the Niantic Inn

Located on Long Island Sound, Rocky Neck is 2 miles from the Niantic Inn on West Main Street. The 710-acre park features one of the region's largest beaches, whose stone-free, gently sloping white sands and clear waters make it ideal for swimming and sunbathing. In addition to concessions, restrooms and showers, the facilities include a magnificent stone pavilion, built of native materials during the 1930s. The Pavilion is available for private rentals throughout the year. Rocky Neck is a popular spot for camping, hiking and fishing. There are 160 wooded and open campsites within walking distance of the beach. A network of trails throughout the park offers many easy and interesting walks, with views of the ocean, salt marsh, and such points of interest as Baker's Cave. With a tidal river to the west and a broad salt marsh on the eastern edge, the park attracts many resident and migrating birds throughout the season, including osprey, cranes and herons. Mackerel, striped bass, blackfish and flounder are also abundant.