Overview
Old Saybrook is a city of 10,000 people (2020) in Connecticut at the mouth of the Connecticut River. Families and tourists enjoy Old Saybrook's beaches, the high quality of restaurants, and the peaceful and serene atmosphere. Many people travel from all over in their high class boats which they dock at the marina next to the ocean. Old Saybrook is where the Connecticut River meets Long Island Sound.
1 sights · 1 things to do · 13 places to eat · 4 bars & cafés · 7 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Old Saybrook
Harveys Beach
This small, shallow-water beach has a bathhouse with showers on-site. Visitors should contact the Old Saybrook Parks & Recreation Department at +1 860 395-3152 for up-to-date fee schedules.
General William Hart House
Representing some of Connecticut's oldest architecture, this house was built in 1767 by a prominent citizen in Old Saybrooks history. Volunteer tour guides will take you around this elegant piece of American history. Lis…
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.
- HVN Tweed New Haven Airport, New Haven — 26 mi away. Directions
- WST Westerly State Airport, Westerly — 30 mi away. Directions
- BDL Bradley International Airport, Hartford — 47 mi away (major hub). Directions
Old Saybrook is on the west side of the mouth of the Connecticut River, 45 miles from Hartford, 101 miles from New York, and 105 miles from Boston.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
- Typical meal: about $15 per person at listed restaurants.
See the Sleep guide ↓ for places to stay.
Sample 1-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Harveys Beach
- Lunch Alforno Trattoria
- Afternoon General William Hart House
- Dinner Cuckoo's Nest Mexican Food
- Evening Main Street Tavern
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Old Saybrook offers many different selections of restaurants and types of food. One can enjoy eating on the water or in town. Old Saybrook provides outstanding fresh seafood, Italian, and more.
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
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Get in
Old Saybrook is on the west side of the mouth of the Connecticut River, 45 miles from Hartford, 101 miles from New York, and 105 miles from Boston.
By plane
- Groton-New London Airport, 155 Tower Ave., Groton, +1 860-445-8549. It takes about 30 minutes by car to get from the airport to Old Saybrook.
By train
- Amtrak, 455 Boston Post Road, +1-800-USA-RAIL. The station is open 5:15AM-10PM , Ticket sales end at 9:30PM.
- Shore Line East, 455 Boston Post Road (Same Building), +1-800-ALL-RIDE.
By bus
- Estuary Transit District, 455 Boston Post Rd., +1 860-395-0891.
- The buses are called 9 Town Transit Service. Buses that run along the shoreline provide regular service along route 1 from Madison to Old Saybrook and all points in between. Its stops include Madison center, Hammonassett State Park, Clinton Crossings, Tangers Outlets, YMCA, Walmart, and the Old Saybrook Train Station.
- The Riverside Shuttle provides regular service along route 154 from Old Saybrook to Essex, Deep River, and Chester. Regular stops will include the Old Saybrook Train station, Essex Square, Adam's Market, and the Center of Chester.
By car
Old Saybrook is located off Interstate 95 at Exit 68. Old Saybrook is about 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 45 minutes from Providence and 2 hours and 15 minutes from New York.
Get around
- Old Saybrook is part of the 9 Transit Service which serves the Estuary Transit District. It has regular service M-Sa and can be called for personalized service. +1 860-510-0429.
See
- Fort Saybrook Monument Park, Saybrook Point. 18 acres of beautiful woods owned by the Town of Old Saybrook. Storyboards "walk you around" and tell the story. Free.
See General William Hart House
Representing some of Connecticut's oldest architecture, this house was built in 1767 by a prominent citizen in Old Saybrooks history. Volunteer tour guides will take you around this elegant piece of American history. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places and home to the local historical society, this mansion features eight corner fireplaces. Award-winning historical gardens. $5.
Do
Whether one desires to take a relaxing stroll on the beach, tour the ocean with a serene boat ride, take a look at fascinating antiques and even go shopping, Old Saybrook is perfect for an entertaining and memorable experience.
Buy
- Essex-Saybrook Antiques Village, on Rt. 154; 345 Middlesex turnpike, +1 860-388-0689. Opened daily from 11AM-5PM. Enjoy this 120-dealer group shop featuring a complete collection of antiques & collectibles.
Shop The Mod Pod at Antiques Associates
Enjoy the mid-century modern furnishings, lighting, paintings, and pottery.
- Van's Elegant Antiques, 998 Middlesex Turnpike, +1 860-388-1934
Shop Oscar J. and Company
Since 1982, this full-service jewelry store has been offering a wide range of fine and unique jewelry. They also have baby gifts, watches, and jewelry boxes. Services include jewelry repair, custom design and appraisals.
Shop Seaforth Boat
Shop O'Rourke Marine LLC
Shop Wal-Mart Supercenter
Alarge selection of electronics, toys, video games, apparel, furniture, appliances, garden, sports, gifts, jewelry, cosmetics, media and more.
Shop Famous Footwear
Shop Pier 1 Imports
Shop Old Glory Boutique
Old Glory, the largest selection of music, sports, humor & entertainment apparel.
Shop Action Sports
Action Sports carries an excellent selection of equipment, clothing, and accessories for skiing, snowboarding, biking, kayaking, and inline skating.
Eat
Old Saybrook offers many different selections of restaurants and types of food. One can enjoy eating on the water or in town. Old Saybrook provides outstanding fresh seafood, Italian, and more.
Eat Alforno Trattoria
Pizza is the specialty here at Alforno where it is very inexpensive. Lunch and dinner are only served along with only beer and wine.
Eat Cuckoo's Nest Mexican Food
An outdoor patio restaurant, mainly Tex-Mex food and a full bar, located by a small shopping center along Route 1.
Eat Dock & Dine
Located right by the marina overlooking the water. Boats can dock right up to the restaurant.
Eat Frankie's Restaurant
Located on the water, an open air deck gives views of Long Island Sounds and the surrounding coastline.
Eat Jack's American Bistro & Wine
The bestsellers are Sesame-Crusted Tuna, Peking-Style Cornish Game Hen, Garlic and Ginger-Marinated Shrimp, Summer Tomato and Watermelon Salad. The cuisine style American/New, Bistro along with lunch and dinner served only.
Eat Liv's Oyster Bar
The bestsellers are Oysters, Scallops & Pecan Carmel Tart. Price range: starters $7 to $11; sandwiches $9.50 to $18; mains $17.50 to $22; desserts $6 to $8.
Eat Luigi's Restaurant
Open daily for lunch and dinner and specialize in homemade Italian food. Daily pasta specials are a must to try.
Eat Parthenon Diner
Old style diner with the local touch. Their website has their menu.
Eat Pat's Kountry Kitchen
Seafood, meats & produce are delivered daily. Feast on 20 or more homemade pies, soups and daily specials from $3-15. Try the famous Clam Hash, or Red Flannel Hash.
Eat Terra Mar Grill
A formal and waterfront dining place in the Saybrook Point Inn & Spa. The L-shaped room wraps around an interior full bar, with windows looking on the Connecticut River beyond a marina.
Eat Saybrook Fish House
Specializing is closely caught seafood from Long Island Sound. Try one of the fish specials, different each night. The local lobster is good and won't hurt your wallet.
Eat Zhangs
Enjoy this Chinese restaurant with a small but excellent sushi bar.
Eat Pizza Works
Located at the Amtrak station (separate building), this restaurant is a must if you like pizza or trains.
Drink
Bars are very popular in this area. If you want to enjoy a cocktail with a friend or just sit and relax with a tasty drink, here are some places recommended in Old Saybrook.
Drink Main Street Tavern
A dining/bar in Old Saybrook that offers delicious drinks and meals.
Drink Penny Lane Pub & Restaurant
A great Irish pub to enjoy a drink!
Drink Paperback Café Coffeehouse and Eatery
This coffeehouse features gourmet coffees, teas, sandwiches, soups, salads, daily breakfast specials, desserts and baked goods.
Sleep
Stay Executive Inn & Suites
A comfortable lodging inn with beautiful rooms which is close to many attractions including the train station, shopping centers, and restaurants.
Stay Heritage Motor Inn
A small motel run by a local family, stressing economical, no frills, clean, and comfortable accommodations. A step above the chains and wanabees in service and authentic local and regional knowledge. Call the chamber of commerce +1(860)388-3266 or read the online reviews, this is the real deal.
Nearby
Essex
City / town · 2 listings · 4 mi away
Old Lyme
City / town · 21 listings · 4 mi away
Clinton
City / town · 10 listings · 8 mi away
East Lyme
City / town · 6 listings · 9 mi away
East Haddam
City / town · 16 listings · 12 mi away
Waterford
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Madison
City / town · 11 listings · 13 mi away
New London
City / town · 22 listings · 15 mi away
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