Things to Do in East Lyme, CT

Antiquing

• Antiquing

  If Antiquing is your pleasure, then the villages of Flanders and Niantic in East Lyme hold hidden treasures for you! Our quaint seaside community offers that quintessential New England experience. Come browse our local antique shops, unique boutiques and book stores for extravagant finds and affordable pleasures. [Shops & Boutiques]

Walking & Hiking

• Niantic Bay Boardwalk

  Niantic Bay Boardwalk stretches 1.1 miles along the waters of Long Island Sound, from Cini Park to Hole-in-the Wall beach. Free parking is available at either end. Come for a stroll, then check out the shops and restaurants in Niantic Village. [Read more]

• Oswegatchie Hills

  Oswegatchie Hills Nature Preserve, maintained by the Friends of Oswegatchie Hills Nature Preserve and the East Lyme Land Conservation Trust, is a beautiful place to hike any time of year. The main entrance is at Veterans' Memorial Park, off Pennsylvania Avenue. [Read more]

Beaches

• McCook's Point Park

  McCook's Point Park, is located 2 miles east of Rocky Neck State Park, is a town-owned park with picnic areas, a pavilion, a children's playground, restrooms with outdoor showers and two white-sand beaches. The park is within walking distance of shops and restaurants in the Village of Niantic. Passes are required to enter the park between Memorial Day and Labor Day. [Read more]

• Hole-in-the-Wall Beach

  Hole-in-the-Wall Beach, perfect for swimming and sunbathing, is located off Niantic's Main Street. Parking is available on Baptist Lane, and passes are required from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Restrooms are available in the parking area. [Read more]

• Black Hawk Beach (under Rt. 156 bridge)

  A lovely white-sand beach, open to the public, perfect for sunbathing, swimming, picnicking, fishing, or just enjoying the view.

• Rocky Neck State Park

  Rocky Neck State Park, off Exit 72 of I-95, is ideal for swimming, fishing, hiking and camping. Fees are charged during the summer season. The park is a quick 2 mile drive from the Village of Niantic. [Read more]

Parks

• McCook's Point Park

  McCook's Point Park, 2 miles east of Rocky Neck State Park, is a town-owned park with picnic areas, a children's playground, restrooms and two white-sand beaches. The park is within walking distance of shops and restaurants in the Village of Niantic. Passes are required to enter the park between Memorial Day and Labor Day. [Read more]

• Rocky Neck State Park

  Rocky Neck State Park, off Exit 72 of I-95, is ideal for swimming, fishing, hiking and camping. Fees are charged during the summer season. The park is a quick 2 mile drive from the Village of Niantic. [Read more]

• Samuel M. Peretz Park @ Bridebrook

  Located on Rt. 156 or West Main St. (near Rocky Neck State Park) is Samuel M. Peretz Park. The park features athletic fields (e.g., baseball, soccer, softball and lacrosse), basketball courts, children's playscape and public restrooms.

• Cini Park

  Located under the drawbridges just before entering Waterford is Cini Park. This park is a great spot for fishing, picnics, and just gazing out at the Niantic River. It also provides access to the Niantic Bay Boardwalk, and commercial and sport fishing boats are also docked here.

• Veteran's Memorial Park

  Baseball and softball fields, and enterance to the Oswegatchie Hills Nature Preserve. The main entrance is at Veterans' Memorial Park, off Pennsylvania Avenue.

Fishing & Clamming

• Clamming

  Clamming in East Lyme has long been a favorite pastime. Whether in the Niantic Bay or on the Niantic River, we're sure you'll enjoy the fruits of your labors. Clamming permits are required and can be purchased at the East Lyme Town Hall (860.739.6931) as well as other locations. Permits cost anywhere from $5.00 - $45.00 depending on your residential status, age and/or length of time you wish to clam. For additional information call the Shellfish Info Line (860) 739-6233 [Town Hall Shellfish Page]

• Charter Fishing Boats

  If landing a big one is what you seek, check out Black Hawk II Sport Fishing. Fishing charters available 7-days per week, and no reservations are required. Visit: Black Hawk II

Shopping & Boutiquing

• Shopping

  Sure East Lyme boast the beautiful mile-long Niantic Bay Boardwalk, charming beaches, scenic hiking trails and fabulous waterways for boating, fishing and kayaking, but what many visitors to the town discover is all the great shopping we have as well.
  The eclectic mix of family owned and operated specialty shops and boutiques set within a classic New England coastal small-town setting offer as much as any popular tourist destination on the Connecticut shoreline. Convenient to get to, the villages of Flanders and Niantic offer antiques, home furnishing, women’s clothing boutiques, fine jewelry, speciality and fine gifts, and much, much more.
  So, if shopping is what you seek, then we think you'll agree, East Lyme has some of the most eclectic mix of unique shops and boutiques around. Small town New England charm coupled with great local restaurants and awesome things to see and do make shopping in East Lyme one of the best places to visit along the Connecticut shoreline. [Shops & Boutiques]

Cinemas

• Niantic Cinemas

  Arguably, East Lyme, and specifically downtown Niantic, is home to one of the nicest movie theaters in all of southeastern Connecticut - the Niantic Cinemas. Clean, friendly and comfortable. Come see for yourself what makes this movie theater so special. [Niantic Cinemas]

Museums

• Children's Museum of Southeastern CT

  The Children's Museum of Southeastern Connecticut is an interactive, hands-on, educational place for children to try on new roles, let their imaginations soar and feel safe while exploring the world around them. 5,000 square feet and all on one floor, the Museum is accessible to everyone. We engage, encourage, and challenge children from 9 months to 9 years in the arts, sciences, health, and world cultures. Visit the Discovery Room featuring Kelsey's Vision, live animals and science activities. Climb into the kids' clubhouse. Pilot a fishing boat, then head to the Fish Market. Explore Toddler Land with your infants and toddlers. Don't miss the Global Village, a celebration of diverse cultural heritage. Would-be builders create wonders in the construction exhibit. Open year 'round for the truly hearty, our 2 outdoor areas delight youngsters with giant chimes, whale drum, dino dig, climbing wall, performing stage, a real 2-person research submarine and more!
  For additional information about the Children's Museum of Southeastern CT., visit: [Children's Museum]

Boating / Kayaking / Canoeing

• Kayaking ~ The Niantic River

  Take a ride, whether in a canoe or kayak, along the Niantic River Estuary Canoe/Kayak Trail, and enjoy the views, the historic points of interest, and the birds and other wildlife around you. There is a car-top launch at Cini Park, off Route 156, just east of the Village of Niantic. [Read more]

• Gorton Pond

  Ideal for kayaking, canoeing and fishing. Public boat launch on Kevin Rd. (take Pennsylvania Rd. to Roxbury Rd. to Kevin Rd.)

• Pattagansett Lake

  Boat launch on Boston Post Road

• Powers Lake

  Ideal for kayaking, canoeing & fishing. Public boat launch on Upper Pattagansett Rd. (off Boston Post Rd.).

Historical

• Smith-Harris House

  The Smith-Harris House, on Society Road in Niantic, is a wonderful example of a mid 1800's, Greek Revival-style New England farmhouse. The House is open weekend afternoons during the summer for tours, or by appointment throughout the year. Special events, such as Heritage Weekend in October, are not to be missed!
  Having a Party?  The Smith-Harris House barn is a great place to rent for a party, shower, lecture or your next gathering. Call (860) 739-2762 for additional information. [Read more]

• Thomas Lee House & Little Boston Schoolhouse

  The Thomas Lee House (c. 1660) and Little Boston Schoolhouse, on Route 156, off Exit 72 of I-95, are open to the public Tuesday through Sunday afternoons during the summer, and for special tours during the spring and fall. [Read more]

Sports

• Golf at Cedar Ridge Golf Course

  Whether your an experienced golfer or someone who's looking to learn the sport, the Cedar Ridge Golf Course in East Lyme is the place for you. Well maintained, scenic views and friendly staff make this golf course a favorite destination for many. [Cedar Ridge Golf Course]

• Biking

  The villages of Flanders and Niantic in East Lyme offer some of the most scenic bikes rides in all of Connecticut. For information on various bike routes in East Lyme, visit: www.CtBikeRoutes.org

• Tennis

  Aside from a local private tennis club, the Town of East Lyme offers 6 hard court tennis courts at the East Lyme High School. One can access the tennis courts from behind the Flanders Elementary School (167 Boston Post Road).

• East Lyme High School Aquatics Center

Parks & Recreation Department

• Parks & Rec Department Programs

  The East Lyme parks and Recreation Department offers year-round programs for younger children, youth, teens and adults. Programs include, but not limited to, Tiny Tumblers, Cheerleading, Music, Crafts,Volleyball, football, golf, Field Hockey, Kayaking, Fencing, Ballroom Dancing, Bridge, Aerobics, Pilates, Body Sculpting, Yoga, Meditation and much, much more. Visit the Parks & Rec. Department located in the Community Center at 41 Society Rd., Niantic, or call them at (860) 739-5828