About this city
Also known as: The Whaling City
New London is a historic, deep-water seaport city located in New London County at the mouth of the Thames River on Long Island Sound. Established in 1646, it possessed one of the finest natural harbors on the Atlantic coast, transforming into the world's third-largest whaling port during the early 19th century alongside Nantucket and New Bedford. The city has a storied military history, serving as a hotbed for privateers during the American Revolution—which led to its burning by Benedict Arnold—and later becoming the birthplace of the U.S. Coast Guard Academy. Today, New London is a culturally diverse city defined by its robust arts district, educational institutions, historic waterfront, and transportation connections.
Location & Administrative
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Economics & Local Vibe
Practical Tourism Metadata
Suggested stay: 1–2 days
Stroll the historic dynamic waterfront park at City Pier, view exceptional American masterpieces at the Lyman Allyn Art Museum, tour the historic custom house and U.S. Coast Guard museum exhibits, visit the pre-Revolutionary Olde Town Mill, and catch a high-speed ferry to Block Island, Martha's Vineyard, or Long Island.
