Experience Eastern CT

Eastern Connecticut is a jewel of New England, enjoying plentiful water access, beautiful beaches, quaint towns, bustling cities, unforgettable nightlife, fascinating history, and friendly people. For lovers of the outdoors, it hardly gets better than eastern Connecticut. Many of the region’s towns have public and private beaches that encourage visitors to soak up the sun and enjoy water activities throughout the year.

Our local and state parks offer a blend of sightseeing, history, and leisure. Many are located on Fort Trumbull eastern Connecticut waterways and beaches, while others are built in and around historic properties. Most offer a combination of walking and hiking trails, picnic spots, and rest facilities.

Where to Stay

From historic New England Inns and romantic bed and breakfasts, to modern luxury resorts and waterfront hotels, there is something to suit every lodging preference. Classic New England inns bring history to life with intimate and cozy spaces.  There are dozens located off the beaten path throughout Eastern Connecticut. Our high-end hotels are also noteworthy. With modern conveniences and luxurious styles, you’ll find the Mystic Marriott Hotel and other fine hotels just off of I-95. When it comes to waterfront accommodations, look into the Water’s Edge in Westbrook, Saybrook Point Inn at the mouth of the Connecticut River and the Inn at Mystic overlooking Fisher’s Sound. The region’s two resort casinos, Mohegan Sun and Foxwoods Resort and Casino, also feature excellent accommodations along with several restaurant and entertainment options.
See Local Accommodations
  • Spa at Norwich Inn
  • Whalers Inn Mystic
  • Whalers Inn Mystic

What To Do

A vacation in Eastern Connecticut offers you so much to do! Whether you are a couple looking for a romantic escape or a family looking for pure exhilaration or a unique learning experience, we have it all. We offer four seasons of special events, sports and recreation through our world-class attractions. From the largest resort casinos in North America to the world’s most famous maritime museum, no other state provides more varied entertainment.

Eastern Connecticut is one of the fastest-growing wine regions in New England and offers several charming wineries. Each one of our elegant wine destinations makes for a perfect day of relaxation and picturesque scenery. If you are looking for a more robust adventure, look no further than our range of craft breweries. Eastern Connecticut offers a unique spin on our breweries locations, as many of them are converted from spaces that were once old factories or mills. This historic aspect adds to the one-of-a-kind character that each brewery presents.

The coastline offers family recreation for everyone from beautiful sandy beaches to perfect kayak adventures. Take a fishing trip or a cruise down the river, there’s something for everyone. Our arts & cultural institutions are second to none.

For History Buffs

History Buffs

History buffs will find no shortage of activities here. The region’s roots stretch back to pre-history, and it was a focal point in the Revolutionary War.

See Historical Sites

Shop Till You Drop

Shop Till You Drop

Get the authentic Connecticut experience by exploring characteristic New England communities offering independently-operated retail shops.

See Shopping & Retail

Nigthlife

Nightlife

Eastern CT truly shines at night. The options for a night out range from intimate pubs to two of the world’s most glamorous resort casinos.

See Nightlife

Sun & Sand

Sun & Sand

The Eastern Connecticut coastline offers family recreation for everyone from beautiful sandy beaches to perfect kayak adventures.

See CT Beaches

Wineries & Breweries

Wineries & Breweries

Farm wineries and craft breweries dot the Eastern Connecticut Landscape. Check out their respective trails and visit as many as you can!

See Wineries and Breweries

Local Events

Local Events

Eastern CT loves a good celebration. Seasonal events take place throughout the region year-round, bringing people together.

See Local Events

Where to Eat

When it comes to exceptional dining experiences, Eastern Connecticut has a wide range of restaurants to satisfy every taste bud. Seaside restaurants offer a true taste of New England with fresh seafood dishes and picturesque views. Savor upscale fine dining at the many high end restaurant sprinkled throughout the region in downtown villages or world class casinos. Looking for fresh, local ingredients, and a farm-to-table menu? Check out our directory for award winning restaurants. From the coast to the inland countryside, discover the delicious variety that Eastern Connecticut cuisine has to offer.
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  • where to eat eastern ct
  • captain scotts lobster dock
  • seafood in eastern CT

FAQs

Where and When to See Fireworks

  • Annually during Sailfest, New London, CT (details)
  • Ocean Beach Park in New London has fireworks a couple times per year (details)
  • Connecticut Tigers hold fireworks each Friday after their home games June through August.
  • East Lyme has fireworks in July, check CelebrateEastLyme.com for details.
  • Mohegan Sun hosts fireworks twice each year, check Mohegan Sun’s calendar for details.

Local Events & Entertainment Resources

Local Beaches

  • Ocean Beach Park – (860) 447-3031
    1225 Ocean Avenue, New London, CT 06320
  • Rocky Neck State Park – (860) 739-5471
    244 West Main Street, (Route 156), East Lyme, CT
  • Esker Point Beach
    Groton, CT 06340
  • Waterford Beach – (860) 437-4385
    317 Great Neck Road, Waterford, CT
  • Bluff Point State Park
    Depot Rd, Groton, CT
  • Eastern Point Beach – (860) 445-7495
    1 Beach Pond Road, Groton, CT
  • McCook Beach & Park
    Niantic, CT 06357
  • Pleasure Beach
    Waterford, CT 06385
  • Williams Beach Park (860) 536-3575
    Mystic, CT 06355

Learn more about our regions beaches.

Local Parks

  • Stoddard Hill State Park
    Route 12, Gales Ferry, CT
  • Bluff Point State Park
    Depot Road, off US Route 1, Groton, CT 06340
  • Leary Park
    Waterford, CT 06385
  • Stenger Farm Park
    Waterford, CT 06385
  • Bates Woods Park
    New London, CT 06320
  • Toby May Park
    Ocean Avenue, New London, CT 06320
  • Mohegan Park
    Norwich, CT 06360

Learn more about CT’s parks at ct.gov.

State Parks

  • Harkness Memorial State Park; Waterford
  • Fort Trumbull State Park; New London
  • Fort Griswold State Park; Groton
  • Haley Farm State Park; Groton
  • Stoddard Hill State Park; Ledyard
  • Nehantic State Forest; East Lyme
  • Hopeville State Park; Route 201, Griswold
  • Patchaug State Forest, Voluntown
  • Air Line State Park Trail, Thompson to East Hampton

Learn more about CT’s parks at ct.gov.

More Trip Planning Resources

Connecticut Office of Tourism

Meeting Facilities

Local Tours