This seaside village located in the town of East Lyme has the charms its more famous neighbor Mystic does without the crowds. While Mystic Seaport, Mystic Aquarium, Mohegan Sun and Foxwoods casinos provide plenty of incentive to visitors, you can have more of the authentic maritime experiences you seek in Niantic. Popular for swimming, fishing and boating, Niantic is the only town on the Connecticut coast where the "Main Street" runs parallel to Long Island Sound. One of the most popular places to charter a party boat and fish for striped bass, bluefish, blackfish and porgies is with Black Hawk II Open Fishing. Beachgoers have the large stretches of sand at Rocky Neck State Park, as well as scenic views of Long Island Sound, Gardiners Island, Plum Island and Orient Point, the distant tip of Long Island.
Wednesday evenings and Sunday afternoons, the Bay Yacht Club organizes sailboat races and the Bay is filled with sailboats. If you are travelling with young ones, The Children's Museum of Southeastern Connecticut provides them with an interactive, hands-on, educational adventure that allows their imaginations soar and feel safe while exploring the arts, sciences and world cultures. Niantic is a wonderful place for specialty shopping, especially the city’s one-of-a-kind bookstore The Book Barn , a grouping of four book stores including one located in an actual old barn. There are also several antique and boutique shops nearby. Downtown Niantic is the traditional center of East Lyme, with a Town Hall, a non-chain specialty supermarket, a famed movie theater and various restaurants and pubs. Be sure to leave time to stroll the mile-long Niantic Bay Boardwalk overlooking Long Island Sound. While exploring the marinas, yacht clubs and lovely waterfront properties, it’s good to know you have a safe harbor for rest and when you stay at one of our Choice Hotels in Niantic, CT. Book a room online now!