10 things to do when visiting niantic, ct for a day

Niantic is one of the cutest beach towns in Connecticut and a great place to visit any time of year. I spent a lot of my childhood summers here since my uncle owned a beach house in town, so I know the area well and have a soft spot for its small coastal town aesthetic. Whether you're visiting for a day or planning a weekend getaway, I'm here to share all the best things to do while you're in Niantic.

IS NIANTIC, CONNECTICUT WORTH VISITING?

YES, Niantic is absolutely worth visiting. If you're a New England beach lover like me then this is a great town for you to stop by and explore. From restaurants directly on the water to local shops and multiple public beaches, Niantic has something for everyone regardless of their age or interests. Below outlines 10 of the best things to do if you're visiting Niantic!

1. GO TO ONE OF THE TOWN'S THREE PUBLIC BEACHES

Niantic has three main public beaches: Niantic Bay Beach, McCook Point Beach, and Hole-in-the-Wall Beach. The largest and most well-known is Niantic Bay Beach, located right at the start of the scenic Niantic Bay Boardwalk. Just a short walk down the road, McCook’s Beach offers a more family-friendly vibe with grassy picnic areas and a playground. But if you follow the boardwalk all the way to the other end, you’ll reach Hole-in-the-Wall Beach—my personal favorite. It's smaller, more secluded, and feels like a hidden gem with clear water and a unique tunnel entrance that makes it feel extra special. Just keep in mind: if you're visiting from out of town during peak season, parking and access can cost anywhere from $45 to $55 for the day depending on the time of year—but it's completely free during the off-season. And if you're up for venturing a bit further, Rocky Neck State Park is the largest beach in the area. It’s free for Connecticut residents, while out-of-state visitors pay $22 on weekends and holidays or $15 on weekdays.

2. GRAB A BITE TO EAT ON THE WATER

From small cafes like Giuliano's Bake Shop and Sift Bake Shop to pizza places, fried seafood restaurants, and ice cream shops, there are countless dining options in Niantic. Some of the prettiest options with water views include Constantine's on the Bay or By the Bay, which both have direct waterfront views. If you're looking for something a bit less upscale, there are also popular seafood restaurants like Dad's Restaurant of Niantic and Skippers Seafood Restaurant which are both across the street from the ocean.

3. VISIT ALL THREE BOOK BARNS

Yes, you heard right- there are three book barns in Niantic and they're all within a mile of eachother. The Main Barn is located at 41 West Main Street, and it is considered the largest location with various themed buildings and gardens. This one is my favorite because there are little stalls and buildings both inside and outside, many places to sit and read, and you can feed goats. It's truly an experience and it's great no matter how old you are and whether you're a reader or not. A short walk from there is the smallest and most underwhelming location in my opinion, and it's called Chapter Three located at 55 West Main Street. Finally, there is the book barn on the main road through Niantic Village at 65 Pennsylvania Avenue.

Looking to stretch your legs and soak up the sun? The Niantic Bay Boardwalk is one of the longest and most scenic in Connecticut, spanning 1.1 miles of paved path from Cini Park to Hole-in-the-Wall Beach. It’s a local favorite for walks, jogs, or just enjoying the ocean breeze. There are benches along the way if you want to relax and take in the view—or stay a while with some takeout. I love grabbing a pizza from Family Pizza Restaurant and sitting by the water, or walking the full length of the boardwalk with my boyfriend as the sun starts to set. It’s one of those simple, peaceful experiences that makes Niantic feel like home.

There are also multiple boardwalks located in towns nearby which you can learn about here.

5. STROLL THE TOWN'S MAIN STREET

Niantic’s main strip feels like something out of a Nicholas Sparks movie—with the Niantic River on one side, the ocean on the other, and a walkable downtown. You can easily spend an afternoon strolling from one local shop to the next, browsing everything from coastal decor and handmade gifts to antiques and beachy souvenirs. One of the best spots to grab a classic Niantic sweatshirt or mug is Tumbleweeds, a longtime favorite. And if you love vintage finds, don’t miss Old Red Saltbox, a cozy little antique shop tucked right into the heart of town.

6. SEE A SHOW AT THE NIANTIC BAY PLAYHOUSE

The Niantic Bay Playhouse, which was the town's former cinema, is a great place to spend a rainy day or an evening out. With a different production every couple of months and cheap ticket prices, visitors can enjoy a show downtown and grab dinner from a nearby restaurant. While I've never seen a play here myself, I did go to the movies a couple of times when it was a cinema and absolutely loved it. The next time I'm in Niantic, I definitely plan on catching a show.

7. SHOP FOR SOUVENIRS ON THE MAIN STREET

Ready to shop? One of my family's favorite stores in Niantic is Tumbleweeds, which is a souvenirs shop that also has a record shop in the back. I've bought many t-shirts, mugs, and stickers from here over the years! I also love Serra Skincare Esthetics & Boutique for candles and self-care products, and Old Red Saltbox for antiques or items with a little east coast and New England charm. If you take a left off the main road and turn onto Pennsylvania Avenue, there's also a cute clothing boutique store called Grace.

8. Bring your kids to the Niantic Children's Museum

If you're looking for the perfect activity for your family, look no further than the Niantic Children's Museum. While I don't remember actually visiting here, my parents say they brought my siblings and I here every summer and that it's a great place to bring kids. With an imagination room, discover room, outdoor playscape, and nano-mini exhibit, your littles will be happily occupied for hours! There is also a class schedule on their website so you and your family can attend specific themed events as well. 

9. Take a yoga class at Niantic Yoga Studio

Looking to relax a little bit? The Niantic Yoga Studio is located on the main street across from the church and there are both daily classes and yoga/wellness workshops. Just navigate to their website to check out the dates, schedule, and pricing! Whether you're a seasoned yogi or just looking to stretch and reset during your visit, it's a great way to slow down and recharge. The studio has a peaceful, welcoming vibe and is perfect for starting your morning or unwinding after a long day of exploring.

10. GO KAYAKING/PADDLEBOARDING ON THE NIANTIC RIVER

If you’re up for a little adventure, kayaking or paddleboarding on the Niantic River is a great way to explore the area. The river is calm, beginner-friendly, and lined with views of boats, marinas, and waterfront homes. There’s a public boat launch just over the bridge in Waterford at 2nd Street, located about 0.25 miles northeast of the Route 156 bridge—easy to access and open year-round.

Don’t Miss Out on More East Coast Adventures

If you're planning a day in Niantic, I hope this guide gave you some ideas to make it memorable. From hidden gems in Connecticut to unforgettable spots across the globe, I love sharing my favorite places to explore. I’m based in Connecticut but have traveled to 17 countries (and counting), so whether you're looking for local day trips or global getaways, I’ve got you covered. Subscribe below to follow along and get inspired for your next adventure.