A slice of New England
Set on the Thames River, Groton is brimming with New England charm. While it was once a bustling whaling port, today Groton vacation rentals are a fantastic base for exploring nearby towns like New London, Mystic and Stonington. Groton's main claim to fame is being home to the US Naval Submarine Base. Whether you visit the legendary Nautilus submarine, climb aboard the Charles W. Morgan tall ship – a wooden whaling ship first launched in 1841 – or sign up for a harbor cruise, there's a wealth of seafaring history to soak up.
Touch base with Groton's military submarine
While the US Naval Submarine Base may be strictly off limits to the public, you can tour the Historic Ship Nautilus & Submarine Force Museum. Nautilus is the museum's pride and joy, famous as the world's first nuclear-powered submarine. At Fort Griswold Battlefield State Park, a 134-foot obelisk commemorates the place where colonial soldiers were overcome by British troops in 1781. Lighten the mood in nearby Mystic, where you'll find the Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration. Kids will love the chance to get up close and personal with African penguins, beluga whales, sea lions and more.
Sail a tall ship in Groton
One of the best ways to discover Groton is on a historic tall ship tour. You can choose from scenic luncheons, Sunday brunches and lobster dinners. For an authentic taste of life at sea, why not book an overnight sailing adventure? Just a few miles to the east is Mystic, a postcard-perfect seaport brimming with sailboats, museums and laid-back lobster shacks. It's incredibly atmospheric and is one of Connecticut's most visited destinations. Most visitors fall head over heels, so why not stay local with a Groton vacation rental, just steps from Mystic?
A whale-watching wonderland
Part of New England, Groton lies in southeast Connecticut. It sits adjacent to New London, a lively seaport city set at the mouth of the Thames River. Thanks to its deep-water harbor and easy access to the Atlantic Ocean, it was once one of the world's busiest whaling ports. Today New England has shunned harpooning in favor of eco-friendly whale-watching tours. In summer, you could spot humpback, finback, right and minke whales feeding on a smorgasbord of mackerel, herring and krill.
Transportation to and around Groton
The nearest airport is in T.F. Green Airport (PVD), located 42.1 mi (67.8 km) from the city center. If you can't find a flight that works for your travel itinerary, you can also fly into New London, CT (GON-Groton - New London), which is 1.9 mi (3 km) away.