The town's most central waterfront property lies around McCook Point Park, a large, grassy bluff overlooking the water between two beaches: McCook Point Beach, west of the bluff, where you can see Fisher’s Island, Plum Island, and Orient Point across Long Island Sound. Closer at hand, there’s Wigwam Rock and Hole-in-the-Wall Beach, to the east, which 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. Throughout the seasons of the year, the Bay is alive with fishing boats, sailboats, migrating and resident birds, and even seals.
Located on Long Island Sound, Rocky Neck State Park 710-acre park featuring one of the region’s largest beaches, whose stone-free, gently sloping white sands and clear waters make it ideal for swimming and sunbathing. The facilities, for the park, include a magnificent stone pavilion, built of native materials during the 1930s. The Pavilion is available for private rentals throughout the year.
Rocky Neck is a popular spot for camping, hiking and fishing. There are 160 wooded and open campsites within walking distance of the beach. A network of trails throughout the park offers many easy and interesting walks, with views of the ocean, salt marsh, and such points of interest as Baker’s Cave.
With a tidal river to the west and a broad salt marsh on the eastern edge, the park attracts many resident and migrating birds throughout the season, including osprey, cranes and herons. Mackerel, striped bass, blackfish and flounder are also abundant off Niantic’s lush coastline.
Downtown Niantic is also home to a rare family-owned movie theater, Niantic Cinemas. Katharine Hepburn, who lived a few towns over in Old Saybrook until she died in 2003, used to catch movies at Niantic Cinemas.
Oswegatchie Hills Nature Preserve is perfect for hiking throughout the year. The Preserve is a beautiful wooded area overlooking the Niantic River. Flora and fauna abound in this preserve, including endangered and at-risk species. Ospreys and bald eagles can be seen soaring above the tree line, and deer and turkeys are common.
Along the way, you will encounter signs of the town’s past: Clark’s Pond, a source for ice for the fishing boats that plied Long Island Sound, and the quarries that provided the beautiful Niantic Pink Granite to buildings throughout the country. In spring, the groves of mountain laurel are glorious.
The Niantic River Estuary Canoe/Kayak Trail is a wonderful way to enjoy the Niantic River while learning about its human and natural history. From the Head of the River, where the Golden Spur Amusement Park (complete with the World Famous Diving Horses) operated at the beginning of the 20th century, past the Revolutionary War location of Beckwith Shipyard, and on down to Cini Park, you can see many interesting sights.
Evidence of human life along the Niantic River dates back at least 12,000 years. Long before European settlers arrived, Western Nehantics (from whom the river and village names are derived) lived along the shores of the river, subsisting on the bounty of shellfish, fish, and other marine life the river and ocean provided. Centuries later, the river became well known for its scallops, which are now, unfortunately, in decline. Paddling up or down the river, one is sure to encounter a variety of birds. Among the coastal fishing birds known to frequent the river are bald eagles, osprey, egrets, herons, and cormorants. Seals are seen here from time to time, as well.
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. Downtown Niantic offers 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. So, do yourself a favor, and visit Niantic soon to discover your own Connecticut shoreline secret.
Featured Listings
175 Brookside Road, Darien, CT
$8,750,000
Exceptional new construction estate by K&C Builders Inc., set on over 2.5 private acres on coveted Brookside Road. Offering approximately 11,000 SF across four finished levels, this stunning residence features 6 bedrooms, 8 full baths, and 1 half bath. Designed for elegant entertaining and everyday living, the home showcases a spectacular great room, gourmet chef's kitchen, private study, cabana-style room opening to the pool area, finished lower level, and finished attic. Premium Rhea European Windows flood the home with natural light while providing exceptional energy efficiency and modern sophistication. Extensive custom millwork, architectural ceiling details, designer lighting, detailed interior paneling, custom cabinetry, and bespoke finishes reflect the superior craftsmanship and attention to detail that define every K&C Builders project. The luxurious primary suite offers a spa-inspired bath and oversized custom walk-in closets. Outdoor amenities include professionally landscaped grounds, a resort-style pool, outdoor kitchen, and expansive entertaining spaces designed for seamless indoor-outdoor living. Ideally located minutes from downtown Darien, Metro-North, beaches, country clubs, and Darien schools, this extraordinary residence presents a rare opportunity to own a signature home built to the highest standards of quality, design, and craftsmanship.
310 Litchfield Road, Norfolk, CT
$6,650,000
Known as "The Bungalow", this spectacular Tudor-inspired estate set on 43.8 private acres is one of architect Alfredo S.G. Taylor's finest designs. Built in 1908 for a Remington Arms heiress, the home seamlessly blends Gilded Age grandeur with exceptional modern luxury. The dramatic great hall features soaring 40-foot timber ceilings, a monumental stone fireplace, and exquisite fieldstone and half-timber construction. Thoughtfully updated throughout, the home offers a stunning new eat-in chef's kitchen complete with a butler's pantry and premium appliances, including a True glass-door refrigerator, Miele dishwasher, Wolf warming drawers, Sub-Zero wine and beverage refrigerator, and an exceptional custom range with handcrafted hood. The luxurious marble-clad bathrooms have been beautifully renovated with Kohler fixtures, while custom cabinetry, updated electrical systems, and meticulous craftsmanship elevate every space. Spectacular balconies and a wraparound veranda extend from the main living areas, providing breathtaking views across the surrounding landscape. Offering 6 bedrooms, 6 bathrooms, and 6,766 square feet of living space, the estate is set amid lightly wooded grounds with expansive northern vistas. Additional amenities include a guest house, barn, formal gardens, and a picturesque pond. Approached by a winding, newly improved drive, the residence sits atop a private ridge and culminates in a gracious porte-cochere, creating a sense of arrival rarely found. Recent improvements include a new roof, copper gutters, and two whole-house generators-one serving the main residence and the other dedicated to the guest house. Offering an exceptional combination of privacy, history, and modern luxury, this remarkable estate feels worlds away while remaining just minutes from the heart of Norfolk, with its renowned restaurants, shops, cultural attractions, and year-round events. Conveniently located approximately 120 minutes from Manhattan, it presents a rare opportunity to own one of New England's most distinguished country estates.
379 Ocean Drive West, Stamford (Shippan), CT
$14,500,000
Completed in 2023 and designed by Michael Smith Architects, this extraordinary six bedroom waterfront residence offers more than 8,700 square feet of luxury living along one of Stamford's most coveted stretches of Ocean Drive West. Built two feet above FEMA flood elevation requirements and featuring sweeping views of Long Island Sound from every principal room, the home combines timeless coastal architecture, exceptional craftsmanship, and modern construction. Thoughtfully designed for both grand entertaining and everyday living, the residence balances expansive gathering spaces with private retreats, all oriented toward the water. A cedar shake exterior, stone detailing, and sunrise to sunset exposure define the home's striking waterfront presence. Across three levels, terraces, balconies, and principal living spaces are carefully positioned to capture panoramic views of Long Island Sound, creating a seamless connection between the interior and the surrounding landscape. The result is a residence equally suited for weekend escapes, year round living, and large scale entertaining. The main level is centered around a dramatic great room that opens directly to the waterfront patio and pool terrace. A separate living room with fireplace and wet bar provides a more intimate setting for gathering, while the custom chef's kitchen and butler's pantry feature extensive cabinetry and storage. A glass enclosed 72 bottle wine display serves as a striking focal point within the dining area. Outdoor amenities rival those of a private resort and include an infinity edge pool with integrated spa, outdoor kitchen, multiple fireplaces, heated covered seating areas, and expansive patios overlooking the Sound. Designed for seamless indoor outdoor living, the property is equally suited for summer entertaining and quiet evenings along the shoreline. Occupying its own private wing, the primary suite enjoys sweeping water views, direct terrace access, a sitting room, dressing area, and a luxurious bath appointed with heated Dolomite marble floors. Five additional ensuite bedrooms occupy the upper levels, complemented by lounge spaces, a fitness room, office, and bonus room. A heated three car garage completes the home. Rarely does a waterfront property combine this level of design, construction quality, and setting in one of Shippan Point's most desirable locations. Visit www.coastalmasterpiece.co for more pictures and information. One of the owners is a licensed real estate agent.
