Mystic, a small town in the southeastern corner of Connecticut, is best known for being an old seaport town and shipbuilding area back in the 1800s. This small town on the beautiful Mystic River waterfront is the epitome of New England charm and it’s one of my all-time favorite New England towns!
So, if you are looking to take a short day trip from Boston (less than 100 miles) or wondering if Mystic is worth visiting keep on reading because I’ve got the ultimate list for you!
Post Updated February 17, 2024
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Getting There
The closest airport to Mystic, CT is Providence T.F. Green International Airport (PVD) located about 45 minutes away. Otherwise, you can fly into Hartford’s Bradley International (BDL), Boston’s Logan International (BOS), or NYC’s (JFK) and rent a car.
When driving to Mystic, it is located about 1 hour 45 minutes from Boston, 1 hour from Hartford CT, and 2 hours 30 minutes from NYC.
Things to do for a Perfect Weekend in Mystic CT
#1 Mystic Aquarium
The Mystic Aquarium was at the top of our list of things to do in Mystic and one of the best activities for family fun.
As soon as you walk into the park, there is a huge tank with several beluga whales. This is the only aquarium that I have been to where I have seen those and they were incredible! One had such a fun personality. He kept swimming by the window of the tank looking at us and even posed for a picture.
The Mystic Aquarium also had several other marine animals such as sea lions, seals, penguins, and a ton of fish. They are also extremely dedicated to conservation efforts and marine education.
Raelyn’s favorite part was the virtual reality show that she and Kory did where they went swimming with humpback whales.
Unfortunately, the animal encounters were temporarily closed down during my visit so I was kind of bummed. I wanted to do the beluga whale encounter where it would kiss me on the cheek!! I guess that just means I will be going back!!
Update for 2024: They do have virtual encounters available with beluga whales, but still none in person at this time. If you are interested in doing any of the other animal encounters, check out the Mystic Aquarium website for updated availability.
Insider Tip: Keep an eye out for one of the coolest events in Mystic – cocktails with the whales!
Address: 55 Coogan Blvd, Mystic CT
Cost: $38 for adults and $28 for children
Know Before You Go: by purchasing advanced tickets, you can skip the line AND save money!
#2 Go Shopping in Olde Mystick Village
This is the cutest shopping center in Mystic where you can find custom gifts, chocolates, boutiques, a kite shop, a theater, and more.
I recommend trying Go Fish or Mango’s Wood Fired Pizza Co. (and their locally made birch beer!) when you’re looking for something to eat! We had the Bootlegger Pizza at Mango’s! It did not disappoint.
Address: 27 Coogan Blvd, Mystic CT
#3 B.F. Clyde’s Cider Mill
A great free, outdoor activity for the family on your weekend in Mystic CT is to visit B.F. Clyde’s Cider Mill – the oldest steam-powered cider mill in the US!
They have a small general store where you can buy cider donuts, baked goods, apple butter, jellies, and, of course, cider. I had a cider slushie with a cider donut. The slushie was good, but I can’t speak for the donut…. I swear Raelyn ate it in one bite, so I guess I will assume it was good too!
B.F. Clyde’s also has free wine tastings. The Apple Raspberry wine was my favorite. We grabbed a bottle to bring home.
Address: 129 N Stonington Rd, Mystic CT
Important to Note: B.F. Clyde’s is only open seasonally from September-November.
#4 Watch the Bascule Bridge Raise
This working drawbridge is one of Mystic’s most popular attractions and one that the kids will surely love watching!
The bridge will be raised 40 minutes past the hour every day from the beginning of May to the end of October. The starting time is 7:40am and the last one of the day is at 6:40pm.
You can easily walk the bridge and admire the Mystic River.
#5 Mystic River Park
Another great free thing to do in Mystic CT is visit Mystic River Park. There is a boardwalk where you can sit or go fishing as well as a green area perfect for picnics.
Grab an ice cream cone from Mystic Drawbridge Ice Cream and head to one of the benches!
Mystic River Park also hosts several events throughout the summer so keep an eye out for this when you’re visiting.
#6 Mystic Seaport Museum
Being educational and interesting, Mystic Seaport Museum is one of the best Mystic CT activities. Some of the exhibits included here are those on lighthouses, whaling ships, and a planetarium where you can discover the beauty of the night sky and how it relates to maritime navigation for sailors.
You can climb aboard and explore the Charles W Morgan, named a national historical landmark and the last remaining whaleship in the world.
Also take some time to check out Seaport Village, which is a recreation of a 19th-century seafaring village located on the grounds of the Mystic Seaport Museum.
The Mystic Seaport Museum is actually a working shipyard, so you are able to see wooden ships being built – a unique experience for the whole family.
And last, but certainly not least, all year round you can take a free, 25-minute boat ride down the Mystic River on the Liberty Cruise. You will need a ticket and they are first come first serve. They also have some boats that you can take out yourself or rent for a few hours, the whole day, or overnight.
Some people will tell you that this is more of an adult location, but I disagree. I think the Mystic Seaport Museum goes out of its way to make this fun and interesting for kids, which is why I think this is one of the best things to do with kids in Mystic.
Address: 75 Greenmanville Ave, Mystic
Cost: $19 adults, $16 children ages 3-17. Parking is free.
You can walk the grounds for free, but to enter the museum there is an admission fee.
#7 Cruise the Mystic River
Whether you are looking for romantic things to do, something fun to do on a girls trip, or an activity that is fun for the whole family, a cruise down the Mystic River is a Mystic activity MUST!
There are a few different and unique options for tours:
For a more romantic and intimate experience, take a ride on this antique picnic boat.
Cost: $240 for up to 6 passengers
Here you can choose from a half-day cruise or a sunset cruise on this gorgeous sailing ship.
Cost: Prices will vary depending on what time of day, which cruise you want to go on, and the number of seats you need. For a family of 3, it will cost between $192-$222.
As mentioned previously, the Mystic Seaport Museum has several different options for those wanting to get out on the water. You can charter a boat from the museum yourself, go on a tour in a private boat or you can ride down the Mystic River on the Sabino wooden steamboat, which happens to be the last coal-powered steamboat in New England.
Check the museum website for run times!
#8 Mystic Boat Adventures
Another unique way to get out on the Mystic River is to drive your own personal, two-seater power boat.
The tour lasts 3 hours and takes you past some really cool landmarks such as the Mystic Seaport, the drawbridge and lighthouses.
They provide a small cooler and water and you are welcome to bring your own snacks or lunch on your tour.
You must be 18 years old to drive the boat and children 8 years and older are permitted to ride with an adult.
Address: 145 Pearl St, Groton CT
Cost: $200 per person.
#9 Mystic Museum of Art
Another awesome, fun, and unique activity on your weekend in Mystic CT is to take an art class at the Mystic Museum of Art.
They have classes for children and adults with a variety of different classes to be had. They have everything from wood burning, charcoal, photography, and much more.
While you are here, also take some time to explore the exhibits and over 250 works of art housed in this museum.
The cost varies depending on which class you choose to take. Check out their website for available classes.
Address: 9 Water St, Mystic CT
#10 Aerial Adventure Park at Fields of Fire
For the adventurous outdoor lover, you will love this tree-climbing adventure in Mystic. You can spend 3 hours climbing through fun obstacle courses through the trees.
Address: 715 Noank Ledyard Rd, Mystic CT
Cost: $59 adults, $51 children 12 and under. Pricing includes equipment.
#11 Mystified Escape Room
Challenge your mind during your weekend in Mystic during this unique, indoor activity. Will you be able to escape in time?
Address: 14 Clara Dr, Mystic CT
Cost: $30.80 for adults and $27.50 for children. You must be 6 years or older to participate.
#12 Denison Homestead Museum
If you are looking to get off the beaten path, it is worth a stop at the Denison Homestead Museum to take a look around. Built in 1717, this home is full of history.
There is a small nature center and some lovely gardens on the property. They also have a farmers market on Sundays.
Address: 120 Pequotsepos Rd, Mystic CT
Cost: $5 per person
#13 Admire the Foliage
In my opinion, there’s no better time to visit New England than in the fall. The crisp cool air and the bright oranges and reds of the fall foliage make for a beauty like no other. The weather is still warm enough to complete all of the fun activities in this guide.
Related: For another New England getaway – check out my guide to Newport, Rhode Island!
The Best Places to Eat in Mystic CT
Red36
We had dinner at Red36 downtown right on the waterfront on our first night in Mystic. They have both indoor and outdoor dining with a wall of windows leading to an outdoor bar and deck seating. They also have docks for anyone arriving by boat.
The restaurant’s ambiance gave off an upscale yet local, hometown vibe.
Sangria is always a go-to for me any time of the year and they had a delicious spiced apple sangria. If you are in the mood for seafood, oysters or mussels are a must and one of the most popular things on their menu. Kory is a big fan of oysters; me, not so much. He tried the sampler platter with 3 different varieties, all caught locally, and said they did not disappoint!
Our dinner consisted of lobster, lobster, and more lobster. He had a hot and buttery lobster roll while I had the lobster carbonara.
Address: 2 Washington St, Mystic CT
Young Buns Doughnuts
You cannot visit Mystic and not stop by Young Buns Doughnuts. I seriously couldn’t decide which flavors to choose. They were all so delicious.
Address: 46 W Main St, Mystic CT
Mystic Drawbridge Ice Cream
Anyone who knows me knows I can never pass up an ice cream cone.
O-M-G… The homemade ice cream is so creamy and delicious. They have a bunch of flavors and sundaes to choose from – and some special seasonal flavors as well. I chose the caramel apple pie.
Grab yours in a waffle cone, take a walk through Mystic River Park, and watch the Bascule bridge rise.
Address: 2 W Main St, Mystic CT
Mystic Pizza
You absolutely cannot visit Mystic Connecticut without going to Mystic Pizza: the site and setting for the 1988 Julia Roberts film titled “Mystic Pizza”. Yes, the movie was actually filmed there!
Mystic Pizza has a really cool nostalgic vibe. When you walk in the movie is playing and you feel like you’re back in an 80s restaurant.
If you’re hoping for the famous “apizza” that Connecticut is known for, this is not it. But it’s a delicious pan-crust nonetheless.
Now don’t get me wrong, I love a wood-fired pizza like we had at Mango’s in Old Mistick Village, but I have to say I liked Mystic Pizza better. Try for yourself, you won’t be disappointed!
Address: 56 W Main St, Mystic CT
The Mariner
The Mariner is a great seafood restaurant located in downtown Mystic. They have an awesome raw bar with classic New England seafood dishes.
Address: 21 W Main St Mystic CT
S&P Oyster
All of the dishes are delicious, fresh, and beautifully presented here. No matter if you sit indoors or outdoors, you will have a nice view of the water. In my opinion, this is definitely one of the best restaurants in Mystic.
Address: 1 Holmes St, Mystic CT
The Oyster Club
For a fine dining experience, you can’t miss The Oyster Club in downtown Mystic. Their menus are seasonal and change often which allows for their dishes to encompass the great flavors of whatever is in season.
Address: 13 Water St, Mystic CT
The Shipwright’s Daughter
Stopping here for brunch and having the lobster benedict is a must!
Address: 20 E Main St, Mystic CT
Sea View Snack Bar
For a much more casual, relaxed experience head to Sea View Snack Bar! This is a counter-service food stand with great views of the Mystic River.
You can’t miss out on their lobster rolls!
Address: 145 Greenmanville Ave, Mystic CT
Where to Stay for the Weekend in Mystic
The Inn at Mystic
We stayed two nights at The Inn at Mystic. It was a very quiet, quaint little spot. Since we weren’t going to be at the hotel only to sleep, we didn’t think it necessary to spend a ton of money on a hotel, plus our trip was last minute anyway.
It was cute and worked for what we needed it to, but the beds could have been a little more comfy.
The nice part about the Inn at Mystic is its central location to everything you want to do on your weekend in Mystic, CT.
Whalers Inn
But because I want you to have choices, I want to mention the Whalers Inn as a beautiful place to stay. I’m not sure you can get more of a coastal charm vibe than this. I heard the Kardashians stayed here..
CLICK HERE TO BOOK YOUR ROOM AT THE WHALERS INN!
A Day Trip From Mystic CT: Gillette Castle State Park
We took a small detour on the way home to check out Gillette Castle State Park in East Haddam, CT (about a 45-minute drive from Mystic).
This spectacular castle was built in 1919 by the famous playwright William Hooker Gillette and is reminiscent of a medieval castle.
Castle tours are open seasonally and unfortunately, during our visit, the castle tours were closed so we couldn’t go inside, but the grounds were gorgeous and offered incredible views of the Connecticut River. The grounds also have an outdoor vegetable cellar, a goldfish pond, and a railroad station called Grand Central.
It’s a great stop for anyone who is a history buff or those who just enjoy going off the beaten path and is definitely one of the coolest things to do around Mystic. It’s a great, quick stop to add to a Connecticut itinerary, even if you don’t plan on visiting Mystic itself.
Weekend in Mystic CT: Trip Wrap-Up
We were really impressed by all of the things to do in Mystic, CT and we even ended up staying an extra day than what we had originally planned. If you haven’t already, you should add Mystic to your US bucket list of places to visit. It’s definitely worth visiting, and I promise you that you won’t be disappointed!!
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Looks like a fun place to visit and that food looked so good!
Thanks! We had a really nice time. I can’t wait to go back! 🙂
Mystic looks like a cool place, especially the aquarium. I definitely want to make the drive to check out Gillette Castle State Park, though. Hopefully, the castle will be open then.
I hope so. If not, the grounds are still beautiful to tour and it offers some incredible views of the river.
All the food pics look amazing and now I’m so hungry 😅
LOL I feel you on that one every time I look at these pictures too!!
I’m ready to go to Mystic for some cider and pizza! And leaf peeping!
Definitely! Mystic Pizza is soooo good!
How awesome does Mystic look?? I love it. Like you, I’d want a tour of Gillette Castle. Bu the town is adorable! I’ve never heard of it but would love to visit.
Right?! I love cute, small towns! They always have the best things to do!
We passed through Mystic a few years ago and loved how cute it is! Didn’t see the donut shop, or I DEFINITELY would have stopped in!
Next time you pass through, you will have to stop and get a donut … or 12 😉 LOL
I love your donut shots! I want to travel to New England with my kids. We’ve already taken them to many other parts of the country but not New England–yet. Thank you for these tips. Perhaps next fall we can plan a trip.
Thank you! You absolutely should, I love New England so much. There are so many beautiful places there and fall really is the best time to go so you can see the leaves change!
I have a really awesome friend who lives in CT. Now I have 3 reasons to go… see her, check out that cider mill in Mystic, and to satisfy the severe donut craving you just gave me with those amazing pictures… Thanks 🙂
YAY! I hope you get a chance to check it out!!
Look like a really great time. We can find little gem so close to home. 🤗
Definitely. I always thought that you had to go far to go on a vacation .. but the truth is there are SO MANY small towns close to home!
Mystic looks like a great place to visit!
Hi Cindy! It was a beautiful weekend getaway. Thanks for checking out this post 🙂
This looks like an incredible place to visit!! The seafood definitely caught my attention haha. You will definitely have to go back after covid to do the things you missed out on!
Yes, I am getting a kiss from that beluga whale!!!!! lol
I don’t think I’ve ever been to CT! I’m missing out! Love the vibes! Thanks for sharing!
You would love it, it’s so beautiful!!
What a beautiful place to explore! I’d love to visit.
Hi Cindy! You definitely should check it out sometime. It’s such a beautiful town and there’s so much to do!
What a great discovery! I love the quaintness of a small town with a drawbridge…like my hometown!
So do I .. it’s always so cool to see the drawbridges in action!
I love Mystic! When we lived in NY, we always took visitors there for a fun day trip. Such a cute little town.
Me too, I don’t know how it took me so long to figure out that it existed!! I’m excited to go back myself!
I’m an 80’s girl, and can you believe I just watched Mystic Pizza for the first time just a couple months ago? I would visit just for the pizza. It looks yummy!
It was so good!! And you can watch the movie while you eat the pizza … its a win-win lol
What an adorable place! I want to go! We have a cider mill a couple of hours away that we like that has slushes and cider donuts, so I know how good those are. I have always wanted to watch Mystic Pizza, but I never got around to it. I would definitely be sure to watch it before I visited Mystic. I hope I can get to Connecticut soon. We had an East Coast trip planned before Covid, and we haven’t replanned it yet. I hope to go within a couple of years!
You can always watch Mystic Pizza in the restaurant haha! They have it on repeat 🙂
What a fun weekend trip to Mystic! Those donuts look delicious! I wish I lived closer so I could go!
If you have the opportunity, you should definitely road trip through the New England states.. and of course include Mystic on your travels.
That castle tho! I’m not sure if I am more eager to see it or get a half dozen of those yummy looking doughnuts…
haha it’s a tough choice, I know! 🙂
That looks like an amazing place to visit!
Thanks! It was alot of fun!
This looks like such a cute place to visit. your write up really gives a fantastic idea of what to do and where to go!
Thank you so much!
Wow! This looks like an awesome place to travel! I hope to travel up the east coast from Georgia someday. Maybe I can stop here!
I hope you get the chance to!! New England is so beautiful and Mystic is definitely worth a stop! 🙂