Niantic, CT

Travel Guide

Niantic featuring signage
Niantic
Niantic
Niantic featuring a sandy beach
Niantic featuring interior views
Embrace a gentle pace of life in idyllic, small-town Connecticut by visiting this picturesque village, known for its celebrated museums and beaches. 

The village of Niantic oozes charm. Explore Main Street, a broad avenue running along the edge of Niantic Bay and home to an array of laid-back restaurants with sea views. Relax on this beautiful stretch of the Connecticut coastline and swim in the peaceful waters of Long Island Sound. While here, visit the delightful local museums and experience the community events held in this welcoming destination.

The village is named after the Nehantic Native Americans, who were the first occupants of the land. Explore the Smith-Harris House, an elegant Greek Revival home from the mid 19th century, to glimpse life in a different era and to browse exhibits on the history of Niantic.

Stroll along the Niantic Bay Boardwalk to soak up the relaxed coastal atmosphere of the village. Bring your camera for photos of Long Island Sound and pause on the white-sand beach for a moment of tranquility.

The Children’s Museum of Southeastern Connecticut is one of the most popular attractions in this region of Connecticut. Bring your whole family to enjoy the interactive exhibits in the museum, which features displays designed to stimulate the imagination and educate visitors about natural science.

Escape into the scenery of Oswegatchie Hills Nature Preserve. Just a short hike through the preserve will lead you to stunning views of the Niantic River. Look upward to see ospreys and bald eagles. Head back down to the water and relax at McCook Point Beach and Park. Walk along its coastal bluffs and down to its picnic points.

Meet local village residents at the Niantic Farmers Market. Vendors set up stalls just off Main Street every Thursday and sell wholesome prepared foods and fresh produce.

Niantic is located just 25 minutes away from MysticOpens in a new window by car and about 1 hour from HartfordOpens in a new window. Once here, explore the quaint and compact community on foot to truly appreciate the atmosphere. Visit in spring or fall to avoid summer’s high temperatures and humidity.

Best Western Niantic - New London/Mystic Area
Best Western Niantic - New London/Mystic Area
2.5 out of 5
265 Flanders Road, Niantic, CT
The price is NT$3,438 per night from Jul 20 to Jul 21
NT$3,438
NT$3,953 total
Jul 20 - Jul 21
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Niantic. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions New London Ferry Dock and Flanders ...
9/10 Wonderful! (283 reviews)
"Wonderful!"

Reviewed on 2025/7/13

Best Western Niantic - New London/Mystic Area
Sleep Inn & Suites Niantic
Sleep Inn & Suites Niantic
2.5 out of 5
5 King Arthur Dr, Niantic, CT
The price is NT$2,732 per night from Jul 27 to Jul 28
NT$2,732
NT$3,141 total
Jul 27 - Jul 28
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Niantic. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,008 reviews)
"Me and my family enjoyed the stay here over the weekend. The breakfast options were not to great but the staff made up for it by being very friendly and kind. Some of the front staff were not very friendly or approachable. But for the most part it was great for the price we paid. Thank you!"

Reviewed on 2025/7/6

Sleep Inn & Suites Niantic
Motel 6 Niantic, CT - New London
Motel 6 Niantic, CT - New London
2 out of 5
269 Flanders Rd, Niantic, CT
The price is NT$2,235 per night from Jul 28 to Jul 29
NT$2,235
NT$2,570 total
Jul 28 - Jul 29
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this motel in Niantic. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
7/10 Good! (1,002 reviews)
"All staff that I dealt with were nice and helpful. Room was clean and properly was quiet."

Reviewed on 2025/7/6

Motel 6 Niantic, CT - New London
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.
Postcard Cabins Machimoodus
Postcard Cabins Machimoodus
2 out of 5
298 E Haddam Moodus Rd, East Haddam, CT
Stay at this cabin in East Haddam. Enjoy free parking, patios, and climate control. Popular attractions Machimoodus State Park and Amasa Day House are located ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (34 reviews)
"Great place"

Reviewed on 2025/7/7

Postcard Cabins Machimoodus
Cliffside Resort Condominiums
Cliffside Resort Condominiums
3 out of 5
61475 Route 48 (North Road), Greenport, NY
Stay at this 3-star beach aparthotel in Greenport. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Railroad Museum of Long Island and ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (228 reviews)
Nice view and beach access was great!
"Beautiful property! View was awesome, nice beach with chairs. The room could use some updating, stove top was broken so our morning coffee was delayed as the burner was very slow to heat the water for our French press we travel with. The view from our room was peaceful however the barbecue area was ..."

Reviewed on 2025/7/10

Cliffside Resort Condominiums
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 Niantic

3.9
Guest rating
5 - Excellent
40
5 - Excellent 27%
4 - Good
71
4 - Good 48%
3 - Okay
27
3 - Okay 18%
2 - Disappointing
3
2 - Disappointing 2%
1 - Terrible
6
1 - Terrible 4%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Good state parks for hiking. Great used book store.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

BREAKFAST was so bad. Jelly was like rubber o old I guess. The only thing that was decent was the Thomas English muffins and coffee was not bad. I have stayed here before for many days to visit my family. It has gone downhill

1/5 - Terrible

Verified traveler

This place needs to close or update it’s really sad people would try to use this building as a rental option.

5/5 - Excellent

Phil

The boardwalk is really nice, and has a great view. However, it would be nice if there was more access besides at each end of the (1.1 mi. long) walkway.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Good restaurants nearby

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Nice town, good sesfood