Boat Services:
Bridgeport Boatworks (603) 536-9651: Connecticut’s largest boatyard offers a 700-ton Travelift, rigging, service, storage, fuel dock, and more.
Captain’s Cove Seaport (203) 335-1433: Located in Black Rock Harbor, Captain’s Cove is the preeminent full-service marina for recreational boaters in the area, with numerous slips designated for transients.
Cedar Marina (203) 335-6262: Full-service marina in Black Rock Harbor offering transient slips, service, and more.
East End Yacht Club (203) 366-3330: Private club in Bridgeport Harbor offering reciprocity.
Launch Ramp:
Bridgeport Harbor: Newfield Ave. On-street parking. No fee.
Black Rock Harbor: End of Brewster St. On-street parking. No fee.
Black Rock Harbor: Western end of Seaside Park. Large lot. Fee.
Anchorages:
In Black Rock Harbor, boaters can anchor on either side of the main channel between RN “8” and GC “11”.
In Bridgeport Harbor, boaters can anchor just south/southwest of RN “2” at the entrance to Johnsons Creek.
Dining:
Captain’s Cove Seaport (203) 335-1433: Located in Black Rock Harbor, the Seaport’s seasonal dock-and-dine restaurant serves up traditional seafood fare, along with craft brews and specialty drinks.
29 Markle Ct. (203) 296-4761: Award-winning tasty takes on soul food and more in the heart of Bridgeport.
Joseph’s Steakhouse (203) 337-9944: Old-school, white-tablecloth steakhouse and bar in a space composed of dark wood and exposed brick.
Provisions:
Dino’s Market (203) 336-8369: Independent grocery store in downtown Bridgeport also known for its deli sandwiches.
Things To Do
The Barnum Museum (203) 331-1104: Popular museum devoted to P.T. Barnum and the history of Bridgeport. The main lobby showcases “Baby Bridgeport,” the taxidermized remains of a 700-pound elephant and the second ever to be born in captivity. Galleries are filled with photos and details of Barnum’s biggest stars: Tom Thumb, Jenny “Swedish Nightingale” Lind, and Jumbo the Elephant, along with other curiosities. The third floor houses a diorama of Barnum and Bailey’s three-ring circus.
Beardsley Zoo (203) 394-6565: Built on the grounds of the park where Barnum exercised his elephants, camels, and zebras, Connecticut’s only zoological garden now houses more than 1,000 different animals, as well as a unique “endangered species” carousel.
Discovery Museum (203) 372-3521: Hands-on science center and planetarium serving as both a tourist destination and an educational resource for area schools.
Seaside Park: Designed by Central Park architect Frederick Law Olmstead, this manicured, 2.5-mile beach park is a great place to picnic, swim, bike, or stroll.
Arena at Harbor Yard (203) 345-2300: Large venue for blockbuster events and performances.
Downtown Cabaret Theater (203) 576-1636: Cabaret-style theater offering musicals, concerts, and family-friendly performances.
Cool Shops:
Boardwalk Shops: Collection of small, locally-owned shops in Captain’s Cove Seaport selling jewelry, gifts, clothing, crafts, artwork, ice cream, and more.
Mongers Market (203) 583-5899: Huge emporium of vintage, industrial, architectural, salvaged, and reclaimed objects, including antique furniture, clothing, doors, windows, lumber, lighting, and more.
Where to Stay:
Surfside Hotel (475) 476-7873: Oceanside hotel in nearby Stratford.
Boat & Kayak Rental:
Sea Kayak Connecticut (203) 557-6033: Rentals, instruction, gear, and tours.
