New London: Attractions, Dining & Waterfront Views

Fort Trumbull State Park is a great place for a stroll while learning about history. You can get a nice view of the area’s Thames River from the ramparts or fort or head into the visitor’s center to learn about the area’s history, complete with interactive exhibits. Guests are welcome to walk along the boardwalk or go fishing on the pier. You can also take tours of the historic fort or take a water taxi. The pier itself is available 24 hours a day and has more than 500 feet of shore-based access to fishing on the Long Island Sound.

79 Elm Street, Hartford, CT, Phone: 860-424-3000

Cross Sound Ferry Lighthouse Cruises gives you the chance to enjoy the water while learning and viewing the history of Long Island and Southern New England. These are sightseeing tours in the water, which you get to enjoy on climate-controlled vessels of a high-speed, complete with comfort. There is the Classic Lighthouse Cruise, which shows you nine lighthouses in addition to forts and more or you can take a Lights & Sights Cruise for some amazing architecture in addition to the lighthouses. Or you can leave from Orient Point in NY for the Long Island Lights Cruise. There are free rewards memberships to let you earn points for discounts as well.

2 Ferry St., New London, CT, Phone: 860-443-5281

Ocean Beach Park delivers public access to the Atlantic Ocean from a stunning beach. There is also an Olympic-size pool with freshwater, event staging, and lockers. Enjoy the Game Room, Nature Walk, Bird Watching Observation Deck, Work Out World Health Club, triple water slide, carousel, spray park, or playgrounds throughout. The park has 50 acres of land in total, including attractions like the 18-hole miniature golf course. There are multiple event spaces, including the 8,000-square-foot Port ‘N Starboard and catering. While there, you can get a bite from the snack or ice cream stands or the Boardwalk Café Food Court.

98 Neptune Avenue, New London, CT, Phone: 860-447-3031

The Garde Arts Center has been in New London since 1985 and is a non-profit performing arts center of a professional level. The building itself, the Garde, dates back to 1926, making it a historic movie palace and you can admire the restored Moroccan interior with expanded lobbies. The space added a state-of-the-art digital cinema plus surround-sound system a few years ago, making it a great destination for both live performances and cinema. Attend events like the World Live Cinema Series, kids’ performances, musical performances, theatrical performances, musicals, and more. You an also rent the Garde for special events or attend a special event there.

325 State St., New London, CT, Phone: 860-444-7373

The United States Coast Guard Museum is run by the National Coast Guard Museum Association and honors the heritage of the Coast Guard while letting the public gain insights into the life of the Coast Guard. The museum features STEM-based educational programs, leadership training, interactive exhibits, programs, and both private and public partnerships. There are three different themes across the museum, focusing on Safety, Security, and Stewardship. These are divided into five story lines, including Protectors of the Environment, Champions of Commerce, Lifesavers Around the Globe, Defenders of the Nation, and Enforcers of the Seas. The museum is divided into exhibits, renderings, and the STEM Discovery Center, with something for all ages.

78 Howard St, Suite A, New London, CT, Phone: 860-443-4200

Romantic Ideas:

The Connecticut College Arboretum is open to the public every single day of the week between dawn and dusk, so anyone can enjoy this gorgeous space. The Arboretum lets visitors connect with the natural world and provides the chance for recreation, conservation, teaching, and research. You can also become a member to help support the Arboretum. The Arboretum covers 750 acres with various plant collections and every trail works well for either casual strolling or hiking. There are also some areas where you can go run. You can choose to explore the Arboretum on your own or join one of the free guided tours during the summer months.

270 Mohegan Avenue, New London, CT, Phone: 860-447-1911

Connecticut College is a private college that is a liberal arts school and has about 1,815 students. The college’s founding occurred in 1911 under the name Connecticut College for Women, which became Connecticut College and began accepting men in 1969. There are 41 majors to choose from as well as the option of a self-designed major. The campus has three residential areas as well as two main libraries, including one that is recently renovated. There are also multiple performance spaces on campus as well as the college’s arboretum, which is open to the public to visit for connecting with nature.

270 Mohegan Avenue, New London, CT, Phone: 860-447-1911

The Thames River Heritage Park & Water Taxi was Connecticut’s first heritage park. As a heritage park, it combines contemporary and historical sites, including institutions and communities on either side of the river. The Thames River Heritage Water Taxi takes you across the water and lets you learn about the area’s history while seeing historic spots, such as where Benedict Arnold stormed Fort Griswold in 1781. There are multiple great sites in and by the heritage park, including the Nathan Hale Schoolhouse, the Historic Waterfront District, Shaw Mansion, Hempsted Houses, Fort Trumbull, and Custom House Maritime Museum. Just remember that the water taxi is seasonal and does not operate in the winter.

P.O. Box 851, New London, CT