Every beach vacation has one. When the rain rolls in, here are the indoor plans locals reach for, roughly from east to west.
Mystic and Groton
- Mystic Aquarium: beluga whales, penguins and hands-on exhibits under one roof.
- Mystic Seaport Museum: many exhibits and galleries are indoors, alongside the historic ships.
- Submarine Force Museum, Groton: free admission and the chance to tour USS Nautilus.
- Olde Mistick Village: a village of shops and restaurants next to the aquarium.
New London
- Lyman Allyn Art Museum: American art and changing exhibitions.
- Garde Arts Center: a restored historic theater with films, concerts and shows.
Niantic and East Lyme
- The Book Barn: a much-loved used bookstore spread over several buildings. Easy to lose an afternoon here.
- Children’s Museum of Southeastern Connecticut: hands-on play for younger kids in Niantic.
Plan B: Mohegan Sun and Foxwoods are both within about a half hour of most of our homes, with dining, shopping and shows all indoors.
Old Saybrook, Old Lyme and Clinton
- The Kate: films and live shows in Old Saybrook’s historic town hall.
- Florence Griswold Museum, Old Lyme: American Impressionist art and the Lyme Art Colony story.
- Clinton Crossing Premium Outlets: a rainy-day shopping trip.
Stay nearby
Find a home with room to spread out
Board games, a full kitchen and a living room beat a hotel room on a rainy day.
And sometimes the best rainy day plan is the simplest: a pot of chowder on the stove, a movie and a house full of family.
Hours, seasons, passes and event dates change from year to year, so check each venue’s website before you go. Questions about where to stay? Email str@pmisoutheastct.com or call 860-451-9101.