Old Lyme, CT

Travel Guide

Old Lyme showing a lake or waterhole
Old Lyme featuring signage
Old Lyme which includes a sandy beach
Old Lyme featuring a beach
Old Lyme which includes signage
The town is characterized by a network of waterways, picturesque timber buildings and a dazzling collection of celebrated art galleries. 

Old Lyme is one of the highlights of a journey along Connecticut’s stunning coastline. Stop here to appreciate some of the state’s finest artistic destinations and historic buildings. Old Lyme is more than just a cultural destination, however, as the town is also a popular place for watersports and wildlife watching.

The town was established, like many in this stretch of New England, in the mid-17th century. Visit its impressive collection of art galleries today to see the results of the community’s artistic boom during the late 1800s, when it was a focal point of the American Impressionist movement. 

Start your exploration of Old Lyme’s arts scene in the Florence Griswold Museum. Griswold’s attractive, Late Georgian-style house is a national historic landmark. Discover here the work of the Lyme Art Colony, the artists behind the American Impressionist movement.

At the Lyme Art Association browse galleries that look to the future of American painting and sculpture. The next generation of artists is being trained in the Lyme Academy College of Fine Arts, which features year-round exhibitions of paintings by students and alumni.

Rent a kayak and paddle out onto the waters of Old Lyme. Explore the inlets around the Great Island Wildlife Management Area. Drift through brackish marshes and watch for waterfowl. The Connecticut River and Long Island Sound are also serene spots to enjoy fishing, either from land or on a boat.

Swim in Long Island Sound or sunbathe on one of Old Lyme’s beaches. White Sands Beach and Sound View Beach are two of the more popular coastal escapes. Enjoy the safe swimming space of an inland beach at Hain’s Park, which borders Rogers Lake.

Drive to Old Lyme on the coastal road that runs along southern Connecticut. The town is just over 30 minutes from New HavenOpens in a new window, while buses run here from Old Saybrook. Visit throughout the year to enjoy this charming, artistic destination.

Best Western Mystic Hotel

Best Western Mystic Hotel

2.5 out of 5
48 Whitehall Ave, Mystic, CT
The price is NT$3,759 per night from Jul 27 to Jul 28
NT$3,759
NT$4,322 total
Jul 27 - Jul 28
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Mystic. Enjoy free breakfast, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (266 reviews)
"Great place clean but the hall ways where hot as if there was no AC"

Reviewed on 2025/7/17

Best Western Mystic Hotel
Mohegan Sun

Mohegan Sun

4.5 out of 5
1 Mohegan Sun Boulevard, Montville, CT
The price is NT$6,351 per night from Aug 6 to Aug 7
NT$6,351
NT$8,037 total
Aug 6 - Aug 7
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury resort in Montville. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 indoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,934 reviews)
"Great room. Clean"

Reviewed on 2025/7/16

Mohegan Sun
The Fox Tower at Foxwoods

The Fox Tower at Foxwoods

3.5 out of 5
350 Trolley Line Blvd, Mashantucket, CT
The price is NT$4,702 per night from Jul 22 to Jul 23
NT$4,702
NT$6,253 total
Jul 22 - Jul 23
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star spa hotel in Mashantucket. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Foxwoods Resort Casino and Grand Theater ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,017 reviews)
"This was a wonderful place to stay. Staff were professional and helpful."

Reviewed on 2025/7/19

The Fox Tower at Foxwoods
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! (37 reviews)
"Lovely to be in nature. Cabin super cute Great customer bservice"

Reviewed on 2025/7/16

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 Old Lyme

4.3
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
2
5 - Excellent 67%
4 - Good
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4 - Good 0%
3 - Okay
1
3 - Okay 33%
2 - Disappointing
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2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
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1 - Terrible 0%

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

The neighboring areas Old Saybrook and Essex were more interesting with things to do ie; dining and shopping.

Cities near Old Lyme