Location: New London
Top Things to do in New London
Top 10 Things to do in New London, United States
The city of New London, Connecticut, has been an important port since the Revolutionary War, when it served as a base for American privateers raiding British Ships. In the 19th century, the revenues brought into the city by whalers helped build what now forms the city's charming center, filled with historic homes, taverns and shops. The masts of tall ships can still be seen passing through the harbor, the home of Coast Guard ships and the site of the annual Sailfest summer celebration.
Restaurants in New London
1. The Submarine Force Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 749 reviews
The home of the world's first nuclear submarine has several other exhibits on the history of submarines.
Reviewed By mclemons - Blacksburg, Virginia
I visited this museum during the summer of 2017. It was a great experience. First, you enter the museum area which has a lot of naval information, including history and information about our current US Navy. I am a Navy veteran myself, so this was very nostalgic.
As you make your way through the museum, you eventually come to the doorway that leads you the the USS Nautilus; a floating museum inside the first commissioned nuclear powered sub in the US Navy.
The walkways throughout the inside of the submarine are tight, which is to be expected. You travel along a predetermined route. There are also audio tours available for those interested.
In my opinion, this is a great experience for all ages. It's a must-see if you are visiting the area. The one word of caution I have is if you are concerned at all with tight spaces or tight stairwells, the submarine aspect may be one to skip. It does get a little tight in areas.
2. Harkness Memorial State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 152 reviews
This 1906 Roman Renaissance Classical Revival-style mansion belonged to philanthropist Edward Harkness.
Reviewed By LFS517 - Lakewood, Colorado
Even though it was late summer, there were still some nice flowers in the gardens. We enjoyed walking around the gardens and peeking in the mansion windows.
3. Bluff Point State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 166 reviews
Reviewed By EllenBread
Wide dirt-gravel pathway makes this a great location for a winter walk or light hike along the shoreline. The walk takes you out to Bluff Point with views of Long Island Sound and Ledge Lighthouse. Very large parking lot. The road into the park from the railroad where the pavement ends is full of very deep pot-holes that requires careful, slow navigation.
4. Fort Trumbull State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 119 reviews
Reviewed By HikerTraveler - East Hartford, CT
Spent a lovely Sunday walking the grounds of Fort Trumbull State Park. What a gem! Beautiful grounds and friendly, helpful staff (mostly volunteers!!!). Excellent welcome center and nice gift shop.
The Fort has a long history all the way back to the Revolution. Reading of the British and Benedict Arnold's despicable acts against Lt. Colonel Ledyard and his men here will horrify you. The photos of the brave who served here are terrific. What a view from the top of the Fort!
5. USS Nautilus
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 51 reviews
Reviewed By DT-PEI
To see how submariners lived in such cramped quarters for such long periods of time was moving. To experience how they had to move between compartments on the sub proved to me that I could never have been such a sailor. Thankfully the sub was air conditioned as it was a hot September day when we visited. The audio player briefly explains what you are observing, but it was not always clear if I was looking at the correct item being described on the audio device. Regardless, the tour was well worth the climbing up and down the different levels and through the passageways.
Free parking, free admission. CLOSED Tuesdays!
6. Fort Griswold Battlefield State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 87 reviews
Reviewed By Karen H
Found this driving around the area and stopped in for a leisurely walk around their paths on the very nice grounds. Plenty of History here and envisioning the battle fort defending by the sea, for all of us. Glad we stopped and enjoyed some cheese and crackers and watermelon this sunny afternoon!
7. Ocean Beach Park
Overall Ratings
4 based on 318 reviews
New England's finest beach and boardwalk attractions including mini golf course, rides, water slides, kiddy spray park, olympic pool, arcade, gift shop, food concessions, cafe with restaurant, banquet and catering facilities, picnic area, health club, nature walk
Reviewed By DonInConnecticut - Connecticut
Beaches along the Long Island Sound aren't nearly as good as Long Island's oceanfront south shore beaches or even Rhode Island's. But this one is special. First, the beach itself: This is about as great as a Long Island Sound beach can be. Clean water,...MoreDon, Thanks so much for your great review and description of Ocean Beach Park. We sincerely appreciate it and hope to have the pleasure of seeing you here again soon.
8. Avery Point Light
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 77 reviews
Attractively styled lighthouse which was in operation from 1944 to 1967.
Reviewed By Karen H
Love the artwork on the grounds, the scenery can't be beat, and the pathway with inspiring donation bricks and stone seatings along the grounds.
9. Cross Sound Ferry Lighthouse Cruises
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 51 reviews
Get a new perspective on the history of Southern New England and Long Island when you do your sightseeing from the water - aboard the comfortable high-speed SEA JET. Choose from either of two great tours: Classic Cruise or the Lights & Sights Cruise where you will get up close and personal to 12 different lighthouses between the 2 cruises. All cruises depart at 12:30 p.m. from the Cross Sound Ferry docks and last approximately 2 hours.
Reviewed By LFS517 - Lakewood, Colorado
We took the Mainland & Fishers Island Lights & Sights tour. We really enjoyed it. Arrived a little late and all seats outside were full, so we sat inside. The narration was enjoyable, lots of good information about the lighthouses and other sights on the tour. When the waves allowed, the crew would open the door and let us out onto the front deck to take photos of the lighthouses when the boat got close to them. An enjoyable experience on a beautiful New England fall day!
10. Outer Light Brewing Company
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 29 reviews
Reviewed By tigg189074 - Hartford, Connecticut
My husband and I stopped in here this past Saturday to try the brewery for the first time. We arrived and saw they had an Octoberfest event going on that day (music, a food truck, tents, games, etc). We were worried they were going to charge a fee since our plan was only to stay for one beer. Thankfully, they checked our ID's and it was free to get in. The place was lively with a bunch of people hanging out and drinking beer. Unfortunately, it was hard to get a real feel for the place since this was a special event, but I thought it was great they had something fun going on. We started to wait in line to get food at the food truck, but we waited about ten minutes and the line didn't move at all so we walked away. Ten minutes later we looked over and it STILL hadn't moved. They had a bbq place food truck, but the food was chili dogs and cheese-steak sandwiches. Not bbq at all. And it was pricey for what it was. With the impressive quality of food trucks that are out there why have a food truck that's lackluster and pricey? Overall, the brewery itself was cool, but it was very heavy on the IPA's.
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