Old Saybrook ConnecticutATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Old Saybrook, Connecticut.
1. Harvey's Beach
FAMILY-FRIENDLY SHORELINE RETREAT
Harvey's Beach is a popular family-friendly beach featuring sand bars at low tide that create shallow waters perfect for children. Visitors can walk far out into the water where it remains knee-deep, making it an ideal swimming spot for families with young children. The beach offers a relaxing coastal experience with scenic views of Long Island Sound.
2. The Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center
HISTORIC PERFORMING ARTS VENUE
The Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, known locally as 'The Kate,' is a top attraction in Old Saybrook that serves as a civic center and performing arts venue. Named after the legendary actress who lived in the area, this cultural landmark offers a variety of performances including music, theater, and film screenings. The center celebrates Katharine Hepburn's legacy while providing the community with quality entertainment options.
3. General William Hart House
COLONIAL HISTORICAL LANDMARK
The General William Hart House is a significant historic site that offers visitors a glimpse into colonial New England life. The property features a main house, archive building with climate-controlled vault, and beautifully maintained gardens. Tours of this well-preserved landmark typically last about two hours and cover multiple floors of the historic home.
4. Fort Saybrook Monument Park
COASTAL HISTORICAL PRESERVE
Fort Saybrook Monument Park spans nearly 18 acres at the mouth of the Connecticut River, featuring 11 acres of pristine marshland in one of the least-developed large river tidal systems in the United States. Originally built in the 1630s to honor Connecticut Viscount, Saye & Seale and Lord Brooke (the town's namesakes), the park now offers informational signs detailing the area's rich history from the late 1500s through its transformation into a railroad facility. The park was purchased by high school students for $1.27 in 1981 and deeded to the Town of Old Saybrook, which maintains it as a public space today.
5. Mini Golf at Saybrook Point
SEASONAL FAMILY FUN
Mini Golf at Saybrook Point offers a fun recreational activity near the Connecticut River. This seasonal attraction operates from Memorial Day weekend through Columbus Day Weekend, providing entertainment for visitors of all ages. Its location at Saybrook Point allows families to combine miniature golf with exploring the nearby historical sites and natural beauty of the area.
6. The Trove
ECLECTIC ANTIQUE COLLECTION
The Trove is a popular antique shop in Old Saybrook offering a diverse collection of collectibles and unique items. The shop features two distinct areas, with the main building housing smaller antiques and a separate rear building containing larger furniture pieces, artwork, and additional collectibles. Visitors appreciate the well-curated selection that appeals to casual browsers and serious collectors alike.
7. Old Saybrook Antiques Center
UPSCALE VINTAGE MARKETPLACE
Old Saybrook Antiques Center is a well-organized antique store featuring high-quality vintage items and collectibles. The center is known for its curated selection of fine antiques that often command premium prices reflecting their quality and rarity. Visitors appreciate the shop's organization and the exceptional condition of its merchandise, even if the pricing tends toward the higher end.
8. Re-Unique
MYSTICAL VINTAGE BOUTIQUE
Re-Unique is a charming antique shop that combines vintage furniture, collectibles, and decorative objects in a small but bustling space. The store offers an eclectic mix of old and new items, often with mystical themes or interesting backstories. Shoppers can expect to find unique conversation pieces that blend antique charm with distinctive character.
9. Essex Saybrook Antiques Village
COLLECTIVE ANTIQUES DESTINATION
Essex Saybrook Antiques Village serves as a hub for antique enthusiasts, bringing together multiple vendors and collections under one roof. The village offers a diverse range of antiques spanning different eras, styles, and price points to accommodate various collector interests. Visitors can spend hours browsing the extensive selection of furniture, decor, jewelry, and collectibles from different time periods.
10. Lynde Point Lighthouse
HISTORIC MARITIME BEACON
Lynde Point Lighthouse is known as Saybrook's first lighthouse and stands as an important historical maritime landmark. The lighthouse has guided vessels along the Connecticut coastline since its construction, offering both practical navigation assistance and picturesque coastal views. Visitors interested in Connecticut history often include this lighthouse in their self-guided tours of Old Saybrook's historical sites.
11. Florence Griswold Museum
AMERICAN IMPRESSIONIST ART
The Florence Griswold Museum showcases impressive collections of American Impressionist art in a historic setting near Old Saybrook. Located in Old Lyme, this museum was once the center of the Old Lyme Art Colony, where prominent American Impressionist painters gathered and created their masterpieces. Visitors can explore both the art galleries and the beautiful grounds, experiencing the same natural beauty that inspired the colony's artists.
12. The Black Seal
CLASSIC NEW ENGLAND SEAFOOD
The Black Seal is a beloved seafood restaurant in nearby Essex offering classic New England fare in a charming setting. Known for its fresh seafood dishes and comfortable atmosphere, this establishment attracts both locals and visitors seeking authentic regional cuisine. The restaurant's proximity to the Connecticut River provides both scenic views and access to the freshest local seafood.
13. Essex Steam Train & Riverboat
SCENIC HISTORICAL EXCURSION
Essex Steam Train & Riverboat offers a unique combination excursion featuring both a vintage steam train ride and a riverboat cruise along the Connecticut River. This popular attraction provides breathtaking views of the Connecticut River Valley's unspoiled scenery while passengers learn about the area's rich history and natural environment. The 2.5-hour journey takes visitors through a landscape that appears much as it did a century ago, creating a nostalgic experience for all ages.
14. Clinton Crossing Premium Outlets
UPSCALE DISCOUNT SHOPPING
Clinton Crossing Premium Outlets features over 70 designer and brand-name outlet stores offering significant discounts on retail prices. Located a short drive from Old Saybrook, this open-air shopping center attracts bargain hunters looking for deals on luxury and mainstream brands. The outlet mall's New England-inspired architecture creates a pleasant shopping environment with landscaped courtyards and comfortable amenities.
15. Hammonasset Beach State Park
EXPANSIVE COASTAL RECREATION
Hammonasset Beach State Park is Connecticut's largest shoreline park with over 2 miles of beach facing Long Island Sound. The park offers numerous recreational activities including swimming, fishing, camping, and hiking along nature trails through diverse coastal habitats. Visitors can also explore the Meigs Point Nature Center to learn about the local ecosystem through interactive exhibits and educational programs.