Avery Point Lighthouse Day Trip in Groton, Connecticut

Welcome to Avery Point Lighthouse

The last lighthouse built in Connecticut (CT) and first lit in 1944, Avery Point Lighthouse or Avery Point Light in Groton, CT, is a hidden gem and terrific spot for sunset views looking out to New London.

Situated on the grounds of the University of Connecticut (UCONN) Avery Point campus, you can visit this iconic site and walk right up to it. This blog shares tips for seeing Avery Point Light and also highlights two other lighthouses that you can visit to for an awesome coastal Connecticut day trip.

How to get to Avery Point Light in Groton, Connecticut |

Visit by plotting directions here. You may need to check in with campus police; however, when I’ve visited on weekends, there’s never been an issue with driving into the campus.

Unmetered parking spots are available by a rotary and at the UCONN Marine Sciences building. Walk from parking behind the buildings following the coastline, and you’ll reach a small set of steps leading directly to Avery Point Light.

What to see at Avery Point Light

Named after Captain James Avery who was a prominent early resident of New London CT, Avery Point Light sits on the east side of the Thames River entrance. Visitors can walk right up to it and see the beautiful panoramic coastal views here stretching out to New London and Block Island Sound.

With its unique construction including the concrete structure and octagonal tower, Avery Point Light has a total focal height of 56 feet and is now an active navigational aid after being restored in the mid 2000s.

Where it’s situated looking out to both the Atlantic Ocean and Block Island Sound as well as west to New London, CT means the sunset views can be spectacular. I highly recommend visiting Avery Point Light when the conditions are right to see sunset and stay as the colors transform.

Just a few steps away from Avery Point Light, you’ll see spectacular coastal sunsets over the rocky shore looking out to New London Ledge Light.

Avery Point Light is one of the most picturesque landmarks on the southeastern Connecticut coast and easy to explore walking the UCONN campus grounds.

You can make your day trip all about lighthouses and extend it by also seeing New London Harbor Light and the Stonington Point Lighthouse Museum.

First lit in 1801, New London Harbor Light in New London, CT is the seventh oldest lighthouse in the United States and tallest in the state at 90 feet.

Though it’s privately owned, you can see it from the street (you can park directly across from it) on Pequot Avenue (please respect private property boundaries) or from the sandy beaches a little ways down; New London Harbor Light’s unique octagonal tower and black lantern stand out.

Stonington Harbor Light is another unique CT lighthouse that is now a museum; it was built in 1840 using large granite blocks and sits on Stonington Point overlooking the harbor.

The public may walk the grounds, and you can tour the museum as well to climb the up the 36-foot high octagonal tower with a balcony for a view of three states. Be sure to stay for sunset at Stonington Point by going to the small gazebo or parking lot just a few steps down from Stonington Lighthouse Museum.

Have you seen any of these three eastern CT lighthouses? What CT or New England lighthouse is your favorite to visit?

Leave a comment below to share your experiences and tips.