Things To Do In Old Saybrook, CT

Old Saybrook, Connecticut, is a charming coastal town that’s brimming with history, natural beauty, and unique attractions. Whether you’re strolling through downtown, exploring the scenic waterfront, or delving into the area’s rich colonial past, there’s something for everyone.

Brick cultural arts center with large white columns and a "Kate" sign. Steps lead to the entrance. Sky is clear. — Photo credit: Kailey MarcAurele.

Grab A Sweet Treat At Sweet Luna’s

A hand holds a cup of ice cream topped with sprinkles, in a pink and white zigzag-patterned container. A spoon is inserted into the ice cream. Outdoor seating is visible in the background. — Photo credit: Kailey MarcAurele.

This is my favorite spot to grab a frozen dessert in Old Saybrook. Located in the heart of downtown, this spot offers delicious frozen yogurt, gelato, and sorbet with plenty of toppings to choose from. They also offer dairy-free options!

Bird Watch At Founder’s Memorial Park

An osprey perched on a tree stump against a blurred brownish background. — Photo credit: Kailey MarcAurele.

Founder’s Memorial Park is located on the town’s former dump. It offers some really beautiful views of the North Cove and the Connecticut River in the distance. It’s also a great spot for bird watching, especially Ospreys.

Catch A Sunset At Harveys Beach

Sunset over a snowy landscape with a bench in the foreground, overlooking calm water and distant shoreline under an orange sky. — Photo credit: Kailey MarcAurele.

Harvey’s Beach is a great spot to visit year-round. This is one of my favorite sunset spots in southeastern Connecticut. It also makes a great spot for a beach day before the sun goes down.

Visit The Katharine Hepburn Museum

This museum is dedicated to Katharine Hepburn who was a famous actress as well as an Old Saybrook resident. There’s plenty to see in this museum from letters, photos, home movies, costumes, personal wardrobe items, and more. You’ll get a glimpse into the cultural and historical impact of Katharine Hepburn and her family during your visit.

Grab A Drink And Baked Good From Ashlawn Coffee

A cinnamon roll with white icing on wax paper beside a disposable coffee cup on a wooden table. — Photo credit: Kailey MarcAurele.

If you’re looking for a local coffee shop, Ashlawn Coffee is for you. This spot offers a variety of caffeinated drinks as well as delicious craft drinks for those who don’t partake in caffeine. They also have delicious baked goods and a great atmosphere.

Play A Round Of Disc Golf At Cedar Swamp

A tranquil pond surrounded by autumn trees with a small cabin in the distance under a cloudy sky. — Photo credit: Kailey MarcAurele.

This course is fun and challenging. While you’re getting frustrated hitting tree after tree, be sure to take in the beauty of this course. There’s also a basket where you will have to throw your disc over the pond. Play at your own risk.

Take A Drive Through The Historic North Cove

A large driftwood log lies on a rocky shore next to a calm body of water at dusk, with a distant horizon and fading evening light. — Photo credit: Kailey MarcAurele.

If you’re into beautiful water views and historic homes, be sure to take a drive through Old Saybrook’s North Cove Historic District. Take North Cove Road to see historic homes built between 1645 and 1855. Be sure to also check out the scenic overlook where North Cove and Cromwell Place intersect.

Take A Hike At Fenwick Grove

Rocky shoreline with dry grass, overlooking a calm lake under a clear blue sky. Trees are visible in the distance. Some patches of snow are on the ground. — Photo credit: Kailey MarcAurele.

This is a spot to take a nice spot for a walk and bird watching. The trail is a short loop that brings you to the shores of the South Cove in Old Saybrook. The best spot to park is on Maple Avenue (Route 154).

Take In History At Fort Saybrook Monument Park

Bronze statue of a standing figure in historical attire on a stone pedestal, set against leafless trees and a clear blue sky. — Photo credit: Kailey MarcAurele.

If you’re into battle history, you’ll want to hit this park. The park has various storyboards that give information about the history of the Saybrook Colony as well as the battles. In addition to history, there is a marsh that has a bird viewing deck.

View Old Saybrook’s Lighthouses

A white lighthouse stands on a rock breakwater extending into the sea, with waves in the water and a cloudy sky in the background. — Photo credit: Kailey MarcAurele.

Old Saybrook is home to two Connecticut lighthouses that you’re not going to want to miss. The two lighthouses are Lynde Point Lighthouse and the Saybrook Breakwater Light. While the best way to view these lighthouses is from the water, you can view them both along Route 154.