New London - Among the roughly 500 beachgoers who visited Ocean Beach on Thursday was Gov. Dannel P. Malloy, who strode casually along the boardwalk in khaki shorts, a white polo shirt and loafers.

“This is a beautiful beach. On the July 4th weekend it could attract 12,000 people, it’s a popular spot,” Malloy said. “I’ve seen it a lot in the off-season, so I wanted to experience the boardwalk today.”

Malloy toured the beach with Sugrue, state Rep. Betsy Ritter, D-Waterford, and City Councilor Michael J. Tranchida before having a hot dog and onion ring lunch outside.

Earlier Thursday, Malloy visited the Submarine Force Museum and the USS Nautilus to showcase some of the tourist attractions in Southeastern Connecticut. Tourism is a nearly $11.5 billion industry and is responsible for 110,000 jobs in the state, according to Malloy’s office.