This Local Restaurant in Connecticut is So Good, You Can Plan an Entire Day Around It

I head up the Connecticut coastline a lot, especially during the warmer months. Amtrak goes right through the area on the way to Boston, and New England is alive with fun events and tourist attractions during the spring and summer.

One town I've really fallen in love with whenever I have the opportunity to visit is New London, a beautiful coastal town that's right by some of the most popular spots in the state like the Mystic Aquarium and the massive Mohegan Sun Casino. Both of those are in neighboring towns, but New London itself is one of the best road trip stops in Connecticut. It's got beautiful views, great shopping and dining, and a hidden restaurant that's one of my favorite unexpected places in Connecticut. This is a seasonal spot, so the best time to visit New London is coming up—and I'll probably be tempted to make another visit myself!

Why This Stop Is Worth the Detour

New London is a wonderfully accessible town, especially if you're coming in by train. The downtown is highly walkable, and the city borders the water so you'll always have a fantastic view no matter where you are. The city center is full of shopping and dining opportunities, and has a reputation for serving some of the best seafood in Connecticut.

I usually come into town when I'm seeing a show at the Garde Arts Center, a gorgeous retro theater that features historic decor and hosts movie screenings and live music. However, the best spot in town is one that many people miss—because it's far away from the city center. You'll need to walk about a mile from the train station along the harbor, until you come across an isolated spot right by the water.

What To See and Do Here

That's where you'll find Captain Scott's Lobster Dock, a classic-style seafood shack located feet from the water. Surprisingly, this seasonal outdoor restaurant was only opened in 1996, but it feels like the kind of place that could have been standing since the town was founded. It's a no-fuss spot, with a counter for ordering and a collection of benches for dining out if the weather is nice.

The menu is just as simple—your choice of fried seafood, including fish, shrimp, and clams, along with a small selection of sides. If you're feeling a little more upscale, specialties based on fresh lobster are regularly available during the summer months. And for a Connecticut specialty, the clam fritters are a delicious deep-fried treat that not everyone might have had the chance to try yet.

Have you ever visited Captain Scott's Lobster Dock before? If not, one of the best road trip stops in Connecticut will be opening for the season soon, so make sure to check out the Captain Scott's website for the full menu and important announcements! While you're in New London, you'll want to drop by Saeed's International Market to enjoy a rich array of Lebanese foods that can be hard to find in regular supermarkets. And if you're up for a day trip, Mohegan Sun is a fantastic spot full of games, restaurants, and live entertainment only a short drive away. If you'd like a few more ideas on how to spend a day in New London, let Only in Your State's AI-powered travel planner create a custom itinerary for you based on your interests!