Best things to do in New London

Visit Connecticut’s largest shoreline park with its 2 mi (3.2 km) long beach. and swim, surf, or relax under the sun at Hammonasset Beach State Park. Stroll along the boardwalk for scenic views of the sea, or extend your stay by camping in the park, whose abundance of large, well-maintained campsites are perfect for nature-lovers. The park offers plenty of bathrooms and shower facilities, as well as jogging paths and coastal trails. Pop into the open-air amphitheater, which occasionally projects outdoor movies.

The Submarine Force Museum offers self-guided tours with a chance to learn about the history of submarines and their role as part of the U.S. Navy. Climb aboard the USS Nautilus--launched in 1954, the Nautilus was the world's first operational nuclear-powered submarine. Before it was decommissioned in 1980, it cruised under the ice of the North Pole, participated in NATO exercises, and joined in the naval quarantine of Cuba. The Nautilus offers self-guided audio tours. The museum houses a collection of smaller submarines, including a Japanese midget submarine (plus related items, such as periscopes), and a large library featuring a collection of books, documents, and photographs relating to the development of submersible crafts.

Perched on the hills above the Connecticut River, Gillette Castle State Park features an early 20th-century mansion and a series of lakeside walking trails. Here you'll find the crumbling former glory of actor William Gillette's medieval-looking residence, built of stone and surrounded by thick forest. You can wander the grounds, which are ideal for easy walks, thanks to pathways made from former railroad tracks. Explore the "castle" itself to see a great number of carved oak woodworks and creative features, such as built-in couches and a sliding table.