5 Things To Do In Niantic, CT: A Beachfront Town For A Relaxing Day

1. Play in the sun at McCook Point Beach and Park

Spend warm, sunny days at McCook Point Beach and Park. Splash in the shallows, swim out to the raft, bring a picnic, or play on the large playscape — it is all fun! Lifeguards are on duty every day of the week in the summer (from early June until late August) for extra protection. Don’t forget to bring a few dollars to get an ice cream at the ice cream truck.

The facilities at McCook Point Beach and Park are numerous and include a clean bathroom with showering facilities, parking, a large park with picnic tables, and several playgrounds. Walk over the large hill to Hole in the Wall beach (also a part of McCook Point) for fewer people and to see trains fly by on the tracks that pass above the beach — this is a hit with younger children!

Non-resident day passes cost between 10 USD and 30 USD depending on the visiting option (walking or driving and day of the week). The park is open from sunrise to sunset.

2. Shop at Grace

Take a break from the beach with a shopping trip to Grace, a seaside lifestyle and clothing boutique. If you love shopping, Grace is the best spot to visit in this area. A bold statement, I know, but is even worth the trip if you are visiting nearby towns — it is that good! From the exterior to the interior, Grace emits an aura of beauty, fun, and luxury, all without being uptight or overly expensive.

Step into Grace in Niantic to find the perfect outfit for yourself or a beach-themed, yet not kitschy, gift to bring to a loved one.

3. Enjoy a meal outdoors at Lillian’s Cafe

A delicious option for a savory lunch or dinner outdoors is Lillian’s Cafe in the very walkable downtown Niantic. Arrive early to get a choice table outdoors under their large red umbrellas. It honestly isn’t easy to choose just one dish off of their delectable menu, which features many options for fresh seafood, locally grown vegetables and fruits, and vegetarian options.

I visited Lillian’s shortly after it first opened and while the Vegetable Pad Thai that I ordered could have used a bit more spice, my husband’s order of the daily special of pasta with duck and local scallops was seasoned and cooked to perfection. The chefs certainly know how to cook seafood!

If you are looking for a great breakfast or brunch in the area, look no further than this list!

4. Eat ice cream and sweets at Gumdrops & Lollipops Diner

If you opt not to have one of the delectable desserts from Lillian’s Cafe, you should consider getting an ice cream cone or ice cream sandwich from Gumdrops & Lollipops Diner. The cute yellow building that houses Gumdrops & Lollipops draws you in and you’ll certainly feel like you’ve entered Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory with all of the candy, fudge, and sweets that you’ll see on display. They have over 40 flavors of hard ice cream, such as butter pecan, brownie batter, walnut fudge, and mint chip, making it difficult to choose just one scoop. To take your ice cream creation even further, you can opt for an ice cream soda, banana split, or homemade ice cream sandwich, which is ice cream sandwiched between two cookies.

If ice cream isn’t your sweet of choice, you still have numerous options to choose from! The homemade fudge is absolutely delicious — try the rocky road or penuche.

5. Walk the Niantic Bay Boardwalk

Walk off the extra calories you’ve eaten with a long walk on the newly restored Niantic Bay Boardwalk. Enter the boardwalk area by Hole in the Wall beach or near the Niantic Bridge for free and walk the 1.1 mile long (1.7 km) stroll down the boardwalk. Stop to watch the sunset on one of the many benches and feel truly relaxed on your beach vacation.

You can also dip into the water along the sandy beach, which is accessible from the boardwalk. Please note that lifeguards are not on duty here, so swim at your own risk.