Connecticut can be a vacation hotspot

New London (WTNH) - They may not be able to go too far from home but that doesn't mean they aren't able to have fun.

New London's Ocean Beach park is destination for hundreds kicking off the holiday weekend.

"I like the big waves and stuff," Dalton Fox from Ohio said.

Whether it's a father and son from Danielson looking for some fun...

"You want to stay close to home. You don't want to spend money on hotels, motels," Chris White said.

A young couple from New Britain...

Especially with the gas it's going up and down," Mike Young said. "You never know what to do so coming out it's just perfect it's a beautiful place."

Or a family from New York state...

"We're exploring states right around us so that we don't have to go too far and pay airfare," Dorothy Attwood said.

They all came to the New London waterfront because it's not too far from home.

"It's about a thirty minute ride for us," White said.

And there's plenty to do here.

"We got it locked into our GPS so we just have to hit one button next time and come straight here," Rick Attwood said.

The Attwood's are staying right through the fireworks at 9 p.m. tonight before heading back home.

Most folks we talked to came from up north or out west - as far away as a few hours. All came here for the beach but those in the water were all too young to drive. They're along for the ride and enjoying it.

Even this family from Ohio is budget conscious.

"Luckily we're staying with relatives so it's not too bad," Melissa Fox said.

And they drove 11 hours because With three kids flying was too expensive.