Top 15 Attractions and Activities in New London, CT

Summary of New London Attractions

Ocean Beach Park
Cross Sound Ferry Lighthouse Tours
Fort Trumbull State Park
New London Waterfront District
Lyman Allyn Art Museum
Garde Arts Center
Submarine Force Library & Museum
Custom House Maritime Museum
Block Island Express Ferry
Hempsted Houses
New London Ledge Light
New London Mural Walk
Whaling Wall
Connecticut College Arboretum
United States Coast Guard Museum

New London, a city rich in maritime history, is situated on the natural harbor of the Thames River, just before its confluence with Long Island Sound.

Two centuries ago, New London was among the leading whaling ports globally. During its peak in 1839, it also served as the landing site for The Amistad, an event of significant historical importance for the United States.

In this seafaring town, enjoying a boat trip is almost a necessity. Visitors can embark on excursions to view the iconic lighthouses of the sound or take a day trip to the picturesque Block Island at the southern tip of Long Island.

New London is also a vibrant cultural center in southeastern Connecticut, boasting numerous galleries, a lavish theater, the esteemed Lyman Allyn Art Museum, and six blocks adorned with stunning murals.

Let us delve into the top attractions in New London:

1. Ocean Beach Park

Ocean Beach Park is ideally suited for leisurely summer afternoons, and has been recognized by National Geographic as one of the finest beaches in the nation.

Despite the temptation to remain on the expansive stretch of soft, pale sand, families can enjoy various activities at the park’s facilities.

It features an arcade with vintage games, amusement rides, three water slides, and a mini-golf course adjacent to the boardwalk.

An Olympic-sized swimming pool is available for those seeking to swim laps, while younger visitors can have fun at the kiddie spray park.

Additionally, a stroll along the boardwalk offers a chance to savor a meal at one of the numerous eateries available.

2. Cross Sound Ferry Lighthouse Tours

In the waters off New London, navigating the Long Island Sound can be challenging, which explains the abundance of lighthouses within a few miles of the city.

Among these are the historic Plum Island Light, site of the first amphibious assault by an American army in 1775, and the New London Harbor Light (1760), the oldest lighthouse in Connecticut.

The best method to get close to these landmarks is through a Cross Sound Ferry Lighthouse Tour, operating from May to October.

In July, August, and the latter part of June, visitors can choose between a Classic or Lights & Sights itinerary.

Each route features ten lighthouses and includes a variety of other attractions, such as Fort Griswold, Fort Trumbull, General Dynamics Electric Boat Division, and the historic waterfront of New London.

3. Fort Trumbull State Park

A fort has existed on this rise extending into the Thames River from the west bank since 1777. The initial defense was compromised in 1781 during a raid conducted by Benedict Arnold’s forces during the Revolutionary War.

The fort underwent repairs in the early 19th century and achieved its current design between 1839 and 1852, featuring five sides and four bastions, capable of accommodating 52 guns along with howitzers for close combat.

It was part of the Third System, a network of 42 forts designed to protect American harbors. In the 20th century, it became the site of the Naval Underwater Sound Laboratory.

Recently renovated, Fort Trumbull boasts informative markers, historical gun emplacements, and a cannon that can be examined up close.

A visit inside offers a tour of the facility’s living quarters, with highlights including the office and a mock laboratory reminiscent of the war research conducted here from WWII to 1970.

4. New London Waterfront District

This area serves as a hub for the city’s vibrant creative community, situated within a 26-block National Register Historic District.

Early 19th-century buildings house unique boutiques, eclectic restaurants, performing arts venues, and galleries that enhance the local culture.

As you navigate these streets, you will be following in the footsteps of ocean-going whalers and notable historical figures, including playwright Eugene O’Neill and infamous turncoat Benedict Arnold.

Be sure to visit the New London County Courthouse at 70 Huntington Street, which dates back to 1786, making it the oldest operational courthouse in Connecticut.

At 76 Federal Street, the St. James Episcopal Church (1850) features exquisite stained glass by Louis Comfort Tiffany.

When the weather permits, time spent at Waterfront Park in front of the Custom House is a delight, providing opportunities to observe ferries navigating the Thames River.

5. Lyman Allyn Art Museum

Housed in a dignified Neoclassical structure built from local granite and encompassing 12 acres of gardens and lawns, the Lyman Allyn Art Museum was established in 1930.

The collection comprises over 10,000 pieces originating from Europe, the Americas, Africa, and Asia, spanning from the 16th century to contemporary works.

Renowned artists such as Ingres, Poussin, Tiepole, and Charles LeBrun are featured. However, the museum particularly excels in its American Art segment, showcasing representatives from the Hudson River School, the Aesthetic Movement, and Impressionism.

Notable pieces include John F. Kensett’s Bash Bish Falls (1851) and Thomas Cole’s Mount Etna from Taormina (1844).

Permanent exhibitions delve into Louis Comfort Tiffany’s connections with the city, while American Perspectives highlights art from colonial times up to the 20th century.

Children can engage with history in the Playthings of the Past exhibit, allowing hands-on interaction with toys, games, books, and dolls spanning centuries.

6. Garde Arts Center

A splendid venue for performances, the Garde Arts Center features the Garde Theatre, which originally opened as a movie palace in 1926.

The theater is designed with a Moroccan influence, highlighted by magnificent 3D bas-relief murals by Vera Leeper (1899-1969), depicting Bedouins, elephants, sand dunes, and mountains against a nighttime backdrop.

This historic venue was nearly demolished in the 1980s but was saved and restored through the establishment of the Garde Arts Center, which now includes multiple buildings, one housing an intimate 120-performance space.

The Garde Theatre hosts an eclectic range of performances year-round, featuring acclaimed classical musicians, popular comedians, touring dance companies, lectures by notable figures, and tribute acts.

7. Submarine Force Library & Museum

The primary submarine base of the United States Navy on the East Coast is located on the opposite bank of the Thames River in Groton.

This positions a premier museum overseen by the Naval History and Heritage Command just minutes away. The centerpiece of the Submarine Force Library & Museum is the USS Nautilus, which is docked outside.

Commissioned in 1954, the USS Nautilus was the first operational nuclear-powered submarine, and the opportunity to tour its bow is a highlight.

On the premises, visitors will find an intriguing display of midget submarines alongside the sail section from the USS George Washington (1959), the first nuclear-powered submarine equipped with ballistic missiles.

Inside, exhibits showcase submarine models, a Sturgeon class attack center, and a replica of Bushnell’s Turtle (1776), as well as an array of submarine weaponry and artifacts related to the USS Nautilus.

8. Custom House Maritime Museum

The New London Maritime Society, which manages several offshore lighthouses, is based in the elegant Custom House, a Neoclassical building established in 1833.

This structure is constructed with various shades of granite, featuring rusticated blocks as its primary element. The Doric columns flanking the entrance and pilasters on the façade are made from a smoother, lighter stone.

The main door is carved from wood sourced from the USS Constitution (1797).

In 1839, New London’s Custom House was the site where La Amistad, the notorious Spanish slave ship, was brought ashore following a revolt, leading to a court case that advanced the movement towards abolition in the United States.

Inside, visitors can explore exhibits on New London’s whaling industry, view model ships, and learn about the various lighthouses in the vicinity. Particularly interesting is the display on the Amistad, providing an in-depth account of the 1839 events.

9. Block Island Express Ferry

On a sunny day, Block Island is an ideal location for a relaxing afternoon; it lies off the southern tip of Long Island and south of Rhode Island.

During this season, the Block Island Express ferry operates up to five times daily from New London, with a crossing time of approximately one hour and 20 minutes.

Upon arriving at Old Harbor, visitors can spend the day cycling, hiking, and exploring both natural landmarks and manmade sites.

The Mohegan Bluffs on the island’s southern coast rise over 200 feet, offering breathtaking views from the Southeast Lighthouse.

Alternatively, visitors may prefer to relax along Long Island Sound, as Block Island boasts 17 miles of beautiful beaches.

For a delightful experience, consider an evening return trip. Every Thursday from late June, the ferry departs New London around 3:10 PM, allowing for a leisurely dinner on the island followed by sunset views over Long Island Sound.

10. Hempsted Houses

New London is home to one of Connecticut’s oldest surviving houses.

The Joshua Hempsted House was constructed around 1678 and served as the birthplace of Joshua Hempsted II.

His diary has emerged as one of the most significant historical documents detailing life in colonial New England, particularly noting the life of Adam Jackson, an enslaved person who lived on the property for over 30 years.

This clapboard structure is distinctive due to its left gable, which extends out from the main block to form a vestibule.

Adjacent to it is the stone-built Nathanial Hempsted House, dating back to 1759. Both structures survived the extensive destruction during the Battle of Groton Heights in 1780.

The theory is that the Hempsteds were preparing for a family reunion feast, which was ultimately seized by the plundering British forces. Tours are available on the second and fourth weekends from May through October.

11. New London Ledge Light

This remarkable lighthouse, over a century old, does not actually appear as old as it is.

The New London Ledge Light was one of the final lighthouses constructed in New England, completed in 1909.

Its design resembles a mansion stranded at the entrance to New London Harbor, displaying elegant French Second Empire architecture and a mansard roof to meet local affluent demands for refinement.

While it may appear remote, visitors can reach the lighthouse via the Project Oceanology vessel, Enviro-Lab II, which departs from the UConn campus at Avery Point in Groton or New London’s own City Pier (ensure to check departure times).

Following a brief orientation video in a climate-controlled theater, you are free to explore the interior at your own pace. Highlights include the keepers’ quarters and the breathtaking view from the light tower.

12. New London Mural Walk

It is fitting that Connecticut’s cultural capital should host the largest mural walk in New England.

This mural walk encompasses six blocks of downtown New London, featuring artwork by distinguished international artists. It also serves as an excellent introduction to the city.

During my visit, I encountered two dozen murals, enhanced by a CamelTours app that facilitates a self-guided tour using a QR code scanned with a smartphone.

The mural walk was creatively designed to showcase the best aspects of New London, interspersed with opportunities to explore local shops, galleries, and a diverse array of restaurants along your route.

13. Whaling Wall

The highlight of the Mural Walk is the Whaling Wall, created by the renowned whale muralist Robert Wyland, located at 23 Eugene O’Neill Drive.

New London is a prime location for one of Wyland’s “Whaling Walls,” of which there are 100 worldwide, designed to promote environmental awareness.

During the early decades of the 19th century, this city was one of the three busiest whaling ports globally, second only to New Bedford, famous for Melville’s literary works.

The primary species hunted was the sperm whale, which Wyland selected as the subject for his magnificent mural, measuring over 160 feet in length and 40 feet in height.

14. Connecticut College Arboretum

Spanning 750 acres, the Connecticut College Arboretum was established in 1931 and enhances the lush campus landscape. It features 223 species of trees and shrubs, including Chinese witch hazel and Japanese pagoda trees.

Visitors can also explore beautifully managed landscapes. The Caroline Black Garden flourishes with mature trees, shrubs, and grasses from across the globe, including about 190 woody species, such as sourwood, Japanese stewartia, and weeping cherry.

The arboretum’s 3,000-square-foot greenhouse contains tropical and desert plants, while the Native Plant Collection showcases species native to this region, spread across 20 acres with 288 taxa found in North America and specifically around New London.

This space also features individual gardens dedicated to mountain laurel, azaleas, conifers, and regional wildflowers.

15. United States Coast Guard Museum

New London hosts the United States Coast Guard Academy, which has been in operation since 1876 and relocated to the city in the 1930s.

The smallest of the five service branches, the Coast Guard was established in 1790 as the Revenue-Marine. It currently lacks a major dedicated museum, although this situation is anticipated to change in the coming years with a planned project.

For now, visitors can explore a collection featuring weapons, figureheads, uniforms, medals, flight suits, and artwork displayed at the academy on Mohegan Avenue Parkway.

One particularly interesting aspect is the Revenue Cutters, which enforced tariffs, combated piracy, rescued distressed mariners, and occasionally served as an informal navy.

In order to visit the museum, American citizens must have a government-issued photo ID, while international visitors will need to contact the curator in advance.

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