeast off Calf Pasture Point. As the harbor narrows to form the mouth of the Norwalk River, you’ll find convenient daily and overnight dockage'
Dockage, Moorings & Service: Norwalk Visitor’s Docks (203) 866-8810: Visiting boaters can tie up at this public facility within easy walking distance of SoNo. Dockmasters are on duty from 7:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m., and fees are payable at the time of arrival. Dockage is $1.50 per foot, with day blocks, evening blocks, and overnight blocks available. Slips have shore power and water.
Norwalk Cove Marina(203) 838-2326: Sprawling “resort marina” on Calf Pasture Point in East Norwalk offering transient dockage, fuel dock, ship’s store, restaurant, beach access, miniature golf, pool, showers, and laundry. Kayaks and paddleboards can be rented nearby.
Rex Marine Center (203) 866-5555: South Norwalk marina with fuel dock, valet rack storage, water, electric, grills, showers, haul-out, and repair. Call ahead to check on transient availability.
Total Marine (203) 838-3210: Full-service marina in South Norwalk. Occasionally has transient slips available.
Launch Ramp: A three-lane launch ramp with courtesy floats and ample parking is located at Veteran’s Memorial Park. Fee is $45 to launch and park.
Anchorages: The Norwalk Islands offer good protection and holding ground, depending on wind direction, but take care not to obstruct the channel or anchor amid any oyster grants.
DESTINATION NORWALK
Dining: Rowayton Seafood (203) 866-4488: Sea-to-table seafood restaurant and market on the Five Mile River in Rowayton. Offers dockage for patrons, but reservations are required.
Harbor Lights (203) 866-3364: Mediterranean-inspired cuisine in East Norwalk. Offers ample dock space for boaters.
Sono Seaport Seafood (203) 854-9483: Popular dock-and-dine seafood restaurant overlooking Norwalk Harbor. Specializes in seafood favorites such as lobster, fried clams, chowder, and fish-and-chips. Limited number of slips for boaters, who can also tie up at the Visitor’s Docks and make the short walk to the restaurant.
The Galley(203) 831-0855: Dock-and-dine breakfast and lunch spot at Norwalk Cove Marina in East Norwalk.
Things To Do: Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk (203) 852-0700: This awesome aquarium on the South Norwalk waterfront features an IMAX theater, touch tanks, sharks, seals, otters, and meerkats. Also runs educational cruises on Long Island Sound aboard a hybrid-powered research vessel.
Sheffield Island Lighthouse (203) 838-9444: The Norwalk Seaport Association runs trips to Sheffield Island Lighthouse from its dock adjacent to the Stroffolino Bridge at the corner of Washington and Water Streets. Boaters can also access the island, but can only use the dock for dropping off and picking up passengers.
Sono Switch Tower Museum (203) 246-6958: Maintained by the National Railway Historical Society, this small but fascinating museum occupies a preserved switch tower that once served a critical role in the country’s rail system.
Center for Contemporary Printmaking (203) 899-7999: Non-profit organization dedicated to the art of print-making, including intaglio, lithography, monotype, silkscreen, woodblock printing, paper works, book arts, and digital art.
Cool Shops: SoNo Baking Company(203) 847-7666: Artisinal baking company near the harbor offering fresh breads, pastries, cakes, and more. Also has a café.
GrayBarns on the Silvermine(203) 489-9000: This charming inn, spa, and tavern on the Silvermine River once served as a stage coach stop and speakeasy, as well as a haven for Hollywood stars.
Kayak & Padleboard Rental: Norwalk Community Sailing(203) 852-1857: Community sailing school offering kayak and SUP rentals, lessons, and tours out of Calf Pasture Beach in East Norwalk.