Things to do in New London, Connecticut
- The city was burned by British troops under the command of Benedict Arnold during the American Revolutionary War in 1781.
- New London once held the third-largest whaling fleet in the world, surpassed only by New Bedford and Nantucket during its peak.
- The city is home to the United States Coast Guard Academy, which has occupied its riverside campus since 1932.
- It maintains a deep-water harbor that has been significant to regional maritime commerce and defense since the colonial era.
About New London, Connecticut
New London is a historic maritime city strategically positioned at the mouth of the Thames River, historically known as the Whaling City for its 19th-century dominance in the industry. It serves as a major hub for the United States Navy's submarine operations, highlighted by the presence of the [19317] USS Nautilus. Visitors can explore the region's nautical legacy at the [21707] Submarine Force Library & Museum or enjoy coastal landscapes at the [10900] Ocean Beach Park. The city integrates its colonial heritage with modern culture, exemplified by performances at the [25187] Garde Arts Center and the preserved 17th-century architecture of the [197729] Hempsted House.
Highlights of New London, Connecticut
The places our editors single out — and why they're worth your time.
Museums
Step inside the world's first nuclear-powered submarine to understand modern naval engineering.
Museums
View a comprehensive collection of submarine artifacts detailing the history of the Silent Service.
Parks
Enjoy the expansive boardwalk and sandy coastline that serves as a popular summer recreation spot.
Parks
Walk through the sprawling oceanfront gardens and formal landscape designs of a former summer estate.
Venues
Attend a live performance in a restored theater featuring ornate, historic interior architecture.
Museums
Tour one of the oldest surviving timber-frame homes in Connecticut to see 17th-century life.
Parks
Relax at this riverside green space that offers direct views of maritime traffic on the Thames.
Places of interest
Traverse this notable structure that provides a critical link for the region across the Thames River.
Top things to do in New London, Connecticut
The 78 highest-rated places in New London, Connecticut, ranked by travellers.
1
Parks
Ocean Beach Park is a half-mile-long white sand beach located on the Atlantic Ocean in New London, Connecticut. The site...
2
Parks
Rocky Neck State Park is a 710-acre coastal recreation area in Niantic, Connecticut, defined by its expansive white-sand...
3
Museums
Mystic Seaport Museum is the largest maritime museum in the United States, spanning 19 acres along the Mystic River. The...
4
Parks
Harkness Memorial State Park features the Eolia mansion, a 42-room Renaissance Revival summer residence built in 1906 fo...
5
Beaches and ponds
Misquamicut State Beach is a half-mile stretch of coastline located in Westerly, Rhode Island, serving as one of the sta...
6
Museums
The Essex Steam Train & Riverboat offers a combined excursion through the Connecticut River Valley using vintage steam l...
7
Museums
The USS Nautilus (SSN-571) is the world's first operational nuclear-powered submarine, now permanently moored as a museu...
8
Venues
The Garde Arts Center is a restored 1926 movie palace located in downtown New London, Connecticut. It serves as a region...
9
Historical places
Eolia is a 42-room Renaissance Revival mansion located within the 230-acre Harkness Memorial State Park on the Long Isla...
10
Parks
Napatree Point Conservation Area is a 1.5-mile long sand spit extending from Watch Hill, Rhode Island, serving as one of...
11
Museums
The Submarine Force Library & Museum is the primary repository for the history of the United States Submarine Force and...
12
Museums
The Florence Griswold Museum serves as the historic home of the Lyme Art Colony, the epicenter of American Impressionism...
13
Places of interest
Stonington Point is a narrow, rocky peninsula marking the southernmost tip of the Stonington village peninsula in Connec...
14
Museums
The Connecticut River Museum is located in the historic Steamboat Dock building, an 1878 warehouse on the Essex waterfro...
15
Museums
The Stonington Lighthouse Museum, established in 1840, features an iconic granite structure serving as the first lightho...
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Parks
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Museums
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Venues
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Historical places
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Parks
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Museums
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Places of interest
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Beaches and ponds
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Parks
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Museums
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New London, Connecticut on the map
Top attractions plotted across the city.
Plan your visit to New London, Connecticut
Late spring through early autumn, when the coastal weather is temperate and outdoor parks like [20638] Harkness Memorial State Park are in peak bloom.
2-3 days, sufficient to cover the submarine history, waterfront parks, and historical house museums.
The downtown area is highly walkable, though a car is recommended for reaching coastal parks and museums further from the city center.
Stay near the Waterfront District for easy access to ferries and dining, or look for accommodations in the Historic District near the city center.
Mid-range; lodging prices fluctuate based on proximity to the shore and seasonal academic events at local colleges.
Frequently asked
Aventuro lists 78 curated attractions in and around New London, Connecticut, ranked by traveller ratings.
Ocean Beach Park is the highest-rated place to visit in New London, Connecticut right now.
The largest category is museums, with 23 places to explore.
Travellers also explore Bayonne, New Jersey, Downtown Los Angeles, Washington, D.C..
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