New London, CT

Travel Guide
New London featuring heritage architecture
Walk in the footsteps of America’s founders in the historic downtown of this waterfront city. Outdoor and cultural activities make this a popular destination.

New London is a historic city along the U.S. Atlantic coastline. As one of the first English settlements in Connecticut, the destination was once one of the world’s busiest whaling ports. Its small-town charm and long history are balanced by cultural attractions that add a modern touch to this notable New England destination.

Reflect on the past in the downtown waterfront area, the crown jewel of New London. Enjoy its many shops and restaurants or stroll along the banks of the Thames River. Historic figures like Revolutionary War hero Nathan Hale and playwright Eugene O’Neill once lived here. The cathedral, which houses a stunning collection of Tiffany glass windows, is just a short walk from one of America’s oldest operating courthouses.

The waterfront is lined with historic streets of quaint architecture and captivating cultural activities. Explore galleries and shops. Select one of the district's many eateries. New London's Atlantic Ocean location makes it an ideal destination to enjoy fresh seafood dishes.

Find plenty to do outdoors in New London. Visit the Waterfront Park, a promenade and piers along the Thames River. Casual boaters can dock here. For a day at the beach, head a few minutes south of downtown to Ocean Park Beach. Meander along the boardwalk or swim in the Olympic-sized pool. Treat your family to miniature golf, the arcade, playground and fair rides, such as the carousel and water slide.

New London is also home to Connecticut College, a small liberal arts school with a charming campus. Stroll through the Connecticut College Arboretum, a sprawling site with botanical gardens and a native plant collection. The college also offers dramatic and dance performances throughout the year.

Drive 47 miles (76.5 kilometers) northeast to Hartford, Connecticut's capital. The Amtrak station provides easy access between the two cities.

New London provides New England charm throughout the year. Enjoy colorful fall foliage or spring flowers as you stroll down the historic streets.

Clarion Inn New London - Mystic
Clarion Inn New London - Mystic
2.5 out of 5
269 North Frontage Road, 380 Bayonet St (Back Entrance/GPS), New London, CT
The price is NT$1,817 per night from Mar 31 to Apr 1
NT$1,817
per night
Mar 31 - Apr 1
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in New London. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular ...
6/10 (1,005 reviews)
"For the price I paid, it was more than I expected. Breakfast included."

Reviewed on 2024/2/17

Clarion Inn New London - Mystic
Holiday Inn New London - Mystic Area, an IHG Hotel
Holiday Inn New London - Mystic Area, an IHG Hotel
3 out of 5
35 Governor Winthrop Blvd, New London, CT
The price is NT$3,170 per night from Mar 31 to Apr 1
NT$3,170
per night
Mar 31 - Apr 1
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in New London. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,006 reviews)
"All good"

Reviewed on 2024/3/25

Holiday Inn New London - Mystic Area, an IHG Hotel
Springhill Suites by Marriott Mystic Waterford
Springhill Suites by Marriott Mystic Waterford
3 out of 5
401 N Frontage Rd, New London, CT
The price is NT$4,287 per night from Apr 29 to Apr 30
NT$4,287
per night
Apr 29 - Apr 30
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in New London. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (752 reviews)
"Friendly staff, clean, very nice"

Reviewed on 2024/3/3

Springhill Suites by Marriott Mystic Waterford
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
New Haven Village Suites
New Haven Village Suites
3 out of 5
3 Long Wharf Dr, New Haven, CT
Stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in New Haven. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,803 reviews)
a hidden gem, very nice.
"Charming exterior, and very clean rooms. Not much around, which makes it really nice and quiet. Secure vehicular access, too. All over a great place to stay!"

Reviewed on 2024/3/11

New Haven Village Suites
Stamford Suites
Stamford Suites
2.5 out of 5
720 Bedford St, Stamford, CT
Stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Stamford. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions First Presbyterian Church and Fernando ...
6.8/10 (678 reviews)
"Needs some updating and maybe some soundproofing but worked great for a weekend getaway"

Reviewed on 2024/3/10

Stamford Suites
DUNE Fairfield Beach
DUNE Fairfield Beach
3 out of 5
1160 Reef Rd, Fairfield, CT
Stay at this 3-star beach apartment in Fairfield. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and free bicycles on site. Popular attractions Penfield Beach and Fairfield ...
10/10 Exceptional! (6 reviews)
"Great stay"

Reviewed on 2024/3/11

DUNE Fairfield Beach
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of New London

3.8
Guest rating
5 - Excellent
33
" "5 - Excellent 20.754716981132077%
4 - Good
84
" "4 - Good 52.83018867924528%
3 - Okay
28
" "3 - Okay 17.61006289308176%
2 - Disappointing
13
" "2 - Disappointing 8.176100628930818%
1 - Terrible
1
" "1 - Terrible 0.6289308176100629%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
May 29, 2020

We just moved here and we are on the ocean beach side of town. We love it so far

4/5 - Good

Gordon
Apr 27, 2020

Enjoyable to walk and bike along the shore

2/5 - Disappointing

Verified traveler
Mar 2, 2020

Never coming back

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Jan 1, 2020

2 nice restaurants walking distance from the property. Beautiful new England style homes and a huge wharf area .

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
Dec 8, 2019

We went to visit family, but it was a fun area to visit.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
Nov 25, 2019

Mohegun Sun Arena was very nice