New London, Connecticut, is a coastal town that is an excellent destination for history buffs, nature lovers, and art enthusiasts. With its beautiful coastline, rich maritime history, and many museums and galleries, there is something for everyone. The most popular attraction is the New London Mural Walk. This walk takes you through six blocks of downtown New London. It is filled with vibrant murals and features international artists and local artists.
New London, Connecticut, is home to a lot of things to do. There is the Lyman Allyn Art Museum, the National Coast Guard Museum, and the Harkness Memorial State Park, among others. You can also check out the city’s waterfront and view Long Island Sound if you want something more active. And if you are a history buff, you can visit the Custom House Maritime Museum, which gives you a glimpse into the port’s past.
Ocean Beach Park
Ocean Beach Park is one of Connecticut’s most popular beaches. It is located in the southern part of New London on the Atlantic Ocean and Long Island Sound. The park provides some fun attractions and family activities. Whether you visit the area for a day, a week, or a month, there is plenty to do and see.
A wide-plank boardwalk, several rides, and a giant waterslide are just a few of the many attractions at the beach. During the summer, the park hosts a variety of special events. Among them are the popular Cruise Nights.
These special events feature an evening of entertainment at the Boardwalk Stage, along with a live DJ spinning classic tunes. Additionally, there is a full bar offering a beer and frozen concoctions menu.
Harkness Memorial State Park
The Harkness Memorial State Park is a cultural feature of New London County in Connecticut. The park offers extensive landscaping and other amenities located on Long Island Sound. In addition, there are picnic tables, bathrooms, and parking available. It is open to visitors from 8 am to sunset.
You should consider fishing if you want a day out at the park. You can find striped bass, blackfish, and summer flounders in the waters around the park. To fish, you will need to obtain a marine fishing license.
Another way to enjoy the site is to tour the mansion. This is a historic building that Edward and Mary Harkness once owned. Their estate was donated to the State of Connecticut in 1950. They were well-known philanthropists who bestowed over $200 million on various causes.
Fort Trumbull State Park and Museum
Fort Trumbull State Park offers visitors a fantastic view of the Thames River in New London, Connecticut. It also features a three-story museum. The park is open for visitors from 8 am to sunset, year-round. In addition, visitors can tour the fort, see artillery pieces, and even stroll through the old parade ground.
Visiting Fort Trumbull State Park is an ideal way to spend the day. Visitors can explore the fort’s interior and even climb the spiral staircase to enjoy the incredible view.
In addition to the fort, visitors can visit the historic Fort Adams Visitor Center. This center features multimedia theaters and a 500-foot pier, which will transport visitors back in time to the events leading up to the attack on the fort. There are also interactive exhibits and walking trails.
Lyman Allyn Art Museum
The Lyman Allyn Art Museum in New London, Connecticut, is a community-based museum. It has the largest and most distinguished collection of southeastern Connecticut art. The American Association of Museums has accredited this museum.
There is also a permanent gallery dedicated to Louis Comfort Tiffany, a local craftsman who left a lasting legacy in southeastern Connecticut. His work is featured in three stained-glass windows in the museum. Other objects in the collection include archival photographs, favrile glass vessels, jewelry, and other items.
The Allyn Museum also has a unique collection of American art. These works are often loaned to other museums. Some pieces include Frederic Edwin Church’s Study for New England Scenery, completed in 1850.
National Coast Guard Museum
The National Coast Guard Museum is set to open in New London, Connecticut, in 2024. The museum, which has been in the works for more than two decades, will honor the service members of the United States Coast Guard. In addition to celebrating the history of the service, the museum will also teach future generations about the missions and heritage of the Coast Guard.
The National Coast Guard Museum is funded with $30 million in state money. It is scheduled to be built on the City Pier of New London, CT. This location will make the museum easily accessible to the waterfront.
The Coast Guard has been advocating for a national museum for years. Despite this, the project has taken a while to come to fruition. Eventually, the city of New London agreed to donate land for the museum.