Scenic & Sandy East Lyme Connecticut Beaches
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This past weekend, Mike and I visited 2 different beaches in East Lyme, Connecticut. Both Hole in the Wall and Rocky Neck State Park Beach are located in Niantic, a village in East Lyme that is well known for its’ beautiful beaches, boardwalk, and summer tourists. I had not been back in this area in years.
The last time I visited East Lyme, I was about 13 years old and unfortunately my main memory is getting bitten by a tick. Note that the area is named after the first case of Lyme Disease. Be careful where you walk and always check for ticks when you get home, especially after hiking.
Ticks aside, it’s a gorgeous area and a worthwhile daytrip from any big city in Connecticut or nearby states. If you are looking to escape the hustle and bustle for a day of old-fashioned charm, East Lyme is definitely a wonderful pick.
Hole in the Wall beach
This laid-back and very scenic beach is part of McCook Point Park. From this beach, you can access the Niantic Beach Boardwalk, a ~1 mile path that was unfortunately closed during our visit. The odd part is that you enter this beach through a tunnel, on top of which lies train tracks!
The views of the Long Island Sound from this beach are gorgeous as are the views of McCook Point Park. The best part of this beach is the peacefulness; this beach was not as crowded as others we have visited this summer, and thus provided a great vibe for relaxing.
The sand is pretty clean and white with no major rocks/shells, which is nice for a New England beach which are often extremely rocky. I would say this beach is best for strolls and birdwatching. Other amenities include a playground and picnic tables.
Rocky Neck State Park Beach
Rocky Neck State Park is another beautiful beach. This one is bigger and more crowded than Hole in the Wall, but still just as scenic. The white sand is much softer here and even less rocky, which makes it popular with sunbathers. There is a lot more room to spread out here and we saw many people out building sand castles and playing sports. It’s definitely the best beach in the area for swimming. The water is clean and pretty clear.
I also liked the wooden walkway which is a great option for those who want to look at the water while avoiding getting their feet sandy. There are plenty of benches to sit and enjoy the scenery and people watch for a bit.
Other activities available at this beach include: picnicking, fishing, hiking (there is a 2.5 mile trail through the salt marshes), and camping (160 RV and tent sites available). You can learn more about the activities on the state park website.
Both Hole in the Wall and Rocky Neck are beautiful beaches to visit when visiting Southeastern Connecticut. Get out to East Lyme before the summer is over to enjoy fabulous views of the Long Island Sound!
Directions/Parking Info
Hole in the Wall is located at: 4 Baptist Lane Niantic, CT 06357. Non resident beach pass is required during the summer months ($30) – it’s a bit cheaper if you park on the street. No dogs from Memorial Day-Labor day weekend.
Rocky Neck is located at: 244 W. Main St. (Rte. 156). East Lyme, CT. Parking is $15 on weekdays and $22 on weekends. Discounted rate of $7 after 4pm. Parking is free for residents. No pets on beach or boardwalk, although they can be taken via leash on trails and in picnicking areas north of the train tracks.
Accessibility: All terrain wheelchairs available with advance registration at Rocky Neck. Parking, picnic tables, and restrooms are also accessible.
Pricing is current as of the summer 2025 season. As always, it is best to check to verify pricing for next year.
