Things To Do In Old Lyme, Connecticut
This content may contain affiliate links. For more information, see our disclaimer.
Visiting Old Lyme, Connecticut offers a charming mix of coastal beauty, historic architecture, and a rich artistic heritage. The town is home to the Florence Griswold Museum and the Lyme Art Association, both central to the American Impressionist movement. With its scenic river and coastal views, quaint shops, and inviting cafés, Old Lyme is a peaceful and culturally vibrant destination.
Ferry Landing State Park
Ferry Landing State Park is a park along the Connecticut River. The park has a beautiful boardwalk (which is unfortunately closed right now while they work on building a new train bridge). There are also several picnic tables where visitors can enjoy a meal by the water. It’s also a great spot for birding as there are some osprey nests nearby.
Hallmark Drive-In
This spot serves up small batch ice cream that is so creamy and delicious. You can also get some great food here too before you dig into some ice cream. It’s a great spot to grab seafood. In addition to serving up delicious ice cream and food, the location is beautiful. I think it’s one of the best ice cream spots in eastern Connecticut.
Sound View Beach
Sound View Beach is a beautiful beach on Long Island Sound. There are a handful of beach bars you can grab a drink or bite to eat at along this beach. It’s a great spot to hang out in the summer. In the colder months, it’s one of my favorite places to catch a sunset.
Florence Griswold Museum
This stunning historic home was built in 1817 and it sits on 12 acres of land on the Lieutenant River. You can walk the grounds and tour inside the home. The first floor has rooms you can check out with information boards and upstairs is an art gallery. The grounds feature a well-maintained garden.
The Chocolate Shell
This chocolate shop is located in the historic district on Lyme Street. This chocolate shop offers an assortment of candies and chocolates. They also have ice cream and classic old fashion sodas available. It’s a cute little shop to stop in.
Old Lyme Phoebe Griffin Noyes Library
Let me just start by saying that this is a gorgeous library. This library has an absolutely charming quiet room for reading. There’s a fireplace and artwork hung around that room. Additionally, there’s a book store here called The Book Cellar that sells used and rare books. This spot is worth a visit for any book lover.
Roger Tory Peterson Estuary Center
This unique spot in Old Lyme is a part of the Connecticut Audubon Society. This property sits on 5 acres and features a historic house that features original works by Roger Tory Peterson, a locally renowned artist, scientific illustrator, environmental educator, and conservation advocate. It’s a great spot to enjoy nature as well.
Great Island Wildlife management Area
This spot is a boat launch, but there’s also a viewing platform where you can bird watch. There are a ton of osprey nests in this area and it’s a great spot for birding. you’ll see a ton of ospreys flying overhead while you’re here! It’s another great spot for sunsets as well.
Old Lyme Inn
The Old Lyme Inn is located in old Lyme’s historic Art District. The inn features 13 guest rooms, indoor and seasonal outdoor dining, and live music in their jazz club, The Side Door. If you’re planning to stay here, it’s in a great location directly across from the Lyme Art Association and it’s also very close to the Florence Griswold Musueum.
Long River Local
Long River Local is a cute little cafe. They make great coffee and food. There’s some indoor and outdoor seating available. Inside, they also have local dairy items for sale and even some handmade items to purchase. I love visiting this spot!
Lyme Art Association
The Lyme Art Association, founded in 1914 in Old Lyme, Connecticut, is a historic organization that supports and exhibits representational fine art. It was established by a group of artists: Frank Bicknell, William Chadwick, Harry Hoffmann, Wilson Irvine, Lawton Parker, William Robinson, Edward Rook, and Gregory Smith. Today, the association continues to offer exhibitions, art classes, and community events in its gallery, which was designed by architect Charles A. Platt.
Watch Rock Loop
This is a beautiful hiking area that is tucked away in a neighborhood. There are a handful of trails to explore that are great for all skill levels. The park offers some great water views and it’s another spot I love to watch the sunset. It’s also a great spot for birding.
Old Lyme looks like such a charming and peaceful place! Loved the mix of history, nature, and local art — thanks for the inspiration!
Old Lyme looks like an interesting place. I would love to visit Ferry Landing State Park with its boardwalk, picnic tables and views of birds. The library looks quiet and peaceful as it should be. Will look up this place when I am passing by Connecticut.
I’ve never been to Old Lyme, but this really caught my interest. I love discovering small towns with a mix of nature, history and art, and it seems like Old Lyme has just that. The Chocolate Shell looks adorable and all the view points and hiking trail look spectacular! Definitely adding it to my list for a future New England trip. Thanks, Kailey!
The library sounds like my kind of place!
I did not know there were so many incredible things to do in old Lyme, Connecticut! The library and the chocolate shop both look incredible and the sunsets so dreamy! Can´t wait to visit!