Things To Do In New London Ct

Terrific Things To Do In New London Connecticut

Top 15. Best Tourist Attractions in New London, Connecticut

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Connecticut has its share of adorable little towns, and New London is definitely one of them! New London has plenty of great things to see and do, whether youre there for a day or a week. Not only is one of the most gorgeous beaches in the state in this little waterfront town, but it is also full of art and history and fun things to do, oh my!

Below are all of the most terrific things to do in New London, Connecticut!

Take A Guided Tour Of The Monte Cristo Cottage

Located at 325 Pequot Avenue in New London, Monte Cristo Cottage is the former summer home of the American playwright and Nobel laureate Eugene O’Neill.

It is one of the most historical landmarks of the city, and it is where the legendary playwright wrote his first two plays. You can take private tours of the cottage to know more about the 19th-century cottage and the life of Eugene O’Neil.

Get Inspired At The Lyman Allyn Art Museum

The Lyman Allyn Art Museum first opened its doors in 1932. Housed in a lovely neoclassical building, its collection is vast. Over 17,000 objects are on display from eras ranging from ancient times to today. The works come from across the globe, offering guests a wide variety of genres.

The museum was made possible through a donation made by Harriet Allyn, in memory of her father, a whaling ship captain. A sculpture trail snakes through 12 acres of verdant grounds surrounding the building the giant creations serve as appetizers for the elaborate works found inside.

In addition to a permanent collection featuring Louis Comfort Tiffany’s varied creations are changing exhibitions, special programming, lectures, concerts, and design programs. Kids particularly enjoy the Playthings of the Past interactive exhibit, which showcases toys, dolls, and books from bygone eras.

The American Perspective exhibition is another star attraction focusing on American works from colonial times through the 20th century.

Address: 625 Williams Street, New London, Connecticut

Official site:

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New London Ledge Light New London Connecticut

The Ledge Lighthouse Foundation takes care of the New London Ledge Light and is a non-profit, all-volunteer organization that works to publicize the history of the lighthouse and help it remain a tourist attraction. Construction of the lighthouse took place between 1906 and 1909 and it is three stories tall with elven rooms. It has a granite and brick design of a unique nature. The lighthouse is still active today, helping to guide those on the water and it has undergone massive restoration by the Ledge Lighthouse Foundation. The foundation also offers seasonal tours of the lighthouse, both individual or public tours.

New London, CT

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Gorgeous Seaside Parks Rich Maritime History And Fantastic Seafood Are Just A Few Reasons To Visit The Coastal Town Of New London Connecticut

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Please note that many establishments throughout New England have modified their hours and/or operations in response to COVID-19. Always check for the latest information before making travel plans.

The sea has always played a defining role for New London, Connecticut. Situated on the banks of the Thames River, the New London of the mid-1800s was the second-largest whaling port in the world. In the 21st century, its home to the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, and visitors have access to popular attractions such as Ocean Beach Park and a variety of day cruises that leave the citys docks.

Ready for a visit? Then read on to discover what to do in New London, Connecticut.

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New London Mural Walk

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Its fitting that Connecticuts arts capital should also be home to the largest mural walk in New England.

This spans six blocks of downtown New London, endowed with works by acclaimed international artists, but also allowing you to get better acquainted with the city.

At the time of writing in 2019 there were two dozen murals across six blocks, aided by a CamelTours app that will give you a self-guided tour by scanning the QR code with your smartphone.

The mural walk has been devised to show off the best of New London, and there are shops, galleries and an eclectic choice of restaurants to sidetrack you as you go.

Custom House Maritime Museum

Source: Custom House Maritime Museum

The New London Maritime Society, which cares for the New London Ledge Light, the Race Rock Light and New London Harbor Light is headquartered at the stately Custom House, a Neoclassical edifice from 1833. This building is constructed from granite of different shades, with rusticated blocks as the main material, and smooth, lighter toned stone for the Doric columns on its porch and the pilasters that flank the main facade.

The door meanwhile is carved from timber that once belong to the USS Constitution.

In 1839 New Londons Custom House was the landing site of La Amistad, the famous Spanish slave ship captured in a revolt, resulting in a court case that edged America closer to abolition.

Inside you can dip into New Londons whaling industry, go into depth on La Amistad, check out model ships and read up on the many lighthouses in the region.

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Enjoy The Beauty Of Nature At Connecticut College Arboretum

Found in 1932, Connecticut College Arboretum is a 750-acre arboretum and botanical garden in the campus of Connecticut College situated in New London. The arboretum and botanical gardens feature several types of different trees, plants, flowers, bedrocks, etc.

It is open every day of the week from dawn till dusk for the visitors to enjoy the stunning plant life and the serene environment. You can also take a guided tour to know more about the arboretum and the plant life flourishing in it.

Visit the Connecticut College Arboretum to enjoy the beauty of nature and sweeping views.

Nathan Hale Schoolhouse New London Connecticut

PCS Guide to Groton Ct | New London Submarine Base

The Nathan Hale Schoolhouse in New London is where Nathan Hale, the state hero, taught between 1774 and 1775, just a few years after his graduation from Yale at age 18. After this, Hale enlisted in the American Revolution and quickly became a Captain and was famous as the only soldier who volunteered to spy on the British who controlled Long Island, being hung for his efforts. The Nathan Hale Schoolhouse was built in 1773 and was called the Union School. Today, you can visit and go on a tour of the schoolhouse, where docents help keep it in good shape and share information with visitors.

Atlantic St, New London, CT, Phone: 860-873-3399

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Visit In The London Parks

One of the best things to do in London for free is to walk or play sports in its many well-kept parks.

Among the most famous parks to visit in London are:

  • Hyde Park: It is the largest and most famous park in the city where you will find from a huge lake, various monuments, a rose garden, the gardens, and Kensington Palace, to endless trails for walking or running.
  • St Jamess Park: Located near Buckingham Palace, it is one of the Royal Parks of London and the most beautiful in the city.
  • Regents Park: Another one of the perfect parks for a walk where its lakes stand out and in spring, its beautiful rose garden.
  • Kew Gardens: This Royal Botanical Garden located in a neighborhood away from the center impresses its greenhouses full of exotic flowers and plants.
  • Primrose Hill: Located on a hill near Camden, it is perfect for a picnic with beautiful views of the city skyline.

Things To Do In Mystic

Mystic – New London has plenty of close by fun experiences for you and your kids. Our family friendly experiences will keep the crew happy for days.

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Mystic – New London? Search event tickets to see what’s happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

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Relax At The Ocean Beach Park

Ocean Beach Park is the city’s most popular attraction with boardwalk attractions and the finest beaches.

The park is very beautiful and features water slides, mini-golf course, kiddy spray park, rides, a cafe with a restaurant, picnic area, along with an Olympic-size pool with freshwater among my other amenities and activities.

It covers an area of 18 acres and offers sweeping views of the beach and the freshwater pool. You can enjoy tonnes of activities in the park while basking in the sun and enjoying the water.

After enjoying golfing, rides, slides, and other amenities, you can grab delicious bites from the cafe and the restaurant. Ocean Beach Park is very well maintained and a delight to visit.

New London Ledge Light

This extraordinary lighthouse is more than 100 years old but still not as old as it looks.

The New London Ledge Light was actually one of the last lighthouses to be built in New England when it was completed in 1909. Strangely it looks like a mansion stranded at the entrance to New London Harbor, and owes its elegant French Second Empire architecture and mansard roof to the demands of wealthy local residents who wanted the building to reflect their properties on the shore.

While the Ledge Lighthouse looks remote, you make a visit aboard the Project Oceanology vessel, Envirolab II, departing the UConn campus at Avery Point in Groton.

After watching an orientation video in an air-conditioned theatre, youll be free to explore the interior in your own time, checking out the keepers room and savouring the view from the light tower at the top.

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The Hempsted Houses New London Ct

There are two Hempsted Houses, both of which show off the areas history and architecture. The 1678 Joshua Hempsted House is among the best-documented and oldest dwellings in New England. The 1759 National Hempsted House was built by stone by Acadian exiles. Both of these structures help show off the daily life of the centuries in which they were built. Visitors can admire the homes from the outside or go on an in-depth house tour, which includes viewing colonial artifacts. There is also a walking tour available that dives into the history of the neighborhood, including its rich African-American heritage.

59 South Prospect Street, Hartford, CT, Phone: 860-247-8996

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Places To Go In New London

Welcome, traveler, to New London. Your journey has landed you here, and new adventures are calling your name. Now that youve arrived, you can stay in the safety and comfort of your hotel and watch the world spin pastor you can embrace this new place youve come to. Learn its streets. Meet its people. Learn its history. Your hand is already on the doorknob, isnt it?

Things to Do in New London

Youll not be wanting for things to do in New London. Explore the downtown area in search of museums and boutiquesor that next delicious meal. What tickles your fancy? A delectable five-course supper at the restaurant youve been hearing about? Or perhaps youd rather read the paper while sipping hot coffee at one of the cafes scattered throughout town. Take in a show at the theatre, or just walk along down the main thoroughfare, watching people wander past.

Why spend hours ruminating over what to do in New London? Let the possibilities wash over you as you explore this new region. Move out on foot and get to know the area on a more personal level. Find that perfect souvenir at one of the smaller shops, or reinvent your entire artistic aesthetic at your new favorite gallery.

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The Custom House Maritime Museum

The Custom House is open all year round and right in downtown New London for convenient access. The museum tells visitors the stories of the waterfront in the city. It also offers boat trips and tours of lighthouses and hosts special events, such as an annual chowdafest. In the museum itself, you will find artifacts related to the local lighthouses plus US Customs and the Amistad. There are also rotating exhibits as well. You can schedule a tour or an architectural tour of the museum or just wander on your own. There is also a museum shop for souvenirs like gifts and books.

150 Bank Street, New London, CT, Phone: 860-447-2501

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New London Historic Waterfront District

Visiting New London Ledge Light

With a 26-block National Register Historic District that has been touched by names such as Nathan Hale, Eugene ONeill, and even Benedict Arnold, there is a lot to see in the New London Historic Waterfront District! Youll find music and art venues, dining options, and shopping, as well as interesting architectural features like the Tiffany windows on display at St. James Church.

Head to City Pier to hop on the Mystic Whaler, a reproduction of 19th-century cargo schooner, and take a tour of the city by sea check out their Lobster Dinner Sunset cruise!

Whether its the great summer getaways, fantastic fall foliage, or quaint New England winter charm in Connecticut that calls to you, New London should absolutely be on your list of places to visit in the Nutmeg State!

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Ocean Beach Park New London Connecticut

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

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What are people saying about things to do near New London, CT 06320?

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“Saw the Mystic Ballet’s Nutcracker last weekend and it was amazing! The Mystic Darkroom is an intimate venue but they take it to a whole new level of WOW! They’ve made ballet exciting with lighting and lasers and the boom of a canon. It’s all so dramatic and colorful. They blend the beauty of classical ballet dancers with high energy acrobatics and and modern dance. Super fun show and meeting the cast and being allowed to take pictures with them made it great too. My daughter loved it and to my surprise, so did my husband!”

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