Old Lyme Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

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

Best Western Mystic Hotel

Best Western Mystic Hotel

2.5 out of 5
48 Whitehall Ave, Mystic, CT
The price is ₹11,036 per night from 3 Aug to 4 Aug
₹11,036
₹12,691 total
3 Aug - 4 Aug
includes taxes & fees
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 staff ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (276 reviews)
Quiet, clean, updated room. But... damp.
"Hotel was in an easily accessible location; we stayed here for a beach trip to Misquamicut, RI. It was quiet, clean, and had a good breakfast. The room was updated and clean. The beds were a bit hard, but comfortable enough. The main drawback for us was that the air in the room felt consistently ..."

Reviewed on 22 Jul 2025

Best Western Mystic Hotel
Mohegan Sun

Mohegan Sun

4.5 out of 5
1 Mohegan Sun Boulevard, Montville, CT
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ₹18,648 per night from 14 Aug to 15 Aug
₹18,648
₹23,598 total
14 Aug - 15 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury resort in Montville. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 2 indoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,941 reviews)
"The place was big and clean and we would definitely go back but the TV in the room didn't work and they didn't fix it while we were there or give us a different room. They did gives us some money back on the room for the inconvenience."

Reviewed on 22 Jul 2025

Mohegan Sun
The Fox Tower at Foxwoods

The Fox Tower at Foxwoods

3.5 out of 5
350 Trolley Line Blvd, Mashantucket, CT
The price is ₹13,807 per night from 5 Aug to 6 Aug
₹13,807
₹18,359 total
5 Aug - 6 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star spa hotel in Mashantucket. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Foxwoods Resort Casino and Grand Theater ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,018 reviews)
"This was a wonderful place to stay. Staff were professional and helpful."

Reviewed on 19 Jul 2025

The Fox Tower at Foxwoods
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! (41 reviews)
"Check in was easy, the cabin was clean and comfortable, and the overall area was quiet and peaceful. The ability to have a small campfire was a welcome bonus."

Reviewed on 20 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 Wi-Fi, free parking and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Railroad Museum of Long Island and ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (228 reviews)
Nice view and beach access was great!
"Beautiful property! View was awesome, nice beach with chairs. The room could use some updating, stove top was broken so our morning coffee was delayed as the burner was very slow to heat the water for our French press we travel with. The view from our room was peaceful however the barbecue area was ..."

Reviewed on 10 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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