Explore the Best of Waterside Eastern CT This Summer
In this two-part Blog series, we take a look at the attractions and opportunities that make eastern CT a tourism destination of choice. Part one focuses on tourism along eastern CT's coastline. Part two will spotlight tourism inland. Read on and search our online business directory for even more tourism-oriented businesses.
Eastern CT’s coastline offers family recreation for all ages with wide sandy beaches and direct water access.
Ocean Beach Park in New London features a boardwalk, Olympic-size pool, mini-golf, and a variety of family-friendly rides. The park also hosts nightly entertainment and sporting events throughout the summer season.
If you are looking for something more low-key, the Niantic Boardwalk in East Lyme is a perfect place for a peaceful stroll while enjoying a view of Long Island Sound.
Options are available for those looking to get out on the water.Black Hawk II Party Fishing Boat out of Niantic, one of several large party boats, offers fishing excursions up and down the coast during all seasons. You don’t need a fishing license for this deep-sea trip, just a sense of adventure.
Argia Mystic Cruises, sailing from downtown Mystic, features exciting day cruises or romantic sunset cruises on the 81-foot schooner Argia. Enjoy picturesque scenes of historic New England lighthouses with the wind in your sails (literally!) The Argia is a top choice for families or couples.
Catch up-close glimpses of the region’s many lighthouses with a narrated lighthouse cruise, operated during the summer months by Cross Sound Ferry Services.
Be sure to visit the Submarine Force Library & Museum in Groton. This fascinating museum is the only submarine museum operated by the United States Navy, and is the primary repository for artifacts, documents and photographs relating to U.S. submarine force history. Cap your visit with a tour of the USS Nautilus, the world’s first operational nuclear-powered submarine, now restored and open to the public to explore.
Mystic Seaport Museum offers another perspective on the region’s maritime history. The museum offers historical exhibits, restored vessels to explore, a functioning shipyard, an authentically-recreated sailing village, gardens, planetarium, and numerous special events throughout the year.
These are just a few of the many tourism opportunities in eastern CT! Browse our online business directory to find even more.