Beaches

LOCAL BEACHES

Harvey’s Beach (4 min. drive from the the James) Private, but James Pharmacy will provide day pass. Chalker Beach (7 min. drive from the the James) Town Beach (5 min. drive from the James)

BEST REGIONAL BEACH Hammonasset Beach State Park (20 min.drive from the James)

State Parks

Devil’s Hopyard State Park (30 min. drive from the James)

Chatfield Hollow State Park (30 min. drive from the James)

Harkness Memorial State Park (30 min. drive from the James)

Water and Rail Excursions

The steam locomotive pulls vintage coaches through the quintessential New England towns of Deep River and Chester. Passengers on the Becky Thatcher riverboat cruise through the serenity of the Connecticut River valley, with all its deep water, coves, inlets, marshes, wildlife, and rocky shoreline on display. Tip: if you want to see fall foliage, wait until October, when the leaves usually change in this part of the CT River Valley.

Essex Steam Train and Riverboat Essex (11 min. drive from the James)

Kayaks & Canoes

Black Hall Outfitters - Canoe & kayak rental service in Old Lyme. Rent as late in the year as you like. (13 min drive from the James)

Action Sports Canoe & kayak rental service in Old Saybrook. Rent until mid September. (6 min drive from the James)

Cove Landing Marine Old Lyme Canoe & kayak rental service in Lyme Rent until mid October, weather permitting (15 min. drive from the James).

Connecticut Audubon Tree Swallow Cruises

Sunday, September 1, 8, 15, 22

Join Connecticut Audubon naturalists and journey from Essex, CT first by train and then by boat to see the awe-inspiring display.