Best hotels in Groton
Mystic Marriott Hotel & Spa
625 N Rd, CT, 06340
Closer to Groton than it is to Mystic, this hotel provides a perfect base for exploring both towns. It’s a cut above most chain hotels, with luxurious bedding, an indoor pool and the Mynd Spa, an oasis for relaxation. There’s also a superb steakhouse and extensive meeting space, hence its popularity with business travelers entertaining clients and colleagues.
The Spa at Norwich Inn
607 W Thames St, CT, 06360
A few miles north of Groton, this exceptional boutique hotel is set within 42 acres of woodland, providing a luxe retreat close to casinos, golf courses and the river. Numerous treatments are available, and the lavish rooms themselves will help you unwind. The Inn’s restaurant, Kensington’s, is open all day for dishes both healthy and indulgent.
Spicer Mansion
15 Elm St, CT, 06355
This historic mansion just down the road in Mystic was once the home of a local sea captain and has stood proud here since 1853. Rooms have a subtle nautical theme and are decorated with muted colors and enviable furniture. Service is discreet, and the on-site restaurant a real treat.
Best restaurants in Groton
Paul’s Pasta Shop
223 Thames St, CT, 06340
Family-run since 1988, this gregarious and generous eatery is the place for pasta in Groton. The lovely river views are a great accompaniment to fettucine Alfredo, linguini primavera and house specialties such as an oozing five cheese lasagna. If you’re staying locally, they do take out too.
Mystic Pizza
56 W Main St, Mystic, CT, 06355
Pizza pilgrims have been coming here even before the popular 1988 film that cemented its legend (at busy times, you might have to line up for your ‘slice of heaven’). There’s a large selection of pies that ranges from the basic to the funky – don’t miss the moussaka pizza or the seafood delight with clams, shrimp and scallops.
Sneekers Cafe
568 Poquonnock Rd, CT, 06340
If you’re wanting some gameday atmosphere, head to Sneekers, an unpretentious but garrulous place that also throws in live music with its menu of comfort food classics. You can get your fingers sticky on the wonderful wings, build your own burger and even feast on plump scallops coated in panko breadcrumbs.
What to do in Groton
The Submarine Force Museum
1 Crystal Lake Rd, CT, 06340
This is the home of the world’s first nuclear-powered submarine – and you can board it at this essential place to visit in Groton. Enjoy a self-guided audio tour of the sub in question – the USS Nautilus – then discover tens of thousands of artifacts including mini-subs, periscopes, a control room, models and more.
Bluff Point State Park
55 Depot Rd, CT, 06340
This sublime stretch of undeveloped land on Long Island South in Groton is where you want to head on the sunniest days. There are 800 acres of this unspoiled riverside park, with hiking and biking trails, fishing, forests and plentiful places to picnic. Head south along the coastal reserve from here to reach Bushy Point Beach.
Fort Griswold Battlefield State Park
Park Ave & Monument St, CT, 06340
Learn more about the American Revolutionary War at this state park that played a vital role in the early stages. Named for Matthew Griswold, a deputy governor who led the fort in its defense of New London port in a battle of 1781. There are numerous monuments here, and historic houses nearby.