Old Lyme, CT

Travel Guide

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

The Stern at Soundview · Beach+Ocean+Sunrise

The Stern at Soundview · Beach+Ocean+Sunrise

2 out of 5
Old Lyme
$147 nightly
The price is $165 total per night from Oct 13 to Oct 14
$165 total
Oct 13 - Oct 14
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this beach apartment in Old Lyme. Enjoy free WiFi, a beach locale, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Lyme Academy of Fine Arts and ...
10/10 Exceptional! (3 reviews)
"Perfect for a weekend beach getaway. Very small but accurately portrayed in the pictures. It was clean and the host was very helpful and responsive."

Reviewed on Aug 6, 2025

The Stern at Soundview · Beach+Ocean+Sunrise
The Fox Tower at Foxwoods

The Fox Tower at Foxwoods

3.5 out of 5
350 Trolley Line Blvd, Mashantucket, CT
$165 nightly
The price is $190 total per night from Nov 2 to Nov 3
$190 total
Nov 2 - Nov 3
Total with taxes and 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 ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,015 reviews)
"The only complaint was the toilet. It was unstable. You could feel the base was not (solidly anchored). We reported it, as we checked out."

Reviewed on Oct 6, 2025

The Fox Tower at Foxwoods
Mohegan Sun

Mohegan Sun

4.5 out of 5
1 Mohegan Sun Boulevard, Montville, CT
$211 nightly
The price is $239 total per night from Oct 22 to Oct 23
$239 total
Oct 22 - Oct 23
Total with taxes and 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! (2,015 reviews)
"1"

Reviewed on Oct 7, 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.
The Stern at Soundview · Beach+Ocean+Sunrise

The Stern at Soundview · Beach+Ocean+Sunrise

2 out of 5
Old Lyme
Book a stay at this beach apartment in Old Lyme. Enjoy free WiFi, a beach locale, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Lyme Academy of Fine Arts and ...
10/10 Exceptional! (3 reviews)
"Perfect for a weekend beach getaway. Very small but accurately portrayed in the pictures. It was clean and the host was very helpful and responsive."

Reviewed on Aug 6, 2025

The Stern at Soundview · Beach+Ocean+Sunrise
Cozy houseboat escape surrounded by breath taking views across from Rocky Neck!

Cozy houseboat escape surrounded by breath taking views across from Rocky Neck!

Old Lyme
Stay at this houseboat in Old Lyme. Enjoy free WiFi, patios, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Rocky Neck State Park and Rocky Neck State Beach ...
10/10 Exceptional! (12 reviews)
"Adorable, cozy location. Danielle was so attentive and added extra special touches with treats, photos, and decorations. Thank you!"

Reviewed on Sep 7, 2025

Cozy houseboat escape surrounded by breath taking views across from Rocky Neck!
Freeboard at Soundview · Beach+Ocean+Sunrise

Freeboard at Soundview · Beach+Ocean+Sunrise

2 out of 5
Old Lyme
Book a stay at this beach apartment in Old Lyme. Enjoy free WiFi, a beach locale, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Lyme Academy of Fine Arts and ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (6 reviews)
"It was very close to the beach , quiet, parking on property room had everything you would need i enjoyed my stay didnt want to leave so soon wouldve liked at least 1 more day maybe next year thank you."

Reviewed on Aug 15, 2025

Freeboard at Soundview · Beach+Ocean+Sunrise
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.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Old Lyme

4.3
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
2
5 - Excellent 67%
4 - Good
0
4 - Good 0%
3 - Okay
1
3 - Okay 33%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

The neighboring areas Old Saybrook and Essex were more interesting with things to do ie; dining and shopping.

Cities near Old Lyme

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