Southeastern Connecticut

The southeastern corner of Connecticut is home to the state’s number-one tourist attraction and the country’s largest maritime museum, Mystic Seaport. Built on the site of a former shipbuilding yard in 1929, the museum celebrates the area's seafaring heritage, when fisherers, whalers and clipper-ship engineers broke world speed records and manufactured gunboats and warships for the Civil War.

To the west of Mystic, you’ll find the submarine capital of the USA, Groton, where General Dynamics built WWII subs, and, across the Thames River, New London. To the east is the historic fishing village of Stonington, extending along a narrow mile-long peninsula into the sea. It’s one of the most charming seaside villages in New England, where Connecticut’s only remaining commercial fleet operates and yachties come ashore in summer to enjoy the restaurants on Water St.

Explore Southeastern Connecticut

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Top attractions

These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Southeastern Connecticut.

  • Museum

    Mystic Seaport Museum

    More than a museum, Mystic Seaport is a re-creation of an entire New England whaling village spread over 17 acres of the former George Greenman & Co…

  • Winery

    Saltwater Farm Vineyard

    Housed in a striking 1930s aluminum airport hangar, Saltwater Farm is one of the newest vineyards in Connecticut. Surrounded by tidal marshes and cooled…

  • Arts Center

    Velvet Mill

    This community arts center hosts a weekend farmers market (10am to 1pm Saturday, October to May) and an artisan/vendor market (10am to 4pm Saturday and…

  • Gallery

    Hygienic Art

    Done up in a Greek Revival style replete with a sculpture garden, a mural plaza, fountains and a large performance area, this not-for-profit art space…

  • Casino

    Foxwoods Casino

    The gleaming towers of this mammoth resort casino – the largest outside Vegas – rise above the forest canopy of Great Cedar Swamp. Built on the ancestral…

  • Farm

    Coogan Farm

    Opened in September 2014, this public-access, 45-acre historic farm and nature center affords sweeping views of the Mystic River. Maintained by volunteers…

  • Museum

    Custom House Maritime Museum

    Near the ferry terminal, this 1833 building is the oldest operating customhouse in the country, in addition to functioning as a museum. Its front door is…

  • Museum

    Old Lighthouse Museum

    Climb the winding iron staircase of this squat, granite lighthouse for 360-degree views from the lantern room. Afterward browse the small museum, which…

  • Bridge

    Willimantic Frog Bridge

    First-time drivers crossing the Willimantic are stunned by four 11ft frog sculptures perched atop granite spools of thread. This bridge, built in 2000,…

  • Museum

    Slater Memorial Museum

    This museum was commissioned by William Slater, an educated and well-traveled man who aspired to make the great art of the classical and Renaissance…

  • Gallery

    Lyman Allyn Art Museum

    This neoclassical building contains exhibits that span the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries, including impressive collections of early-American silver and…

  • Waterfall

    Yantic Falls

    A rather jaw-dropping set of waterworks somewhat hidden from the main downtown, Yantic is a site rich in legend and local industry. In 1643 a tribe of…

  • Library

    Monte Cristo Cottage

    This cottage was the boyhood summer home of Eugene O'Neill, America's only Nobel Prize–winning playwright. Near Ocean Beach Park in the southern districts…

  • Museum

    Prudence Crandall House Museum

    One of Connecticut's four state museums, the Prudence Crandall House Museum records the heroic attempt of a Baptist schoolmistress to offer the daughters…

  • Beach

    Ocean Beach Park

    At the southern end of Ocean Ave, this popular beach and amusement area has waterslides, a picnic area, miniature golf, an arcade, a swimming pool and an…

  • Museum

    US Coast Guard Academy & Museum

    Located in Waesche Hall on the grounds of the US Coast Guard Academy is this small, unattended museum. Plans are afoot for the first National Coast Guard…

  • Public Art

    Bricks & Murals

    An international artists' collective created this series of 15 murals depicting the shared history of Pawcatuck and cross-river Westerly, from sporting…

  • Gardens

    Connecticut College Arboretum

    More than 750 acres of native plants, ornamentals and trees from around the world are spread over this college campus. Free guided tours happen at 10am on…

Top experiences

Whether it’s a guided tour of a historic landmark, private tasting of local delicacies, or an off-road adventure — explore the best experiences in Southeastern Connecticut.

  • Activities