Looking for a day trip in Connecticut that combines history, great food, and scenery? New London is a great option! This is one of the smallest towns in Connecticut by area. It’s almost 50% water and has just 5.54 square miles of land. Despite its small size, there’s plenty to explore here. The town has a history as a major whaling port in the early 19th-century. (It was actually one of the busiest in the world!) New London is now home to many fantastic restaurants and interesting places to stop.

This port city has a ton of interesting old architecture. It has extensive history dating all the way back to colonial times, and it was the 13th city established in Connecticut.
Linda Davis/Flickr
New London played important roles in both the American Revolution and the War of 1812. Fort Trumball was an important 19th-century fort located in New London.
Fort Trumbull, New London, CT 06320, USA
Monsieurdl/Wikimedia Commons
The fort is now a state park that can be visited year-round.
Lighthouse lovers will find themselves enamored with New London. The city is home to two lighthouses, the Pequot Avenue Lighthouse (pictured) and the New London Ledge Lighthouse.
Linda Orlomoski/Flickr
The Pequot Avenue light is the tallest and oldest lighthouse in Connecticut. Unfortunately, it's on privately-owned land and is difficult to catch a good glimpse of.
One of the real gems of New London is the magnificent Ocean Beach Park. The pristine sand is soft as can be and great for a barefoot stroll or building a sand castle.
Ocean Beach Park, 98 Neptune Ave, New London, CT 06320, USA
Holger Katzenbach/Google Maps
You'll feel like you're at a Caribbean resort on this Connecticut beach.

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The views are incredible and we won't blame you if you want to just relax in the sand all day. But if you do want to walk around and explore, the half-mile boardwalk features shops and restaurants.
Monte Newman/Google Maps
By this point, you're probably in need of a pick me up! Check out Muddy Waters Cafe. This quaint spot serves lunch, pastries, and coffee.
Muddy Waters Cafe, 40 Bank St, New London, CT 06320, USA
Seth Bendfeldt/Google Maps
Visit their Facebook for more information on this charming cafe.
New London is so beautiful you'll want to spend most of your time there outside. Check out the Connecticut College Arboretum while you're in town.
Connecticut College Arboretum Pond, New London, CT 06320, USA
MariaCrisel Arganza/Google Maps
The park has 250 acres of trails and gardens with absolutely stunning views. Get more information on the arboretum's website.
Finish up your trip with a visit to one of the best restaurants in Connecticut. Ocean Pizza Restaurant and Seafood House has been open for nearly 50 years and serves dozens of different foods.
Ocean Pizza Restaurant and Seafood House, 88 Ocean Ave, New London, CT 06320, USA
Dr. Giraffe/Google Maps
With dozens of pizza options, a variety of grinders, salads, burgers, pasta, seafood, and more, no one will leave here hungry.
G. J. C/Google Maps
Get more information and a menu on their website.

Have you visited New London in Connecticut? Share your experiences in the comments!

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