Memorial Day marks the unofficial start of summer, which means the season of outdoor dining, day trips and festivals is upon us.

There are some quintessential Connecticut summer activities to do every year. Whether it's hitting up the Norwalk Oyster Festival or visiting one of the state's more than 40 music venues — like the Hartford Healthcare Amphitheater in Bridgeport — or other venues hosting performances, there's no shortage of ways to spend a summer day in Connecticut.

Even when the weather isn't all sunshine and blue skies, there's one summer tradition that can be completed no matter the weather, date or time: stopping by one of the state's many lobster haunts for a New England lobster roll. 

Summer only lasts for so long, so start checking these Connecticut summer activities off the bucket list now.

Pics or it didn't happen. Post a photo of your take-out steamed lobster meal, lobster roll, oysters on the half shell or any seafood from one of Connecticut's seaside shacks.

Whether you prefer a traditional Connecticut-style lobster roll with warm butter or are craving some fried clams, choices for a seafood meal abound on the Connecticut's coastline, there are a host of seaside stops to pick up your favorite.

Illustration of people at the beach.

One of the perks of being in Connecticut is proximity to the water. Head down to the shoreline to one of Connecticut's many beaches. While some of the state's beaches are reserved for town residents only, many are open to the general public. But all state park beaches, such as Hammonasset Beach State park in Madison or Sherwood Island State Park in Westport, are open for free to all Connecticut residents.

Yachts with spinnakers racing on a blue ocean, with seagulls and lighthouse in the background.

Lounging on the beach isn't the only activity you can do on the Sound. There are a few locations throughout the state where guests can either take a sunset sail or learn how to sail themselves.

Get all the information you need to know about water activities in Connecticut this summer. 

Illustration of a blow up pool.

Call up a friend with a pool, visit a public pool or hang out at your own backyard swimming spot to bask in the sun away from the beach crowds.

Summertime on Candlewood Lake can mean partying on the water, or it can mean soaking up the sun from the deck of a boat. And if Candlewood's waters get a little too crowded this summer, there are a host of other lakes in the state at which to find peace (or a party) all season long. 

Get all the information you need about heading to lakes in Connecticut this summer. 

If you're looking for a peaceful way to pass a summer day, pick a place to paddle board or kayak your way on Connecticut's waters. If you don't own a kayak or board, there are several places throughout the state where you can rent everything you need. 

Illustration of someone swimming in fresh water.

On sweltering days, nothing beats the clear waters of a swimming hole hidden in the woods. And for those who don't mind hiking before taking a plunge, Connecticut's scenic trails are worth the rewards. Here are 13 swimming holes and ponds to swim.

Drive to New London County's shoreline towns to stroll, eat seafood and feel super New England-y. Mystic offers those quintessential small-town New England views (not to mention some ice cream from the Mystic Drawbridge Ice Cream shop) while Stonington Point provides the one of the best views of Little Narragansett Bay.

A man with a laptop on a balcony.

Make yourself an outdoor WFH space and get out from behind a desk to enjoy the sun while you take your next video call. 

Grab a drink al fresco on one of the state's many trendy rooftop bars. Whether you stop at Mix at Sift Bake Shop in Mystic for a cocktail and some traditional New England views, or head to the High George at the Blake Hotel in New Haven for a cityscape while you sip your beverage, Connecticut has many rooftop locales to hit up this summer. 

Woman in hat and sunglasses on blue background.

Don your most subtle hat and stomp the divots at the Greenwich Polo Club.

No summer is complete without ice cream, and in Connecticut, there are a bunch of local places to try. Whether you want a scoop or two in one of Milkcraft's bubble cones or prefer a cup of something simple from Ashley's Ice Cream, there are a number of local creameries that make ice cream, frozen yogurt and sorbets right in our backyard.

Guide to local ice cream shops

Get a to-go meal or sit on the patio of one of your favorite seasonal eateries in Connecticut. Whether it's an ice cream shop, a seafood joint or a hot dog stand, summer means these stops are open for the season. 

A flat design of beer.

Attend at least one outdoor beer festival. Starting this spring and continuing all summer, there are beer festivals lined up around the state at which to sample a beer. 

Vector illustration of a boat and summer marine landscape.

Want to get out of town? Spend long weekends partying or boating (or some might say "summering") in the Hamptons or on the Cape. Or if the mountains are more your speed, the Catskills, Adirondacks and Berkshires are just a day trip away. 

Oyster with lemon vector illustration in flat design isolated on white background

The Milford Oyster Festival is scheduled for Aug. 20 and the Norwalk one will be held on Sept. 9-11. Oyster fans don't have to wait for a festival to enjoy the seafood — oysters are available in Connecticut all summer long. 

Outdoor rock concert and food festival.

Summer is concert season, and this summer, stages across the state are coming to life with day-long festivals and night-time concerts alike.

Guide to summer concerts in Connecticut

Take a hike, really. Here are 15 hikes around Connecticut to try out.

Interested in something a little more off-the-beaten-path? Here are 25 "secret" hikes to check out. Or if you've exhausted all the in-state trails, head over the border to Massachusetts or New York.

Fast food restaurant interior set with people.

Enjoy guilt-free dining at one of the rest stops along I-95 or the Mass Pike – fast food calories don't count on a road trip.

Lidia Ryan is the Trending and Features editor for Hearst Connecticut Media Group and is part of the digital team.

Lidia has more than 10 years experience in news and digital media and holds a degree in journalism from the University of Connecticut.