Top 15 Attractions and Activities in East Lyme, CT

Often regarded as one of the most livable small towns in Connecticut, East Lyme encompasses the charming coastal village of Niantic in its southeastern region.

Niantic has been a popular destination for vacationers for over a century, characterized by its sandy beaches nestled within the bays along East Lyme’s scenic shoreline.

The Niantic Bay Boardwalk invites visitors to relax for an hour or two, perhaps with a book, while enjoying the expansive views of the bay.

A further picturesque vantage point can be found at McCook Park, which is bordered by two additional sandy beaches. Additionally, the southwestern side of East Lyme features Rocky Neck, known for its biodiversity-rich wetlands and another stunning beach.

Let us examine the most engaging activities in and around East Lyme:

1. Niantic Bay Boardwalk

Perhaps the most ideal location to pause by Long Island Sound in Connecticut, the Niantic Bay Boardwalk extends from “The Guy” in the east to Hole-in-the-Wall Beach in the west.

For the first portion of this 1.1-mile promenade, the boardwalk runs parallel to a sandy beach that looks particularly inviting on a sunny summer day.

This part is a genuine boardwalk, as it traverses over dunes, while the western segment features a gravel path alongside the rocks, with the waters of Long Island Sound breaking just a few feet away.

Benches are situated throughout for those wishing to take a break, and the delightful Main Street of Niantic lies just behind, offering various shopping and dining options.

2. Rocky Neck State Park

Located to the east of a salt marsh and to the west of the tidal Fourmile River, Rocky Neck is a picturesque coastal area that was preserved in the early 1930s after conservationists acquired it and subsequently sold it to the state.

During the summer months, the park’s allure is apparent, featuring a crescent-shaped sandy beach smoothly descending into the clear waters of the Sound.

The site also has historical significance, as evidenced by the Ellie Mitchell Pavilion (1936), a Works Progress Administration initiative aimed at providing employment opportunities.

Constructed from local timber and granite, this pavilion is the largest structure from the Great Depression era in Connecticut.

Along the boundaries of the salt marsh and tidal area within the park, visitors can embark on trails to spot herons, cranes, and mute swans during autumn, while the osprey serves as a magnificent summer visitor, often seen catching herring in Bride Brook.

3. McCook Park Beach

At the western terminus of the Niantic Bay Boardwalk lies McCook Park Beach, which incorporates the bluffs of McCook Point along with the two sandy beaches flanking it.

This land was once owned by the McCook family, descendants of Union Army chaplain John James McCook, until its transfer in 1953. McCook Point is where their summer residence was located, which now features lawns bordered by copper beeches.

From the point, one can observe Long Island Sound, with Orient Point visible at the northern tip of Long Island.

Between Memorial Day and Labor Day, there is ample space to enjoy McCook Point Beach and Hole-in-the-Wall Beach; however, a day pass is required for access, which can be relatively costly.

4. Florence Griswold Museum

Perched above the Lieutenant River in Old Lyme, the elegant Georgian residence of Florence Griswold (1850-1937) became the central hub for the Impressionist Old Lyme Art Colony during the early 20th century.

Numerous artists resided with Florence during this period, including notable figures such as Childe Hassam, Willard Metcalf, Matila Browne, Breta and Lydia Longacre, and Wilson Irvine, among others.

Each artist who visited the colony was invited to create a panel within the house, amounting to a total of 43, the majority of which are showcased in the dining room.

The residence later transitioned into a museum, where the Krieble Gallery, opened in 2002, provides additional exhibition space, hosting changing exhibitions up to four times a year.

The museum boasts a significant collection of Impressionist, landscape, and modern paintings by renowned artists including Hassam, Milton Avery, Matilda Browne, Frederic Church, and Edward Francis Rook.

5. The Book Barn

A paradise for literature enthusiasts, the Book Barn operates as a second-hand bookstore with three locations scattered across Niantic, all situated along Main Street.

As of 2019, the Book Barn housed over 350,000 titles; however, this extensive collection has likely expanded since then.

The charming Main Barn is positioned just west of Niantic, with a Downtown Shop adjacent to the Niantic Cinema and Chapter Three located further along West Main Street.

The vast Main Barn features an information booth at the entrance, complete with brochures to assist visitors in navigating the space.

Knowledgeable staff members are available to provide guidance, and for those feeling overwhelmed, complimentary tea, coffee, cocoa, cookies, and crackers are on hand for refreshment.

6. Children’s Museum of Southeastern Connecticut

Younger children can cultivate creativity and learning through play at this highly-rated children’s museum.

The Discovery Room features an educational theme throughout its activities and exhibits, including Microscope stations, Train Tables, Kaleidoscopes, Creation Stations, Magnet Walls, and Maxi-Rollaway setups.

This area also houses a small assortment of animals, including a bearded dragon, a leopard gecko, an observation beehive, Australian tree frogs, and a Russian tortoise.

In the Imagination Room, children can construct with foam blocks and engage in role-playing scenarios in a market/café, village, market garden, and fire station.

The excitement continues outdoors in a playscape featuring a climbing wall, a dedicated area for toddlers, a water table, a digging pit, a zip-line, and a tree house.

7. Samuel Smith Farmstead

This remarkably preserved First Period colonial residence was constructed around 1685 and is set amidst 17 acres in the tranquil countryside of East Lyme.

Subsequent additions were made circa 1735 and 1812, yet the property has retained its colonial essence, complete with a barn and much of its original agricultural heritage.

The structure stands at 1.5 stories tall, featuring a gambrel roof and a five-bay facade.

Inside, a central chimney can be found, along with a distinctive fireplace in the basement.

Many period features have been preserved, including featheredged wood paneling from the early 18th century.

A restoration project is currently underway; however, the Samuel Smith Farmstead welcomes visitors for tours on Sunday afternoons from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

8. Harkness Memorial State Park

Upon establishing their summer residence in nearby Waterford, philanthropists Edward and Mary Harkness named it “Eolia,” inspired by the home of Aeolus, the Greek god of winds.

Their Renaissance Revival mansion, overlooking the Sound, reached completion in 1907, with renowned landscape designer Beatrix Jones Farrand commissioned to develop the exquisite formal gardens, which feature terraces, a pergola, a colonnade, and a circular fountain.

This 300-acre estate was bequeathed to the state of Connecticut by Mary in 1950, allowing visitors to stroll through its lush gardens, expansive lawns, and towering trees, while appreciating views of Long Island Sound and exploring the 42-room mansion during weekends.

9. Thomas Lee House

It is remarkable to consider that this structure on West Main Street has stood since 1660. The Thomas Lee House is among the oldest wooden frame houses in Connecticut, preserved in its original state, and was first restored in the early 20th century by historian and preservationist Norman Isham.

The house features a five-bay main façade and stands at 1.5 stories, built with a post-and-beam frame topped by a steep pitched roof.

About 1700, the footprint of the building was doubled, followed by the addition of a lean-to for the kitchen and adjoining rooms in 1765. The property remained with the Lee family for 200 years before being acquired by the East Lyme Historical Society in 1914. Inside, visitors can admire wooden paneling, period-specific furniture, cooking utensils, and everyday tools such as bellows and looms.

10. Niantic Farmers’ Market

Located on Methodist Street, directly across from Niantic Bay Bicycles, the Niantic Farmers’ Market operates every Thursday from 15:00 to 18:00, from early June through late October.

In 2019, over 20 regular vendors were present, all producers able to attest to their goods while offering preparation and storage advice.

Visitors could find organic fruits and vegetables, farm-raised meats, eggs, fish, cheeses, desserts, fresh lemonade, Creole cuisine, prepared salads, and much more.

11. Nature’s Art Village

Situated just over the border in Montville, Nature’s Art Village offers a combination of shopping and unique family attractions.

At the Shops, visitors can spend hours browsing through arts and crafts, jewelry, educational toys, puzzles, minerals, fossils, and beads.

The Past Antiques Marketplace is a vast emporium featuring over 90 dealers across two floors, all under one roof.

For family enjoyment, Copper Creek Mini Golf, the mining-themed Discovery Depot, and the Genius Museum, celebrating two centuries of American industrial innovation, provide ample options.

12. The Dinosaur Place at Nature’s Art Village

Children will be captivated by this Jurassic-themed attraction at Nature’s Art Village, which features approximately 50 life-sized dinosaur models positioned across 60 acres of woodland.

These dinosaurs are displayed along a well-maintained 1.5-mile trail that winds around Raptor Bay Lake.

Across the water, the park boasts its very own volcano, which erupts and emits smoke every hour between 13:00 and 17:00. Children can fully enjoy the largest splashpad in New England, the massive T. Rex Tower Playscape, Monty’s DINO-Sized Playground, or slide down the mouth of a T. Rex at the MAZEasaurus.

13. Cedar Ridge Golf Course

For those looking to fit in a round, Cedar Ridge offers a highly-rated public course in East Lyme.

This executive par 3 course features 18 holes instead of the usual nine.

Players will need to employ every iron in their bags, as five or six holes exceed 200 yards.

The forgiving fairways are bordered by light rough, while bunkers and water hazards are minimal.

However, the greens should be approached with caution, as they are exceedingly fast and set upon unexpected slopes.

Cedar Ridge is a suitable choice for beginners as a par 3 course, while also challenging seasoned golfers’ skills in putting, pitch shots, and iron play.

Green fees range from approximately $15 for nine holes, walking, Monday to Friday, to $40 for 18 holes with a cart on weekends.

14. Nehantic State Forest

A significant expanse of this 5,000-acre state forest is found in the quieter northern section of East Lyme.

This state forest, the oldest in New London County, was acquired in segments beginning in 1926 and encompasses parts of Salem to the north and Lyme to the west.

On the East Lyme side, hiking opportunities abound along Nehantic Forest Road and various unmarked trails that diverge and reconnect.

Traveling slightly westward, the portion in Lyme is more focused on outdoor activities, including the Blue-Blazed Nayantaquit Trail and boating possibilities at Uncas Pond and Norwich Pond.

15. Fishing Charters

For those interested in bottom fishing, Mago Point in Waterford, located just across Niantic, is home to a collection of fishing charter companies ready to navigate Long Island Sound in pursuit of larger catches.

Many of these companies, such as Sunbeam Fleet, have a long-standing history, with experienced skippers familiar with local waters.

They provide valuable guidance to assist in reeling in a variety of fish, including bluefish, largemouth bass, bonitos, blackfish, and breams.

In addition to Sunbeam Fleet, there exists a comprehensive list of charter options, including Petrel Fishing Charters, Mijoy Boat, Lucky Strike, JB Sportfishing, Black Hawk II, and Tartan II.