Things To Do
Mystic Seaport
Mystic Seaport Museum is the nation’s leading maritime museum. Founded in 1929 to gather and preserve the rapidly disappearing artifacts of America’s seafaring past. The Mystic Seaport Museum grounds cover 19 acres on the Mystic River in Mystic, CT and include a recreated New England coastal village, and a working shipyard. The Museum is home to more than 500 historic watercraft, including four National Historic Landmark vessels, most notably the 1841 whaleship Charles W. Morgan, America’s oldest commercial ship still in existence.
Mystic Aquarium
Mystic Aquarium is a marine aquarium in Mystic, Connecticut. It is one of only two U.S. facilities holding Steller sea lions, and it has the only beluga whales in New England. Special exhibits include a ray and shark touch pool, an African penguin exhibit, a jelly gallery, and the "Jurassic Giants" dinosaur exhibit.
Harkness Memorial State Park
State Park featuring the Eolia, the grand former summer home of philanthropists Edward and Mary Harkness. This Gatsby-era mansion is among the best remaining examples of the grand seaside estates that once occupied the Sound’s shoreline at the beginning of the twentieth century. The Park’s meticulously maintained grounds feature spectacular formal gardens, expansive lawns, and picnic areas, a rock filled sandy beach, , and panoramic views of the Sound.
Ocean Beach Park
Ocean Beach Park is a large beach located on the southern shore of New London, Connecticut. It overlooks the southernmost end of the Thames River as well as the Long Island Sound, and the islands of Fisher's Island and Long Island can be seen from the beach. Ocean Beach Park contains within its boundaries a large sugar-sand beach, boardwalk, mini golf, kiddie rides, waterslides, olympic-size swimming pool, cafeteria, ice cream stand, nature trail, banquet halls, arcade, and often has live music performances during the summer season, specifically on its center boardwalk stage. Firework displays happen often during the summer, typically accompanied by a live tribute band.
Fort Trumbull
Historic coastal revolutionary war fortress with a museum offering tours, trails with harbor views & a fishing pier.
Monte Cristo Cottage
Boyhood home of Playwright, Eugene O'Neill. Historic landmark and museum. Open in summer by appointment only.
Bluff Point State Park and Coastal Reserve Trail
Bluff Point State Park and Coastal Reserve Trail is a 3.6 mile heavily trafficked loop trail located near Groton, Connecticut that features beautiful wild flowers and is good for all skill levels.
Mystic Whaler Cruises
Haul on a halyard, bask in the sun and watch the scenic coast slip by. Sailing May through October from New London, CT.