Harkness Memorial State Park Tours

Photo by Catherine Tierney
Photo by Brandon Miller


With its gorgeous landscapes and native animals and plants, Harkness Memorial State Park is a magnet for outdoor enthusiasts. Do some research before you go to see what activities are available here.

This Waterford protected natural landscape is a good spot to begin your day of sightseeing. There's plenty to see nearby, like Ocean Beach Park, Connecticut College, and United States Coast Guard Academy. Wander around at your leisure at Harkness Memorial State Park before heading to these other fine sights.

Plan a trip to see Harkness Memorial State Park

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Wayfinder Newport
Club Wyndham Inn on the Harbor
The Attwater

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Harkness Memorial State Park

5-star Luxurious 4 Bedroom Home by the Beach and Minutes from Mystic

5-star Luxurious 4 Bedroom Home by the Beach and Minutes from Mystic

Waterford
5-star Luxurious 4 Bedroom Home by the Beach and Minutes from Mystic
Spectacular views from our comfortable beachfront home!!

Spectacular views from our comfortable beachfront home!!

Waterford
Spectacular views from our comfortable beachfront home!!
Luxurious-Modern feel w/ custom features - AC, short walk to the Beach and parks

Luxurious-Modern feel w/ custom features - AC, short walk to the Beach and parks

Waterford
Luxurious-Modern feel w/ custom features - AC, short walk to the Beach and parks
Waterfront Cottage within walking distance to the Beach. A dog-friendly property

Waterfront Cottage within walking distance to the Beach. A dog-friendly property

Waterford
Waterfront Cottage within walking distance to the Beach. A dog-friendly property
Ocean Beach Park Lawrence  M.Hosp MitchellCollege Coast Guard Academy CT College

Ocean Beach Park Lawrence M.Hosp MitchellCollege Coast Guard Academy CT College

New London
Ocean Beach Park Lawrence M.Hosp MitchellCollege Coast Guard Academy CT College
OASIS @ OCEAN BEACH PARK: 6 QUEEN BEDS

OASIS @ OCEAN BEACH PARK: 6 QUEEN BEDS

New London
OASIS @ OCEAN BEACH PARK: 6 QUEEN BEDS
Waterfront Holiday Vacation Villa New England - 2 min from Ocean W/ fireplace

Waterfront Holiday Vacation Villa New England - 2 min from Ocean W/ fireplace

New London
Waterfront Holiday Vacation Villa New England - 2 min from Ocean W/ fireplace
WATERFRONT VIEWS @ OCEAN BEACH GATE: 6 QUEEN 1 SOFA BED

WATERFRONT VIEWS @ OCEAN BEACH GATE: 6 QUEEN 1 SOFA BED

New London
WATERFRONT VIEWS @ OCEAN BEACH GATE: 6 QUEEN 1 SOFA BED
RIVERVIEW VILLA AT OCEAN BEACH: 5 QUEEN BEDS

RIVERVIEW VILLA AT OCEAN BEACH: 5 QUEEN BEDS

New London
RIVERVIEW VILLA AT OCEAN BEACH: 5 QUEEN BEDS
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.

Things to do near Harkness Memorial State Park

At Harkness Memorial State Park in Waterford, Connecticut, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, including scenic mansion tours and beautiful garden tours. The park also offers free camping opportunities, making it a great spot for outdoor enthusiasts. For those seeking adventure, boating and nearby casinos provide additional entertainment options, ensuring a fun-filled visit for all types of travelers.

Shopping

For shopping near Harkness Memorial State Park, visit The Book Barn, just 5 miles away, for unique gifts. Crystal Mall, also 5 miles away, offers a variety of stores. If you're up for a drive, Olde Mistick Village, located 9 miles away, features charming shops and entertainment.

Recreation

Ocean Beach Park, located 0.7 miles from Harkness Memorial State Park, offers a family-friendly pool experience with outdoor sports vibes. Shennecossett Golf Course, 3 miles away, invites golf enthusiasts to enjoy its scenic greens. For relaxation, visit Shady Oaks Park, 10 miles away, providing a peaceful atmosphere for wellness.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of motor racing at Waterford Speedbowl, located 7 miles from Harkness Memorial State Park. For a scenic adventure, hike the Lantern Hill Trailhead, 14 miles away. Lastly, enjoy family fun at Water Wizz of Westerly, a water park situated 17 miles from the park.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife near Harkness Memorial State Park with a visit to Mohegan Sun Casino, just 13 miles away, offering romance and excitement. For a cultural touch, catch a show at the Eugene O'Neill Theater Center, only 0.5 miles away, perfect for family and entertainment vibes.

Find the best attractions near Harkness Memorial State Park

Harkness Memorial State Park in Waterford, Connecticut, offers a delightful mix of attractions, including beautiful beaches and a maritime museum, perfect for those seeking culture and outdoor experiences. Visitors can enjoy leisurely strolls along the coast, explore the park's picturesque landscapes, and delve into local history. Don't miss the chance to relax on the beach or visit nearby points of interest that enhance your stay at this charming state park.

  • Mystic Seaport: Explore the fascinating world of America's maritime heritage at Mystic Seaport, a vibrant living museum showcasing historic ships, maritime exhibits, and charming New England scenery. Engage with knowledgeable staff and enjoy various activities that highlight the region's rich nautical history, just 9 miles away.
  • Mohegan Sun Arena: Experience an array of entertainment options at Mohegan Sun Arena, a premier venue for concerts, sports, and family events. With a lively atmosphere and diverse programming, you're sure to find something for everyone, located only 13 miles from Harkness Memorial State Park.
  • Naval Submarine Base New London: Discover the rich naval history and unique operations of the Naval Submarine Base New London. This friendly community offers a glimpse into the life of submariners, and its proximity (6 miles away) makes it a convenient stop for history enthusiasts.

Best time to go to Harkness Memorial State Park

The best time to visit Harkness Memorial State Park is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are low and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January31.8°F (-0.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyLowSlightly Low
February32.9°F (0.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
March38.7°F (3.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
April48.2°F (9.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May57.6°F (14.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June65.8°F (18.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyHighSlightly High
July73.4°F (23.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyHighSlightly High
August72.5°F (22.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyHighSlightly High
September66.2°F (19.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
October56.7°F (13.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
November45.9°F (7.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyLowAverage
December38.3°F (3.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyLowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Harkness Memorial State Park

To save money during your visit to Harkness Memorial State Park, take advantage of the free entry and plan your stay between December and February for lower accommodation rates. Book your stay on a Wednesday for the best hotel deals, and consider using Expedia’s search tool to find budget-friendly options by sorting prices from lowest to highest. Look for package deals that combine flights and hotels, and join Expedia's One Key membership for exclusive discounts. Additionally, filter for eco-certified hotels for affordable, sustainable choices.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Harkness Memorial State Park are December to February, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Harkness Memorial State Park is Wednesday. The most expensive day to stay around Harkness Memorial State Park is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool makes it easy for you to choose your budget, desired location, and additional preferences. You can organize your search results to display prices from lowest to highest, ensuring you find the most affordable hotels first. Additionally, you have the option to narrow down your choices by hotel type; for instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will show you sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at Harkness Memorial State Park with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.