
Downtown New London Waterfront
A vibrant waterfront destination with picturesque harbor views, ferry departures, and a lively downtown area.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant atmosphere and views

Downtown New London Waterfront
Best Time
Pleasant atmosphere and views

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant waterfront destination with picturesque harbor views, ferry departures, and a lively downtown area.
"This area has grown and become so beautiful, a great destination with great food and atmosphere."

🔋 Free Charging Stations
Look for FREE ENERGY USB charging stations powered by wind and solar near the parking area. :iphone:
⚓️ Harbor Views Galore
Enjoy watching boats, ferries, and even submarines. A great spot for a leisurely stroll. 🚢

Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.6 · 481 reviews
Type
Park
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

City Pier Expansion
City Pier
A beautiful expansion offering stunning views of the harbor and passing ferries. Perfect for a relaxing walk.

Ferry Departures
City Pier
Catch ferries to Block Island and Fishers Island for a day trip or longer adventure.

Submarine Sightings
New London Harbor
A unique thrill is spotting a submarine gliding through the harbor. A memorable sight for all ages.

Captain Scott's Lobster Dock
Near the marina
Enjoy excellent seafood, especially the highly-rated fried clam platter. A local favorite for a reason.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Waterfront Vibe
Navigating New London
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🔋 Free Charging Stations
Look for FREE ENERGY USB charging stations powered by wind and solar near the parking area. :iphone:
⚓️ Harbor Views Galore
Enjoy watching boats, ferries, and even submarines. A great spot for a leisurely stroll. 🚢
Food and fun times around New London
Hey there fine folks of New England! So after some great suggestions from my last post I have booked the last place for our Honeymoon trip to New England! We are spending two nights in New London, Connecticut. So we are going to head north to Norwich for a bit since we live…
Beach bummer: New London to seek new management options for Ocean Beach Park
There just aren’t a lot of amenities down there, no matter how they spin it. When I was a kid there was a train, a skyliner, and a roller coaster. Oldschool WWF wrestling, too. At least three hamburger shacks, including one right out in the sand. A cool clock tower that was…
🦞 Seafood Delights
Don't miss Captain Scott's Lobster Dock for delicious fried clams and other seafood. :clapper_board:
🚶♀️ Connect to Fort Trumbull
Consider walking to the historic Fort Trumbull for a dose of history and more scenic views. :fort:
Places to see trains go by?
my toddler is obsessed with trains and I would love to be able to find a place to park and watch them go by. I was thinking maybe Union Station in New Haven but if anybody has other recommendations I would appreciate it! Edited to add:: I thought it was clear but just to push…
Tips
from all over the internet
🔋 Free Charging Stations
Look for FREE ENERGY USB charging stations powered by wind and solar near the parking area. :iphone:
⚓️ Harbor Views Galore
Enjoy watching boats, ferries, and even submarines. A great spot for a leisurely stroll. 🚢
🦞 Seafood Delights
Don't miss Captain Scott's Lobster Dock for delicious fried clams and other seafood. :clapper_board:
🚶♀️ Connect to Fort Trumbull
Consider walking to the historic Fort Trumbull for a dose of history and more scenic views. :fort:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Downtown New London Waterfront is praised for its beautiful harbor views, the lively atmosphere of City Pier, and convenient ferry access. Visitors enjoy watching boats and submarines, and dining at local spots like Captain Scott's Lobster Dock. However, some reviews mention concerns about street conditions and the presence of homeless individuals, suggesting a need for awareness, particularly after dark.
"This Area has grown and become so beautiful. City Pier is a great expansion to the downtown New London. Our Harbor has ferries to Block island and Fishers island. We also have our world famous train station that riders can take all the way to Florida. New London Harbor has a great downtown with over 20 shops and Bars... Future destination location. Great Food. Fishing. Atmosphere."
Flowers and Kain
"New London has some nice sea views, and that's it, other than that is a horrible place with horrible people, mad drivers and very bad care streets. If you want to go to Block Island better choose the ferry from Judith Point, there's no other reason to go to NL"
Johan Bautista
"USB and 3 prong charging -after going over train tracks to the right FREE ENERGY USB charging wind and solar powered charger available - to the left near the parking , are the 3 prong plugs -beautiful short walk along pier from block island and Long Island ferries and behind Amtrak station to the boat marina -it would be nice if they connected it to the Trumbull fort which is an amazing fort and to captain Scott’s lobster dock! Cap Scott’s has excellent sea food the fried clam platter has always been good!(really really good actually )"
Luna Gray
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The waterfront is easily accessible by car, with parking available near the pier and Amtrak station. Public transportation options may also be available; check local transit schedules. The Amtrak station is conveniently located nearby, making it a great destination for train travelers.
Yes, there are parking areas available near the pier and Amtrak station. Some spots may have fees, so be sure to check signage. Free energy charging stations are also available in some areas.
Absolutely! The Amtrak station is located right at the waterfront, making it incredibly convenient for train travelers to access the shops, restaurants, and ferry terminals.
Local bus routes may serve the downtown New London area. It's recommended to check with the Southeast Area Transit District (SEAT) for the most up-to-date route information and schedules.
Yes, the Amtrak station is situated directly at the waterfront, offering immediate access to the pier, shops, and restaurants. It's a very short and easy walk.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, general access to the waterfront promenade and public areas is free. However, tickets are required for ferry services to Block Island and Fishers Island.
The waterfront promenade is generally accessible during daylight hours. Specific shop and restaurant hours will vary, and ferry schedules should be checked directly with the ferry operators.
Access to the City Pier itself is typically free for strolling and enjoying the views. Fees would only apply if you are boarding a ferry or utilizing specific services.
Ferry tickets for Block Island and Fishers Island can usually be purchased directly at the ferry terminal located at City Pier. It's advisable to check the ferry company's website for advance booking options, especially during peak season.
Viewing submarines from the waterfront is free. You are simply observing them as they pass through the harbor. There are no tickets or fees associated with this.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can stroll along the pier, enjoy harbor views, watch ferries and submarines, dine at waterfront restaurants like Captain Scott's Lobster Dock, and explore the shops downtown. It's a great spot for a relaxing walk and people-watching.
Yes, the downtown area adjacent to the waterfront boasts over 20 shops and bars, offering a variety of retail and dining experiences. Captain Scott's Lobster Dock is a notable seafood spot.
Expect picturesque views of the town, the bustling harbor, passing ferries, and potentially submarines. It's a scenic spot for photography and enjoying the maritime atmosphere.
During daylight hours, the waterfront is generally considered a pleasant place to visit. Some visitors have noted the presence of homeless individuals, so it's always wise to be aware of your surroundings, especially after dark.
While specific fishing regulations and designated spots would need to be confirmed with local authorities, the waterfront area offers opportunities for enjoying the maritime environment, which often includes fishing activities.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Captain Scott's Lobster Dock is highly recommended for seafood, particularly their fried clam platter. The downtown area also offers over 20 shops and bars with various dining options.
Many of the restaurants in the downtown area are likely to be family-friendly. Captain Scott's Lobster Dock, with its casual seafood focus, is often a good choice for families.
You'll find a range of options, with a strong emphasis on seafood, especially at places like Captain Scott's. The downtown area will offer diverse choices from casual to more formal dining.
Casual eateries and bars in the downtown area often provide more budget-friendly choices. Looking for places with lunch specials or simpler menus can help keep costs down.
Yes, the downtown area has over 20 bars, so you'll have plenty of options for drinks, from casual pubs to more specialized establishments.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture stunning shots of the harbor, ferries, and any passing submarines. The City Pier expansion offers great vantage points, and the maritime atmosphere provides endless photographic possibilities.
Golden hour, just after sunrise or before sunset, offers beautiful lighting for capturing the waterfront's charm. Daylight hours provide clear views of the harbor activity.
The City Pier, the ferries docked and in motion, and the general harbor views are prime subjects. If you're lucky, a submarine sighting will be a unique photographic moment.
Yes, you can photograph submarines from the public waterfront areas. It's a unique aspect of New London's maritime identity.
A versatile lens, like a 24-70mm, is great for capturing both wide harbor scenes and closer details. A polarizing filter can help reduce glare on the water. A tripod can be useful for low-light conditions.





Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit