Local Area Attractions Near Niantic / I-95 Exit 72 KOA Journey

Niantic KOA with its unmatched beach access as well as over 20 GREAT Attractions listed below most of which are less then 30 minutes but none more than a 60 minute drive from the park. No matter what mother nature throws at us there is always something to do. Plan to spend anywhere from a weekend to a month and you won't run out of GREAT things to do

Discover East Lyme

Discover East Lyme

Niantic is in the town of East Lyme, CT. A quaint seaside village community on the beautiful Connecticut shoreline, East Lyme is located just 20 minutes south of Mystic and has much to offer visitors to the town. Unique shops, great restaurants, a mile-long Boardwalk overlooking beautiful Long Island Sound, and special events throughout the year are just some of the reasons to visit. 

Conveniently located, East Lyme is easy to get to and is a perfect place to spend the day or a weekend away. If you're in the area, come "Discover East Lyme" and see for yourself just what makes this community such a great place to visit, play and live!

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McCook Point Beach and Park

McCook Point Beach and Park

Overlooking Niantic Bay, McCook Point Park was acquired by the Town of East Lyme in 1953, for the "benefit and enjoyment of the Town and its citizens". Since that time, it has been a central part of life in East Lyme.The park consists of a beautiful bluff between two white, sandy beaches. On the bluff, where the McCook summer home once stood, is a green lawn shaded by copper beeches, perfect for picnics, games or quiet contemplation. From the Point, you can see Fisher's Island, Plum Island, and Orient Point across Long Island Sound. Closer at hand, there's Wigwam Rock. Throughout the seasons of the year, the Bay is alive with fishing boats, sailboats, migrating and resident birds, and even seals. McCook Point beach, on the west side of the bluff, and Hole-in-the-Wall beach, to the east, provide plenty of room for sunbathing and swimming. Concerts and dances are held in the park throughout the summer. McCook Point Park and Beach is open year-round. However, from Memorial Day to Labor Day, beach passes are required for access and can be purchased at the beach.

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Niantic Bay Boardwalk

Niantic Bay Boardwalk

The town of East Lyme features one of, if not, the nicest waterfront walkways in the entire state of Connecticut. Residents of East Lyme know, the Niantic Bay Boardwalk is the place to go if you want to take in the beauty of Long Island Sound, take a refreshing walk or sit for awhile on one of the many benches.Built with state and federal funds, the Boardwalk is 1.1 miles long, stretching from Cini Park and the railroad bridge on the east, to Hole-in-the-Wall beach on the west. There is complimentary parking at either end.The eastern half is a true "boardwalk" (although built of synthetic materials) crossing over dunes covered with native vegetation. Between this section and the waters of Long Island Sound is a lovely white-sand beach, open to the public, perfect for sunbathing, swimming, picnicking, fishing, or just enjoying the view. The western half of the boardwalk is a wide gravel path, built on a rock foundation. Along this section, the waves lap against the rocks, and you feel truly close to nature as you walk along. Don't be surprised if you spot a seal or two swimming in the Bay! This section has sustained some damage in recent storms, and is undergoing maintenance, but it is still open to the public.When you're through with your walk, take a stroll down Niantic's Main Street, where you can browse through the quaint boutiques and shops or stop for a bite to eat at one of East Lyme's great restaurants.

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Hole-in-the-Wall Beach

Hole-in-the-Wall Beach

Hole-in-the-Wall Beach is part of McCook's Point Park, a Town of East Lyme park. Its white-sand beach slopes gently to a swimming area sheltered on the east by a stone jetty, and on the west by McCook's Point itself. During the summer, a lifeguard is present during the day. Parking for Hole-in-the-Wall Beach is available on Baptist Lane, off Niantic's Main Street (Route 156). From Memorial Day to Labor Day, passes are required and can be purchased at the beach. The beach is accessed through a short tunnel under the railroad tracks, the source of the beach's name. To the left, as you emerge from this tunnel, you will see the western entrance to the Niantic Bay Boardwalk. In front of you is a breathtaking view of Long Island Sound. The beach is to your right.

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Black Hawk Charter Fishing

Black Hawk Charter Fishing

The Black Hawk was specifically custom built for the party boat fishing industry. Powered by twin 750 horse power diesels, she's one of the fastest boats of her kind in New England. With Raymarine Electronics as a sponsor, the Black Hawk is fully equipped and ready to go…from the side scanning sonar units to the twin 72 mile radars. She is Coast Guard inspected every year and is impeccably maintained throughout for your safety and enjoyment.Fast, Clean and Comfortable– The Black Hawk is a cut above the ordinary fishing boat. Come see why we were voted South Eastern Connecticut's Number ONE Party Boat!The Black Hawk is run by Capt. Greg Dubrule, who has more than 40 years of experience in the fishing business. Together with his family, he strives to make your experience on board the best it can possibly be. If there is anything we can do to make your trip with us even better, please don't hesitate to let us know.The Black Hawk Captains and crew believes that our customers' needs are of the utmost importance. Our entire team is committed to meeting those needs. As a result, a high percentage of our business is from repeat customers and referrals.We would welcome the opportunity to earn your trust and deliver you the best service in the industry

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Children's Museum

Children's Museum

The Children's Museum of Southeastern Connecticut: where discoveries are made & fun just happens! It's a hands-on, interactive, educational experience for the children in your life. Become a sailor in the Imagination Station where you can steer your own fishing boat. Climb on a fire truck and race to a fire or shop for fruit and vegetables and prepare a meal in Africa or Japan in the Global Bazaar and Cafe. Explore our Discovery Room and observe our marvelous menagerie – Lady Waldorf, the bearded dragon, Mr. Rogers, the Russian tortoise, Hip and Hop, the Australian tree frogs, Loki the Leopard gecko and Cranky and Crusty, the land hermit crabs. Across the room our beehive buzzes with activity. Outside, visit the giant sand pit with kid-size excavation tools, play in the water space, make music with giant instruments, soar on the zip line, and get your footing on our kid's climbing wall. You can't miss the huge kid-designed tree house! Indoor and outdoor exhibits are designed to accommodate children of all abilities. Come to the Children's Museum of Southeastern Connecticut and have a ton of fun while building memories to last a lifetime. 
For additional information about the Children's Museum of Southeastern CT

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Shops and Boutiques

Shops and Boutiques

Sure East Lyme boast the beautiful mile-long Niantic Bay Boardwalk, charming beaches, scenic hiking trails and fabulous waterways for boating, fishing and kayaking, but what many visitors to the town discover is all the great shopping we have as well.
The eclectic mix of family owned and operated specialty shops and boutiques set within a classic New England coastal small-town setting offer as much as any popular tourist destination on the Connecticut shoreline. Convenient to get to, the villages of Flanders and Niantic offer antiques, home furnishing, women's clothing boutiques, fine jewelry, speciality and fine gifts, and much, much more.
So, if shopping is what you seek, then we think you'll agree, East Lyme has some of the most eclectic mix of unique shops and boutiques around. Small town New England charm coupled with great local restaurants and awesome things to see and do make shopping in East Lyme one of the best places to visit along the Connecticut shoreline.
Also Check Out Clinton Crossings Outlets and Tangers Outlets

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NASKART INDOOR Go Cart Track and Trampoline Park

NASKART INDOOR Go Cart Track and Trampoline Park

The 110,000 square-foot facility is home to two multi-level tracks. This is miles beyond the traditional karting experience, of driving around a circle. There are three stories of hills and dips and breathtaking curves. And because owners Dan Fawcett and Sandi and Stephen Sangermano wanted to construct a truly unforgettable attraction, NasKart also features an 8,000-square foot indoor trampoline park, complete with play areas for dodgeball and basketball.

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The Dinosaur Place

The Dinosaur Place

Encounter over 40 Life-Sized Dinosaurs on 1.5 miles of pristine nature trails
Make a SPLASH in New England's largest Splashpad*(a zero depth water playground)
Navigate through a”MAZE”asaurus and slide through the mouth of a T. Rex!
ROMP and ROAR like a raptor in the Jurassic Moon Bounce*
Slide, climb and play on Monty's DINO-Sized Playground
Explore the giant, one-of-a-kind T. Rex Tower Playscape*

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Fields of Fire Adventure Park

Fields of Fire Adventure Park

Set on 50 acres of beautiful Connecticut woodlands in Mystic, Fields Of Fire Adventure Park will challenge your body, mind and spirit. We have an Aerial Adventure Park with 5 courses with difficulties from beginner to intermediate to expert. The perfect activity for families who want an exciting and memorable experience.

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The Block Island Express

The Block Island Express

As the fastest ferry between Block Island and the mainland, the Jessica W has a cruising speed of more than 35 knots (40 mph) and is equipped with comfortable, modern airline-style seating on two enclosed air-conditioned passenger decks. For those who prefer the great outdoors, an outside passenger deck is available for viewing the scenery on the trip between New London and Block Island. At approximately 160 feet (49 meters) in length, the Jessica W is a wave-piercing catamaran equipped with a state-of-the-art motion control system that incorporates patented T-Foils and Interceptors from Maritime Dynamics to ensure smooth travel in all sea conditions.

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Foxwoods Resort & Casino

Foxwoods Resort & Casino

Since 1992, Foxwoods Resort Casino has offered guests The Wonder Of It All as the premier resort destination in the Northeast. As the largest resort casino in North America, Foxwoods offers a vast array of gaming in six casinos; AAA Four-Diamond hotels, restaurants from gourmet to quick service, world-renowned spas, award-winning golf, state-of-the-art theaters and exclusive retailers

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Essex Steam Train and Riverboat Cruises

Essex Steam Train and Riverboat Cruises

Owned and operated by the Valley Railroad Company, the Essex Steam Train & Riverboat is a unique historic attraction in the Connecticut River Valley. The Valley Railroad Company has operated today's well-known steam train and riverboat for over 40 years on a line that was originally laid in 1871. The Essex Steam Train & Riverboat transports people on exciting excursions through the unspoiled Connecticut River Valley, a place designated as “one of the last great places on earth” by the Nature Conservancy. The steam locomotive pulls vintage coaches through the quintessential New England towns of Essex, Deep River and Chester, and the Becky Thatcher riverboat takes passengers on a 1¼-hour cruise on the Connecticut River past serene coves, marshes and historic sights including Gillette Castle, the East Haddam Swing Bridge, and the Goodspeed Opera House. The Essex Steam Train & Riverboat offers various excursions and family themed events throughout the year.

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Mohegan Sun Casino

Mohegan Sun Casino

A world at play and a world to its own, Mohegan Sun offers the best of the best in entertainment. From our 10,000-seat Mohegan Sun Arena and our 350-seat Wolf Den to our upscale, edgy comedy club, we are the premier destination for music, sports, comedy and more.

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Sunbeam Fleet Charter Fishing and Cruises

Sunbeam Fleet Charter Fishing and Cruises

Over 72 years in the Open Party and Charter boat business.

Connecticut's largest fishing fleet, Captain John's Sport Fishing Center, Inc. is family-owned and currently operated by the third and fourth generations. We have provided open party boat, private charter fishing and cruises in Southeastern Connecticut for over seven decades. The Sunbeam Fleet has the largest fleet of boats in Connecticut.

We have a wide range of boats to choose from and a variety of trips to fit everyone's needs. We carry up to 40 passengers. All vessels are United States Coast Guard Certified and are under the direct supervision of a licensed captain. All of our boats are equipped with state-of-the art marine navigational and communication equipment.

These trips are great for family gatherings and corporate outings. We cater to beginners as well as experts. Our family and crew are value driven, courteous and professional. Our goal is for everyone to have a memorable and rewarding experience.

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Cedar Ridge PAR 3 Golf Course

Cedar Ridge PAR 3 Golf Course

Cedar Ridge Golf Course is a challenging, well-groomed public golf course, located just minutes off I-95 in East Lyme, CT. This 18–hole executive course can typically be played in 2 ½ to 3 hours, and features several holes over 200 yards in length. Beginners will enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and shorter length of the course, while experienced golfers appreciate the test of shot-making skills demanded by the par 3 layout.

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Copper Creek Mini Golf

Copper Creek Mini Golf

18 Hole Adventure Mini Golf Course
One-of-a-Kind Old West Mining Town Theme
Challenging Tournament-Style Course
Educational, Fun and Unique
Multiple Ways to Play Every Hole
Designed for Ages 8 and Up
Children under age 6 not permitted on course.
First 9 Holes are Wheelchair Accessible

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The Discovery Depot Gem Mining and More

The Discovery Depot Gem Mining and More

Dig for crystals & minerals in The Jackpot Mine, identify them at our mineral information tables and take home all your treasures!
Pan for “gold” at Thunder Creek and keep everything you find!
Unearth dinosaur fossils in The Bone Zone and take home a kit of real fossils!
Create a masterpiece at the Craft Center with Spin Art T-shirts, Sand Art & more!
Be the first to see the breathtaking insides of a newly cut geode millions of years old!

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MYSTIC AQUARIUM AND INSTITUTE FOR EXPLORATION

MYSTIC AQUARIUM AND INSTITUTE FOR EXPLORATION

The Mystic Aquarium is "where deep sea exploration comes to life." Visit seals, whales, sharks and even piranhas; if you long for a hands-on experience, visit the Ray Touch Pool. Above ground, one exhibit you won't want to miss is the "Hidden Amazon."

65 Coogan Blvd

Mystic, CT 06335

860-572-5995

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MASHANTUCKET PEQUOT MUSEUM AND RESEARCH CENTER

MASHANTUCKET PEQUOT MUSEUM AND RESEARCH CENTER

The world's largest and most comprehensive Native American Museum and Research Centeroffers four acres of exhibits and two museums - one especially for children. Learn about the histories of all Native peoples in the United States and Canada.

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PROJECT OCEANOLOGY

PROJECT OCEANOLOGY

Project Oceanology is a hands-on education in marine science at a beautiful waterfront location. Go on a lighthouse expedition, an oceanographic research cruise or a seal watch! You'll have so much fun, you'll forget you're learning. Call 860-445-9007 for schedules and reservations. Admission is charged. This attraction is located at the University of Connecticut Avery Point Campus in Groton.

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RHODE ISLAND BEACHES

RHODE ISLAND BEACHES

Your family will enjoy hopping the border and heading to one of Rhode Island's exquisite beaches. Nearest to Mystic is a local favorite, Misquamicut. Charleston and East Beach are other nearby gems.

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MYSTIC SEAPORT

MYSTIC SEAPORT

Mystic Seaport boasts four National Historic Landmark vessels and a re-created 19th-century seafaring village. Visit the world's last wooden whaling ship, a maritime gallery and even a planetarium.

75 Greenmanville Ave

Mystic, CT 06335

860-572-0711

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CONNECTICUT FERRIES

CONNECTICUT FERRIES

You can ride a ferry to get somewhere or you can ride a ferry to enjoy the fresh air and scenery. The Chester-Hadlyme Ferry carries vehicles and passengers across the Connecticut River from April 1 through November 30. Call 860-443-3856 for schedules. The Cross Sound Ferry carries vehicles and passengers from New London to Long Island year round. Call 860-443-5281 for schedules. The New London - Montauk Ferry is a passenger and bicycle only ride. Call 631-668-5700 for schedules.

OLDE MISTICK VILLAGE

OLDE MISTICK VILLAGE

Step back three centuries and enjoy the shoppes and cuisine of Olde Mistick Village. The shopkeepers pride themselves on peddling some of the most interesting and unique items from all over the world

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DENISON PEQUOTSEPOS NATURE CENTER

DENISON PEQUOTSEPOS NATURE CENTER

With a goal of "environmental education for all ages," the Nature Center is the place to watch for all types from owls and hawks to painted turtles. Spend a day touring eight miles of winding trails through a stunning 300-acre wooded preserve.

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