Facility Overview

The parking lot at 78 Howard Street in New London, Connecticut, provides practical open-air surface parking strategically positioned between the historic Shaw’s Cove and the Fort Trumbull neighborhood. Because this facility is an outdoor, level surface lot without overhead beams, height barriers, or multi-deck ceilings, it offers open-sky vertical clearance. This makes it an accommodating choice not only for compact sedans and standard passenger cars, but also for full-size pickup trucks, large SUVs, utility vans, and vehicles equipped with roof racks or cargo carriers. The wide perimeter drive aisles ensure straightforward maneuvering and parking, minimizing congestion during arrival and departure.

Prime Location & Nearby Attractions

Situated just south of historic downtown New London, this Howard Street location gives drivers direct access to a rich blend of maritime heritage, waterfront parks, and local dining hubs:

• Fort Trumbull State Park: Located less than a 10-minute walk (approx. 0.5 miles) south, featuring scenic coastal promenades, historic military ramparts, fishing piers, and interactive visitor center exhibits along the Thames River.
• Shaw’s Cove & Waterfront Walkways: Immediately adjacent to the lot, providing picturesque strolls along the protected cove and views of the marine docks and railway swing bridge.
• Historic Bank Street Arts & Dining District: A 10-to-15 minute walk (0.6 miles) north brings you into the vibrant core of New London, filled with independent seafood restaurants, taverns, craft cocktail bars, and art galleries.
• Garde Arts Center: Located approximately 0.9 miles north on State Street, this historic performing arts theater regularly hosts touring Broadway shows, concerts, and cinema screenings.
• New London Union Station & Ferries: Roughly 0.8 miles away, facilitating convenient access to Amtrak, Shore Line East regional trains, and passenger/auto ferries departing to Block Island, Orient Point (Long Island), and Fishers Island.

Access, Navigation & Transit Connectivity

Entering and exiting the 78 Howard Street lot is smooth and direct via Howard Street, a well-traveled two-lane corridor serving the southern waterfront of New London. Howard Street connects directly northward to Bank Street and State Street, and southward toward Fort Trumbull and Pequot Avenue. Drivers approaching from outside the city can effortlessly access the area via Interstate 95 (Exit 83 or 84S) or Connecticut Route 32, which funnel motorists directly into downtown and along the waterfront corridors. For public transit connections, Southeast Area Transit (SEAT) operates local bus routes nearby, while the New London multi-modal transportation center is within walking or short rideshare distance for regional rail and maritime ferry services.

Facility Amenities & Key Features

• Open-Air Surface Parking: Level asphalt layout offering unrestricted vertical clearance for oversized vehicles, tall utility vans, and commercial trucks.
• Convenient Stalling: Delineated parking spaces with wide drive aisles for hassle-free head-in and reverse parking.
• Pedestrian Connectivity: Connected directly to paved city sidewalks along Howard Street with pedestrian crosswalks and curb ramps.
• Lighting: Area lighting coverage to assist drivers during early morning departures and evening arrivals.
• Waterfront Proximity: Quick access to Shaw\'s Cove marinas, boat slips, and regional maritime employers.

Ideal For

• Fort Trumbull Visitors: Walkers, anglers, and history enthusiasts spending the day at the state park and historic fortification.
• Local Business Employees & Contractors: Commuters, trade contractors, and technicians working at nearby marine services, offices, and commercial establishments along Howard Street.
• Downtown & Waterfront Explorers: Visitors looking for convenient, fringe parking within easy walking distance of Bank Street\'s eclectic restaurants and pubs.
• Recreational Boaters & Fishermen: Individuals meeting boat charters or visiting marina facilities along Shaw\'s Cove and the Thames River.

Visitor & Driver Tips

When heading to 78 Howard Street, ensure your GPS device is set explicitly to Howard Street in New London to avoid confusion with neighboring streets across Shaw\'s Cove. While finding a space is generally straightforward on standard weekdays, the area experiences elevated traffic on warm summer weekends when Fort Trumbull events, historic tours, and maritime festivals take place. If you are catching an Amtrak train or a Cross Sound Ferry departure from New London Station, allocate an extra 15 minutes of walking time or schedule a short rideshare to reach your dock or boarding platform without rushing.