The town of Old Saybrook, at the mouth of the Connecticut River, has seen some changes over the years, but the magic of its surrounding waters endures.
NEW ENGLAND BOATING & FISHING TELEVISION
BOATING LOCAL SPOTLIGHT VIDEOS
OLD SAYBROOK AT A GLANCE
GETTING TO OLD SAYBROOK:
NOAA Charts: 12372
The Old Saybrook Story
READ THE STORY
Pulling into Old Saybrook, at the mouth of the Connecticut River, might leave you breathless. It doesn’t take long to appreciate why the river was designated America’s first “National Blueway” in 2012.
Dockage, Moorings & Service: Town of Old Saybrook(860) 395-3123: Old Saybrook maintains three free guest moorings in North Cove, available on a first-come, first served basis. Limit 72 hours.
Saybrook Point Resort & Marina(860) 395-3080: Part of a luxury hotel and spa just inside the inlet, Saybrook Point Marina can accommodate boats up to 200 feet. Amenities include shuttle service to town, bike rental, fitness center, indoor and outdoor pools, sauna and hot tub, picnic area with grills, and fuel dock.
Safe Harbor Ferry Point Marina(860) 388-3260: Large and well-protected marina three miles north of the river mouth. Amenities include a picnic area, pool, kids’ playscape, fuel dock, pump-out, ice, ship’s store, showers, laundry, and shuttle service to town.
Harbor One Marina (860) 388-9208: Located immediately inside the Old Saybrook breakwater, Harbor One can accommodate boats up to 150 feet. Also features a pool, laundry, showers, bathrooms, restaurant, and shuttle service to town.
Ragged Rock Marina(860) 388-1049: Just past the railroad bridge and nestled inside a well-protected basin, Ragged Rock offers transient slips, cable, showers, laundry, picnic area, and pump-out.
Between The Bridges Marina(860) 388-1431: Two miles from Long Island Sound, Between the Bridges offers transient slips, a pool, showers, restaurant, fuel dock, fish-cleaning stations, water, and electric.
Island Cove Marina(860) 388-0029: North of the I-95 bridge, Island Cove features slips, moorings, haul-out, service, ice, showers, laundry, and a lounge/kitchen.
Launch Ramp: Baldwin Bridge (I-95 LAUNCH): Large, free state ramp with ample parking directly below the I-95 bridge. Can accommodate large boats. All-tide access.
Anchorages: Anchoring in the Old Saybrook area can be tricky due to the strong current and congested waters. Boaters can find decent holding ground and depth of 10 feet upstream of the I-95/Baldwin Bridge, north of Ferry Point and opposite Calves Island.
DESTINATION OLD SAYBROOK
Dining: Fresh Salt (860) 388-1111: Highly rated restaurant at Saybrook Point Resort specializing in locally sourced ingredients. Offers a casual, clubby atmosphere with river views. Indoor and outdoor seating available.
Aspen(860) 395-5888: Upscale New American dining. Serves a wide selection of happy-hour apps and drinks.
Provisions: Old Saybrook Farmers’ Market: Fresh, locally grown and harvested foods and treats. Wednesdays and Saturdays, 9:00-12:30, at 210 Main Street.
General William Hart House(860) 395-1635: Built in 1767, this preserved historic home is one of the earliest houses in Saybrook, the first settlement on the southern shore of Connecticut.
Cool Shops: Harbor Books(860) 388-6850: Independent bookstore carrying wide selection of new and used titles.
Saybrook Recycled Furniture Etcetera (806) 388-6180: Large thrift store that buys and sells various goods, including furniture, housewares, collectibles, and fun and useful items.
Tova’s Vintage Shop(860) 395-1955: Glamorous, vintage Hollywood dresses and gowns, rhinestones, designer costume jewelry, 1880s beaded bags, 1960s leather box purses, hats, and more.
Where to Stay: Saybrook Point Resort & Marina(860) 395-3080: Luxury hotel and spa. Amenities include a restaurant, tiki bar, shuttle service to town, bike rental, fitness center, indoor and outdoor pools, sauna and hot tub, and picnic area with grills.
James Pharmacy Bed & Breakfast(203) 676-7306: Built in 1790, this historic colonial structure has housed a tavern, a general store, a pharmacy, and now a four-room B&B with modern amenities.