Sports & recreation
BIKE
Exploring by bike is a wonderful way to see the Borough and the surrounding area. Connecticut Bike Routes lists a number of breathtaking itineraries. Visit their website for more options, but below are a few of our favorites. If you need gear or service, visit Mystic Cycle Centre, on Stonington Road in Mystic.
Best of the Shoreline (short version) / This mostly flat ride visits many points along the eastern shoreline with sensational views of Fishers Island Sound. The ride passes through the scenic town of Mystic (both going and coming), travels west for stops at Groton Long Point and Noank before heading east to the village of Stonington and Stonington Point. The ride then heads further east to the Barn Island Wildlife Management Area boat launch and the educational displays, before calling it a day and heading back to the CPL.
Stonington Country Roads / Ride along the beautiful back roads of Stonington, Ledyard, Mystic and historic Wequetequock section of Pawcatuck to the Barn Island area. The suggested lunch stop is at scenic Stonington Point in Stonington Borough. Lunch makings can be purchased in Stonington Borough or at several other places along the ride route.
Best of the Shoreline - Over to Watch Hill / This mostly flat ride visits many points along the eastern Connecticut shoreline with sensational views of Fishers Island Sound and Block Island Sound. The ride passes through the scenic town of Mystic (both going and coming), travels west to Groton Long Point and Noank before heading east to Borough of Stonington and the recommended lunch stop at Stonington Point. The ride then heads further east to visit the Barn Island Wildlife Management Area and boat launch with its marvelous salt marsh views and educational display. From this point it's over to Watch Hill by way of Pawcatuck, CT and Westerly, RI. There are a couple hilly sections on the return trip from Watch Hill.
Barn Island Wildlife Management Area / A beautiful coastal area, trails and salt marsh.
BOAT, FISH, Kayak & paddleboard
Spin casters and fly fishermen revere Stonington Harbor because it is a convenient point of departure to the legendary striped bass, blue fish and bonito fishing in the nearby rock ledges around Fishers Island Sound and the churning waters in The Race. Large sport-fishing boats occupy many slips at commercial dock operations in the harbor, while smaller boatyards located in the surrounding coves offer fishermen facilities and services such as launch ramps, slips for small boats, fuel, bait and tackle.
Kayakers, stand-up paddle boarders and dinghy sailors enjoy exploring the in-shore waters and coves close to Stonington Harbor.
New England Science & Sailing (NESS), a non-profit in Stonington Borough, focuses on education and offers classes in sailing, power boating, kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding. Students passing a “check-out sail” of basic maneuvers can take out one of NESS’s 23-foot keelboats or 21-foot centerboard boats. During the summer, there's a great lineup of SUP yoga and kayak fitness classes. They also offer Stonington Harbor Cruises and private charters aboard their new, open-air Caroline Skiff. All tours and charters are by reservation only.
On Route 1, Stonington Marina rents boats, kayaks and paddle boards. They also have restrooms, showers, picnics areas (with complimentary gas grills), a fire pit and a fish cleaning station.
There are also a number of boat rentals and charters available on Boatsetter. Individual owners list their vessels for rent for half- or full-day, most with captains included.
GOLF
Pequot Golf Club is located in Stonington just minutes from Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun casinos. Gently rolling terrain and tree-lined fairways challenge golfers of all skill levels. They offer golf outing packages, lessons, memberships and weekly specials.
Stonington Country Club is tucked away off a country road among 155 acres of rolling hills and meadows. Their PGA professionals provide instruction for all age groups and amenities include a handsome clubhouse, catered dining, full-service bar, platform tennis and extensive practice facilities. Access to the club is membership only, with the added benefits of men's and women's league play, tournaments, social golf outings, themed dinners, holiday cocktail parties and luncheons throughout the year.
paddle tennis & tennis
With generous support from donors, the Stonington Community Center (COMO) has recently completed an expansive renovation to their tennis courts. The courts are available to area schools and tennis groups, lessons and leagues are provided in partnership with the United States Tennis Association. If you have a COMO tennis membership, you can reserve private court time and book lessons. Basic COMO members have access to the courts on a limited basis. There are only two public court days (no membership necessary) per year. Check the COMO website for more information.
Platform tennis, also known as "paddle" combines the best elements of tennis, racquetball and squash and is the only racquet sport played outdoors in the winter. The courts are lit at night and the COMO offers instructional clinics for non-members, as well as exclusive members-only programs and membership benefits. All clinics are taught by their paddle professionals.
SCUBA DIVING
Stonington Point is a very popular dive site for the local diving community - so much so that Southeastern Connecticut Skin Divers (SECONN) donated two picnic tables to the site and placed a series of Geocaches in local waters. During the summer, there are groups of divers exploring the site nearly every night, home to a myriad of fishes, invertebrates and colorful algae. Enter on the beach, and you'll quickly find depths of 18-20 ft. Parking is free and located next to the beach. Diving is prohibited from 10 am to 4 pm during the summer.