Groton is a coastal town in southeastern Connecticut, positioned between the Thames River and Long Island Sound. Its identity has been shaped by maritime trade, shipbuilding, military activity, and submarine technology, earning it the longstanding nickname “Submarine Capital of the World.” The town includes several distinct areas, from the historic waterfront of Groton Bank to beaches, wooded neighborhoods, and working industrial facilities. Its location also places it close to Mystic and other communities of the southeastern Connecticut coast, making Groton an important center for maritime history and regional travel.

Groton’s cultural heritage reflects its long connection to the sea and to military history. Fort Griswold Battlefield State Park preserves the site of a major Revolutionary War battle and includes the Groton Monument, a tall stone obelisk overlooking the Thames River. The Avery-Copp House, a historic home in the Groton Bank district, provides a look at domestic life in a community of sea captains and merchants. The town also has deep ties to the U.S. Navy and Electric Boat, whose submarine-building work remains an important part of Groton’s identity.

The waterfront provides some of Groton’s most distinctive places to explore. The Submarine Force Museum houses exhibits on the development of the U.S. submarine fleet and allows visitors to board the USS Nautilus, the world’s first nuclear-powered submarine. Fort Griswold offers river views from its elevated grounds, while the Thames River Heritage Park connects historic sites on both sides of the river through a seasonal water taxi. For outdoor recreation, Esker Point Beach provides access to Long Island Sound, while nearby coastal and woodland areas offer opportunities for walking, boating, and wildlife observation.

Groton’s food traditions reflect its coastal Connecticut setting, with seafood, oysters, clams, and other New England staples featured alongside Italian, Indian, Mexican, and other cuisines. Nearby Mystic Seaport Museum adds another layer to the region’s maritime identity, with the historic whaleship Charles W. Morgan, a recreated seafaring village, and working preservation trades. One of Groton’s lesser-known features is its collection of historic submarine memorials, including the Subvets World War II National Memorial East along the Thames River, which honors submariners who lost their lives during the conflict.