Considered one of Connecticut's best public beaches, the complex also includes an Olympic-size swimming pool, 10 amusement park rides, playgrounds, a miniature golf course, even a workout center. Admission is $5; the rides and other attractions have additional charges.

How to get there: Take Amtrak's Northeast Corridor trains from Boston's South Station to the New London transportation center, then take SEAT (Southeast Area Transit) Bus No. 13. Park is about 3 1/2 miles from the station. Greyhound buses from Boston and other Northeast cities also stop at Transportation Center.