Old Lyme

Travel Guide

Old Lyme showing a lake or waterhole
Old Lyme which includes signage
Old Lyme which includes a sandy beach
Old Lyme showing a sandy beach
Old Lyme featuring signage

The town is characterized by a network of waterways, picturesque timber buildings and a dazzling collection of celebrated art galleries. 

Old Lyme is one of the highlights of a journey along Connecticut’s stunning coastline. Stop here to appreciate some of the state’s finest artistic destinations and historic buildings. Old Lyme is more than just a cultural destination, however, as the town is also a popular place for watersports and wildlife watching.

The town was established, like many in this stretch of New England, in the mid-17th century. Visit its impressive collection of art galleries today to see the results of the community’s artistic boom during the late 1800s, when it was a focal point of the American Impressionist movement.

Start your exploration of Old Lyme’s arts scene in the Florence Griswold Museum. Griswold’s attractive, Late Georgian-style house is a national historic landmark. Discover here the work of the Lyme Art Colony, the artists behind the American Impressionist movement.

At the Lyme Art Association browse galleries that look to the future of American painting and sculpture. The next generation of artists is being trained in the Lyme Academy College of Fine Arts, which features year-round exhibitions of paintings by students and alumni.

Rent a kayak and paddle out onto the waters of Old Lyme. Explore the inlets around the Great Island Wildlife Management Area. Drift through brackish marshes and watch for waterfowl. The Connecticut River and Long Island Sound are also serene spots to enjoy fishing, either from land or on a boat.

Swim in Long Island Sound or sunbathe on one of Old Lyme’s beaches. White Sands Beach and Sound View Beach are two of the more popular coastal escapes. Enjoy the safe swimming space of an inland beach at Hain’s Park, which borders Rogers Lake.

Drive to Old Lyme on the coastal road that runs along southern Connecticut. The town is just over 30 minutes from New HavenOpens in a new window, while buses run here from Old Saybrook. Visit throughout the year to enjoy this charming, artistic destination.

Best Western Mystic Hotel

Best Western Mystic Hotel

2.5 out of 5
48 Whitehall Ave, Mystic, CT
The price is RM541 per night from 10 Aug to 11 Aug
RM541
RM623 total
10 Aug - 11 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Mystic. Enjoy free breakfast, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (290 reviews)
"Hotel and pool were clean, staff was friendly and the breakfast was amazing. We had a great stay!"

Reviewed on 27 Jul 2025

Best Western Mystic Hotel
The Fox Tower at Foxwoods

The Fox Tower at Foxwoods

3.5 out of 5
350 Trolley Line Blvd, Mashantucket, CT
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is RM677 per night from 12 Aug to 13 Aug
RM677
RM901 total
12 Aug - 13 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star spa hotel in Mashantucket. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Foxwoods Resort Casino and Grand Theater ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,042 reviews)
"Good choice"

Reviewed on 28 Jul 2025

The Fox Tower at Foxwoods
Mohegan Sun

Mohegan Sun

4.5 out of 5
1 Mohegan Sun Boulevard, Montville, CT
The price is RM917 per night from 25 Aug to 26 Aug
RM917
RM1,160 total
25 Aug - 26 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury resort in Montville. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 indoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,958 reviews)
"Amazing"

Reviewed on 31 Jul 2025

Mohegan Sun
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Postcard Cabins Machimoodus

Postcard Cabins Machimoodus

2 out of 5
298 E Haddam Moodus Rd, East Haddam, CT
Stay at this cabin in East Haddam. Enjoy free parking, patios, and climate control. Popular attractions Machimoodus State Park and Amasa Day House are located ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (42 reviews)
"It was quiet, relaxing, comfortable and outstanding clean. Check in was simple and easy, even with running behind schedule and a little hiccup with the door code. I got a response from a worker in 1 minute at a late hour. We well be booking another stay at the cabins in the future!!"

Reviewed on 28 Jul 2025

Postcard Cabins Machimoodus
Cliffside Resort Condominiums

Cliffside Resort Condominiums

3 out of 5
61475 Route 48 (North Road), Greenport, NY
Stay at this 3-star beach aparthotel in Greenport. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Railroad Museum of Long Island and ...
9/10 Wonderful! (231 reviews)
"Great property overall with beautiful grounds, a pool and access to the beach. Condos are spacious and equipped with bathroom and kitchen items. Ours had a patio with a great view of the water! We will definitely stay here again."

Reviewed on 26 Jul 2025

Cliffside Resort Condominiums
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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