Old Lyme, CT, is a lovely place to call home, offering its residents a charming coastal lifestyle with plenty of things to do and see. But its prime location in New England also means that unforgettable weekend destinations are just a short drive away. Whether you’re looking for beachside relaxation, cultural experiences, or outdoor adventures, you’ll find it all within a few hours of Old Lyme. Here are some of the best weekend trips for Old Lyme residents to explore. And if you’re thinking about making Old Lyme your home base, The Nancy Mesham Team is here to help you find the perfect home.
1. Mystic, CT: Maritime Charm and Local Flavors
Distance from Old Lyme: 25 minutes
For a quick getaway packed with New England charm, head to Mystic, CT. Known for its historic seaport and famous pizza spot featured in the movie Mystic Pizza, this town offers visitors a mix of maritime history and small-town appeal. Spend a day at the Mystic Seaport Museum, where you can explore restored ships and learn about the region’s rich maritime heritage. The Mystic Aquarium, one of the top aquariums in the country, is perfect for families, with interactive exhibits featuring beluga whales, sea lions, and penguins.
Take a stroll through Olde Mistick Village for unique shopping and dining, and don’t forget to try a slice of pizza at Mystic Pizza, the pizzeria that inspired the movie. Mystic is a great option for a weekend filled with history, great food, and scenic water views.
2. Newport, RI: Coastal Luxury and Stunning Mansions
Distance from Old Lyme: 1 hour, 30 minutes
Newport, Rhode Island, is famous for its grand mansions, ocean views, and lively waterfront. Known as the summer playground for America’s wealthiest families during the Gilded Age, Newport still exudes an air of luxury and charm. Start your trip with a stroll along the Cliff Walk, a beautiful path that winds along the coast and offers views of the famous Newport mansions, like The Breakers and Marble House.
Touring these mansions gives you a glimpse into America’s lavish past, with guided tours that showcase intricate architecture, lavish interiors, and stunning ocean views. Newport’s downtown is also packed with trendy boutiques, waterfront restaurants, and plenty of spots to relax with a coffee or cocktail by the water.
Newport, Rhode Island, is famous for its grand mansions, ocean views, and lively waterfront. Known as the summer playground for America’s wealthiest families during the Gilded Age, Newport still exudes an air of luxury and charm. Start your trip with a stroll along the Cliff Walk, a beautiful path that winds along the coast and offers views of the famous Newport mansions, like The Breakers and Marble House.
Touring these mansions gives you a glimpse into America’s lavish past, with guided tours that showcase intricate architecture, lavish interiors, and stunning ocean views. Newport’s downtown is also packed with trendy boutiques, waterfront restaurants, and plenty of spots to relax with a coffee or cocktail by the water.
3. The Berkshires, MA: Outdoor Adventures and Artistic Inspiration
Distance from Old Lyme: 2 hours, 30 minutes
For those seeking a serene escape, The Berkshires in western Massachusetts is a destination that combines scenic beauty with a thriving arts scene. During the warmer months, outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy hiking trails, boating, and even zip-lining through the mountains. For a peaceful hike, try Mount Greylock, the highest peak in Massachusetts, which rewards climbers with panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
Art lovers will enjoy The Clark Art Institute and MASS MoCA, two of the area’s renowned art institutions. The Berkshires is also home to Tanglewood, the summer home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, where you can catch live music performances in an open-air setting. With charming small towns, luxurious inns, and farm-to-table dining, The Berkshires is a perfect spot for a romantic or restful weekend away.
For those seeking a serene escape, The Berkshires in western Massachusetts is a destination that combines scenic beauty with a thriving arts scene. During the warmer months, outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy hiking trails, boating, and even zip-lining through the mountains. For a peaceful hike, try Mount Greylock, the highest peak in Massachusetts, which rewards climbers with panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
Art lovers will enjoy The Clark Art Institute and MASS MoCA, two of the area’s renowned art institutions. The Berkshires is also home to Tanglewood, the summer home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, where you can catch live music performances in an open-air setting. With charming small towns, luxurious inns, and farm-to-table dining, The Berkshires is a perfect spot for a romantic or restful weekend away.
4. Block Island, RI: Unspoiled Beaches and Coastal Fun
Distance from Old Lyme: 1 hour to New London ferry, 1-hour ferry ride
Just a ferry ride away, Block Island is a great spot for anyone looking to unwind on unspoiled beaches. The island, known for its relaxed vibe and scenic landscapes, is perfect for beach lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Popular activities include biking, hiking, and exploring the island’s lighthouses, like the Mohegan Bluffs, which offer stunning views from their towering cliffs.
With charming boutique hotels, local shops, and fresh seafood restaurants, Block Island offers everything you need for a beach escape without the crowds. Renting a bike is the best way to get around and explore the island’s beaches, hidden coves, and breathtaking viewpoints.
Just a ferry ride away, Block Island is a great spot for anyone looking to unwind on unspoiled beaches. The island, known for its relaxed vibe and scenic landscapes, is perfect for beach lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Popular activities include biking, hiking, and exploring the island’s lighthouses, like the Mohegan Bluffs, which offer stunning views from their towering cliffs.
With charming boutique hotels, local shops, and fresh seafood restaurants, Block Island offers everything you need for a beach escape without the crowds. Renting a bike is the best way to get around and explore the island’s beaches, hidden coves, and breathtaking viewpoints.
5. Hartford, CT: Art, History, and Scenic Riverfront
Distance from Old Lyme: 45 minutes
If you’re craving a blend of culture and history, Hartford, CT, is an ideal weekend destination. Known as the home of Mark Twain, you can visit The Mark Twain House & Museum, where the famous author lived and wrote some of his most well-known works. Hartford is also home to the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art, one of the oldest art museums in the United States, featuring impressive collections that span centuries.
Take a walk along the Connecticut Riverfront and enjoy beautiful views and seasonal activities, like riverboat cruises and live music events. The city’s Bushnell Park, with its historic carousel and peaceful walking paths, is also a favorite spot for locals and visitors alike.
If you’re craving a blend of culture and history, Hartford, CT, is an ideal weekend destination. Known as the home of Mark Twain, you can visit The Mark Twain House & Museum, where the famous author lived and wrote some of his most well-known works. Hartford is also home to the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art, one of the oldest art museums in the United States, featuring impressive collections that span centuries.
Take a walk along the Connecticut Riverfront and enjoy beautiful views and seasonal activities, like riverboat cruises and live music events. The city’s Bushnell Park, with its historic carousel and peaceful walking paths, is also a favorite spot for locals and visitors alike.
6. New Haven, CT: College Town with World-Class Pizza
Distance from Old Lyme: 40 minutes
New Haven, home to Yale University, is a vibrant city that combines rich history with a lively arts and dining scene. Begin your weekend with a visit to the Yale University Art Gallery or the Yale Center for British Art, both of which offer free admission and house world-class collections. The city is also known for its incredible pizza, especially the famous “apizza” style. Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana and Sally’s Apizza are two legendary spots that foodies won’t want to miss.
For an educational yet relaxing experience, take a guided walking tour of Yale University, which offers fascinating insights into the history and architecture of one of America’s most prestigious institutions. New Haven also has a bustling downtown with shops, cafes, and theaters, making it a great spot for a quick and enjoyable weekend trip.
New Haven, home to Yale University, is a vibrant city that combines rich history with a lively arts and dining scene. Begin your weekend with a visit to the Yale University Art Gallery or the Yale Center for British Art, both of which offer free admission and house world-class collections. The city is also known for its incredible pizza, especially the famous “apizza” style. Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana and Sally’s Apizza are two legendary spots that foodies won’t want to miss.
For an educational yet relaxing experience, take a guided walking tour of Yale University, which offers fascinating insights into the history and architecture of one of America’s most prestigious institutions. New Haven also has a bustling downtown with shops, cafes, and theaters, making it a great spot for a quick and enjoyable weekend trip.
7. Boston, MA: A City of History and Modern Charm
Distance from Old Lyme: 2 hours
Boston, with its unique blend of historic sites, cultural landmarks, and modern attractions, is an ideal weekend destination. Start by walking the Freedom Trail, a historic path that takes you through 16 of the city’s most significant landmarks, including the Boston Common, Paul Revere’s House, and the Old North Church. For a mix of history and beauty, visit the Boston Public Garden and take a swan boat ride on the pond.
Boston’s neighborhoods, such as the North End and Beacon Hill, offer plenty of character, cobblestone streets, and local eateries. The Seaport District has fantastic waterfront views, restaurants, and museums, including the Institute of Contemporary Art. With easy-to-navigate public transit and a walkable downtown, Boston is a bustling yet accessible city for weekend visitors from Old Lyme.
Boston, with its unique blend of historic sites, cultural landmarks, and modern attractions, is an ideal weekend destination. Start by walking the Freedom Trail, a historic path that takes you through 16 of the city’s most significant landmarks, including the Boston Common, Paul Revere’s House, and the Old North Church. For a mix of history and beauty, visit the Boston Public Garden and take a swan boat ride on the pond.
Boston’s neighborhoods, such as the North End and Beacon Hill, offer plenty of character, cobblestone streets, and local eateries. The Seaport District has fantastic waterfront views, restaurants, and museums, including the Institute of Contemporary Art. With easy-to-navigate public transit and a walkable downtown, Boston is a bustling yet accessible city for weekend visitors from Old Lyme.
8. Essex, CT: Small-Town Charm and Scenic River Views
Distance from Old Lyme: 15 minutes
For a quick getaway close to home, Essex offers charming streets, historical sites, and scenic views along the Connecticut River. Visit the Connecticut River Museum to learn about the history of the river and take in the scenic views from their waterfront property. You can also enjoy a relaxing ride on the Essex Steam Train and Riverboat, a unique experience that combines a classic train journey with a scenic river cruise.
Stroll through Essex Village for boutique shopping, and be sure to stop by The Griswold Inn, one of the oldest continuously operating inns in America, where you can enjoy a meal surrounded by history. Essex is the ideal spot for a relaxing, small-town getaway with plenty of character.
For a quick getaway close to home, Essex offers charming streets, historical sites, and scenic views along the Connecticut River. Visit the Connecticut River Museum to learn about the history of the river and take in the scenic views from their waterfront property. You can also enjoy a relaxing ride on the Essex Steam Train and Riverboat, a unique experience that combines a classic train journey with a scenic river cruise.
Stroll through Essex Village for boutique shopping, and be sure to stop by The Griswold Inn, one of the oldest continuously operating inns in America, where you can enjoy a meal surrounded by history. Essex is the ideal spot for a relaxing, small-town getaway with plenty of character.
Ready to Make Old Lyme Your Gateway to New England?
Old Lyme’s central location in Connecticut offers residents endless opportunities for exploring New England’s best destinations, from charming seaside towns to bustling cities and peaceful natural landscapes. If you dream of making Old Lyme your home base for weekend adventures, The Nancy Mesham Team is ready to help you find the perfect property. With deep local expertise and a commitment to exceptional service, The Nancy Mesham Team can guide you in finding a home that captures the essence of coastal Connecticut living. Visit The Nancy Mesham Team’s website to start your journey to an exciting new chapter in Old Lyme.
