New London Travel Guide

Trek Zone

City

Facts and practical information

Nestled along the picturesque shores of the Thames River, New London is a charming city in the Connecticut region of the United States. With a rich history dating back to its founding in 1646, this coastal gem offers a unique blend of maritime heritage, cultural diversity, and natural beauty.

One of the city's most iconic landmarks is the New London Harbor Light, a historic lighthouse that has guided ships into the harbor for over two centuries. Take a leisurely stroll along the waterfront and soak in the panoramic views of the Long Island Sound, dotted with sailboats and fishing vessels. The sound's gentle waves create a serene atmosphere, perfect for a relaxing afternoon picnic or a romantic sunset cruise.

New London's vibrant arts scene is another major draw for visitors. The Garde Arts Center, a beautifully restored theater, hosts a variety of performances ranging from Broadway shows to classical concerts. Art enthusiasts can explore the Lyman Allyn Art Museum, which houses an impressive collection of American art, including works by renowned artists such as Childe Hassam and Mary Cassatt.

For history buffs, the Submarine Force Museum is a must-visit attraction. Located on the Thames River, this museum showcases the history of submarine warfare and features a fascinating collection of submarines, including the USS Nautilus, the world's first nuclear-powered submarine. The nearby Coast Guard Academy offers guided tours, providing insights into the training of future Coast Guard officers.

Food lovers will delight in New London's diverse culinary scene, which offers an array of international flavors. From fresh seafood caught right off the coast to delectable Italian cuisine served in cozy trattorias, there is something to satisfy every palate. For a truly unique dining experience, head to the historic Captain Scott's Lobster Dock, where you can savor mouthwatering lobster rolls while enjoying panoramic views of the Thames River.

Alternative names: Population: 27.2 thous. (2020)Area: 10.61 mi²Elevation: 30 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 41°21'15"N, 72°5'52"W

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ConnecticutUnited States

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New London Top Attractions

New London Attractions - What to See and Explore

New London offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Fort Trumbull, St. James Episcopal Church, Shaw's Cove Bridge, New London Harbor Light. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Museum • Historical place • State park
Fort Trumbull
Fort Trumbull is a fort near the mouth of the Thames River on Long Island Sound in New London, Connecticut and named for Governor Jonathan Trumbull. The original fort was built in 1777, but the present fortification was built between 1839 and 1852.
Church • Gothic Revival architecture
St. James Episcopal Church
St. James Episcopal Church at 76 Federal St, New London, Connecticut is a historic church in the Episcopal Diocese of Connecticut.
Bridge
Shaw's Cove Bridge
Shaw's Cove Bridge is a swing bridge in New London, Connecticut. The span carries railroad tracks used by Amtrak for their train along the Northeast Corridor while allowing boat traffic to go through.

Lighthouse • South New London
New London Harbor Light
New London Harbor Light is a lighthouse in Connecticut on the west side of the New London harbor entrance. It is the nation's fifth oldest light station and the seventh oldest U.S. lighthouse. It is both the oldest and the tallest lighthouse in Connecticut and on Long Island Sound, with its tower reaching 90 feet.
Museum • Military museum • History museum
Custom House Maritime Museum
The New London Custom House is a historic custom house at 150 Bank Street in New London, Connecticut, built in 1833-35. It was designed by Robert Mills, one of the country's first formally trained architects.
Concerts and shows • Concert hall • Opera
Garde Arts Center
The Garde Arts Center is a non-profit performing arts center and cinema located at 325 State Street at the corner of Huntington Street in New London, Connecticut. It owns and operates the Garde Theatre, a historic movie palace.
Church • Downtown New London
Huntington Street Baptist Church
The Huntington Street Baptist Church is a historic Baptist Church meeting house at 29 Huntington Street in New London, Connecticut. Built in 1843, it is one of the last major examples of Greek Revival architecture to be built in the city. The church was built by a Universalist congregation and then purchased by a competing Baptist one.
Museum • History museum • Georgian architecture
Shaw Mansion
The Shaw Mansion is a historic mansion and historic house museum at 11 Blinman Street in New London, Connecticut. Built in 1756, it is a well-preserved example of a wealthy merchant's house, made further notable as the location of the state's naval offices during the American Revolutionary War.
Museum • Historical place • History museum
Monte Cristo Cottage
Monte Cristo Cottage was the summer home of American actor James O'Neill and his family, notably his son Eugene O'Neill. It is a National Historic Landmark located at 325 Pequot Avenue in New London, Connecticut.
Universities and schools • Academy
United States Coast Guard Academy
The United States Coast Guard Academy is a service academy of the United States Coast Guard in New London, Connecticut. Founded in 1876, it is the smallest of the five U.S. service academies and provides education to future Coast Guard officers in one of nine major fields of study.
Nature and wildlife • Park • Universities and schools
Connecticut College
Connecticut College is a private liberal arts college in New London, Connecticut. It is a residential, four-year undergraduate institution with nearly all of its approximately 1,815 students living on campus.
Bridge
Thames River Bridge
Amtrak's Thames River Bridge spans from New London to Groton, Connecticut, United States, crossing Connecticut's Thames River.
Park
Connecticut College Arboretum
The Connecticut College Arboretum is a 300 ha arboretum and botanical gardens, founded in 1931, and located on the campus of Connecticut College and in the towns of New London and Waterford, Connecticut, United States.
41°18'31"N • 72°5'60"W
Ocean Beach Park
Park • Piers and boardwalks • Beach
Bridge • Riverside
Gold Star Memorial Bridge
The Gold Star Memorial Bridge is a pair of steel truss bridges that carry both Interstate 95 and U.S. Route 1 across the Thames River between New London, Connecticut, US and Groton, Connecticut.
Cemetery • Williams
Ye Antientist Burial Ground
Ye Antientist Burial Ground in New London, Connecticut is one of the earliest graveyards in New England and the oldest colonial cemetery in New London County. The hillside lot of 1.5 acres adjoins the original site of the settlement's first meeting house.
Museum • Art museum
Lyman Allyn Art Museum
The Lyman Allyn Art Museum is located in New London, Connecticut and was founded in 1926 by Lyman Allyn's daughter Harriet Upson Allyn.
Museum • Historical place • History museum
The Hempsted Houses
The Joshua Hempsted House is a historic house museum at 11 Hempstead Street in New London, Connecticut. Built about 1678 and altered several times during the 18th century, it is one of the state's oldest surviving buildings, and provides a virtual catalog of early construction methods due to its state of preservation.
Cemetery
Cedar Grove Cemetery
The Cedar Grove Cemetery is a non-sectarian rural cemetery in New London, Connecticut. It was established in 1851 on 39 acres and designed by Dr. Horatio Stone. The cemetery is located at the intersection of Broad Street and Jefferson Avenue.

Day trips

New London – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of New London, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Mystic Seaport (Mystic), Submarine Force Library and Museum (Groton), Montauk Point Lighthouse (Montauk).

6.9 miE
Museum, Maritime museum
Mystic Seaport, Mystic
Mystic Seaport, nestled in the picturesque town of Mystic, Connecticut, is a quintessential New England attraction and a treasure trove for maritime enthusiasts. This expansive museum, often referred to as The Museum of America and the Sea, offers a unique glimpse into...
2.4 miN
Museum, Specialty museum, Military museum
Submarine Force Library and Museum, Groton
The Submarine Force Library and Museum, located in Groton, Connecticut, stands as a testament to the rich history and technological advancements of the United States submarine force. This unique museum is the only submarine museum operated by the United States Navy...
23 milesSE
Lighthouse
Montauk Point Lighthouse, Montauk
Perched at the easternmost tip of Long Island, the Montauk Point Lighthouse stands as a sentinel over the tumultuous waters where the Atlantic Ocean meets Block Island Sound. Constructed in 1796 under the direction of President George Washington and authorized by the...
5 miNW
Racetrack, Sport venue, Sport
Waterford Speedbowl, Waterford
Rev up your engines and prepare for an adrenaline rush at the Waterford Speedbowl, an iconic car racing track nestled in the city of Waterford, Connecticut. This asphalt oval track has been fueling the excitement of motorsports enthusiasts since 1951, offering a...
13 milesE
Amusement, Historical place, Amusement ride
Flying Horse Carousel, Watch Hill
The Flying Horse Carousel is a historic carousel in Watch Hill, the principal summer resort area of the town of Westerly, Rhode Island, United States.

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Best Time To Visit New London

Learn when is the best time to travel to New London weather-wise and what to expect in each season.

Popularity among visitors

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June, July and August are the busiest months in this location.

Average temperatures in °F

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The highest air temperature is in July and August. While the coldest is in January and February.

Monthly rainfall in inches

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The lowest rainfall is recorded in February, June and July. Most of it rains in January, March, April, November and December.

Length of day in hours

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We can expect the longest days in June, while the shortest in December.

Sunrise

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the top attractions to visit in New London?

The top attractions to visit in New London are:

What is the best time to visit New London?

June, July and August are the busiest months in this location. The highest air temperature is in July and August. While the coldest is in January and February.