With only about 3,000 residents, Niantic is one of Connecticut’s most charming villages. This delightful community is part of East Lyme, but it has a personality all its own. Stroll down a peaceful boardwalk, explore a scenic state park, and shop for one-of-a-kind treasures. In Niantic, there’s something for everyone.

Niantic is home to the breathtakingly gorgeous Rocky Neck State Park.

Bjturon/Wikimedia Commons This 708-acre oasis overlooks Long Island Sound, and it’s especially enchanting during sunset.

In addition to the picturesque hiking trails, Rocky Neck State Park is home to a peaceful campground.

Idawriter/Wikimedia Commons Why not make it a weekend trip and spend a night under the stars?

Walk down the beloved Niantic Bay Boardwalk and stare at the glimmering waterfront.

Pi.1415926535/Wikimedia Commons Bring a beach chair and sink your toes into the soft sand. Paradise is right at your fingertips.

Follow the boardwalk to Hole In The Wall Beach, a tucked-away gem that’s full of lovely views.

Dmcoxe/Wikimedia Commons

If you’re bringing kiddos along, plan a trip to the Children’s Museum of Southeastern Connecticut.

Children’s Museum of Southeastern Connecticut/Facebook

This 5,000-square-foot attraction will make little ones’ eyes light up with excitement.

Children’s Museum of Southeastern Connecticut/Facebook Children can participate in science-based activities inside the Discovery Room and step into a magical land inside the Imaginative Play Area. It’s a whole world of fun.

Bibliophiles won’t want to pass by Book Barn.

Tedlip/TripAdvisor

You could spend hours perusing their selection of 500,000 used books.

SPIDER60_8/TripAdvisor Once you decide on a title, bring your page-turner to their outdoor reading nook and dive in.

All of this adventuring will surely work up an appetite. When hunger strikes, stop by Dad’s Restaurant for a mouthwatering meal.

Dad’s Restaurant of Niantic/Facebook

This family-owned seafood restaurant is only open seasonally. But believe us, you’ll want to plan your trip around their lobster rolls and onion rings.

Dad’s Restaurant of Niantic/Facebook

Of course, we’re just barely scratching the surface of all the exciting things you can do in Niantic, Connecticut. What’s your favorite thing about this seaside village? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below! And if you know another must-visit attraction in the Nutmeg State, nominate it for a chance to be featured!

Bjturon/Wikimedia Commons

This 708-acre oasis overlooks Long Island Sound, and it’s especially enchanting during sunset.

Idawriter/Wikimedia Commons

Why not make it a weekend trip and spend a night under the stars?

Pi.1415926535/Wikimedia Commons

Bring a beach chair and sink your toes into the soft sand. Paradise is right at your fingertips.

Dmcoxe/Wikimedia Commons

Children’s Museum of Southeastern Connecticut/Facebook

Children can participate in science-based activities inside the Discovery Room and step into a magical land inside the Imaginative Play Area. It’s a whole world of fun.

Tedlip/TripAdvisor

SPIDER60_8/TripAdvisor

Once you decide on a title, bring your page-turner to their outdoor reading nook and dive in.

Dad’s Restaurant of Niantic/Facebook

Need more travel inspiration? These are 10 of the most charming small towns in Connecticut that are always worth a visit.

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Address: Rocky Neck State Park Bathing Beach, Old Lyme, CT 06371, USAAddress: Niantic Boardwalk, 30 Main St, Niantic, CT 06357, USAAddress: Hole In The Wall Beach, 4 Baptist Ln, Niantic, CT 06357, USAAddress: Niantic Children’s Museum, 409 Main St, Niantic, CT 06357, USAAddress: The Book Barn, 41 W Main St, Niantic, CT 06357, USAAddress: 147 Main St, Niantic, CT 06357, USA