Looking for a day trip in Connecticut that combines history, great food, and scenery? New London is a great option! This is one of the smallest towns in Connecticut by area. It’s almost 50% water and has just 5.54 square miles of land. Despite its small size, there’s plenty to explore here. The town has a history as a major whaling port in the early 19th-century. (It was actually one of the busiest in the world!) New London is now home to many fantastic restaurants and interesting places to stop.

This port city has a ton of interesting old architecture. It has extensive history dating all the way back to colonial times, and it was the 13th city established in Connecticut.

Linda Davis/Flickr

New London played important roles in both the American Revolution and the War of 1812. Fort Trumball was an important 19th-century fort located in New London.

Monsieurdl/Wikimedia Commons The fort is now a state park that can be visited year-round. Fort Trumbull, New London, CT 06320, USA

Lighthouse lovers will find themselves enamored with New London. The city is home to two lighthouses, the Pequot Avenue Lighthouse (pictured) and the New London Ledge Lighthouse.

Linda Orlomoski/Flickr The Pequot Avenue light is the tallest and oldest lighthouse in Connecticut. Unfortunately, it’s on privately-owned land and is difficult to catch a good glimpse of.

One of the real gems of New London is the magnificent Ocean Beach Park. The pristine sand is soft as can be and great for a barefoot stroll or building a sand castle.

Holger Katzenbach/Google Maps You’ll feel like you’re at a Caribbean resort on this Connecticut beach. Ocean Beach Park, 98 Neptune Ave, New London, CT 06320, USA

The views are incredible and we won’t blame you if you want to just relax in the sand all day. But if you do want to walk around and explore, the half-mile boardwalk features shops and restaurants.

Monte Newman/Google Maps

By this point, you’re probably in need of a pick me up! Check out Muddy Waters Cafe. This quaint spot serves lunch, pastries, and coffee.

Seth Bendfeldt/Google Maps Visit their Facebook for more information on this charming cafe. Muddy Waters Cafe, 40 Bank St, New London, CT 06320, USA

New London is so beautiful you’ll want to spend most of your time there outside. Check out the Connecticut College Arboretum while you’re in town.

MariaCrisel Arganza/Google Maps The park has 250 acres of trails and gardens with absolutely stunning views. Get more information on the arboretum’s website. Connecticut College Arboretum Pond, New London, CT 06320, USA

Finish up your trip with a visit to one of the best restaurants in Connecticut. Ocean Pizza Restaurant and Seafood House has been open for nearly 50 years and serves dozens of different foods.

Dr. Giraffe/Google Maps Ocean Pizza Restaurant and Seafood House, 88 Ocean Ave, New London, CT 06320, USA

With dozens of pizza options, a variety of grinders, salads, burgers, pasta, seafood, and more, no one will leave here hungry.

G. J. C/Google Maps Get more information and a menu on their website.

Have you visited New London in Connecticut? Share your experiences in the comments!

Looking for a day trip in Connecticut that combines history, great food, and scenery? New London is a great option! This is one of the smallest towns in Connecticut by area. It’s almost 50% water and has just 5.54 square miles of land. Despite its small size, there’s plenty to explore here. The town has a history as a major whaling port in the early 19th-century. (It was actually one of the busiest in the world!) New London is now home to many fantastic restaurants and interesting places to stop.

Linda Davis/Flickr

Monsieurdl/Wikimedia Commons

The fort is now a state park that can be visited year-round.

Fort Trumbull, New London, CT 06320, USA

Linda Orlomoski/Flickr

The Pequot Avenue light is the tallest and oldest lighthouse in Connecticut. Unfortunately, it’s on privately-owned land and is difficult to catch a good glimpse of.

Holger Katzenbach/Google Maps

You’ll feel like you’re at a Caribbean resort on this Connecticut beach.

Ocean Beach Park, 98 Neptune Ave, New London, CT 06320, USA

Monte Newman/Google Maps

Seth Bendfeldt/Google Maps

Visit their Facebook for more information on this charming cafe.

Muddy Waters Cafe, 40 Bank St, New London, CT 06320, USA

MariaCrisel Arganza/Google Maps

The park has 250 acres of trails and gardens with absolutely stunning views. Get more information on the arboretum’s website.

Connecticut College Arboretum Pond, New London, CT 06320, USA

Dr. Giraffe/Google Maps

Ocean Pizza Restaurant and Seafood House, 88 Ocean Ave, New London, CT 06320, USA

G. J. C/Google Maps

Get more information and a menu on their website.

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Address: New London, CT, USA