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THE CONNECTICUT OFFICE OF THE ARTS DESIGNATES NEW LONDON AS THE STATE’S THIRD “CULTURAL DISTRICT”

A cultural district is a specific area of a city or town identified by the municipality that has a number of cultural facilities, activities and/or assets–both for profit and nonprofit, we are new london, connecticut’s best public beach, ct’s best public beach, world class entertainment, rich in history, inspiring art galleries, waterfront adventure.

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15 Best Things to Do in New London (CT)

A city steeped in maritime history, New London is on the natural harbor of the Thames River just before it flows into Long Island Sound.

Two hundred years ago New London was one of the top whaling ports in the world. During that heyday in 1839 it was also the landing point of The Amistad, with historic consequences for the United States.

In a seafaring town like this I had no choice but to board a boat. You can sail off to spy the sound’s famous lighthouses, or make a day trip to the idyllic Block Island off the tip of Long Island.

New London is also a hotbed for the arts in southeastern Connecticut. The city is furnished with galleries, an opulent theater, the vaunted Lyman Allyn Art Museum, and six blocks of eye-popping murals.

Let’s explore the best things to do in New London :

1. Ocean Beach Park

A place made for one of those timeless summer afternoons, Ocean Beach Park has been hailed by National Geographic as one of the best beaches in the country.

And while you may not want to move from the long, broad crescent of soft pale sand, there’s plenty for families to get up to at the park behind.

I found an arcade with retro games, amusement rides, triple waterslides and 18 holes of miniature golf by the boardwalk. 

If you want to get some laps in there’s an Olympic size pool. Elsewhere, littler beach-goers will have a whale of a time in the kiddie spray park.

And to unwind you could amble along the boardwalk, and get a bite at one of the many eateries.

2. Cross Sound Ferry Lighthouse Tours

Off the coast of New London the waters of Long Island Sound can be difficult to navigate. This explains the profusion of lighthouses out on the sound within a few miles of the city.

Among them are the historic Plum Island Light, which is thought to have been the scene of the first amphibious assault by an American army in 1775. Also important is the New London Harbor Light (1760), the oldest lighthouse in the state. 

The best way to get close to these landmarks is with a Cross Sound Ferry Lighthouse Tour, departing the harbor, May through October.

In July, August and the second half of June you can choose between a Classic or Lights & Sights Itinerary.

Each route takes in ten lighthouses, as well as a range of other sights. These include Fort Griswold, Fort Trumbull, General Dynamics Electric Boat Division and New London’s historic waterfront.

3. Fort Trumbull State Park

There has been a fort on this rise protruding into the Thames River from the west bank since 1777. That first defense was overrun in 1781 during a raid by Benedict Arnold’s forces in the Revolutionary War.

The fort was repaired early in the 19th century, and took on its current design between 1839 and 1852. Fort Trumbull has five sides and four bastions. It was able to accommodate 52 guns, in addition to howitzers for close-quarters fighting.

The fort was part of the Third System, a network of 42 forts to protect America’s harbors. Then in the 20th century it became the home of Naval Underwater Sound Laboratory.

Recently given a facelift, Fort Trumbull has compelling information markers, armed gun emplacements, and a cannon that you can touch.

Go inside and you can tour the facility’s living quarters. My standout was the office and mock laboratory harking back to the war research conducted here from WWII to 1970.

4. New London Waterfront District

The city’s lively creative community resides in this 26-block National Register Historic District.

Set in sumptuous early 19th-century buildings are one-off boutiques, quirky restaurants, performing arts venues and galleries, some of which I’ll cover below.

Walking these streets you’ll be following the footsteps of ocean-going whalers, and historic figures both revered and reviled, like playwright Eugene O’Neill and turncoat Benedict Arnold.

Make sure to see the New London County Courthouse at 70 Huntington Street. Dating to 1786, it’s the oldest functioning courthouse in Connecticut.

At 76 Federal Street, the St. James Episcopal Church (1850) is endowed with beautiful stained glass by Louis Comfort Tiffany.

And when the weather’s good I could lose all track of time at the Waterfront Park in front of Custom House. Here you can watch the ferries make their way along the Thames River.

5. Lyman Allyn Art Museum

In a solemn Neoclassical building, constructed from local granite and in 12 acres of gardens and lawns, the Lyman Allyn Art Museum dates from 1930. 

The collection here runs to more than 10,000 pieces. These come from Europe, the Americas, Africa and Asia, dating from the 16th century to the present.

There are works by Ingres, Poussin, Tiepole and Charles LeBrun. But the museum really shines for its collection of American Art, representing the Hudson River School, the Aesthetic Movement and Impressionism.

My must-sees include John F. Kensett’s Bash Bish Falls (1851) and Thomas Cole’s Mount Etna from Taormina (1844). 

Among the permanent exhibitions, Louis Comfort Tiffany in New London delves into the eminent designer’s links with this city. Elsewhere, American Perspectives showcases art on the continent from colonial times through the 20th century.

And for wee ones, Playthings of the Past lets kids get hands-on with toys, games, books and dolls across hundreds of years.

6. Garde Arts Center

An opulent place to catch a show, the centerpiece of the Garde Arts Center is the Garde Theatre, which opened as a movie palace in 1926. 

To give the venue a sense of magic and exoticism, the theater has a Moroccan-inflected interior. This is set off by the marvelous 3D bas-relief murals that line the auditorium, painted by Vera Leeper (1899-1969). You can make out Bedouins, elephants, sand dunes, and mountains against the night sky.

The theater was in danger of being pulled down in the 1980s before being rescued with the foundation of the Garde Arts Center. The complex includes several buildings, one of which houses a compact 120-performance space.

There’s a big mix of entertainment, all year at the Garde Theatre. You’ve got renowned classic music artists, well-known comedians, touring dance companies, talks by famous personalities, and a slew of tribute acts.

7. Submarine Force Library & Museum

The United States Navy’s main submarine base on the East Coast is on the opposite bank of the Thames River in Groton.

This puts a first-class museum managed by Naval History and Heritage Command mere minutes away. The main attraction at the Submarine Force Library & Museum is the USS Nautilus berthed out front.

Launched in 1954, this was the world’s first operational nuclear-powered submarine. I was able to go aboard to tour the front portion of the vessel.

Back on land there’s a compelling line-up of midget submarines in front, together with the sail section from the USS George Washington (1959). This was the first nuclear sub with ballistic missile capability.

Inside there’s lots to pore over, from submarine models to an attack center from a Sturgeon class sub, and a replica of Bushnell’s Turtle (1776). Look out for the arsenal of submarine weaponry, and artifacts relating to USS Nautilus.

8. Custom House Maritime Museum

The New London Maritime Society, which cares for the several lighthouses offshore, 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. There’s 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 belonged to the USS Constitution (1797).

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

Inside you can dip into New London’s whaling industry, check out model ships, and read up on the many lighthouses in the region. Most interesting for me was the exhibit for Amistad, recounting the events of 1839 in fine detail.

9. Block Island Express Ferry

On a sunny day, I can think of no better place to spend a few hours than Block Island. This is off the tip of Long Island and to the south of Rhode Island.

At this time of year the Block Island Express ferry departs New Island up to five times a day for a crossing time of one hour and 20 minutes.

Once you land at Old Harbor you can spend the day cycling and hiking, and seeking out landmarks, both natural and manmade.

On the island’s south coast the Mohegan Bluffs rise more than 200 feet. The vistas from the Southeast Lighthouse here will leave you lost for words.

You could also just park yourself by Long Island Sound and do as little as possible; Block Island is blessed with 17 miles of beaches. 

One way to experience the island is on an evening return. Every Thursday from the end of June the ferry departs New London around 3:10 PM. You can take a relaxed dinner on the island before returning to watch the sun going down over Long Island Sound.

10. Hempsted Houses

One of the oldest surviving houses in Connecticut can be found in New London.

The Joshua Hempsted House went up around 1678, and at this time was the birthplace of Joshua Hempsted the second.

His diary would prove to be one of the most reliable documents for life in colonial New England. In particular, it detailed the life of the enslaved Adam Jackson, who lived on the property for more than 30 years.

Something unique about this clapboard building is the main facade’s left gable, which projects out from the main block to create a vestibule.

Beside the Joshua Hempsted House is the stone-built Nathanial Hempsted House from 1759. Both buildings survived the widespread destruction of the Battle of Groton Heights in 1780. 

Supposedly this was because the Hempsteds were about to celebrate a family reunion with a big meal, which was seized by the raiding British. When I was here there were tours on the second and fourth weekends, May through October.

11. 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. The structure owes its elegant French Second Empire architecture and mansard roof to the demands of wealthy local residents. They wanted the building to reflect the refinement of their properties on the shore.

While the Ledge Lighthouse looks remote, you make a visit aboard the Project Oceanology vessel, Enviro-Lab II. This sails from the UConn campus at Avery Point in Groton, or New London’s own City Pier (check departure times).

After watching an orientation video in an air-conditioned theater, you’ll be free to explore the interior in your own time. My highlights were the keepers’ room and the view from the light tower at the top.

12. New London Mural Walk

I reckon it’s fitting that Connecticut’s 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. It’s also a great way to get better acquainted with the city.

When I was in town 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. There are shops, galleries, and an eclectic choice of restaurants to sidetrack you as you go.

13. Whaling Wall

The anchor for the Mural Walk is the Whaling Wall, by the prolific whale muralist Robert Wyland and found at 23 Eugene O’Neill Drive.

New London is an obvious location for one of Wyland’s “Whaling Walls”, numbering 100 worldwide, and painted to raise environmental awareness.

In the first decades of the 19th century this city was one of the three busiest whaling ports in the world. At that time it was second only to New Bedford in America, of Melville fame.

The primary species hunted was the sperm whale. This was the species chosen by Wyland for his monumental painting, more than 160 feet long and 40 feet high.

14. Connecticut College Arboretum

Set in 750 acres, the Connecticut College Arboretum was first planted in 1931, and comprises the verdant campus. Growing here are 223 taxa of trees and shrubs, including Chinese witch hazel and a Japanese pagoda tree.

Elsewhere there are beautiful managed landscapes to explore. I was smitten with the Caroline Black Garden, growing mature trees, shrubs and grasses from across the globe. Among them are some 190 woody taxa, like sourwood, Japanese stewartia, weeping cherry and many more.

The 3,000-square-foot greenhouse holds tropical and desert plants, while you can get to know the species local to this region in the Native Plant Collection. This is set across 20 acres holding 288 taxa found in North America and the New London area specifically.

Within this space are enchanting individual gardens for mountain laurel, azaleas, conifers and regional wildflowers.

15. United States Coast Guard Museum

New London is the home of the United States Coast Guard Academy. This institution dates back to 1876, and relocated to the city in the 1930s.

The smallest of the country’s five service branches, the Coast Guard was founded in 1790 as the Revenue-Marine. As of today it’s the only branch without a major dedicated museum.

That is expected to change in the next few years with a project in the pipeline. In the meantime there’s a collection of weapons, figureheads, uniforms, medals, flight suits, and paintings on display at the academy on Mohegan Avenue Parkway.

I was fascinated to find out more about the Revenue Cutters of those early days. They were responsible for enforcing tariffs, combating piracy, rescuing mariners in distress, and even serving as a makeshift navy.

To see the museum, American visitors will need a government-issued photo ID. Meanwhile people from overseas will need to get in touch with the curator.

15 Best Things to Do in New London (CT):

• Ocean Beach Park
• Cross Sound Ferry Lighthouse Tours
• Fort Trumbull State Park
• New London Waterfront District
• Lyman Allyn Art Museum
• Garde Arts Center
• Submarine Force Library & Museum
• Custom House Maritime Museum
• Block Island Express Ferry
• Hempsted Houses
• New London Ledge Light
• New London Mural Walk
• Whaling Wall
• Connecticut College Arboretum
• United States Coast Guard Museum

What to Do in New London, Connecticut | Eat, Stay, Play

Gorgeous seaside parks, rich maritime history, and fantastic seafood are just a few reasons to visit the coastal town of New London, Connecticut.

By Ian Aldrich

Aug 21 2022

New London’s waterfront | What to Do in New London, Connecticut.

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, it’s 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 city’s docks.

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

Guide to New London, Connecticut

What to do in new london, connecticut | attractions, ocean beach park.

Water lovers have long flocked to this beach-and-boardwalk attraction. A stunning white-sand beach is the entry point to the Atlantic, while a nearby Olympic-size freshwater pool offers a different kind of sun-soaked getaway. Water slides, a spray park, carousel rides, and an 18-hole mini golf course add to the fun.

Plan Your Perfect Summer Adventure: Get The Free Ultimate New England Summer Guide!

Cross sound ferry lighthouse cruis e.

From the sundeck, the bow, or the climate-controlled cabins of the fast-gliding SeaJet catamaran, you’ll spy eight architecturally distinctive lighthouses and hear knowledgeable narrator Ted Webb’s tales of pirates, ghosts, and historical events. Bonus sights during these two-hour Long Island Sound voyages frequently include sunbathing gray seals and the world’s largest population of nesting common terns. Named a 2016 Yankee Editors’ Pick for “Best Coastal Cruise.”

Thames River Heritage Park

Telling a story of 400 years of maritime activity, Connecticut’s first state park without boundaries encompasses Fort Trumbull, Fort Griswold, and more than a dozen smaller historic attractions along the Thames River, all linked by a seasonal water taxi. Named a 2017 Yankee Editors’ Pick for “Best Historical Experience.”

United States Coast Guard Academy Museum

New England’s only service academy fills a shipshape exhibit with paintings, models, figureheads, cannon, uniforms, medals, ceremonial swords, and rescue equipment that chronicle its origins. There’s lighthouse history, too.

Fort Trumbull State Park

This 1852 fortification was once a major line of defense on the eastern seaboard. Opened as a state park in 2000, the property now invites visitors to explore the grounds for an up-close view of the artillery and cannon displays. In addition, the park features restored 19th-century living quarters and a replica of the fort’s retired research and development lab.

Mystic Aquarium

Just up the road in Mystic, you can not only see belugas, seals, sea lions, and penguins, but also reach into a touch tank and dig for sea fossils. Next door is shopping galore at Olde Mistick Village; a mile away is Mystic Seaport.

What to Do in New London, Connecticut | Restaurants

Captain scott’s lobster dock.

Don’t sweat the line at this waterside, open-air, BYOB seafood-feasting spot. The wait gives you time to build your dream order: steamers and butter-splashed lobster roll, whole bellies, and flaky fried fish. Named a 2018 Yankee Editors’ Pick for “Best Seafood Shack.” (You’ll also find it on our list of Best New England Fish & Chips Spots ).

Muddy Waters Ca fé

Located in the heart of downtown New London, this popular eatery features an assortment of baked goods, hearty breakfast sandwiches, and its famous “Love Salad,”  which consists of lettuce, tomatoes, salami, sliced provolone, grated Parmesan, and enough garlic to last you a week.

On the Waterfront

This family-owned restaurant offers fine views of the Thames and offers a menu on which seafood apps, fish tacos, and a New York strip all play starring roles.

What to Do in New London, Connecticut | Hotels

New London offers a range of chain hotels for lodging options. But for those visitors looking for something a little more intimate, it’s worth considering nearby Mystic. Here are two of our favorite places to stay nearby when visiting New London.

Captain’s Mansion

Reopened under new ownership in 2023, the thoroughly renovated former Spicer Mansion is now a sister hotel to the nearby Steamboat Inn. Here you’ll find all the charm of a historic inn, all the conveniences of a boutique hotel, and the loftiest views in all of Mystic.

Steamboat Inn

Book a room at this luxury B&B — the only waterfront digs in a historic town surrounded by water — and find shops, restaurants, and Mystic’s iconic drawbridge on your doorstep. Every one of the 11 guest rooms and suites comes with a tastefully decorated interior, and many have a working fireplace, whirlpool tub, and windows that frame views of boats gliding to and from Long Island Sound on the Mystic River. Named a 2017 Yankee Editors’ Pick for “Best Inn with a View.”

What are your favorite things to do in New London, Connecticut? Let us know below!

This post was first published in 2019 and has been updated. 

Ian Aldrich

Ian Aldrich is the Senior Features Editor at Yankee magazine, where he has worked for more for nearly two decades. As the magazine’s staff feature writer, he writes stories that delve deep into issues facing communities throughout New England. In 2019 he received gold in the reporting category at the annual City-Regional Magazine conference for his story on New England’s opioid crisis. Ian’s work has been recognized by both the Best American Sports and Best American Travel Writing anthologies. He lives with his family in Dublin, New Hampshire.

16 Top-Rated Things to Do in New London, CT

Written by Shandley McMurray Updated Mar 23, 2023

A pretty seaside town, New London bursts into life each summer. Visitors from near and far wind their way through the previously quiet downtown core, making the most of all the attractions and fun things to do in this small city.

Boats cruise to nearby lighthouses, musicians perform in the streets, fountains splash kids playing in the waterfront square, and restaurant patios spill over with diners.

Weekenders hoping to soak up a little sun spend hours at the town's main tourist site–Ocean Beach Park–while history buffs flock to ancient buildings like the Hempsted Houses and Nathan Hale Schoolhouse. No matter where your interests lie, you'll find places to visit in New London.

Once the second greatest whaling port in the world (circa 1830), this historic town is peppered with buildings ranging in style from Federal to post-Revolutionary to Greek Revival. Over the years, it's become a haven for artists, which is evidenced by the numerous galleries and vibrant murals spotted through town. Bring a camera.

Not sure what to do first? Choose the best attraction with our list of the best things to do in New London.

1. Take a Break at Ocean Beach Park

2. touch a cannon at fort trumbull state park, 3. take a cruise from new london's harbor, 4. become one with nature at the connecticut college arboretum, 5. get inspired at the lyman allyn art museum, 6. shop and eat in new london's historic waterfront district, 7. catch a show at the garde arts center, 8. feel small at the soldiers' and sailors' monument, 9. get creative at hygienic galleries, 10. get cultured at the new london custom house maritime museum, 11. cruise to the new london ledge light, 12. step back in time at the hempsted houses, 13. snap fun photos along the wall to wall new london mural walk, 14. get schooled at the nathan hale schoolhouse, 15. appreciate the whaling wall, 16. visit the us coast guard museum, map of things to do in new london, ct, new london, ct - climate chart.

Voted one of the best beaches in Connecticut , Ocean Beach Park is a family destination you won't want to miss. A sweeping crescent of soft, pale sand graces the pristine beach, which stretches to the azure Atlantic Ocean. It won't take long to believe you're in the Caribbean, not Connecticut.

The beach is flanked by a wide, half-mile long boardwalk created to honor Tony Pero, a well-loved local who spent nearly 50 decades working at this shore. It boasts covered benches offering a break from the sun and binoculars to spy on sunbathers or get a closer look at the New London Ledge Light .

Set up a beach chair, pop open an umbrella, and get ready to spend hours enjoying the remarkable view. No need to pack food as there are plenty of concession stands, a seasonal café, and a restaurant on-site. There's also a Nature Walk and Bird Watching Observation Deck to enjoy.

If you hate sitting still, or have kids who need frequent entertainment, check out the park's main attractions. A carousel, Olympic-sized pool, amusement rides, arcade, splash park, 18-hole miniature golf course, and giant water slide are all on hand for added fun. These require an additional fee.

From Memorial Day to Labor Day, visitors must pay to park (this includes admission). Walk-ins are also charged a fee. Home to many a fun event (including fireworks and movie nights), special happenings often come at an extra cost.

Address: 98 Neptune Avenue, New London, Connecticut

Official site: http://ocean-beach-park.com/

Visiting Fort Trumbull State Park is one of the best things to do in New London, especially on a sunny day. Nestled atop a hill, this historic stronghold boasts lovely views of the Thames River and a history lesson you won't forget.

The first Fort Trumbull was built in the 18 th century to protect the harbor from attacks by the British. The family-friendly fort you see today is the third (a.k.a. the masonry fort) and was built in the mid-1800s.

Multiple signs are posted around the fort and its ramparts, making it easy to embark on a self-guided tour. Two Rodman cannons lie in the South Battery, which was built in 1840 behind a low parapet made of earth and granite. This once held eight cannons and smaller siege guns.

For a more in-depth experience, book a guided tour. Then, head inside to see living quarters as they would have appeared in the 19 th century, as well as a 1950s office and mock laboratory. Interactive exhibits are found in the visitor center, which is open between Memorial Day and Labor Day.

While on the fort's grounds, take time to walk down to the boardwalk and fishing pier. The waterfront walk is particularly lovely and offers a nice backdrop for photos.

Address: 90 Walbach Street, New London, Connecticut

Official site: https://portal.ct.gov/DEEP/State-Parks/Parks/Fort-Trumbull-State-Park

A popular summer weekend destination, travelers flock to this southeastern Connecticut gem to enjoy its main draw–the waterfront. One of the best ways to appreciate its beauty is by heading out to sea.

The Cross Sound Ferry Lighthouse Cruise is a popular excursion for locals and tourists alike. Each journey sets sail on a high-speed SEA JET to visit nine lighthouses and two Revolutionary-era forts stretching from New London to Long Island. Note: Tours only run from April to November.

Cross Sound Ferry

• Address: 2 Ferry Street, New London, Connecticut
• https://www.longislandferry.com/

Nature lovers will adore the beautiful Connecticut College Arboretum, a family-friendly attraction worthy of at least an hour or two.

Boasting 750 acres of lush landscape (which includes the well-manicured college campus), this natural utopia was first opened in 1931 and provides a much-needed breath of fresh air in the heart of New London.

The arboretum is maintained to teach the next generation about sustainability and increase their wealth of knowledge about ecology and the environment. Essentially a "living laboratory," it is used by students to conduct research and by others to enjoy a nice break from reality.

Multiple trails wind their way through the grounds, which includes a 120-acre Campus Landscape (featuring shrubs and trees from across the globe), 30-acre Native Plant Collection (with North American plants and wildflowers), and three-acre Caroline Black Garden (boasting a variety of woody plants).

Insider's tip: Free guided tours are offered during the summer.

Address: 270 College Avenue, New London, Connecticut

Official site: https://www.conncoll.edu/the-arboretum/

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. You'll want to carve out at least a couple of hours to appreciate them.

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 20 th century.

Address: 625 Williams Street, New London, Connecticut

Official site: https://www.lymanallyn.org/

More than 30 restaurants and a bevy of shops and performing arts venues line the 26 blocks that make up New London's Historic Waterfront District. Part of the Thames River Heritage Park , this vibrant area was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1979.

Over 220 historic buildings pepper the 78 acres comprising this creative hub. Live music floats through the district on summer days, bringing renewed energy to streets once traveled by ancient whalers and historic icons like playwright Eugene O'Neill.

Grab a bite at an outdoor patio, visit an art gallery, admire the old Nathan Hale Schoolhouse , or practice some retail therapy. There's no shortage of fun things to do in New London's busiest section.

Enjoy a Pad Thai at the well-priced Noodles & Rice Bistro (165 Bank Street). Or, treat yourself to a luxuriant meal with a view at On the Waterfront (250 Pequot Avenue). Tony D's (92 Huntington Street) is a family-run restaurant with drool-worthy food and plenty of ambience.

Looking for something to satisfy your sweet tooth? Head to Michael's Dairy (629 Montauk Avenue) for a double scoop. Then, hop on the Thames River Heritage Park Water Taxi (1 Waterfront Park) for a maritime tour of the river's most impressive historic landmarks.

If you're looking to be entertained, head to the Garde Arts Center. A non-profit performance organization, its main attraction is the Garde Arts Theater , a lavish, Moroccan-themed movie palace built in 1926. Upon its stage, you can catch a comedy show, concert, dance performance, or film.

Under threat of being demolished in 1985, the Garde Arts Center was founded to help save, restore, and run the historic theater. Their goal was to use the building as a performance and local gathering place to encourage creativity and a sense of community. This is a perfect place to take children who like to be entertained.

In addition to hosting entertaining events, the Garde Arts Center offers educational programming, as well as family and special events.

Address: 325 State Street, New London, Connecticut

Official site: https://gardearts.org/

The Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument holds a prominent position in Parade Plaza, which lies just across from Union Station . This iconic obelisk dates to 1896 and towers 50 feet over the heart of downtown. It was erected to honor local war veterans.

At the top lies an allegorical figure representing peace. Below that sit sculptures and carvings featuring a sailor holding a telescope and a Union soldier. Engraved in the granite are the names of important battle sites during the Civil War and American Revolution.

Beside the obelisk lies the giant, bronze Whale Tail Fountain , a popular place for kids to cool off on a hot summer's day. This is a life-size replica of a sperm whale diving into the ocean after surfacing to breathe, and one of the most photographed attractions in New London.

The Hygienic Galleries are housed in the Hygienic Building . Rebuilt in the early 1900s, the original structure was burned by British forces in 1786. Today, it is owned by Hygienic Art, Inc., a company that brought this once-derelict building back to life and strives to spruce up downtown.

Inside, you'll find artists' studios and a public art gallery showing off interesting works from creators of all kinds. The fun doesn't stop there. In 2001, the company converted a once dark and unfavorable corner at the rear of the building into a serene and inviting outdoor space.

Intricate wrought-iron fences enclose the sculpture garden (a.k.a. the Garden of Hygienia ), which highlights a phenomenal mural (part of the New London Mural Walk) gracing the building's side wall. This pretty site is a nice place to find quiet among the busy streets.

Address: 79 Bank Street, New London, Connecticut

Official site: https://www.hygienic.org/

Built in 1833, the New London Custom House Maritime Museum harkens back to a time when the city was an essential whaling port. It was designed by architect Robert Mills, who was also responsible for creating the Washington Monument.

Today, the "nation's oldest continuously operating U.S. Custom House" is home to a museum filled with maritime relics from the town's storied past. Through its exhibits and educational programs, the non-profit museum aims to educate visitors about New London's importance as a maritime heavyweight.

In addition to its interesting displays and events, the Custom House also arranges lighthouse tours and sightseeing boat trips in the area. The New London Maritime Society (the organization in charge of the museum) also runs the New London Harbor Light , Race Rock Light Station , and New London Ledge Light .

Insider's tip: The museum is open from 1pm to 5pm every Wednesday through Sunday, so plan accordingly. Also, the museum shop is filled with books and cute souvenirs perfect for any sea lover.

Address: 150 Bank Street, New London, Connecticut

Official site: https://nlmaritimesociety.org

The picturesque New London Ledge Light was first lit in 1909. A square, red brick house topped by a circular lantern makes up this unconventional beacon, inspiring photographers to keep clicking. Legend has it, the locals weren't willing to gaze upon an unattractive lighthouse that differed from their colonial and French homes.

Standing stoically in Fishers Island Sound , at the mouth of the Thames River , this unique lighthouse was designed to warn boats of dangers near New London Harbor. Although the New London Harbor Light already existed, boat traffic to the popular port was so busy a new lighthouse was required.

Owned by the New London Maritime Society, the lighthouse is preserved and run by the volunteer New London Ledge Lighthouse Foundation. The best way to visit is by boat, so book a lighthouse cruise during your stay. Some companies stop here, allowing visitors to disembark for a self-guided tour. It's a worthwhile excursion, especially if you're fond of inspiring photo backdrops.

Robert Hempsted was one of the earliest English Settlers of what is now New London. In 1678, his son, Joshua, built the western half of the frame house that still stands on this property today and kept a well-preserved diary depicting everyday life from 1711 to 1758.

His house, named the Joshua Hempsted House, has been deemed the "best-documented house of its period in New England." Years later, Joshua's son, Nathaniel, built the stone house on the corner nearby. It's fittingly known as the Nathaniel Hempsted House .

While you can admire the exterior of the houses at any time, tours of their interiors and collection of artifacts are only offered on the second and fourth Saturdays of every month from May through October. Advanced reservations are required. Walking tours of the area can also be arranged.

Address: 11 Hempstead Street, New London, Connecticut

Official site: https://ctlandmarks.org/properties/hempsted-houses/

Scuba divers, gorillas, and musicians, oh my. You can see pretty much everything while wandering along the Wall to Wall New London Mural Walk, a six-block outdoor gallery that uses building walls as canvases in the downtown core.

In all, the mural walk takes anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour to complete–longer if you become tempted to shop in the stores you pass along the route or grab a bite to eat in one of the tasty restaurants.

The vibrant works are the creations of internationally acclaimed and local artists. They were designed to promote cultural diversity while leading visitors past historic structures and monuments and weaving them around area stores, cafés, and galleries. They are interesting, vibrant, and extremely photographable.

Once upon a time, long, long ago (in 1773 to be exact), the Union School was built at the corner of State and Union streets, a few blocks from its current Atlantic Street location. A one-room schoolhouse, this adorable building helps brighten the area.

A young Nathan Hale (the US soldier who was hanged for spying on the British during the American Revolutionary War) taught here briefly after graduating from Yale University. Inside, you can still see graffiti made by some of his students–in the form of names scratched into desks and walls.

Sadly, the museum is infrequently open. If you're hoping to see what school life was like during the 18 th century, head here on a Wednesday through Sunday between 11am and 4pm from early June to Labor Day, or on either Saturday or Sunday between 11am and 4pm from Labor Day through the end of September.

Address: 19 Atlantic Street, New London, Connecticut

In the heart of downtown, you'll find another remarkable tribute to the town's history as a busy whaling port. Known as the Whaling Wall, this colorful mural was painted on the side of a building at the corner of Eugene O'Neill Drive and State Street by environmental artist Robert Wyland.

Created in 1993, this large painting features giant sperm whales, jelly fish, and dolphins. Signs of wear and tear are noticeable at various times throughout the year–large flakes of paint disappear. Luckily, this beloved landmark is touched up annually to bring it back to life.

This large beauty serves as the main attraction on New London's popular Mural Walk. Wyland created it (and 99 others across the globe) to draw attention to the environment.

Address: The corner of Eugene O'Neill Drive and State Street, New London, Connecticut

As the home to the United States Coast Guard Academy, you won't be surprised to find a museum dedicated to this important establishment in New London.

You'll find the US Coast Guard Museum tucked away within the US Coast Guard Academy. To gain access, you'll have to go through the front gate, presenting a government-issued ID upon your arrival. If you're traveling from overseas, you'll have to get in touch with the museum curator prior to your visit.

While quite small, this palatable museum is packed with interesting finds, and details the history of the US Coast Guard from its inception to present day. It contains a collection of various US Coast Guard-related items such as flight suits, weapons, historic artifacts, paintings, and detailed information about the Guard's storied past.

A newer, much larger museum has been suggested and is supposedly in the works.

Address: 15 Mohegan Avenue Parkway, New London, Connecticut

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