Along the coast of Connecticut, Niantic is a charming little town with beaches, cute shops, and wonderful places to eat. I also love that it makes for a fantastic home base for exploring other nearby areas, including Mystic, state parks, and more quaint towns. If you’re looking for a more quiet, off-the-beaten-path beach destination, this may just be a great option for you!
And, if you’re planning a visit, you’ve come to the right place 😉 This post is all about my favorite things to do in Niantic, Connecticut, including tips for visiting the beaches, what to expect, where to stay, awesome nearby attractions, and day trip options that are worth your time.
And with that, let’s get started!
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Best Things To Do In Niantic, CT
1. Walk The Scenic Boardwalk
One of my favorite things about Niantic is that it really makes the most of its coastal location, and they’ve created a nice pedestrian boardwalk that stretches for just over a mile long. During your walk on the boardwalk, you’ll get to enjoy the coastal scenery, and since it connects one of the town beaches, Hole In The Wall Beach, with a nice little park, which is is Cini Memorial Park, you’re rewarded with something to do on each end.
If you stay right in town at one of the places I suggest below, you’ll easily be able to walk over to either starting point without worrying about parking. But if you do need to drive to a starting point of the boardwalk, I suggest starting at Cini Memorial Park, as there is a section with free parking, even in the summer. Cini Park does have access to Niantic Beach, though, and if you choose to visit the beach, you’ll have to park in a separate area and pay. More on that in the next section, though.
Explore The Beaches!
Niantic has some nice beaches to explore! While most of them are pretty small, they’re all along Niantic Bay, so the water is calm and easy to swim in, making for a very relaxed day in the sand. You’ll find three town beaches, and one state park beach in Niantic, so you have a few different options to choose from.
Here’s a breakdown of the three town beaches in Niantic that are worth checking out:
2. Niantic Beach
Located at Cini Memorial Park, Niantic Beach is one of the more popular ones in town because of its location at one entrance to the boardwalk. The shoreline is mostly sandy, with patches of seashells to look out for, and is generally very nice.
To park here, as mentioned, you’ll need to head to the Cini Memorial Park lot, and then pay to park for beach access.
3. McCook Point Beach
Located within McCook Point Park, McCook Beach is another one of the small, town beaches in Niantic worth checking out. Not only is the park itself nice to walk around, as it provides lovely coastal views, the beach has soft, sandy shoreline to enjoy for a day in the sun.
I do suggest taking some time before or after your beach visit to explore the rest of the park. It’s very small, but it’s relaxing to take a walk around the point, and this area also offers views of the Hole In The Wall Beach, as well as the boardwalk.
There is a daily parking fee at McCook Point Park to access both the park and the beach if you’re an out-of-state resident, so this is something to be aware of before your visit.
4. Hole In The Wall Beach
Lastly for town beaches, Hole In The Wall Beach is beloved by the locals, and it’s easy to see why. It sits right next to McCook Point Park, and it’s direct access from Main Street in Niantic’s town center.
Again, this is a pretty small beach, but it does offer soft sand and calm water for a relaxing beach day. And as mentioned, this is one of the two entrances to the boardwalk if you’re looking to enjoy a scenic walk along the town’s waterfront.
It’s good to know that this beach charges out-of-state residents to park at this beach, and if you don’t need to park, they also charge for walk-on access (which is less than the parking fee).
5. Explore Rocky Neck State Park
The biggest beach in Niantic can be found here at Rocky Neck State Park, and while it’s technically in East Lyme, it’s just a 15-minute drive from town center. If you’re looking to spend a full day at the beach and want a bit more space than what the town beaches offer, this is the best option.
And since this beach sits within a state park, there’s actually more to do here than just the beach. You’ll also enjoy a scenic boardwalk, trails, picnic tables, and even campgrounds. There are also nice changing and bathroom facilities to make your visit easier.
It’s good to know that when visiting this beach, out-of-state residents are charged a fee to park, and prices are also higher on weekends, compared to weekdays. However if you arrive after 4pm, the fee is significantly less.
6. Visit The Cute Shops On Main Street
One of my favorite things to do in Niantic is visit all the cute shops along Main Street. Most of them (if not all) are independent boutiques that offer unique finds, and it’s a treat to visit them all.
One of my favorite shops in Niantic is Azalea (pictures below on the right), which is a home goods shop that keeps up with all the latest trends, but also feel very timeless. I always find really great things here. It’s also right next door to Sift Bake Shop, which I’ll talk about later in the post 😉
I also really love the Past to Present antique shop, Anna Pearl’s Curiosities (which is perfect if you love unique jewelry!), and Grace for clothing and accessories. But most shops are worth popping into, so be sure to spend some time walking up and down Main Street to support all the local boutiques!
7. Definitely Shop At The Book Barn
One of the best stores in Niantic deserves its own section, though, and that’s the Book Barn. There’s a location right on Main Street downtown, but I highly suggest you drive to their main location, which is located at 41 Main Street (Route 156). I know it’s confusing, but it’s actually separate from their downtown location.
Their main location is honestly just such a cool, unique experience, and this used bookstore is an absolute must for anyone that loves books. I’m personally such a sucker for pretty much any bookstore, so this was like a dream to visit. But even if you’re not a big reader, the shear uniqueness of the shop is really fun.
The bookshop is laid out in such a way that you have to walk around outside to visit outdoor stands, pop into indoor book shacks, and they’ve even included a small garden, haunted building, and a barn with goats (yep, you read that right 😂).
This is quite frankly, one of my favorite bookstores I’ve ever been to, so be sure to check it out during your visit.
8. Pick Up Some Treats At Sift Bake Shop
I first visited Sift Bake Shop at their Mystic location, and I quickly fell in love with it. In fact, it became one of my favorite bakeries in all of New England! So when I stumbled upon the location on Main Street in Niantic, it was pretty hard to contain my excitement.
Sift Bake Shop’s Niantic location is a bit smaller, but no less charming, and the baked goods are absolutely the same quality. Everything I’ve had here has been memorable, and I’m especially fond of their raspberry croissants (well, pretty much all their croissants, actually 😊), cookies, and tarts. But honestly, it’s all pretty incredible.
As you walk up and down Main Street, be sure to pop in to get some treats, grab breakfast or lunch, and definitely get an extra box of goodies to bring home with you!
9. Feel Like A Kid Again At Gumdrops & Lollipops
This shop on Main Street deserves its own little section, and you’ll want to be sure to swing into Gumdrops & Lollipops during your visit. A combined ice cream and candy destination, this adorable shop is the perfect place to cure that sweet tooth craving.
I think they have the best ice cream in Niantic, so you’ll definitely want to plan a visit to get a cone during your trip. They have tons of flavors to choose from, but I especially loved the black raspberry chip. And if you’re not a fan of hard ice cream, they also offer soft serve, milkshakes, floats, and smoothies.
Inside, in addition to the awesome selection of candy, chocolate, and fudge, you’ll find a cute little coffee bar, too.
Pro Tip: If you just get ice cream or food, it’s cash only. Credit cards are accepted for store purchases inside for things like chocolate, fudge, and candy. If you’re in need of cash, they have an ATM on their back deck (which is where the ice cream window is), as well as one in-store.
10. Sip On Local Craft Beer At The Public House
If you love to taste local craft beer when you travel, one of the best things to do in Niantic, CT is the Public House Brewery. Not only it it the only craft brewery in town, it’s got a great selection of brews on tap to try. They specialize in IPAs, but also always have a great mix on tap, which may include stouts, pilsners, and lagers. It’s always changing, but they do post what’s on tap on their website.
If you’re gluten-free, or not a big beer-lover, they also have some nice ciders!
Pro Tip: I recommend getting a flight to sample a few different ones. It’ll be served on a cute little turtle tray!
11. Take The Kids To The Children’s Museum
If you’re traveling with kids, one of the best things to do in Niantic, CT is spend your afternoon at the Children’s Museum! The museum’s motto is to “Engage, Encourage, and Challenge!” and they offer some wonderful, interactive exhibits that encourage children to do just that.
Inside, you’ll find an imagination room, an outdoor playscape, discovery room, and the nano exhibit, all of which hope to spark curiosity and creativity. It definitely won’t feel like school here, and the interactive exhibits sneak in lots of education while being equally as fun.
Pro Tip: The museum is recommended for children from 9 months to 9 years old. It also has different hours depending on the season, so be sure to check before making a special trip.
12. Tour A Historic Home
Most places around New England are deeply rooted in history, and Niantic is no exception. For any history buffs out there, you’ll want to plan a visit to some of the town’s historic homes and admire the traditional colonial architecture.
The Thomas Lee House and Little Boston Schoolhouse are a great place to start and learn a bit about the local history. The Thomas Lee House is one of the oldest in Connecticut, and on the same grounds, you’ll be able to visit the Little Boston Schoolhouse, which is authentically preserved with desks to feel like you’ve stepped back in time.
The Brookside Farm & Museum is another great place to stop in town. This farmhouse is a bit newer than the Thomas Lee House, and was built in 1845, however, the site is organized as a museum, and welcomes visitors to its grounds to experience what life was like on a New England dairy farm in the 19th century. This museum is only open on the weekends for tours, but the grounds are open daily if you’d just like to walk around.
13. Get Delicious Italian Pizza At Vincitori
Lastly in Niantic, plan a night out with authentic Italian pizza and cuisine at Vincitori Apizza. Despite the name suggesting they serve New Haven-style Apizza (no, that’s not a typo! 😉), they actually offer really amazing Italian-style pies.
My dinner here was absolutely fantastic, and everything from the wine, salad, focaccia, and pizza was delicious. The restaurant itself is very small and cozy, which adds to the ambience, and it’s also located right on Main Street, so it’s walkable if you’re staying in town. They also offer online ordering for takeout and delivery to make things easier.
This was definitely one of the best places we’ve eaten at in Niantic.
Where To Stay In Niantic, CT
During a getaway to Niantic, I do really recommend that you stay somewhere walkable to the main town. I think it adds to the charm of your visit, but more importantly, it allows you to walk to the beaches so you don’t have to worry about parking. The good news is, the best places to stay in Niantic are actually right in downtown.
I also suggest you book a hotel that offers beach passes to their guests, as Connecticut beaches aren’t super convenient (or cheap!) for out-of-state residents. Parking fees for out-of-staters in CT can add up fast, and on weekends, they charge even more, so having a hotel that offers beach passes will save you a good chunk of change if you’re coming specifically to spend a lot of time at the beaches.
My first two suggestions are both walkable to town center, and offer beach passes:
Inn at Harbor Hill Marina: This is my top pick for where to stay in Niantic. Located right on the water with marina views, the grounds are really lovely, and the rooms are nicely decorated in a coastal New England style. It’s also walkable to Niantic beach, the boardwalk, and the shops and restaurants on Main Street. They also offer their guests beach passes, which is super handy, and a money-saver!
→ Click here to check rates & availability at the Inn on Harbor Hill Marina
Niantic Inn: Located a bit closer to McCook Park and Hole in the Wall Beach, this is the next best option in town. This is a more budget-friendly hotel, but the rooms have nice amenities like smart TV’s and fridges. This hotel also offers its guests beach passes!
→ Click here to check rates & availability for the Niantic Inn
Marina Bay Cottages: If you’re okay with staying a bit outside of Niantic’s town center, I really love suggesting this little cluster of individual cottages in nearby Waterford. These are great for longer stays, as each cottage includes a kitchen, and they’re all beautifully decorated with a modern, coastal theme. You’re only about a 5-minute drive from downtown Niantic, and if you’re up for the walk, it’ll take about 25-30 minutes.
→ Click here to check rates & availability at the cute Marina Bay Cottages
Things To Do Near Niantic, CT
Now that I’ve gone over all the best things to do in Niantic, let’s talk about all the fun places that are nearby, including my recommendations for day trips!
14. Spend The Day In New London
Just 15 minutes from Niantic is New London, which is home to one of the best beaches in the state at Ocean Park Beach. If you’re looking for a bigger beach with more facilities and amenities, this is a great option. This beach is also perfect for kids because there’s a small section with rides, a playground, a huge pool, food options, and convenient bathroom and changing facilities.
The beach here is also nice – it’s a decent-sized stretch of soft sand, with a boardwalk that makes walking around very easy.
The town of New London itself doesn’t offer a ton more to do, but it’s a fun place to explore afterwards if you’re looking to grab lunch or dinner out.
15. Stroll Through Old Saybrook
Just about 15-20 minutes from Niantic in the opposite direction from New London, and you’ll arrive in Old Saybrook. This is a wonderful little coastal town to explore with a huge Main Street for shopping, museums, boating tours, and waterfront scenery to explore.
Old Saybrook doesn’t have a lot of “flashy” attractions, but if you’re looking to get a bit off-the-beaten-path, this is a great town to explore. I’d recommend booking a table for lunch at the Saybrook Point Resort & Marina in their outdoor section overlooking the water, taking a walk on the causeway, exploring Main Street, and maybe booking a lighthouse tour if you want to head out on the water.
Psst! I have an entire guide all about what to do in Old Saybrook, if you need more ideas 😉
16. Visit Charming Essex
One of the most picturesque towns in Connecticut is definitely Essex, and it’s only about 20 minutes from Niantic. Essex is very small, but if you’re looking for a town to visit that feels like Stars Hollow from Gilmore Girls, Essex is where to go!
Main Street offers really fun shopping, and you’ll also find a cute little park off Main Street with a gazebo and water views. The town is also home to the Essex Steam Train, which offers scenic tours of the Connecticut River Valley.
Psst! I have a guide all about the best things to do in Essex, CT, if you need more inspiration 😉
17. Take A Day Trip To Mystic
One of my personal favorite destinations in Connecticut is Mystic, and you can get there in about 20 minutes from Niantic. Made famous by the movie, the town is so much more than that, and offers lots of charm, waterfront scenery, and things to do.
The biggest attraction is the Mystic Seaport Museum, much of which is outdoors along the river. Hop aboard historic tall ships, step back into time in an authentic New England maritimes village, and even head out onto the water in one of the museum’s historic vessels. This is one of my favorite things to do in town, and it really has something for everyone.
Mystic also has a great little Main Street with fun shops and eateries, as well as some really nice wineries and vineyards nearby.
Psst! Yep, you guessed it, I have a guide all about what to do in Mystic, CT, if you need more tips on planning a visit 😉
18. Explore Bluff Point State Park In Groton
About 25 minutes from Niantic, you can get in touch with nature at Bluff Point State Park. This park is set on an undeveloped, 800 acre peninsula along the Long Island Sound, and offers hiking, scenic walks, different geological landscapes, a beach, birding and other wildlife spotting, and picnic tables for lunch.
The most popular thing to do at the park is walk the Bluff Point Loop trail, which is easy and appropriate for most everyone, and takes you through salt marshes, along the coastline, and passes by glacial boulders. But there are quite a few different trails to explore here, so you can easily spend several hours in the park!
Pro Tip: There is a fee for out-of-state residents to visit, and rates are a bit higher on weekends. You’ll want to plan accordingly.
19. Explore Hammonasset Beach State Park
Home to the best beach in Connecticut, Hammonasset Beach State Park is great to visit year-round, but especially in the summer when you can enjoy the shoreline. In addition to the 2-mile long beach, you can also enjoy scenic nature trails, birding, and the Nature Center during your visit.
My favorite things to do at the park (besides the beach, of course 😉), is the three and a half mile Park Walk Trail, which is a paved pedestrian path that hugs the coastline. There are multiple access points to the beach from this trail, and if you’re looking for a nice easy walk outside where you can pop over to the beach whenever you want, this is perfect.
I also love the Willard’s Island Nature Trail, which is about a mile long, and is also a paved path that weaves through the park’s salt marshes.
20. Visit Westerly & Watch Hill, Rhode Island
Lastly, about 30 minutes from Niantic, Westerly makes for a wonderful day trip. Home to the adorable village of Watch Hill, as well as beaches, a cute downtown for shopping, a wonderful brewery, and great places to eat, you can easily spend the whole day here.
My favorite thing to do in Westerly is visit Watch Hill. Now, I always like to warn people, it’s worth a visit, but the parking here is a challenge. All the free parking spots have a 2-hour time limit, and fill up fast in peak season. However, if you can find a spot, two hours is enough to explore the village. Watch Hill is home to the third Sift Bake Shop location, a cute cluster of shops and restaurants, the famous Ocean House Resort (which is a great spot for a fancy lunch!), Watch Hill Lighthouse, and Napatree Point.
If you head over to Westerly’s main area, you’ll find a nice little downtown area to explore, and I especially love visiting Misquamicut State Beach, which is one of the best beaches in Rhode Island, and is also open to the public.
Lastly, I love recommending a visit to Grey Sail Brewing in Westerly because it’s inside a historic home, uniquely decorated (and not what you’d expect from a brewery!), and has a great outdoor patio to enjoy.
Psst! Yep, I have a guide all about planning your trip to Westerly & Watch Hill, RI, if you want to check that out!
Niantic, CT FAQ
Is Niantic, CT Worth Visiting?
Yes! I really love visiting Niantic. That said, there are some things to know about the town that were a surprise to me during my first visit.
Most of the town center is backdropped by the train tracks, and there’s also a nuclear plant that’s visible from the boardwalk, and beaches. If you don’t level-set your expectations, it could be a mild damper on your trip because the scenery can be less than idyllic in some spots.
However, that shouldn’t prevent you from visiting, nor does it really affect how much you’ll enjoy the town. Between the lovely parks, independent shops, and access to beaches, Niantic is worth visiting when exploring the Connecticut coastline.
Does Niantic Make For A Good Beach Vacation?
Yes, as long as you know that the beaches in Niantic are rather small. If you’re looking to visit the absolute best beaches in New England, I hesitate to say that Niantic will be worth it for you as a true beach vacation. If that’s the case, I’d recommend the beaches in Rhode Island, or even making the trip to Cape Cod, which is 2.5 hours from Niantic.
However, if you’re looking for an off-the-beaten path beach vacation in a small town that is a bit quieter than other popular beach towns in the area, this will likely fit the bill for you! Plus, as mentioned, you’re pretty close to a few other great beaches in Connecticut, so if you’re up for taking some day trips, it makes this an even more worthy beach vacation destination.
Is Niantic Part Of East Lyme?
Yes, it’s a village in the town of East Lyme. So while you’re researching your trip, it’s helpful to know this when it comes up 😉
Is Niantic Walkable?
The town center area is very walkable, and this is where you’ll find the boardwalk, the beaches, McCook Park, and most of the shops and restaurants. I highly recommend staying at a hotel close to this area, and just walking everywhere to avoid worrying about parking during high season.
There are parts of Niantic that will require a car to get to, however. But most of the best things to do are right in town center. Of course, if you want to take any day trips to all the fun things to do near Niantic, you’ll need a car for that, too.
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That’s A Wrap On The Best Things To Do In Niantic, CT!
And there you have it! The inside scoop on all the best things to do in Niantic, CT, and what to expect during your visit. I really enjoy visiting this fun little coastal town, and I think the cute shops, great restaurants, and the quaint beaches all add up to a wonderful little beach getaway. Happy planning!
