Weekend itinerary
Use the bayfront boardwalk as the main thread, then fit in beach time, books, seafood, and one nearby shoreline stop without turning the weekend into errands.
By Cal Mercer — a Second Star Guide itinerary
A good Niantic weekend makes the water or main view part of the rhythm, not just a photo between reservations.
Best length
2 nights
Arrive Friday, save Saturday for the water or main outing, and keep Sunday slow.
Stay
The Niantic Inn
The Niantic Inn in Niantic offers convenient lodging with easy access to local attractions and dining options.
Best stretch
Boardwalk
Give Boardwalk the best light and leave enough open space for the water, town, and meals to matter.
Pace
Waterfront weekend
Good for travelers who want the scenery to shape the trip instead of treating it like a backdrop between errands.
Friday
The first night should land in a real scene: hotel, harbor or shoreline air, and a meal close enough that the trip starts before Saturday.
4:00 PM
The Niantic Inn in Niantic offers convenient lodging with easy access to local attractions and dining options.
Recommended stay
The Niantic Inn in Niantic offers convenient lodging with easy access to local attractions and dining options.
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Inn at Harbor Hill Marina in Niantic offers convenient waterfront lodging near local attractions and dining…
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6:30 PM
A dining and cocktail option referenced at this location.
Saturday
The best coastal and island days leave room around the main outing so weather, light, tides, crowds, or ferry timing can breathe a little.
8:30 AM
A café located at coordinates 41.3219744, -72.2024492, visible on the map link.
10:00 AM
Give Boardwalk enough daylight and energy. After that, let the waterfront, shops, casual stops, or one quiet bench keep the day from feeling over-planned.
4:30 PM
The better coastal afternoon is often a shower, a short walk, or a drink with a view before dinner asks for decisions.
7:00 PM
Constantine’s on the Bay in Niantic offers waterfront dining with fresh seafood and scenic harbor views.
Sunday
The last morning is for the walk or breakfast you will wish you had made time for, not a second full itinerary.
9:00 AM
Keep the final morning simple: coffee, bakery, harbor walk, beach path, or one last lookout before checkout.
11:00 AM
Pick one scenic stop if it adds pleasure without making the drive home feel late from the start.
Pack the small stuff
Keep the gear light and useful: wind, rain, sun, comfortable walking, and one small bag that handles the waterfront day.
Trip picks
Use the selected cards below to turn the boardwalk weekend into rooms, meals, and one optional ticketed outing without losing the small Niantic rhythm.
Stay picks
The Niantic Inn in Niantic offers convenient lodging with easy access to local attractions and dining options.
Inn at Harbor Hill Marina in Niantic offers convenient waterfront lodging near local attractions and dining options.
Best Western Niantic Inn in Niantic offers convenient lodging with easy access to local attractions and dining options.
Saybrook Point Resort Marina in Niantic offers waterfront lodging with easy access to local attractions and marina activities.
Eileen of Mystic in Niantic offers a charming stay blending local character with convenient access to nearby attractions.
Meal picks
Guide picks
Explore maritime history at this living museum featuring historic vessels and exhibits.
Explore Niantic’s flavors on the Mystic Food Tour, sampling local specialties and hidden culinary gems in a charming coastal setting.
Discover Niantic's maritime history and iconic landmarks on the Mystic Discovery Walk.
Keep exploring
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