Discover Connecticut's Coastline
There are plenty of things to do in Connecticut, especially when you spend a few days in the southern part of the state along the beautiful Connecticut shore. Coastal Connecticut is filled with quaint small towns, lighthouses, wide sandy beaches, breathtaking scenery, and plenty of charming Select Registry Bed and Breakfasts. It’s the perfect antidote to the fast-paced life on the east coast and is altogether a delightful place to spend a few romantic days with your sweetheart.
Coastal Connecticut boasts more than 300 miles of shoreline, extending from Greenwich in the west to Stonington in the East. On this beautiful stretch of coastal Connecticut, you’ll find several charming small towns, including the popular towns of Mystic and Greenwich. Each town offers something unique, but all provide the relaxing atmosphere of coastal Connecticut you crave.
Most people come to coastal Connecticut to breathe in the fresh, salty sea air and slow down and enjoy a relaxed, more simple pace of life. Our Connecticut Bed and Breakfasts are the perfect places to do exactly that. While we don’t want to pack your getaway with an overly busy itinerary, there are also many wonderful things to do in Connecticut that are worth mentioning. We’ll share a few of our favorite ways to enjoy the area for those days when you don’t mind having something on the schedule.
At the end of the day, what makes a getaway to coastal Connecticut so special is the opportunity to spend a few days at our Select Registry Bed and Breakfasts in Connecticut. Select Registry brings 50 years of top-notch hospitality and the most comprehensive inspection in the industry. With that, you can be assured that your lodging will live up to and even exceed every expectation for your getaway. Are you ready to explore coastal Connecticut this spring? Book a room at one of our Connecticut Bed and Breakfasts today.
Towns to Visit in Coastal Connecticut
As we’ve already mentioned, coastal Connecticut is dotted with charming small towns that make fabulous getaway destinations. Select Registry is proud to represent four of these incredible coastal Connecticut destinations, including Greenwich, Westbrook, Niantic, and the Mystic area, including the small towns of Ledyard and Stonington.
Below, we’ll discuss each of these fantastic towns in coastal Connecticut in more detail, including some of our top recommendations for things to do in the area, so you can choose the destination that is perfect for you.
Greenwich
Greenwich is the largest town on Connecticut’s Gold Coast, and as such, it’s home to some of the best high-end shops, diverse art galleries, award-winning restaurants, and beautiful parks. It’s not too far outside of New York City, which makes it an excellent place for a quick getaway. One visit to this upscale yet charming seaside town, and you’ll see why New Yorkers have been visiting here for decades. You’ll get all of the quaint, seaside charms you’re looking for here, but also still have access to an abundance of great restaurants and cultural experiences.
Westbrook
Westbrook is a quaint coastal Connecticut community nestled on the Long Island Sound. It’s located between the bigger towns of New Haven and New London, which means you can enjoy all the quiet serenity you crave from your getaway while still having access to the wonderful restaurants and attractions the bigger cities provide. If you want to do nothing but lounge by the beach and spend time on the water, this is a wonderful place to spend a few days.
Niantic/East Lyme
Niantic/East Lyme is well-situated for guests who want to enjoy the best of the area while still carving out some quiet, restful time for themselves. It’s just 20 minutes from Mystic and even closer to New London. It’s most well-known for its stunning mile-long boardwalk and picture-perfect Niantic Harbor. The downtown itself parallels the coastline and offers a range of boutique one-of-a-kind shops worth exploring.
Mystic/Ledyard/Stonington
Mystic is one of the most well-known towns in Coastal Connecticut, thanks to its historic shipbuilding past. Mystic is where you’ll find the world-famous Mystic Seaport Museum and Mystic’s Aquarium. Though the town can get crowded in the summer, you won’t realize it as you sail through the beautiful waters aboard the Argia or sit under the glorious sun on nearby beaches and parks. There are also some wineries in the area, including Stonington Vineyards, Saltwater Farm Vineyard, and Jonathon Edwards Winery.
5 of the Best Beaches in Connecticut
With 300 miles of coastline on the Connecticut shore, it’s probably no surprise that there are also plenty of amazing beaches in Connecticut. Many of these just so happen to be in the same towns as our unique Connecticut Bed and Breakfasts, too! If you’re looking for a place to soak up some of the warm Connecticut sun, you’ll find what we think are some of the best beaches in Connecticut below:
- In Greenwich, head to Greenwich Point Park, where you’ll find a stunning golden-sand beach that overlooks the Manhattan skyline. You’ll need a beach pass to visit, which can be purchased M-F from local civic centers.
- If you’re looking for something a little more off the beaten path in coastal Connecticut, take a ferry out to Island Beach at Greenwich Harbor.
- New London is a neighboring town of charming Niantic and is also where you’ll find another of the best beaches in Connecticut. The most popular beach in town is Ocean Beach Park, which boasts an Olympic-sized swimming pool, playground, waterslide, an arcade, mini-golf, and concessions.
- Old Saybrook, another neighboring town to Niantic, is home to Harvey’s Beach, whose fine sand and calm waters are often considered one of the best beaches in Connecticut.
- Near Niantic/East Lyme, you’ll find Hole-in-the-Wall Beach in McCook’s Point Park, with some of the most beautiful sugar-white sand you’ll see outside of the Caribbean. It’s easily one of the most beautiful beaches in Connecticut.
Following your day at the best beaches in Connecticut, the restful accommodations of our Select Registry Bed and Breakfasts will be waiting for you. If you’re ready to get out and explore the best of Coastal Connecticut this year, it’s time to book your getaway to these amazing Connecticut Bed and Breakfasts.
Best Places to Stay in Connecticut
Stanton House Inn
Situated in the posh town of Greenwich, Connecticut, Stanton House Inn offers guests the opportunity to stay in a historic mansion. Our 20 suites and guest rooms, each individually decorated, feature varied amenities such as whirlpool tubs, fireplaces, and private entrances.
We pride ourselves on offering an elegantly charming experience while you’re with us. We are consistently rated as one of the best places to stay in Connecticut.
Westbrook Inn Bed & Breakfast
Vintage comfort on the Connecticut Shoreline makes The Westbrook Inn a wonderful getaway for couples and families alike.
The B&B’s nine guestrooms and cozy cottage are located abutting the Patchogue River and within walking distance to the beaches of Westbrook. This historic Victorian Home (c. 1876) features plush welcoming furnishings in the utmost serene and relaxing atmosphere.
Available for both single room and whole house bookings, The Westbrook Inn is a perfect spot for a small family gathering, celebration, or wedding. Enjoy a gourmet breakfast served in the spacious dining room each morning. Relax by the fire pit in the evening or watch the world go by on the expansive front porch with a glass of iced tea on a warm summer afternoon.
Inn at Harbor Hill Marina
Boasting a prime waterfront location and just minutes to famed and historic Mystic, CT, sits the Inn at Harbor Hill Marina in Niantic, CT, a premier Bed and Breakfast that stirs romance and feelings for adventure. Select one of our 16 rooms for a romantic escape, a relaxing getaway, or a business trip, any time of year. Outstanding restaurants, beaches, shops, and boardwalks are within walking distance.
The inn’s perfect location, beautiful surroundings, genuine hospitality, clean comfortable guestrooms with modern amenities, and the host of complimentary offerings make this Connecticut B&B worthy of being one of the best B&B’s you will ever experience anywhere.
Stonecroft Country Inn
Located just 5 miles from Mystic, Ct. nestled on 6.5 rolling acres of lush lawns and terraced gardens in the Connecticut countryside, our beautiful inn offers peace and quiet in our traditional rooms and luxury suites all in an atmosphere of relaxation and romance.
You’ll start your day with a full country breakfast. Then, relax with a trip to Mystic town & seaport, enjoy the excitement the casinos offer, take in the wine country, go hiking, or just do nothing at all. End your day around our fire pit next to our pond and waterfall in our beautiful gardens.
The Whaler's Inn
The Whaler’s Inn has been the hub of hospitality in Mystic Connecticut for over 50 years. Steps away from the Mystic River, the boutique hotel offers 45 rooms within 5 unique buildings.
Visitors enjoy meandering through historic downtown and taking in the sites of this quintessential New England village. The property offers a variety of guestrooms including deluxe accommodations with river views, fireplaces, and air-jet tubs. The nautical chic décor is modern and comfortable, offering immaculate attention to detail.
