Niantic, CT —
A quiant seaside village of east lyme

Niantic, a quaint seaside village of East Lyme, has become a tourist destination in its own right, with Niantic Bay and Long Island Sound to the south, and the Niantic River to the east. Niantic is the only community on the Connecticut coast where the “Main Street” runs parallel to beautiful Long Island Sound. It’s the home of a mile-long waterfront boardwalk overlooking Long Island Sound offering inspiring views of Niantic Bay and Long Island Sound.

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.

"There are 160 wooded and open campsites within walking distance of the beach."

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.

"Flora and fauna abound in this preserve, including endangered and at-risk species."

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

47 Charcoal Hill Road, Westport (Coleytown), CT

$12,500,000

Privacy and security surround this gated stone castle. Set in an estate area of Westport on 2 separate parcels, this home has every feature desired in a family compound. 1st lot holds the primary home, pool, indoor pool, exercise/pool house, separate pool kitchen and tennis court. 2nd parcel holds caretakers cottage. A home that could not be reproduced today with amazing indoor/outdoor flow, hidden rooms and unique character. Enjoy living where you never need to leave your own property. Excellent flow for entertaining with grand rooms. Currently configured with 5/6 bedrooms in the main home. Anticipate changing some aspects to be perfectly suited for your needs.

1143 Sasco Hill Road, Fairfield (Sasco), CT

$14,000,000

ONE OF THE SINGLE MOST ANTICIPATED, MAGNIFICENT, AND BREATHTAKING ESTATES ON THE GOLD COAST HAS JUST HIT THE MARKET! This architecturally brilliant and elegant home was built for entertaining and lavish gatherings in Gatsby-Esque style. A rare opportunity to own nearly 3 acres of property on Fairfield County's most prestigious address, with SPECTACULAR views of Long Island Sound, Sasco Beach, and the Country Club of Fairfield's Golf Course. Refreshed to its grandeur, with no expense spared by the owner, you will be impressed the moment you enter this estate. Presenting 19,000+ SF on 4 levels of living, 30+ rooms each with its own unique features and design, 9 Bedrooms, 13 Baths, Elevator servicing all levels, PLUS a 6 car Garage/Carriage House with staff apartment above. A private oasis and yet minutes to Fairfield and Southport center, train, library, harbor, restaurants, and shopping. Ideally located and 53 miles to New York City. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity.

1147 Sasco Hill Road, Fairfield (Sasco), CT

$12,750,000

A spectacular proposed direct waterfront new construction on Sasco Point with unrivaled views of Long Island Sound, Southport Village and the distant Manhattan skyline. Amazing opportunity to build your own custom home on 2 acres at the end of Sasco Hill Road. These newly created building lots are being offered for the very first time. You may choose this stunning transitional Farmhouse design from award-winning Coastal Construction Group or design your own. Once known as the Riegel Estate - the 20 acre property has been subdivided into seven lots with private gated access creating one of Connecticut's most desirable associations. The proposed house will be 6 bedrooms with 6 full baths, 10' ceilings, open floor plan and ample natural light to take full advantage of the water views. The 8,000+ sq foot home will feature Smart Home systems, Green Compliant design elements, top-of-the-line appliances, and the finest finishes. Tour the property and we can arrange a consultation with the builder to experience what is possible on the Point.