New London is a small coastal city in Connecticut, with a rich maritime history and a lovely beach, featuring a half-mile boardwalk. The boardwalk is home to an Olympic-size swimming pool, mini-golf, playgrounds and eateries. New London's past as an important port city goes all the way back to the Revolutionary War when it was a base for American privateers. New London later became a busy whaling port, shaping its maritime culture, which can be explored at one of the lighthouses or at the United States Coast Guard Museum.
The city's downtown is quite charming, boasting several museums, excellent eateries and taverns, unique shops and historic homes. Visitors can opt to take a shore excursion to nearby Mystic of "Mystic Pizza" fame, for a slice of Hollywood in Connecticut.