Old Lyme, CT

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 Haven, while buses run here from Old Saybrook. Visit throughout the year to enjoy this charming, artistic destination.