Griswold is a small town of about 11,500 people located in southeast Connecticut. The town is within a short drive of Hopeville Pond State Park Pachaug State Forest and College Mart Flea Market, one of Connecticut's largest flea markets. A number of beaches along the Atlantic coast are less than 30 miles from Griswold.
Located in Mystic, Connecticut, and 21 miles south of Griswold on Connecticut Road 201, is Williams Beach Park. This beach is a long shoreline beach where guests can stretch out, swim and play sports. Visitors have access to a children's playground, a pavilion, grills and recreational sports fields. The beach is open everyday from 10 a.m. until dark and is handicap accessible. Williams Beach Park does not have a lifeguard on duty. The beach is within a short walk of Mystic Bridge Historic District, home to historical buildings, restaurants and shops.
Misquamicut Beach is in Westerley, Rhode Island, 25 miles south of Griswold on Route 2. This beach is seven miles of white sand. Several seafood restaurants and bars are within walking distance of main swimming areas. Other activities include jet-skiing, fishing, kayaking and paddling. Historical Westerley is a short distance from the central beach. An onsite amusement park has rides and activities. Every Tuesday night in summer, an outdoor movie is shown.
Esker Point Park, in Groton, Connecticut, features a 600-foot long beach. This beach is 28 miles south of Griswold. During the summer, the beach has a lifeguard, an onsite cafe and bathrooms. Visitors can go swimming, shell fishing and kayaking. Parking is available for a fee and some beach facilities are handicap accessible. Seafood and fast food restaurants, Haley Farm State Park and Palmer Cove are all within a short drive from Esker Point Park.
Rocky Neck State Park is in East Lyme, Connecticut, 30 miles southwest of Griswold on Interstate 395 and Connecticut Road 161. This park features more than 700 acres with sandy beaches, wooded areas and a campground. Visitors can go hiking on trails, swimming, fishing and have a picnic at the pavilion. Guest bathrooms and concessions are available. Rocky Neck Campground has 160 sites and is open from May until September. The park and beach is open from Memorial Day weekend until Labor Day.
