Old Lyme vacation rentals stand at the crossroads of history, recreation, and culture. Settled in 1636, the area was home to famous Revolutionary War leaders, and later on to sea captains and ship builders. The town has been an artist colony since the turn of the 20th century, making it a great place for Impressionist art exhibits and buying one-of-a-kind keepsakes on historic Old Lyme Streets. Old Lyme boasts many sites on the National Register of Historic Places and was a stop on the Underground Railroad. A wide array of inviting outdoor activities makes Old Lyme a wonderful destination for families.
When staying at Old Lyme vacation rentals, be sure to check out the many historical stops in the area. The Connecticut Freedom Trail crosses the state with over 120 buildings, grave sites, and landmarks associated with the Underground Railroad. The Steven Peck House was once a safe haven for fugitive slaves. Stroll through history on Lyme Street, the 1½-mile stretch along the Old Boston Post Road, where pre-Revolutionary architecture is mixed with boutiques and eateries. The Florence Griswold Museum, birthplace of the Old Lyme Art Colony, boasts a collection by America’s early Impressionists and is just one of many cultural attractions in Old Lyme.
Families can enjoy many outdoor activities in Old Lyme by visiting the Long Island Sound, the Connecticut River, recreational areas, and state parks. Hikers of all abilities have a choice of trails and nature walks, from the wide, flat-surfaced loop through Elizabeth Karter Watch Rock Nature Preserve to the rugged Lohmann-Buck-Twining Preserve, which culminates in a spectacular view of Long Island Sound. There’s kid-approved fishing at Rogers Lake and Uncas Pond, crabbing off the pier at Ferry Landing State Park, and birdwatching on Goose Island. Rocky sand and good swimming make Sound View Beach a popular destination.
The Old Lyme climate is technically between the New England and Middle Atlantic zones. In terms of weather, though, it skews closer to the latter. April is warm and pleasant, and then things start to heat up. If swimming and water activities are your thing, your best bet for Old Lyme vacation rentals is summer, when water temperatures hover around the low 70s—perfect for ‘keeping your cool.’ Late October, which is brisk and cool, is prime for watching the leaves change colors.
Set between the Connecticut River and a 14-mile stretch of the Long Island Sound, the natural environment of Old Lyme is a collection of wetlands: shoreline, tidal marshes, streams, estuaries, and tiny islands, much of them undeveloped and protected. Rocky Neck State Park draws families to its white sand beach, clear water, diverse nature trails, campsites, and forest area. Popular activities include swimming, picnicking, crabbing, and saltwater fishing for striped bass and flounder. Visitors can spy osprey, cranes, herons, and mute swans, depending on the season.
The nearest airport is in Bradley Intl. Airport (BDL), located 46.3 mi (74.5 km) from the city center. If you're unable to find a flight that fits your schedule, you can also fly into New London, CT (GON-Groton - New London), which is 14.7 mi (23.7 km) away.
The heart wants what the heart wants, and right now it wants to take a vacation. It's time to pack your suitcase and head to one of these top vacation rentals in or near Old Lyme:
For even more great options, use the search bar at the top of the page to find the perfect Old Lyme vacation rental for you.
Escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life at one of our weekend getaways in or near Old Lyme. Whether you want to catch up with friends or spend valued time with the fam, there'll be something to suit your style. These top-rated options are hard to beat:
Studio apartments may be small in size, but they sure pack a punch when it comes to location and convenience. Unpack your bags at one of these sought-after studio apartments in or near Old Lyme:
From simple studio apartments to large vacation homes, Vrbo has your vacation sorted. Here are two of our popular picks in and around Old Lyme:
Whether spent in a cabin, a cottage or a treehouse, a romantic weekend getaway is a fantastic way to add some zing to your relationship. Whisk your honey off for a couple of leisurely days at one of these escapes in or near Old Lyme:
If you're in search of somewhere to reconnect with your nearest and dearest this vacation, why not make it memorable? These mansions for rent in or near Old Lyme will fit your whole crew while doing it in serious style:
Big groups mean massive fun. They also mean finding a place that'll effortlessly fit your whole gang. Browse our large group vacation rentals in or around Old Lyme and spend time with your favorite people under the one roof:
A pool is often a must-have when choosing where to stay on vacation, especially if you're bringing the kids along. Check out these houses with a pool in or near Old Lyme and spend your days splish-splashing around:
Don't know how to pack your bags for your Old Lyme break? This popular destination has an oceanic climate. In summer, you can expect average temperatures of between 65 ºF and 75 ºF. Scroll through our range of Old Lyme vacation rentals by using the search bar at the top of the page. Simply adjust the filters to get more inspiration on where to stay.
Whether your perfect escape is up in the hills or by the beach, you'll have a lot more fun if you share it with loved ones. Consider one of these large family vacation rentals in or near Old Lyme and bring the whole gang along:
If you'd like to do some sightseeing, there are lots of family-friendly attractions nearby to add to your itinerary. Mystic Aquarium and Institute for Exploration, Ocean Beach Park and Mystic River Bascule Bridge are excellent places to start.
Time spent with family is priceless, which is why we'll help you find a space where you can truly connect. Rent one of these family cabin rentals in or near Old Lyme and create wonderful new memories with the ones you love the most:
For more options, use the search bar at the top of the page and adjust the filters to find the Old Lyme vacation rental that's perfect for your needs.