When you combine a little seaside community with the charm of old New England, you get the small town travel destination of Old Saybrook, Connecticut. In Old Saybrook travelers will find the staples of small town exploration like antique shops and scenic views. There are also the unexpected hidden gems that take a seaside community from a pretty place to drive through to a fantastic place to visit.

The Hart House & Gardens

Revolutionary War general and affluent West Indies merchant William Hart built the Hart House and gardens in the 1700’s for his beloved wife. The estate is preserved by the Old Saybrook historic society as a monument to and representation of the influence the General William Hart and his wife, Esther, had over the area. Saybrook was the first settlement on the southern short of Connecticut and the Hart House was one of the earliest homes built in the area.

The expansive gardens have also been maintained with plants and flowers that are historically accurate to what the Hart family was most likely planting and cultivating in the 18th Century. You can learn more about the Hart House, and adjacent historic exhibits by visiting the Old Saybrook historic society’s website.

Harvey's Beach

The primary beach in Old Saybrook, Connecticut is Harvey’s Beach located on Route 154. Harvey’s Beach is a shallow water beach that locals adore and visitors find quaint and charming. Even in colder weather or under grey skies, Harvey’s Beach is continually frequented and maintained. Accommodations at the beach include bath houses, parking and picnic tables. There is a small fee for parking at Harvey’s Beach. On weekdays, the cost to park is $10 per car, while on the weekends the price is $15. This fee is subject to change and an updated list of beach rules and fees, travelers can visit the Old Saybrook Department of Parks & Recreation’s website.

Dining Out

When traveling along the ocean in New England the best bet for a dinner out is always fresh seafood. True to form, there are several seafood restaurants to choose from when visiting Old Saybrook, Connecticut that cover a wide range of price points and dining styles.

Otter Cove Restaurant & Bar

99 Essex Rd

Old Saybrook, CT 06475

(860) 388-4836

One of the higher end seafood options in the Old Saybrook dining community, the Otter Cove Restaurant is a stylish, comfortable destination where travelers can find authentic New England seafood prepared and served with a thoughtful twist. A very popular raw bar offers the perfect appetizer of oysters, clams and shrimp. For an entrée, the Otter Cove stew is highly recommended for its heartwarming and highly delicious.

Dock & Dine

145 College St

Old Saybrook, CT 06475

(860) 388-4665

Great for a smaller budget, Dock & Dine might be a stereotypical New England seafood spot, but sometimes an expected cliché is the best way to end a day at the beach. Fake fish on the walls and the freshest seafood fare on your plate, Dock & Dine in Old Saybrook is considered the perfect place for a relaxed, leisurely and satisfying seafood dinner. The best combination of items for dinner is a bowl of authentic New England clam chowder and a heaping helping of fried fish and chips.

The best way to experience Old Saybrook, Connecticut is to take advantage of its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean. A touch of history, a comfortable stretch of beach and great, fresh seafood make for a great small town travel day in Old Saybrook.