Location: Groton
Top Things to do in Groton
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Top 10 Things to do in Groton, United States
Sitting at a strategic position along the Thames River, water has played a significant part in the growth of Groton, Connecticut. Visit Fort Griswold, a Revolutionary War era base built to defend the port of New London, most infamously known as the site of the betrayal of American forces by Benedict Arnold. Groton is also the "Submarine Capital of the World," home to the US Navy's main submarine base, as well as the Submarine Force Museum, where visitors can board the first nuclear submarine.
Restaurants in Groton
1. The Submarine Force Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 749 reviews
The home of the world's first nuclear submarine has several other exhibits on the history of submarines.
Reviewed By mclemons - Blacksburg, Virginia
I visited this museum during the summer of 2017. It was a great experience. First, you enter the museum area which has a lot of naval information, including history and information about our current US Navy. I am a Navy veteran myself, so this was very nostalgic.
As you make your way through the museum, you eventually come to the doorway that leads you the the USS Nautilus; a floating museum inside the first commissioned nuclear powered sub in the US Navy.
The walkways throughout the inside of the submarine are tight, which is to be expected. You travel along a predetermined route. There are also audio tours available for those interested.
In my opinion, this is a great experience for all ages. It's a must-see if you are visiting the area. The one word of caution I have is if you are concerned at all with tight spaces or tight stairwells, the submarine aspect may be one to skip. It does get a little tight in areas.
2. Harkness Memorial State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 152 reviews
This 1906 Roman Renaissance Classical Revival-style mansion belonged to philanthropist Edward Harkness.
Reviewed By LFS517 - Lakewood, Colorado
Even though it was late summer, there were still some nice flowers in the gardens. We enjoyed walking around the gardens and peeking in the mansion windows.
3. Charles W. Morgan
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 355 reviews
Located at Mystic Seaport, this is the only existing wooden whaleship.
Reviewed By tmrlm - the fort
The last of it's kind an old whaling vessel.When we were there the sailors explained about the ship, you can take your time and look around at designated times the explain about the vessel and demonstrated the loading and unloading singing sailors songs. Quite interesting all around. We could even watch them raise the sails. Very informative
4. Bluff Point State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 166 reviews
Reviewed By EllenBread
Wide dirt-gravel pathway makes this a great location for a winter walk or light hike along the shoreline. The walk takes you out to Bluff Point with views of Long Island Sound and Ledge Lighthouse. Very large parking lot. The road into the park from the railroad where the pavement ends is full of very deep pot-holes that requires careful, slow navigation.
5. Mystic Seaport
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
Mystic Seaport is the nation's leading maritime museum. Founded in 1929, the Museum is home to four National Historic Landmark vessels, including the Charles W. Morgan, America's oldest commercial ship and the last wooden whaleship in the world. The Museum's grounds cover 19 acres on the Mystic River in Mystic, CT and include a recreated 19th-century coastal village, a working shipyard, formal exhibit halls, and state-of-the-art artifact storage facilities. Mystic Seaport is located one mile south of Exit 90 off I-95 in Mystic, CT.
Reviewed By Jon5440 - Arlington, Virginia
We very much enjoyed spending a half-day at the Seaport. There is an excellent collection of buildings covering every aspect of the ship related economy from its heyday, located on a picture worthy waterfront just outside of town. The ships themselves were really great - in good shape and very easy to appreciate thanks to good signage and very helpful staff and volunteers. They really made the day, as each seemed genuinely happy to talk about their area and answer questions. We particularly liked the scale model of Mystic in the 1800s, scampering around the ships, viewing the refurbishment of the Mayflower II (there for another year or so), and the wacky virtual reality temporary exhibit of the arctic. That was a bit out of place but oddly relaxing to walk through with the VR goggles.
6. Fort Trumbull State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 119 reviews
Reviewed By HikerTraveler - East Hartford, CT
Spent a lovely Sunday walking the grounds of Fort Trumbull State Park. What a gem! Beautiful grounds and friendly, helpful staff (mostly volunteers!!!). Excellent welcome center and nice gift shop.
The Fort has a long history all the way back to the Revolution. Reading of the British and Benedict Arnold's despicable acts against Lt. Colonel Ledyard and his men here will horrify you. The photos of the brave who served here are terrific. What a view from the top of the Fort!
7. USS Nautilus
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 51 reviews
Reviewed By DT-PEI
To see how submariners lived in such cramped quarters for such long periods of time was moving. To experience how they had to move between compartments on the sub proved to me that I could never have been such a sailor. Thankfully the sub was air conditioned as it was a hot September day when we visited. The audio player briefly explains what you are observing, but it was not always clear if I was looking at the correct item being described on the audio device. Regardless, the tour was well worth the climbing up and down the different levels and through the passageways.
Free parking, free admission. CLOSED Tuesdays!
8. Fort Griswold Battlefield State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 87 reviews
Reviewed By Karen H
Found this driving around the area and stopped in for a leisurely walk around their paths on the very nice grounds. Plenty of History here and envisioning the battle fort defending by the sea, for all of us. Glad we stopped and enjoyed some cheese and crackers and watermelon this sunny afternoon!
9. Historic Downtown Mystic
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 458 reviews
Reviewed By JBMartiniguy - Hartford, Connecticut
Yes this is the same mistake as the Mystic Pizza made famous by Julia Roberts . However this little village has a lot to offer comma many wonderful restaurants comma some art shops, a drawbridge to let the boats pass, ice cream shops and it's all in a very small area so it's easy enough to walk with children but has enough to spend a few hours or an evening relaxing or hitting the pubs in the evening
10. Ocean Beach Park
Overall Ratings
4 based on 318 reviews
New England's finest beach and boardwalk attractions including mini golf course, rides, water slides, kiddy spray park, olympic pool, arcade, gift shop, food concessions, cafe with restaurant, banquet and catering facilities, picnic area, health club, nature walk
Reviewed By DonInConnecticut - Connecticut
Beaches along the Long Island Sound aren't nearly as good as Long Island's oceanfront south shore beaches or even Rhode Island's. But this one is special. First, the beach itself: This is about as great as a Long Island Sound beach can be. Clean water,...MoreDon, Thanks so much for your great review and description of Ocean Beach Park. We sincerely appreciate it and hope to have the pleasure of seeing you here again soon.
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