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25 Best and Fun Things To Do In Old Lyme, Connecticut


TouristWire Editors

Widely renowned for its vibrant arts culture, the seaside town of Old Lyme boasts a plethora of art galleries and a bustling community of talented artists.

It’s also a great place to visit if you’re looking to delve into the outdoors since the surrounding area is filled with opportunities for nature-based recreation.

From kayaking and paddle boarding to hiking, you’re sure to find something to suit your interests here!

And if you’re looking for a tranquil spot to unwind in the afternoon after a morning full of activities, the Sculpture Grounds at the home of local artist Gilbert Boro are an excellent spot for a relaxed picnic.

For those looking to satisfy their sweet tooth, The Chocolate Shell is sure to delight! Dubbed “the sweetest destination in Old Lyme”, this popular candy shop is chock-full of old-time favorites like Peanut Chews, Mallo Cups, and Abba Zabba, as well as truffles, bonbons, and pretzels dipped in chocolate. Delicious!

If we’ve piqued your interest in this delightful little town, continue reading for a list of everything else it has to offer so you can start planning your trip

The 25 Most Popular Things To Do In Old Lyme, Connecticut

25. Nott Island

5.0 ★★★★★ (1 review)

24. Lord Cove

4.0 ★★★★☆ (1 review)

23. Amtrak Old Saybrook – Old Lyme Bridge

3.0 ★★★☆☆ (2 reviews)

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Credit: JJBers, License, Wikimedia commons

Location: Old Saybrook CT

22. Saybrook Breakwater Lighthouse

4.5 ★★★★★ (2 reviews)

Location: Long Island Sound Old Saybrook CT

21. Upper Three Mile River Preserve

5.0 ★★★★★ (3 reviews)

Location: Old Lyme CT

Web Address:   https://oldlymelandtrust.org/upper-three-mile-river

20. Poverty Island Beach

4.0 ★★★★☆ (4 reviews)

19. The Thomas Lee House

4.3 ★★★★☆ (6 reviews)

Location: 228 W Main Street Niantic CT

Tel:  860 739 6070

Web Address:   http://eastlymehistoricalsociety.org/index_files/Page376.htm

18. Jewett Preserve

4.7 ★★★★★ (6 reviews)

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Credit: Joey Adcock, Google Maps

Location: 20 10 MacIntosh Road Lyme CT

17. Lynde Point

2.7 ★★★☆☆ (7 reviews)

16. Beckett Hill State Park Reserve

4.9 ★★★★★ (8 reviews)

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Credit: Tomek K, Google Maps

Location: Lyme CT

15. Rogers Lake

4.7 ★★★★★ (10 reviews)

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Credit: Ianqui Doodle, License, Flickr

14. Raymond E Baldwin Bridge

4.1 ★★★★☆ (16 reviews)

Location: Old Lyme CT

13. Uncas Pond

4.5 ★★★★★ (17 reviews)

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Credit: danyelle green, Google Maps

12. Hamburg Cove

4.8 ★★★★★ (18 reviews)

11. Hartman Park

4.7 ★★★★★ (53 reviews)

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Credit: Michael O’Shaughnessy, Google Maps

Location: 122 Gungy Road Lyme CT

10. Rocky Neck State Park Bathing Beach

4.5 ★★★★★ (106 reviews)

9. Fort Saybrook Monument Park

4.5 ★★★★★ (106 reviews)

Location: Old Saybrook CT

Tel:  860 395 3152

Our Top picks

8. Rocky Neck

4.0 ★★★★☆ (5 reviews)

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Credit: License, Wikimedia commons

7. Lyme Art Association

4.7 ★★★★★ (9 reviews)

800px-lyme art association gallery fall 2019

Credit: Jackm135, License, Wikimedia commons

Location: 90 Lyme Street Old Lyme CT

Tel:  860 434 7802

Web Address:   http://lymeartassociation.org/

6. Selden Neck State Park

4.7 ★★★★★ (27 reviews)

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Credit: Rene Adaimi, Google Maps

Location: Lyme CT

Tel:  860 526 2336

Web Address:   http://ct.gov/deep/cwp/view.asp

5. Soundview Beach

3.7 ★★★★☆ (65 reviews)

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Credit: Christine Anderson, Google Maps

4. Nehantic State Forest

4.7 ★★★★★ (99 reviews)

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Credit: Anna Stangl, Google Maps

Location: 29 Willow Ln East Lyme CT

Web Address:   http://ct.gov/deep/cwp/view.asp

3. Ferry Landing State Park

4.6 ★★★★★ (211 reviews)

Location: 398 Ferry Road Old Lyme CT

Tel:  860 424 3000

Web Address:   http://ct.gov/deep/cwp/view.asp

2. Florence Griswold Museum

4.7 ★★★★★ (361 reviews)

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Credit: Altoemily, License, Wikimedia commons

Location: 96 Lyme Street Old Lyme CT

Tel:  860 434 5542

Web Address:   http://florencegriswoldmuseum.org/

1. Rocky Neck State Park

4.6 ★★★★★ (3,370 reviews)

Location: 244 W Main Street Niantic CT

Tel:  860 739 5471

Web Address:   http://ct.gov/deep/cwp/view.asp

Final Words:

Thank you for reading our list of the best things to do in Old Lyme, Connecticut! We hope it helped you plan the perfect itinerary for your next trip to this fantastic destination. Happy travels!

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