Overview
East Lyme is in Connecticut and consists of the villages of Niantic and Flanders.
2 things to do · 2 places to eat · 1 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about East Lyme
Children's Museum of Southeastern Connecticut
Children's museum in the village of Niantic. Contains plenty to keep kids occupied. Inside there is a model ship, a TV weather forecast station, and a large play kitchen. There is also a small, authentic pipe organ which…
Niantic Bay Boardwalk
A 1.1 mile concrete "boardwalk" along the coast of Long Island Sound. It was originally a true boardwalk which was destroyed by Hurricane Sandy, but the town and Amtrak funded the restoration of the walk. Excellent views…
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: May–Oct. Summer highs reach about 85°F; winter lows dip to about 19°F. Cold months (Jan, Feb) can bring snow and ice; check road conditions. Wettest: Oct and Sep. (climate data from nearby Hartford)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- WST Westerly State Airport, Westerly — 22 mi away. Directions
- HVN Tweed New Haven Airport, New Haven — 35 mi away. Directions
- BDL Bradley International Airport, Hartford — 47 mi away (major hub). Directions
Interstate 95 (Connecticut Turnpike) passes by the town.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Sample 1-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Children's Museum of Southeastern Connecticut
- Lunch 374
- Afternoon Niantic Bay Boardwalk
- Dinner The Black Sheep
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Get in
Interstate 95 (Connecticut Turnpike) passes by the town.
See
- McCook's Beach, 10 Atlantic Street · Niantic, CT 06357. The beach is a very beautiful sight. It is apart of McCook's Park.
Do
Do Children's Museum of Southeastern Connecticut
Children's museum in the village of Niantic. Contains plenty to keep kids occupied. Inside there is a model ship, a TV weather forecast station, and a large play kitchen. There is also a small, authentic pipe organ which demonstrates the principles of how a pipe organ operates. A complete science section with hands-on exhibits for kids to explore. There is also an outdoor play area complete with a small wall climbing area and zip line.
Do Niantic Bay Boardwalk
A 1.1 mile concrete "boardwalk" along the coast of Long Island Sound. It was originally a true boardwalk which was destroyed by Hurricane Sandy, but the town and Amtrak funded the restoration of the walk. Excellent views of Long Island Sound.
Buy
Eat
Eat 374 (374 Kitchen an Cocktails)
Gluten free options. A family owned restaurant.
Eat The Black Sheep
An upscale Irish bar and restaurant, from the hardwood floors to the original tin ceiling the bar is sleek, stylish and welcoming. They serve 15 types of draft beer, which you can enjoy sitting at the dark mahogany bar, in a cozy nook, or by the fireplace when the weather turns cold. In the warmer weather, there is an outdoor patio directly on Main Street serving food and drinks daily. The menu consists of a fine selection of both Irish and American cuisine. Favorites include: Traditional Bangers & Mash, Angus Burger, Steamed Mussels and Pan Seared Stonington Sea Scallops. All of the desserts are made in-house.
Sleep
Stay Inn at Harbor Hill Marina
Beautiful bed and breakfast in the marina district of the quaint Connecticut seaside village of Niantic. The property features two buildings: the original Main Inn and the newly opened (as of 2014) Captain Clark House. Guests can enjoy magnificent water and nautical views from any one of the 16 guestrooms, each with its own unique decor and special amenities, some with queen or king beds, soaking tubs, fireplaces and private balconies.
Nearby
Waterford
City / town · 8 listings · 4 mi away
Old Lyme
City / town · 21 listings · 5 mi away
New London
City / town · 22 listings · 7 mi away
Essex
City / town · 2 listings · 8 mi away
Montville
City / town · 6 listings · 9 mi away
Old Saybrook
City / town · 40 listings · 9 mi away
Groton
City / town · 7 listings · 10 mi away
Ledyard
City / town · 12 listings · 13 mi away
My experience
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