Things To Do
in New London
New London is a charming coastal city located in the state of Connecticut, United States. It is known for its maritime heritage, with a busy harbor and a historic waterfront district. The city is home to several museums, art galleries, and cultural attractions, offering a rich cultural experience for visitors.
New London also boasts beautiful beaches, scenic parks, and a vibrant dining scene, making it a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $100 - $250
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $15 - $40
- ☕ Coffee: $3 - $6
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $2 - $4
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $50 - $100
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $70
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the Ocean Beach Park, relaxing on the sandy shores. Grab a breakfast sandwich from a nearby café to fuel your adventure.
Visit the United States Coast Guard Academy to learn about maritime history. Enjoy lunch at a local seafood restaurant for a true taste of New England.
Take a scenic walk along the New London waterfront. Have dinner at a waterfront restaurant while watching the sunset.
Visit the Lyman Allyn Art Museum to kickstart your day with some art and culture. Engage with the various exhibits that showcase regional artists.
Explore the Connecticut College Botanic Gardens, enjoying the beautiful landscapes. Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy in the lush gardens.
Catch a performance at the Garde Arts Center for an entertaining evening. Dine at a local bistro to experience the city’s vibrant culinary scene.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich maritime history and cultural heritage
- Access to beautiful coastal scenery and beaches
- Vibrant arts scene with local galleries and theaters
- Proximity to major cities like New York and Boston
- Home to several educational institutions, including Connecticut College and the United States Coast Guard Academy
- Higher cost of living compared to other areas in Connecticut
- Limited job opportunities in certain sectors
- Traffic congestion during peak tourist seasons
- Weather can be harsh during winter months
- Some areas may lack sufficient public transportation options
Best Activities in New London
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Enjoy swimming, sunbathing, picnicking, and playing in the sand at this popular beach park.
Explore scenic trails and enjoy nature while hiking at Bluff Point State Park.
Experience the beauty of New London from the water by embarking on a sailing adventure on the Thames River.
Places to Visit in New London
Visit one of these nice places.
Oceanfront park with a boardwalk, beach, and views of Long Island Sound. Great for sunset photography.
A historic fort with panoramic views of the Thames River and New London Harbor. Ideal for capturing the coastal scenery.
Picturesque location with a lighthouse and views of the water. Perfect for capturing a classic seaside scene.
Food in New London
New London Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A creamy soup made with fresh clams, potatoes, and onions. Best enjoyed at Captain Scott's Lobster Dock, known for its delicious chowder and scenic waterfront location.
Must-Try!
A quintessential East Coast dish featuring succulent lobster meat served in a buttered, toasted bun. Try the renowned Hot Lobster Roll at The Seehund German Pub & Restaurant for an unforgettable seafood experience.
A local version of pizza with a thin, crispy crust and a simple, flavorful tomato sauce. Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana is a legendary spot to savor this iconic New Haven-style pizza, located just a short drive from New London.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Take a leisurely stroll along the charming Main Street and explore a variety of food vendors offering delectable street food such as gourmet hot dogs, artisanal ice cream, and global flavors. Don't miss the opportunity to sample diverse cuisines from different food trucks.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In New London, it is important to respect people's personal space and not stand too close to them during conversations or interactions.
When dining in New London, it is customary to wait for everyone to be served before starting to eat, and to use utensils rather than eating with hands in formal settings.
Politeness is highly valued in New London, so using
Safety
Tipping in New London
Ensure a smooth experience
In New London, United States, tipping is a common practice in the service industry. It is customary to leave a gratuity of around 15-20% of the total bill at restaurants, bars, and for other services such as hairdressing and taxi rides.
Payment in New London, United States is primarily done using cash, credit/debit cards, and mobile payment apps. Most businesses accept major credit cards and contactless payment methods. It is also common to tip with cash or add a tip when paying with a card.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Best time to visit for mild weather, blooming flowers, and outdoor activities. Consider visiting in May for the annual Sailfest event.
Ideal for beach visits, outdoor festivals, and water activities due to warm temperatures and sunny weather.
Great for enjoying the fall foliage, attending harvest festivals, and experiencing crisp weather. September and October are popular months.
Winter offers fewer crowds, charming holiday decorations, and opportunities for indoor cultural experiences. Dress warmly for cold temperatures.
New London at Night
Hiking in New London
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A beautiful coastal park with trails offering views of the Long Island Sound and lush landscapes.
A scenic hiking trail providing a moderate challenge with rewarding views at the summit.
A serene area with easy trails, perfect for a quick hike surrounded by nature.
Various trails with diverse habitats, great for hiking and observing local wildlife.
A beautiful landscape with several miles of trails through gardens and woodlands.
Aiports
How to reach New London by plane.
Located in Windsor Locks, approximately 45 miles northwest of New London, Bradley International Airport is the second-largest airport in New England and offers a variety of domestic and international flights.
Situated in Warwick, Rhode Island, about 60 miles northeast of New London, T.F. Green Airport serves the Providence area and offers numerous domestic and a limited number of international flights.
Located in Queens, New York, approximately 90 miles southwest of New London, JFK is one of the busiest international airports in the U.S., offering extensive international and domestic flights.
Also in Queens, New York, LaGuardia Airport is about 90 miles southwest of New London. It primarily handles domestic flights but also has some international flights to Canada and the Caribbean.
Located in Newark, New Jersey, approximately 120 miles southwest of New London, Newark Liberty is one of the major international gateways to the U.S. and offers numerous international and domestic flights.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The largest demographic group in New London, comprising a significant portion of the population.
A notable demographic group contributing to the cultural diversity of New London.
A growing demographic group in New London, representing various backgrounds.
Includes individuals from a variety of Asian backgrounds, adding to the community's diversity.
A smaller demographic group that encompasses individuals from various racial backgrounds not classified above.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Basketball is a fast-paced sport that is played on a rectangular court, where two teams compete to score points by shooting a ball through the opponent's hoop.
Soccer, or football as it is known in most countries, is a team sport played between two teams of eleven players, where the objective is to score by getting the ball into the opposing team's goal.
Baseball is a bat-and-ball sport played between two opposing teams who take turns batting and fielding, known for its rich history and significant cultural impact in the United States.
American football is a contact sport played by two teams of eleven players on a rectangular field, known for its strategic play and physicality.
Swimming is an individual or team racing sport that requires the use of one's entire body to move through water, popular for its recreational and competitive aspects.
Track and field is a collection of athletic contests established on the skills of running, jumping, and throwing, often held in a stadium.
Ice hockey is a team sport played on ice, in which skaters use sticks to direct a puck into the opposing team's goal.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting New London.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
New London boasts several restaurants and cafes with dedicated vegetarian and vegan menus, providing ample options for plant-based eaters. Notable establishments include Dev's on Bank and Washington Street Coffee House.
Visitors with gluten sensitivities can find accommodating eateries in New London, such as Right Path Organic Cafe and Big Picture Cafe, which offer diverse gluten-free dishes and beverages.