Location: Waterford
Top Things to do in Waterford
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Top 10 Things to do in Waterford, United States
Waterford is a town in New London County, Connecticut, United States. It is named after Waterford, Ireland. The population was 19,517 at the 2010 census. The town center is listed as a census-designated place (CDP) and had a population of 2,887 at the 2010 census.
Restaurants in Waterford
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. The Book Barn
Overall Ratings
5 based on 191 reviews
Reviewed By Brian G - Middletown, Connecticut
This store has 10,000's of books on numerous subjects, distributed throughout at least three different locations in Niantic. You can find many obscure titles here. Prices are very reasonable, and books are in good condition. If you want to take your old books to a place besides your local town dump, perhaps you should consider trading them in here. Brian Ghilliotti
4. Niantic Bay Boardwalk
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 70 reviews
Reviewed By Lora W
This was a highlight of our trip to CT! During the last weekend of good weather in October, we walked and played on the beach and watched the locals doing the same thing! The bridge for the train was surprisingly quiet when it raised and lowered. Such a peaceful place.
5. 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.
6. Waterford Beach Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 28 reviews
Reviewed By mikeeee8 - stcollege,pa ;us
Mainly went there to take my kid fishing. Nice rocky out croppings to cast from. Didnt catch anything except for small crabs we used as bait. Marshy, inlet in addition to open eater. Very clean. Water probably only warm enough for young, tough kids to enjoy during late june.free access after 5
7. Three Belles Outfitters
Overall Ratings
5 based on 15 reviews
Three Belles outfitters is a authorized Hobie dealer as well as paddle sport shop where you can buy or rent some of the best gear out there. Open year round the Paddle Board and Kayak rental business runs from Memorial day though late September.
Reviewed By Cherbertct
I would highly recommend this marina business. Very cool staff especially Tay O and Devon. Thanks for hooking us up with a new water adventure. I tried the new stand up paddle pedal board. So cool. Great location.
8. 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!
9. Waterford Speedbowl
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 24 reviews
Reviewed By userChris - Oakdale, Connecticut, United States
We are not big race fans. That should be declared right up front. From what I understand, most NASCAR fans either love or hate this place. From my perspective, it was a lot of fun.
We visited on a "Wacky Wednesday". Kids are free (14 and younger) and adults are $8. Where else can a family of four spend 2-3 hours out for only $16-32 dollars?
They do not allow you to bring in any alcohol, but you can bring your own cooler of beverages and food. Also, dont forget your ear plugs!!! This is a must, especially for the younger kids.
We had a good time, but for us it was just a night to enjoy something different. We dont follow the races through the season, we dont have favorites, we dont care who wins. But we still enjoyed it! The kids loved the opportunity to sit inside the race cars at the main get as we were entering (which was free and the drivers/owners even offered signed photos to the kids.)
They also offer Kids birthday parties. A great alternative idea/location.
10. 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!
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