25 OF THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN NEW LONDON, CT, NEAR BASE

Introduction

Welcome to Naval Submarine Base New London, known as the “Home of the Submarine Force!” As you get settled into a new area, you’re probably looking for things to do in New London. We’re happy to report that the area is teeming with activities and places to visit! The installation is in Groton, Connecticut, directly across the Thames River from its namesake city of New London. There are plenty of things to do in south Connecticut. The area is known as a historic seaside town with a rich military background. Residents spend their time enjoying the local beaches, visiting beautiful parks, and being enriched at military museums and arts centers. Here is a list of 25 of the best things to do in New London, CT, near Naval Submarine Base New London.

Suggested read:

NSB New London In-Depth Welcome Center

Things To Do in New London, CT

SUBASE New London Outdoor Recreation

1. Fife Estate Recreation Area

571 Stonington Road, Route 1 SUBASE New London, CT 06349

Phone

: 1 (860) 694-3562 The Fife Estate Recreation Area spreads across 40 acres and has a two-acre pond. There is a caretaker on site, a large pavilion for command functions, a softball field, volleyball court, half-court basketball, a playground for the kids, a horseshoe pits for the adults, hiking, fishing, and more. Reservations for the pavilion are required and can be made by calling the swimming pool at 1 (860) 694-3562.

2. North Lake Recreation Facility

Triton Avenue SUBASE New London, CT 06349

Phone

: 1 (860) 694-3562 Looking for things to do in south Connecticut during the summer? Hit up the North Lake Recreation Facility! You’ll find everything you need to escape the heat: sandy, well-groomed beaches, a large pavilion with picnic tables, chaise lounge chairs, cabanas, and more. Reservations for the pavilion are required and can be made by calling the swimming pool at 1 (860) 694-3562.

3. Outdoor Adventure Center

Wahoo Avenue SUBASE New London, CT 06349

Phone

: 1 (860) 961-6908 From April to November, the Outdoor Adventure Center offers opportunities to enjoy paintball, ropes challenges, hiking, trail running, and mountain biking. All gear and paintball equipment is available to rent or buy from the center.

4. Thames View Marina

Bldg. 535 Amberjack Road SUBASE New London, CT 06349

Phone

: 1 (860) 694-3164 The Thames View Marina is home to 94 boat slips with power and water. The marina is open year-round, which means there is summer docking and winter berthing available, as well as winter dry storage. The marina office can help you with equipment rentals — campers, kayaks, tables, tents, chairs, etc. — and give you pricing or information on hosting command picnics.

Norwich

5. Uncas’ Leap at Yantic Falls

232 Yantic St. Norwich, CT 06360

Phone

: 1 (860) 823-3798 Open year-round, Uncas’ Leap at Yantic Falls has historical significance to the community and has been a part of the Mohegan Tribe history since the early 1600s. The site is breathtaking and is regularly touted as one of the best things to do in Connecticut in the fall. You’ll be amazed at the wonder around you as you take in the breathtaking waterfall at Yantic Falls. You can also connect to the Heritage Trail from Uncas’ Leap.

Groton

6. Avery Point Lighthouse

Groton, CT 06340 Like many lighthouses in New England, Avery Point Lighthouse has gone through some ups and downs. The Avery Point Lighthouse was completed in 1943 and sits on the Avery Point Campus of the University of Connecticut. By 1997, it had deteriorated to the point that it was declared a hazard by the university. A restoration effort ensued, and today the Avery Point Lighthouse stands tall and bright.

7. Bluff Point State Park

Groton, CT 06340

Phone

: 1 (860) 424-3200 The only undeveloped land left along the Connecticut coastline is Bluff Point State Park. The 800-acre park was designated a coastal reserve in 1975 to preserve the area and keep it undisturbed. Because of the designation, the only access to the bluff is on foot or with a non-motorized vehicle. While there, enjoy the untouched land by hiking or saltwater fishing.

8. Fort Griswold Battlefield State Park

Groton, CT 06340

Phone

: 1 (860) 424-3200 The Fort Griswold Battlefield State Park is where the British Forces, commanded by the traitorous Benedict Arnold, captured the fort and massacred 88 of the 165 defenders there. The park is a stop on the Thames River Heritage Park Water Taxi route. Feel free to see the area by land or sea.

SUBASE New London Golf Course

9. Goose Run Golf Course

Bldg. 178 Shark Boulevard SUBASE New London, CT 06349

Phone

: 1 (860) 694-3763 Want to hit the links but don’t have a lot of time? You’re in luck! The Goose Run Golf Course is a short, nine-hole golf course with a par 34 and no tee times required. You’ll enjoy beautiful greens and breathtaking views of the Thames. Enjoy the full-service food and beverage area with outdoor seating after you’re done. You can find out information about leagues, tournaments, golf lessons, rentals, and more in the pro shop.

SUBASE New London Gyms

10. Bodyworks Fitness Center

Bldg. 83 Grayling Avenue SUBASE New London, CT 06349

Phone

: 1 (860) 694-4794 The Bodyworks Fitness Center at SUBASE New London is your all-in-one fitness center. Take advantage of the complete range of strength training and cardio equipment available. Additionally, there are tons of programs and classes, locker rooms, a family fitness room, a fitness-on-demand virtual trainer, and an indoor warm-up track. It’s everything you need to make sure your body works (pun intended) and you stay in shape.

11. Morton Hall Gymnasium

Bldg. 169 Grayling Avenue SUBASE New London, CT 06349

Phone

: 1 (860) 694-3521 Looking to get in the best shape of your life? Visit the Morton Hall Gymnasium and take advantage of 4,000 square feet of weight training and free weights.

12. Racquetball Center

Bldg. 522 Thresher Avenue SUBASE New London, CT 06349

Phone

: 1 (860) 694-5020 Is racquetball your game? Head over to the Racquetball Center and enjoy one of six air-conditioned courts, two clear glass courts, and four enclosed courts. There’s an opportunity to sign up for leagues or play wallyball.

13. Indoor Swimming Pool

Bldg. 120 Grayling Avenue SUBASE New London, CT 06349

Phone

: 1 (860) 694-3562 The SUBASE New London Indoor Swimming Pool is a five-lane, 25-meter swimming pool. The pool is open year-round and is available for youth swimming lessons and aquatic fitness exercises.

SUBASE New London Bowling Alley

14. Bowling Center

Bldg. 485 Grayling Avenue SUBASE New London, CT 06349

Phone

: 1 (860) 694-3477 The SUBASE New London Bowling Center is a 12-lane bowling alley. Enjoy fun glow-in-the-dark bowling nights and bumpers for the kids to use. Amenities include shoe and locker rentals, ball polisher, an arcade, an internet jukebox, and more.

Groton

15. Groton Bowling Center

27 Kings Highway Groton, CT 06340

Phone

: 1 (860) 445-6500 Have a little spare time after work? Hit up Groton Bowling Center. Enjoy the state-of-the-art lanes and computerized scoring.

Nearby Attractions

Ledyard

16. Maugle Sierra Vineyards

825 Colonel Ledyard Highway Ledyard, CT 06339

Phone

: 1 (860) 464-2987 Just a few minutes from Mohegan Sun sits the beautiful Maugle Sierra Vineyards with sweeping views of the surrounding area. Sample a glass or two of the Ledyard Sunset White (preferably while the sun goes down) or any of Maugle Sierra Vineyards’ other delicious wines. The vineyards host live music and hold special events.

Haddam

17. RiverQuest, CT

Eagle Landing State Park 14 Little Meadow Road Haddam, CT 06438

Phone

: 1 (860) 767-8269 Book a private charter with RiverQuest to do something different for date night. There are also public cruises that set out March through October. Go on a RiverQuest in the morning, take in the beautiful sunset, or enjoy birding while out on the water.

Groton

18. Great Brook Sports

850 Gold Star Highway Groton, CT 06340

Phone

: 1 (860) 448-0938 Enjoy it all at Great Brook Sports. Take in 18 holes of miniature golf, hit a round of balls in the batting cage, fire off a few shots at the driving range, or perfect your swing with the golf simulator.

SUBASE New London

19. Liberty Center

Bldg. 569 Thresher Avenue SUBASE New London, CT 06349

Phone

: 1 (860) 694-4958 The Liberty Center is designed to be a welcoming place for single sailors and unaccompanied sailors living at SUBASE New London. The center has computers, WiFi, the latest video gaming consoles, a movie theater with stadium seating, large TVs, a reading area, billiards, ping-pong, darts, and more.

20. Library, Tickets and Travel Office

Bldg. 164 Grayling Avenue SUBASE New London, CT 06349

Phone

: 1 (860) 694-3723 The SUBASE New London Library, Tickets and Travel Office is two offerings in one. Relax and escape in one of the many books found in the library. Utilize the computers and printing options available, or check out an entertaining DVD or video game. The Tickets and Travel portion of the building is your gateway to discounted tickets for major theme parks, local attractions, or movie theaters. You can utilize American Forces Travel to book discounted air, hotel, cruises, and events.

SUBASE New London Museums

Groton

21. Submarine Force Museum

One Crystal Lake Road Groton, CT 06340

Phone

: 1 (800) 343-0079 The Submarine Force Museum’s collection includes roughly 33,000 artifacts, nearly as many photographs, and 20,000 documents. It’s one of the most significant collections of submarine relics in the world – and it’s free! There are guided tours, scavenger hunts, special events, and educational opportunities.

New London

22. Lyman Allyn Art Museum

625 Williams St. New London, CT 06320

Phone

: 1 (860) 443-2545 Art lovers flock to Lyman Allyn Art Museum for its collection of over 18,000 objects (and growing!) from ancient times to the present. Its collection spans over 2,600 years with notable artists Andrew Wyeth, Thomas Cole, and Frederic Edwin Church.

23. New London Maritime Society Custom House Museum

150 Bank St. New London, CT 06320

Phone

: 1 (860) 447-2501 There are tons of things to do in South Connecticut, many of them tied to the waterways. The New London Maritime Society Custom House Museum is no exception. This museum is open year-round and is one of the ideal things to do in Connecticut in the fall, especially for a field trip for the kids.

Mystic

24. Mystic Seaport Museum

75 Greenmanville Ave. Mystic, CT 06355

Phone

: 1 (860) 572-0711 The Mystic Seaport Museum is the largest maritime museum in the United States. It was founded in 1929 and is known for its collection of sailing ships and boats and the re-creation of the crafts and fabric of an entire seafaring village from the 19th century.

SUBASE New London Theater

25. Daley Center Theater

Bldg. 164 Grayling Avenue SUBASE New London, CT 06349

Phone

: 1 (860) 694-3358 The Daley Center Theater comfortably seats nearly 1,400 people and plays the latest movies with showings on Thursday through Sunday. Check the MWR e-news for movie listings, or call for more information. You can reserve the theater for special events, change of commands, seminars, training sessions, and graduations.

Conclusion

You’ll be living the good life with these things to do in New London, CT! It’s the perfect place for water lovers, military personnel, and history buffs. Whether you enjoy the great outdoors or prefer to stay inside, there are plenty of things to do in New London, CT, near your new home at Naval Submarine Base New London. And don’t forget to sign up for notifications from the Navy MWR SUBASE New London to stay on top of new events and services being held near you.