Located on the Long Island Sound, the beachfront town of Niantic is a unique place to explore in Connecticut. It’s a wonderfully laid-back location that has a calm and peaceful atmosphere about it. Visitors come from all over to enjoy a staycation so that they can relax and rejuvenate on beautiful beaches like Hole in the Wall Beach and McCook Point Beach.
Plan ahead for these events:
- Niantic Farmers' Market
- Niantic Light Parade - Saturday, December 14, 2024 at 6:00PM on Main Street
- Niantic Jingle Bell 5K - December 14, 2024
- More Local events
Getting to Niantic: Niantic is 46 min from New Haven ( 41.4 miles via I-95 N).
Best time to visit Niantic, CT:
Visit during the summer months, from mid-June to mid-September to enjoy the beaches. Or head there during the shoulder season for affordable prices.
Where to stay in Niantic:
- The Inn at Harbor Hill Marina
- The Niantic Inn
Stop by The Book Barn
Visiting The Book Barn is a bibliophile’s dream come true; they have a collection of over 350,000 books for customers to peruse and purchase.
Find it at this Address: 41 W Main St, Niantic, CT 06357, Phone: 860-739-5715
Go kayaking with Three Belles Outfitters
An arm of the Three Belles Marina, Three Belles Outfitters offer stand up paddling yoga, kayaking, paddle boarding, or enjoying a guided paddle tour on the Niantic River.
Have fun with kids at the Children's Museum of Southeastern Connecticut
The 5,000 square foot Children's Museum of Southeastern Connecticut is specifically designed to intrigue their curiosity, creativity, and imagination and is suitable for children from nine months old to nine years old.
You’ll find exhibits dedicated to science, art, and world cultures, with popular spaces being the Discovery Room, Imaginative Play, and Toddler Land which is adored by the younger visitors. Kids can head outdoors and climb walls, play in tree houses, perform on stage, or even go zip lining in their exciting outdoor play area.
Find it at this Address: 409 Main St, Niantic, CT 06357, Phone: 860-691-1111
Go on a sunset cruise aboard the Black Hawk Fishing Boat
Enjoy an offshore trip, a night trip, a sunset cruise, or venture out on the waters in search of seeing the local marine animals aboard Black Hawk Fishing Boat .
Go on a guided tour of the historic Thomas Lee House
Founded in 1897, the Thomas Lee House is one of the oldest wood frame houses that can be seen in its primitive state in the entirety of Connecticut. The original dwelling dates back to circa 1660c when it originally comprised a two-story wall post with a Judgement Hall, a Chamber, and a spacious attic.You’ll be able to see kitchen utensils, parlor decor, and so much more while you’re there.
Find it at this Address: 228 W Main St, Niantic, CT 06357
Go fishing with Striper Snax Fishing Charters
Based in Niantic, Connecticut, Striper Snax Fishing Charters will navigate you through the waters of the Long Island Sound, Montauk, and Block Island. They specialize in night striped bass fishing and you can also go on their seasonal tours in search of cod, bluefish, sea bass, fluke, blackfish, and porgy. If it’s your first time chartering a fishing boat, the experienced anglers will be more than happy to share their equipment, techniques, and tips with you. When fishing with Striper Snax you don’t need a fishing license; they can also provide rods, reels, bait, and tackle. Phone: 860-333-7271
Stroll along the Niantic Bay Boardwalk
Connecting Hole-In-The-Wall Beach at McCook Point Park with Cini Memorial Park is the 1.1-mile-long Niantic Bay Boardwalk. It’s one of the best places to enjoy the state’s shoreline and dip your toes in the cool water. Amenities include a lovely view of your surroundings, park benches, designated picnic areas, and much more.
Have a romantic dinner at Charlie’s Place Restaurant & Lounge
Charlie’s Place Restaurant & Lounge serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and is famed for their array of pastas, steaks, seafood, and barbecue.
Find it at this Address: 26 Main St, Niantic, CT 06357, Phone: 860-739-2975
Pick up a sweet treat at Gumdrops & Lollipops
Gumdrops & Lollipops is a 1950s style diner that is famed for its homemade candies, chocolate, ice cream, pies, and other desserts.
Find it at this Address: 334 Main St, Niantic, CT 06357, Phone: 860-739-7800
Relax with a view in McCook Point Beach and Park
McCook Point Beach and Park overlooks Niantic Bay and has become a popular recreational area for residents and visitors. The bluff is home to a shaded lawn area with a picnic pavilion and a band shell where summer concerts take place. The park offers restrooms, pavilion hire, a play area and bocce courts. There is also free Wi-Fi available during the summer season.
Find it at this Address: McCook Point Beach and Park, Niantic, CT 06357, 860 739 5828
Sample unique brews at Niantic Public House and Brewery
When you have worked up a thirst on the beach, Niantic Public House and Brewery on Main Street is your obvious choice for some refreshment.There is often a food truck in attendance but visitors are welcome to bring their own food to the venue.
Find it at this Address: Niantic Public House and Brewery, 243 Main Street, Niantic, CT 06357, 860 451 8205
Relax on the sand at Rocky Neck State Park
Rocky Neck State Park is an ideal destination for a fun and relaxing family day out. Located on a gently sloping beach which is ideal for children, the park boasts a stone pavilion and a network of interesting hiking trails.
Find it at this Address: Rocky Neck State Park, 244 W. Main Street, Niantic, CT 06357, 860 739 5471
