Get ready to hit the waves. Uncasville, in southeast Connecticut, is close to some of New England's top beaches. The riverfront community is nestled on the Thames River, which snakes through New London County and spills into the Atlantic Ocean. Tourists come to Uncasville to visit the Mohegan Sun Casino, but the nearby coastline is another draw to the region, with many beaches open to the public during summer season.
Ocean Beach Park
- Ocean Beach Park is 15 minutes away in New London, Connecticut. This family friendly destination is rated by "National Geographic Traveler" as one of the best beaches in New England. The park charges admission for each vehicle. The boardwalk offers amusement rides, an arcade, mini golf and a water park with Olympic-sized pool. Guests have access to showers, lockers, bathrooms and an outdoor restaurant. After the beach, day trippers can take a drive over the Gold Star Memorial Bridge to visit Mystic Aquarium, just a few exits north on Interstate 95.
Misquamicut Beach
- Misquamicut State Beach in Westerly, Rhode Island, is about 30 minutes away. The half-mile stretch of sand on the Atlantic Ocean is ideal for sunbathers and swimmers who enjoy riding the waves. The bathhouse provides guests with shade gazebos, restrooms, showers and a concession stand. Admission fees are per vehicle. A short walk from the bathhouse down Atlantic Avenue are water slides, amusement rides and a carousel. The area is also known for celebrity sightings. In 2013, singer-songwriter Taylor Swift bought a waterfront summer home in Watch Hill, an affluent village in Westerly.
Rocky Neck State Beach
- This recreation spot is 20 minutes away in East Lyme, Connecticut, and offers more than sand and sea. The park's rock-free shoreline is an ideal spot for swimmers, but many visit the 710-acre park to simply enjoy the outdoors. The 160 campsites are scattered around tree-lined bike paths. Fish and wildlife are abundant, with sightings of herring, osprey, cranes and swans. Crabbing and fishing are allowed. A parking fee is required.
Esker Point Beach
- Esker Point Beach in Groton, Connecticut, is a 20-minute drive from Uncasville. This sunbathing spot tends to be less crowded and is smaller than area state beaches. Calm waters are a draw for families with small children, although no lifeguards are on duty. The beach is best known for its summer concert series, typically on Thursday nights. Restrooms and showers are available. It's also a few miles from Mystic's waterfront, a tourist destination with plenty of shopping, restaurants and nightlife.
