Niantic: Coast, History and Books

Niantic on Long Island Sound combines a coastal getaway with discoveries that go beyond the beach. Niantic Bay Beach and the Niantic Bay Boardwalk give the waterfront different character; there are also the Thomas Lee House, the Niantic Children’s Museum and The Book Barn. This gives you distinct topics to consider when planning your trip: the coast, local history, an educational destination for children and used books.

Beach, Boardwalk and Activities on the Water

Niantic Bay Beach is about half a mile long. The Niantic Bay Boardwalk is one mile long and follows a gravel path between two parks in the town of Niantic, along the shore of Long Island Sound. From the boardwalk, you can see the Sound and trains passing on nearby tracks. The water and rail traffic together shape the view along the waterfront route.

Cini Memorial Park has an accessible fishing pier and a launch for canoes and kayaks. These facilities add more activities to waterfront walks, including fishing and launching watercraft. If you are mainly looking for ways to enjoy the water as you plan your vacation, you’ll find several specific options here: a beach, a boardwalk, and facilities for fishing and water sports.

History, Books and an Educational Destination for Children

The Thomas Lee House is located at 228 West Main Street (Route 156) in the Niantic section of East Lyme. In July and August, it is open Wednesday through Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m.; at other times, tours are available by appointment. Check the seasonal visiting information before your trip. You can also visit the barn on the property. There, you’ll find exhibits on East Lyme’s history as well as an herb garden. The barn’s visiting information is also seasonal, so check in advance.

The Book Barn in Niantic has more than 350,000 well-preserved used books. The collection is spread across The Main Barn and The Book Barn Downtown. Its size and two named locations make used books a distinct focus among Niantic’s attractions. If you’re interested in book collections, this place offers a different emphasis from coastal experiences and local history.

The Niantic Children’s Museum is an interactive, hands-on educational destination for children. Its focus on participation and learning adds another kind of discovery to your trip planning. For families who also want to include an educational destination for children, the museum is a specific option to consider.

When looking for a vacation rental in Niantic, the mix of activities you want each day can make the difference. If the coast is your main reason for visiting, the beach, boardwalk and activities on the water take center stage. If you also want to make time for history, books or an educational destination for children, there are more interests to explore. You can choose Niantic based on the themes you want to shape your vacation.

For the broader travel overview: East Lyme.