Old Lyme

Travel Guide

Old Lyme featuring a lake or waterhole
Old Lyme which includes signage
Old Lyme featuring a beach
Old Lyme featuring a beach
Old Lyme showing signage

The town is characterised 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.

The Stern at Soundview · Beach+Ocean+Sunrise

The Stern at Soundview · Beach+Ocean+Sunrise

2 out of 5
Old Lyme
The price is €194 per night from 16 Sept to 17 Sept
€194
16 Sept - 17 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this beach apartment in Old Lyme. Enjoy free WiFi, a beach locale, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Lyme Academy of Fine Arts and ...
10/10 Exceptional! (2 reviews)
"Perfect for a weekend beach getaway. Very small but accurately portrayed in the pictures. It was clean and the host was very helpful and responsive."

Reviewed on 6 Aug 2025

The Stern at Soundview · Beach+Ocean+Sunrise
The Fox Tower at Foxwoods

The Fox Tower at Foxwoods

3.5 out of 5
350 Trolley Line Blvd, Mashantucket, CT
The price is €163 per night from 2 Sept to 3 Sept
€163
2 Sept - 3 Sept
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 ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,024 reviews)
"Fine"

Reviewed on 19 Aug 2025

The Fox Tower at Foxwoods
Hyatt Place Uncasville - Casino Area

Hyatt Place Uncasville - Casino Area

3 out of 5
2049 Norwich, New London Turnpike, Montville, CT
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is €125 per night from 27 Aug to 28 Aug
€125
27 Aug - 28 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Montville. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2,525 reviews)
Great stay but NO Cell Service.
"Staff was great, pillows and bed very comfortable, the shower was amazing. Mist pressure I have ever had in a hotel shower, the only downfall was the lack of cell service. I either had one bar or absolutely no service unless I was outside of the hotel."

Reviewed on 17 Aug 2025

Hyatt Place Uncasville - Casino Area
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.
The Stern at Soundview · Beach+Ocean+Sunrise

The Stern at Soundview · Beach+Ocean+Sunrise

2 out of 5
Old Lyme
Book a stay at this beach apartment in Old Lyme. Enjoy free WiFi, a beach locale, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Lyme Academy of Fine Arts and ...
10/10 Exceptional! (2 reviews)
"Perfect for a weekend beach getaway. Very small but accurately portrayed in the pictures. It was clean and the host was very helpful and responsive."

Reviewed on 6 Aug 2025

The Stern at Soundview · Beach+Ocean+Sunrise
Cozy houseboat escape surrounded by breath taking views across from Rocky Neck!

Cozy houseboat escape surrounded by breath taking views across from Rocky Neck!

Old Lyme
Stay at this houseboat in Old Lyme. Enjoy free WiFi, patios, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Rocky Neck State Park and Rocky Neck State Beach ...
10/10 Exceptional! (9 reviews)
"Simple, serene, absolutely wonderful. The house boat is absolutely what you sign up for and more and then the touches that the host does - the snacks, the chalkboard and THE FISH-LIGHT! She goes out of her way to make sure you are comfortable and happy - she makes she you get all your time while ..."

Reviewed on 3 Aug 2025

Cozy houseboat escape surrounded by breath taking views across from Rocky Neck!
Freeboard at Soundview · Beach+Ocean+Sunrise

Freeboard at Soundview · Beach+Ocean+Sunrise

2 out of 5
Old Lyme
Book a stay at this beach apartment in Old Lyme. Enjoy free WiFi, a beach locale, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Lyme Academy of Fine Arts and ...
9/10 Wonderful! (4 reviews)
"It was very close to the beach , quiet, parking on property room had everything you would need i enjoyed my stay didnt want to leave so soon wouldve liked at least 1 more day maybe next year thank you."

Reviewed on 15 Aug 2025

Freeboard at Soundview · Beach+Ocean+Sunrise
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.

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