Looking for a charming coastal town with classic New England vibes? Visit East Lyme, Connecticut! Home to the villages of Niantic and Flanders, East Lyme offers scenic beaches, a walkable downtown, and maritime charm. Whether you're strolling the boardwalk, visiting historic sites, or enjoying seafood by the shore, this town is a relaxing coastal escape.
When I like to visit
The best time to visit East Lyme is from late spring through early fall (May–September). Warm weather is perfect for beach days, outdoor dining, and coastal activities. Fall offers a quieter experience with beautiful foliage and mild temperatures.
Tips for getting There
- By Car: East Lyme is easily accessible via I-95, about 2 hours from New York City and 1 hour from Providence.
- By Train: The nearest Amtrak station is in New London (15 minutes away); taxis and rideshares connect you to East Lyme.
- By Air: The closest major airport is Bradley International Airport (BDL), approximately 1.5 hours away by car.
Where I like to stay
- Niantic Inn – Cozy, convenient lodging in downtown Niantic just steps from the beach and boardwalk.
- Oak Grove Beach Cabins – Quaint cottages and vacation rentals with water views and easy beach access.
- Hotels in New London or Mystic – More options available just a short drive away for expanded amenities and resort-style stays.
Top Attractions
1. Stroll Along the Shoreline at Niantic Bay Boardwalk
Niantic Bay Boardwalk is considered to be one of the nicest waterfront walkways in Connecticut. It’s a wonderful place to take a long walk, relax on a bench, and admire the beauty of the Long Island Sound. Spanning at 1.1 miles long, the boardwalk stretches from Cini Park all the way to Hole-in-the-Wall Beach. In addition to complimentary parking, you’ll find that the boardwalk also has sections of white-sand beach which are open to the public for swimming and sunbathing. Other activities you can partake in include fishing, photography, and picnicking. After exploring the boardwalk, take a stroll through the nearby Main Street which is filled with quaint shops and restaurants.
30 Main Street, Niantic, CT 06357
2. Swim, Hike, or Picnic at Rocky Neck State Park
Established in 1931, Rocky Neck State Park is one of East Lyme’s most popular public recreation areas. The park spans 708 acres and includes white sand beaches, rocky shores, a broad salt marsh, a tidal river, and a large stone pavilion which dates back to the 1930s. You can spend your time sunbathing on the soft beaches, hiking through the diverse trail systems, or sitting on the salt marsh viewing platform and taking in the scenery. Visitors love bringing a picnic basket, enjoying a meal, and watching the trains go by. Other activities you can partake in include camping, saltwater fishing, and bird watching.
244 W Main Street, Niantic, CT 06357, Phone: 860-739-5471
Head to the Beach
3. Find Seaside Serenity at Hole-in-the-Wall Beach
A part of McCook’s Point Park, Hole-in-the-Wall Beach is a popular white sand beach at which residents and visitors can enjoy some swim and sun on the Long Island Sound. The beach is accessed through a short tunnel under the railroad tracks and can be found right opposite the Niantic Bay Boardwalk. The sand gently slopes into the swimming area which is sheltered by McCook’s Point on one side and a stone jetty on the other. The beach is fairly secluded throughout the year but can get extremely busy during the hot summer months - there is a lifeguard present during these times.
4 Baptist Lane, Niantic, CT 06357
4. Unwind by the Water at McCook Beach & Park
Linked with Hole-in-the-Wall beach, visitors will find the popular McCook Beach & Park . The public space was created in 1954 and spans over 21 acres. There are several facilities and amenities there to make your trip enjoyable such as a covered picnic pavilion which you can rent, bathroom facilities, parking by the beach, and a playground for children of all ages. There are also opportunities to go fishing off of McCook Point. The beach is open all year round, though visitors must get a daily or seasonal pass to access it. The stunning space has a lot of history which visitors can learn about while there, including being a camping site for Niantic Indians as well as the site for European settlers back in the 1600s.
Attractions for Couples
5. Enjoy Live Jazz and Intimate Vibes at The Side Door
Tucked away in a corner of peaceful and serene East Lyme, The Side Door is a wonderful little jazz club that has been visited by many renowned musicians in the industry. The club is owned by Kenneth D. Kitchings, who himself is a jazz aficionado who enjoys each and every moment at the club - oftentimes, more than the customer does. Opening night in 2013 started with performances by the Newport All Star Band and the venerable George Wein. Visit the intimate and elegant jazz venue to witness performances by some of the very best jazz artists in the world such as the Ravi Coltrane Quartet, TS Monk Sextet, The Cookiers, Big Chief Donald Harrison, and Ricky Ford.
Old Lyme Inn: 85 Lyme Street, Old Lyme, CT 06371, Phone: 860-434-2600
6. Tee Off with a View at Cedar Ridge Golf Course
Cedar Ridge is a par-3, 18-hole golf course that is wonderful, well-groomed, and can be found right in the heart of East Lyme. The executive course can be played in 2 ½ to three hours and is perfect for beginners and experienced golfers as the course has a short length but demands skills for certain shots. Several of the holds are over 200 yards in length, offering a challenging yet great golf experience. There are supplies, golf carts and club rentals available at their pro shop. Cedar Ridge is also home to several tournaments and events which visitors are encouraged to spectate or participate in themselves.
Cedar Ridge Golf Course, 34 Drabik Road, East Lyme, CT 06333, Phone: 860-691-4568
7. Step Into Colonial Life at Samuel Smith Farmstead
Experience what life was like on a colonial farm circa 1685 at the Samuel Smith Farmstead. The structure is an outstanding example of a simple colonial-era homestead in Connecticut and includes a colonial house, barn, and a farm which sit on 17 acres of rural land. The house is a wonderful attraction to explore as it is one of the few you’ll come across that has been restored and maintained so accurately and impeccably. The living museum is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is maintained by a non-profit organization, Friends of Samuel Smith House and Property, Inc.
82 Plants Dam Road, East Lyme, CT 06333
8. Explore Peaceful Trails in Nehantic State Forest
Spanning over 5,000 acres, Nehantic State Forest is a publicly-owned forest and recreation area that was established in 1926. The gorgeous outdoor space is extremely popular with residents and visitors as it offers tons of things to do as you explore the local flora and fauna. It is especially crowded during the summer months when the warm weather is just right for picnicking, hiking, swimming, and boating. There are designated areas which allow for seasonal hunting as well. You can launch your boat from either Uncas Lake or Norwich Pond and spend a relaxing day out on the calm waters.
29 Willow Lane, East Lyme, CT 06333
Where to Eat
9. If You’re Craving Italian Comfort Food, Dine at il Pomod'Oro Restaurant & Pizzeria
Discover premium Italian dining in a friendly and casual environment in one of East Lyme’s best restaurants, il Pomod'Oro Restaurant & Pizzeria. Beckoning Italian food aficionados of all ages, you’ll find a large selection of foods to tantalize everyone’s appetite. Every dish from their kitchen is made fresh daily, no matter if it comprises the handmade pasta or the locally-sourced meats, produce, and other ingredients. Choose from appetizers, soups, salads, specialty pizzas, sandwiches, calzones, handmade pasta, ocean-fresh seafood, tantalizing entrees, and mouth-watering desserts. Be sure to try out the grilled calamari with balsamic glaze, homemade lasagne alla bolognese, and the pan roasted Stonington scallops.
117 Boston Post Road, East Lyme, CT 06333, Phone: 860-739-6234
10. Grab a Laid-Back Bite at The Shack
With all-American favorites and classic comfort foods for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, it’s no wonder that The Shack has been a family favorite since it opened in 1989. Truly an integral part of the community, you’ll often find friends and families celebrating various milestones at The Shack. Start your day with a hearty breakfast complete with fresh Belgian waffles, French toast, old fashioned griddle cakes, an omelet built your way, a breakfast sandwich, home fries, bacon, sausage, ham, and anything else you can think of. Their lunch/ dinner menu has a little bit of everything so that patrons of all ages will find something that they love. Feast on a crispy chicken salad, a bowl of chili, New England clam strips dinner, or their famous ‘Shack Dog’ topped with bacon and cheese.
Brooks Plaza: 324 Flanders Road, East Lyme, CT 06333, Phone: 860-739-8898
More places to Eat
- Skipper’s Restaurant – Local favorite for casual seafood, fried clams, and chowder with outdoor seating in the summer.
- La Belle Aurore – Farm-to-table dining with a rotating seasonal menu in a cozy, rustic setting.
- Niantic Public House & Brewery – Craft beer and small bites in a welcoming taproom just steps from downtown.
Local Events
- Niantic Bay Oyster Festival (August) – Celebrate the region’s maritime culture with oysters, live music, and local vendors.
- Light Parade in Niantic (December) – A festive holiday event with illuminated floats, carolers, and a cozy community vibe.
- Celebrate East Lyme (July) – A summer street fair with food trucks, live entertainment, and fireworks by the water.
Day Trips Within 30 Minutes of East Lyme, Connecticut
- Harkness Memorial State Park (20–25 min) – Tour elegant gardens and a historic mansion on the Long Island Sound shoreline.
- Mystic Seaport Museum (25–30 min) – Explore historic ships, a recreated 19th-century seafaring village, and hands-on maritime exhibits.
- Mystic Aquarium (25–30 min) – See beluga whales, sea lions, and hands-on exhibits at one of New England’s best aquariums.
- Connecticut College Arboretum (20 min) – Wander peaceful walking paths among gardens, native plants, and wooded trails in New London.
- Fort Trumbull State Park (20–25 min) – Tour the historic fort and enjoy panoramic views of the Thames River from walking paths.
- Waterford Beach Park (15–20 min) – Enjoy quieter beachfront with soft sand and views of Long Island Sound just west of East Lyme.
- Florence Griswold Museum (15–20 min) – Visit this Old Lyme museum celebrating American Impressionism in a charming riverside setting.
- Downtown Old Saybrook (25–30 min) – Stroll the main street filled with shops, cafés, and history near the mouth of the Connecticut River.
Plan Your Trip