Old Lyme brings together artistic heritage and historic places with hiking trails, open spaces, and activities on the water.

Art and History

The Old Lyme Historic District is the oldest historic district on the Valley Shore and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1972. The self-guided Walking Tour of Lyme Street provides historical background on older houses and buildings along the street. Also along Lyme Street, the Witness Stone Trail honors the dignity and contributions of enslaved African Americans and Indigenous people who worked in the historic town of (Old) Lyme between 1670 and 1820.

The Old Lyme Arts District is a walkable area in the central part of town. American art, live music events, specialty shops, and dining are all part of Old Lyme’s artistic heritage. Another historic stop is the Lyme Art Association’s current gallery, which opened on August 6, 1921. Together, these places offer different ways to explore art, local history, and remembrance—from walking among older buildings to engaging with the artistic heritage.

Trails and Open Spaces

The Town of Old Lyme owns six major open spaces totaling 936 acres. They are open for hiking and public use. Old Lyme also has twenty public hiking trails, with varying levels of difficulty and scenic views. When planning a hike, you can choose a trail based on the level of challenge and the views you’re looking for. Trail conditions can change, so it’s a good idea to check the latest conditions before your visit.

Sound View and Activities on the Water

Sound View Beach is on Long Island Sound, at the end of Hartford Avenue and Swan Avenue. The beach is known as America’s first public beach and was established in 1892. Sound View Beach is also designated a historic site by the state of Connecticut.

At Sound View, the Town of Old Lyme operates a public parking lot as well as public street parking on Hartford Avenue. Cross Lane Park has tennis courts, basketball hoops, and a playground; it can be reached from the beach area via a walkway. When planning your visit, you can also include the park as a separate stop.

In Old Lyme, the former Black Hall Outfitters location has become Black Hall Marina and Paddlesport. The marina offers direct access to the CT River Canoe and Kayak Trail. The business focuses on selling paddlesport equipment, as well as kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, rentals, and on-the-water excursions. Since offerings and water conditions can change, check in advance which services are available and whether conditions suit your planned visit.

Choose Hotels Based on Your Travel Priorities

You can then compare the specific location and amenity details of the hotels you’re considering with your plans.

Explore more destinations: Ledyard, Groton, Waterford, North Stonington, Norwich, Preston, East Lyme, Uncasville

For the broader travel overview: New London.