10+ Sunset Spots To Check Out In Southeastern Connecticut

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Looking for a nice spot to watch the sunset in Southeastern Connecticut? Look no further! Below are some of my favorite sunset spots as someone who has lived in the area for over 20 years. They’re great spots for anyone looking for a sunset by the water.

Ferry Landing State Park

A train bridge over a body of water at sunset.

This state park on the Connecticut River is the perfect spot to watch the sunset. This park features a beautiful boardwalk on the river with an elevated viewing platform at the end of the boardwalk. Ferry Landing State Park is a great spot to watch the sunset.

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Watch Rock Preserve

The sun is setting over a body of water.

This small preserve is a beautiful Connecticut hidden gem located in Old Lyme, CT. Watch the sun go down by the water. The loop here is a short hike at just under a mile. There are a couple of viewpoints you can go to that are great for watching the sunset. One of the viewpoints even has a bench to sit back and relax and enjoy the views.

Great Island Wildlife Area

Sun setting over a calm ocean, with an orange glow reflecting on the water. Dark silhouetted treeline in the distance under a clear sky.

Another Old Lyme favorite of mine is Great Island Wildlife Area. This is a great spot to watch the sunset with no hiking involved. This is because the area is also a boat launch, so you can drive right down to the water!

Stonington Point

Sunset over a calm body of water with silhouettes of boats, a rocky shoreline, and people sitting on the rocks.

Stonington Point is another great spot that’s in Stonington Borough. In the colder months, you can even enjoy the sunset right from the warmth of your car. This is a pretty popular spot and the lot can get very packed, so just keep that in mind! And bonus tip: this is also a great spot for watching the sunrise!

Niantic Bay Boardwalk

The sun is setting over a body of water and rocks.

This boardwalk is a 1.1 mile walking path that runs between Cini Park and Hole in the Wall Beach along Niantic Bay. I find that the best views of the sunset can be seen from the Cini Park end of the boardwalk.

Gardner Lake State Park

A person standing on a dock at sunset.

As someone who grew up in Salem, Gardner Lake State Park holds a special place in my heart. While I love this park at any time of day, I especially love going there to watch the sun set. I’ve seen some really stunning, colorful sunsets there! Best part, no hike required! You can pull right up to the lake.

Seaside State Park

The sun is setting over the ocean on a beach.

Another favorite is Seaside State Park in Waterford, CT. This state park is the site of Seaside Sanatorium, which was a former tuberculosis hospital. It features old buildings from the sanatorium. And, it also has a beach, making it a great spot for a sunset.

Harkness Memorial State Park

The sun is setting over a body of water.

Not far from Seaside State Park is Harkness Memorial State Park. This park is the former estate of the Harkness family and it’s located on Long Island Sound. The park features a mansion, gardens, greenhouses, and lots of waterfront. The beach is a great spot to watch the sunset!

Stoddard Hill State Park

A sunset over a body of water with rocks in the background.

This park is located in Gales Ferry, CT along the Thames River. You can enjoy watching the sun set behind the hills on the other side of the river. There’s usually some great reflections of the sunset’s colors in the river and the cove. No hike required for this spot!

UConn Avery Point Campus

A lone tree in front of a body of water at sunset.

UConn Avery Point in Groton, CT is a picturesque spot to watch the sun go down. This campus is located on Long Island Sound, giving you a nice spot to watch the sun go down by the water. There’s a walking path along the water and even a lighthouse!

Sound View Beach

The sun is setting over the ocean on a beach.

If you’re looking for a great beach sunset, this is another spot to check out in Old Lyme. In the summer months this beach can get crowded. But, if you go in the fall or winter, you’ll be able to enjoy a peaceful sunset without the crowds.

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