One could be excused for thinking a city of barely six square miles would not have much to offer in the way of parks and lovely vistas. One would be wrong. From the northern end of the city with the verdant, peaceful Arboretum at Connecticut College to the southern tip where beautiful Ocean Beach Park fronts the confluence of Fisher's Island and Long Island Sounds, you will find nature is accorded pride of place in some fourteen locations, not counting beautiful college campuses.

You should expecially check out two parks that New London boasts: the Downtown Waterfront Park-Walkway and Fort Trumbull State Park, called the jewel in the state park's system.

The campuses of our three colleges alone provide park-like surroundings in which to stroll. At the Coast Guard Academy's campus you will find one of Connecticut's most appealing vistas from the walkway at the Visitors Center. The state park at Fort Trumbull also offers terrific water views. (One of New London's best kept secrets is the magnificant view that residents on East Street have. East Street abuts the Fort Trumbull park.)

Here is an alphabetical listing of the city's parkscapes.

Arboretum (Connecticut College)
Williams St. Sunrise to Sunset. Map for self-guided tour. Free guided tours Sundays at 2p May to October. Meet at blue sculpture at Olin Science Center.

Bates Woods
Chester St on Waterford town line. Picnic tables, grills, ball fields.

Calkins Park
Riverview Ave

Caroline Black Garden
Rte 32 at Connecticut College. Use entrance to Athletic Center, right on Winchester Rd & right into first driveway. Established in 1920s by Dr. Caroline Black, first chairperson of the colleges botany department, as a teaching facility. Part of arboretum.

City Pier at Union Station
Behind RR Station. Picnic tables. Great views up and down the river.

Fort Trumbull, 1
Grounds open sunrise to sunset. Fishing pier and public restrooms. Beautiful grounds, spectacular views. Visitors' Center and Fort closed for season .Grounds open 8a to sunset. Fishing peir 24/7 year round.

Greens Harbor Beach & Park
Pequot Ave. Picnic tables, grills.

Mitchell Woods
Montauk Ave. Picnic tables; tennis courts (fees), playground.

Ocean Beach Park
Nature walk with observation deck. Beach, boardwalk, arcade. Glorious setting. Summer activities: Monday classic car cruise nights; Tuesday & Thursday movies on beach; Wednesday magic shows; Friday & Saturday live bands. Port n Starboard meeting hall & conference center. . Work Out World .

Riverside Park
Next to Coast Guard Academy, picnic tables, grills, basketball courts, river views.

Toby May Field
Ocean Avenue about 2.5 miles from Information Station. Tennis/basketball. Playground.

Downtown Waterfront Park/Walkway

A walkway along downtown New Londons waterfront provides lovely place to walk or sit while enjoying the activities of this busy harbor. Great views! Enter behind RR station at Fishers Island ferry.

Williams Memorial Park
Broad & Hempstead Sts

Williams Park
At Broad & Williams Sts. Bordered with fine Victorian homes.

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New London Parks Conservancy