We’re halfway through October here in New York, and the leaves are beginning to fall! After forecasting a longer but later start to the foliage season, we think we speak for our neighbors all across the boroughs when we say that it’s been incredible to witness some color all around us!
And beyond the city limits, autumn is putting on quite a show, too. Just a couple of hours away, the charming Connecticut coastal town of Old Saybrook offers a different way to experience New England’s fall colors: from the water.
Home to an award-winning marina where the Connecticut River meets Long Island Sound, this picturesque escape pairs classic coastal scenery with the beauty of the changing seasons. Think boats bobbing in the harbor, historic lighthouses along the shoreline, and scenic cruises that let you take in the surrounding landscape from an entirely different perspective.
What to know: Saybrook Point Resort and Marina
Situated right at the mouth of the Connecticut River, Saybrook Point Resort & Marina serves as the ideal home base for an autumn getaway.
The property blends historic coastal charm with modern luxury, offering well-appointed hotel rooms, spacious standalone guest houses, and the iconic, two-story Lighthouse Suite located directly at the dock’s end.
Guests can warm up at The Spa at Saybrook Point, the resort’s full-service spa, or dine at Fresh Salt, the award-winning waterfront restaurant celebrated for its fresh, locally sourced seafood and sweeping harbor views.
The Marina earned the 2025 Boaters’ Choice Elite Fleet distinction from Marinas.com for the fifth consecutive year. The recognition is reserved for highly rated marinas nationwide, making it a standout spot to take in the town’s coastal charm where the Connecticut River meets Long Island Sound.
On the water and setting sail
Experiencing New England autumn from the water gives leaf-peeping a unique spin. At the resort’s world-class marina, visitors can charter private vessels or hop on scenic autumn river cruises.
Sailing up the Connecticut River reveals a vibrant corridor of reds, ambers, and golds reflecting off the tidal waters—a backdrop framed by historic drawbridges, peaceful coves, and riverfront estates.
For an added touch of history, local operators and regional museums nearby offer guided fall-foliage boat tours that explore both the ecology and rich maritime past of the shoreline.
The one-of-a-kind Lighthouse Suite
For an unforgettable coastal escape, nothing compares to booking the resort’s iconic Lighthouse Suite. Billed as the most unique dockside accommodation on Long Island Sound, this 900-square-foot, two-story standalone suite sits directly at the main dock’s end, surrounded by water on three sides.
- 360-Degree Views: Enjoy unobstructed, panoramic vistas of the Connecticut River and Long Island Sound from your private wrapped balcony—the ultimate spot for morning coffee or sunset cocktailing amidst fall colors.
- Maritime Luxury: The interior blends nautical elegance with upscale amenities, featuring a fully equipped living room, dining area, kitchenette, and a spiral staircase leading to a cozy bedroom loft.
- Exclusive Privacy: Positioned right over the tide, guests can fall asleep to the tranquil sound of water lapping against the hull pilings while enjoying total privacy just steps from the full resort facilities.
When is peak foliage in Old Saybrook?
While inland regions like northern Vermont or Connecticut’s Litchfield Hills peak earlier in October, coastal towns follow a slightly different timetable. Thanks to the insulating warmth of Long Island Sound, peak foliage along the Old Saybrook coast typically arrives mid-to-late October, often stretching straight into early November.
Mid-October is prime time to catch the shoreline maples and oaks changing color, giving New Yorkers plenty of time to plan a last-minute road trip before the leaves drop.
How to get there from NYC
Reaching Old Saybrook from New York City is remarkably straightforward, whether you prefer to drive or take the train:
- By Car: A straightforward drive northeast via I-95 North takes approximately 2 hours (roughly 105 miles depending on your starting borough and city traffic).
- By Train: For a stress-free trip without navigating highway traffic, catch the Amtrak Northeast Regional directly from Penn Station to the Old Saybrook station (about 2 hours and 15 minutes). Metro-North also connects via New Haven. The resort provides a complimentary shuttle from the Old Saybrook train station directly to the property for overnight guests.
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