Beaches

There’s not a rock in sight at Rocky Neck State Park (244 W. Main St., 860/739-5471, www.ct.gov/dep, $9 in-state-registered vehicle or $14 out-of-state-registered vehicle weekends, $7 in-state or $10 out-of-state weekdays) outside of Old Lyme—just miles of white sand beach fronting Long Island Sound. The beach is a popular one with families.

Other good swimming spots in the area include Esker Point State Park (Eastern Point Beach, Groton, 860/536-5680, $10 weekday parking, $20 weekend parking), a 600-foot stretch of sand with picnic facilities and snack bar; and the picturesque DuBois Beach (Water St., Stonington, 877/286-9784), which offers nice views of Stonington Harbor and shallow depths for swimming. The latter fills up quickly, so arrive early to snag a day-use permit.

Hiking and Biking

Behind the Denison Homestead Museum, the Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center (109 Pequotsepos Rd., 860/536-1216, www.dpnc.org, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Mon.–Sat. and 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Sun. year-round, $6 adults, $4 seniors and children under 12) offers eight miles of gentle trails in its 300-acre nature preserve. Several species of hawks and owls hang out in flight enclosures on the grounds.

Boating and Fishing

Located just outside New London, the Sunbeam Fleet (15 First St., Waterford, 860/437-3699, www.sunbeamfleet.com, $40 adults, $37 seniors, $25 children under 12, plus $5 pole rental) has three boats of various sizes for deep-sea fishing charters. Two-to-three-day trips go out in search of tuna, shark, marlin, and swordfish. The fleet also runs lighthouse cruises and seal-spotting expeditions.

The 1967 windjammer Mystic Whaler (860/535-1556, www.mysticwhalercruises.com) sails from her home port of Mystic for multi-day cruises in search of whales, lighthouses, and moonlit nights. Ports of call include Block Island, Newport, Shelter Island, and New York City. The ship is also available for day sails on select dates.

© Michael Blanding and Alexandra Hall from Moon New England, 2nd Edition