Overview
Mystic is a village that is partly in Groton and partly in Stonington in Connecticut. It is a major tourist destination.
6 sights · 6 things to do · 13 places to eat · 4 bars & cafés · 18 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Mystic
Mystic Aquarium and Institute for Exploration
Indoor and outdoor exhibits and habitats which cover a wide range of reptilian, amphibian, and aquatic species. Examples of exhibits include the beluga whale exhibit, penguin exhibit, and sea lion exhibit. In addition, t…
Mystic Seaport - The Museum of America and the Sea
The nation's largest maritime museum. A living history museum on 17 acres. Old historic port used in the filming of many movies, including Amistad.
Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center
Open year round, this natural history museum and live animal exhibits display Connecticut’s local habitats; great for kids.
Mystic Ballet
Local ballet company that puts on regular performances and acts throughout the year.
Steamboat Sabino at Mystic Seaport
The oldest, wooden, coal-fired steamboat still in operation offers historic views along the scenic Mystic River.
B.F. Clyde’s Cider Mill
View an engineering relic at work while enjoying some of the freshest cider around; also enjoy famous “hard” ciders of various types.
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: May–Oct. Summer highs reach about 83°F; winter lows dip to about 22°F. Cold months (Jan) can bring snow and ice; check road conditions. Wettest: Oct and Mar. (climate data from nearby Narragansett)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- WST Westerly State Airport, Westerly — 8 mi away. Directions
- NPT Newport State Airport, Newport — 38 mi away. Directions
- PVD Rhode Island T. F. Green International Airport, Providence/Warwick — 38 mi away (major hub). Directions
From either New Haven or Providence, take Interstate 95 to exit 30, or U.S. Route 1. From Worcester, take Interstate 395 to CT Route 85, to Interstate 95/U.S. Route 1.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
- Typical meal: about $10 per person at listed restaurants.
Options are grouped as Bed and breakfasts in the Sleep guide ↓.
Sample 3-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Mystic Aquarium and Institute for Exploration, Mystic Ballet
- Lunch Mystic Pizza
- Afternoon Argia Mystic Cruises, Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center
- Dinner The Captain Daniel Packer Inne, Restaurant and Pub
- Evening Captain Daniel Packer Inn (DPI)
Day 2
- Morning Mystic Seaport - The Museum of America and the Sea, Steamboat Sabino at Mystic Seaport
- Lunch Abbott's Lobster in the Rough
- Afternoon Benmar Custom Charters, Mystic Whaler Cruises
- Dinner Anthony J's
- Evening Harp and Hound
Day 3
- Morning B.F. Clyde’s Cider Mill, Brilliant
- Lunch Bravo, Bravo & Bar
- Afternoon Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center, Olde Mystick Village Art Cinemas
- Dinner Go Fish
- Evening John's Cafe
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Understand
Mystic is a popular tourist destination because of Mystic Seaport, Mystic Aquarium, the touristy shopping downtown, and its maritime heritage. It is home to many marinas, historic ship-captain's homes, galleries, and traditional boats offering day-sails. Between New York City and Boston, it's easily reachable from both. Mystic is also near Foxwoods Casino.
Place Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce
Place Mystic & Shoreline Visitor Information Center
Get in
By car
From either New Haven or Providence, take Interstate 95 to exit 30, or U.S. Route 1. From Worcester, take Interstate 395 to CT Route 85, to Interstate 95/U.S. Route 1.
By train
Amtrak - Mystic Station (MYS), 2 Roosevelt Av. (Rt. 1), +1-800-USA-RAIL. Service across southern Connecticut to New York and points south; to Providence, Boston and points north.
By plane
Larger airports in the area with scheduled flights are Bradley International Airport (BDL) Windsor Locks, T.F. Green Airport (PVD), Warwick (Rhode Island), as well as the smaller, regional Westerly Airport, WST)
By boat
Follow the Mystic River and dock at one of the many marinas along the coast. Ferries from Long Island, Block Island, and Fisher's Island are available, and many accommodate bicycles.
- Long Island Ferry service: +1 860-443-5281
- Fisher's Island Ferry: +1 631-788-7463
Get around
The easiest way to travel Mystic is by car. Many rentals are available if you are from out of town, and taxis are also a good option. One relatively close car rental is on 311 Mitchell Street in the outlying city of Groton. Phone: +1 860-448-0422.
Bicycles are another reasonable alternative. The free Mystic Community Bikes program has been discontinued, so you have to rent or bring your own.
Since many of the shops in Mystic are relatively close to one another, taking in the sights and sounds by walking throughout the downtown area is also a very enjoyable experience.
See
See Mystic Aquarium and Institute for Exploration
Indoor and outdoor exhibits and habitats which cover a wide range of reptilian, amphibian, and aquatic species. Examples of exhibits include the beluga whale exhibit, penguin exhibit, and sea lion exhibit. In addition, there are many tanks containing coral, sharks, reef-fish, stingrays, and other creatures. Some exhibits are also interactive, such as the shark and ray “touch-pools.” Amongst these exhibits are a number of special events like the daily Marine Theater shows.
See Mystic Seaport - The Museum of America and the Sea
The nation's largest maritime museum. A living history museum on 17 acres. Old historic port used in the filming of many movies, including Amistad.
- Olde Mistick Village, A fun, outdoor shopping area with food, entertainment, and lots of shopping. With over 60 shops, this is a fun place to go on a family outing if you have nothing to do.
See Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center
Open year round, this natural history museum and live animal exhibits display Connecticut’s local habitats; great for kids.
See Steamboat Sabino at Mystic Seaport
The oldest, wooden, coal-fired steamboat still in operation offers historic views along the scenic Mystic River.
Do
Do Olde Mystick Village Art Cinemas
Watch the artistic films not being played anywhere else. View many films the way the director intended them to be viewed. A very interesting and profound way to spend an afternoon.
Events
- Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade, begins at the Seaport and ends on Water Street Downtown Mystic
- Mystic Outdoor Art Festival, in Historic Downtown Mystic, over 300 artists and craftsmen display and sell their work
- Taste of Mystic, Cottrell Street Downtown Mystic, local restaurants offer samples of Mystic's finest culinary
- Holiday Lighted Boat Parade, watch from the docks as a series of boats travel slowly down the Mystic River, each one decorated differently in the spirit of the holidays.
Buy
Shop Designs, Ltd.
Finest clothing and women’s apparel and accessories, sports wear, day and evening dresses.
- Historic Downtown Mystic, Shopping and Dining in the heart of downtown by the Mystic River. Shop for gifts, souvenirs, and clothing, and stop for a bite to eat along the river. Many events are offered throughout the year such as Holiday Lighted Boat Parade, Mystic Stroll, and Harvest Moon Festival.
Shop Mystic Army Navy Store
The original surplus store of Mystic (followed after by its sister-store, Mystic Army Navy Store II) amongst the other venues Downtown, is another option to consider when looking for surplus military/rugged clothing. As both Mystic Army Navy Store and Mystic Army Navy Store II are cut from the same cloth, their unused stocks can be very similar, though their used offerings are sometimes very different from its sister. One has a better chance of finding unique examples of military history for sale here, including (the recognizable example of) a section of B-29 bomber fuselage.
Shop Radiowaves
Filled with clothing, tchotchkes, souvenirs, and interesting miscellany like clocks, models, and games of a vintage aesthetic, Radiowaves is one of the number of unique stores to be found on downtown Mystic’s Main Street. Though a niche shop, there are many interesting things to be found within, and is a great place to search for gifts.
Shop Mystic Disc
Located in a quiet courtyard off downtown Mystic's Main Street, Mystic Disc specializes in old and hard-to-find LPs, EPs, 45s, and other analog music formats. CDs are also sold though in a much more limited size and selection. Though their vinyl is organized by genre and alphabet, it can be overwhelming when one has little time to spare. Most of these items are used though checked for their condition, however there is also a smaller selection of new releases. Staff is personable, friendly, and helpful.
Eat
Eat Abbott's Lobster in the Rough
If you visit Mystic during the summer and have adequate transportation, be sure to eat here. A classic New England seafood restaurant, Abbott's opens in May for the summer. You may BYOB and enjoy fresh seafood at market price.
Eat Anthony J's
A classic Italian bistro featuring imported pasta and some American fare. Be sure to explore the wine selection.
Eat Bravo, Bravo & Bar
Fine Italian dining for $20-25.
Eat Go Fish
Olde Mistick Village, 23 Coogan Boulevard. M-Th 11:30AM-9:30PM, F Sa 11:30AM-10PM, Su noon-9:30PM. Enjoy the best seafood in Mystic anyway you like it; cooked or raw for an experience at the sushi bar.
Eat Kitchen Little
(Route 27). A small shack-like building on your way into Mystic. This has the best breakfast around. The service is friendly and they are quick to refill your java. The sausage and home fries are great and so is the charm. Dining inside is packed tight with tables, but your reward will be worth the squeeze. They offer loads of vegetarian options but very little (other than a veggie wrap around lunch) for vegans. Under $10 for a hearty breakfast.
Eat Mystic Pizza
No Julia Roberts doesn't work there; you can check out the sweet 1988 romantic comedy if you want to see her dish up something nice. Otherwise this is your go-to spot for tourist grub. Enjoy at under $20 for entree or pizza.
Eat Mezza Mediterranean Cuisine
Rt. 1. An interesting alternative for a dining experience in Mystic, The Pita Spot boasts a Mediterranean menu unlike any other in the area. Enjoy an American breakfast, or a Mediterranean lunch and dinner outside during the summer, or inside during the winter. A tourist hot-spot, The Pita Spot is small and cozy with service that will tend to your every need.
Eat S&P Oyster Co
Close to many of Mystic's attractions, this restaurant draws crowds for its fantastic seafood. In the summertime, diners can sit on the outdoor patio and enjoy the seaport. $20-30.
Eat Steak Loft
Fine dining and an olde tyme atmosphere. Voted Connecticut magazine "Best Steak", and rightfully so! Expect to pay about $25 for their top-rated steaks.
Eat The Captain Daniel Packer Inne, Restaurant and Pub
Built over 250 years ago, this restaurant is two stories. The lower floor is a small pub, the upper story is a restaurant. They have two different menus, both excellent. Particularly good, and reasonably priced, are the fish and chips and burgers in the pub. Arrive early to get a table in the pub section. If none are available, the more expensive restaurant section is also worth the visit.
Eat Angies Pizza
Enjoy the expansive Greek menu of this local hotspot. This quiet yet bustling restaurant has extremely reliable service and quality. A very relaxed dining experience.
Eat Mystic Drawbridge Ice Cream
Next to the bridge that is part of its namesake, this small ice cream parlor serves a varied menu of frozen treats with something for everyone. Open during Summer and Winter, their menu includes a wide spectrum of choices from salads and sandwiches to ice cream, malts, and pastries. Their ice cream offerings include over 25 varieties, made with a number of local ingredients.
Eat Mystic Market East
Just outside the downtown area, Mystic Market provides both made-fresh deli dishes as well as other sundries. Their dishes can be both packaged to bring home or eaten at their window-side bistro tables. Amongst the items offered on the menu that can be found on their site are wraps, paninis, salads, sandwiches, and coffees.
Drink
- Mystic's Bar Crawl, Stop in one of the little t-shirt shops on West Main Street and pick up your shirt to take around to the 13 bars and have each initial by their name. Must be 21 to participate.
Drink Captain Daniel Packer Inn (DPI)
Enjoy the nightly entertainment in the cozy pub downstairs. Must be 21 or older to enter.
Drink Harp and Hound
An authentic Irish pub serving up an assortment of beers. Yes they have Guinness on tap! Great atmosphere. Must be 21 or older to enter.
Drink John's Cafe
Good place to go and watch the big games. Must be 21 or older to enter.
Drink Margaritas
The "watering hole" above the restaurant brings the feeling and energy of Mexico to the community. Must be 21 or older to enter.
Sleep
Stay Comfort Inn Mystic
Stay Harbour Inne & Cottage
Stay Howard Johnson Inn
Stay Steamboat Inn
Bed and breakfasts
Go next
- New London There is a trolley service that introduces visitors to New London. Ride the trolley all day for $5, catch it at any of the bus stations, ferry landings, or the New London visitor's center. Check out historic Downtown New London's Bank and State Street. Roughly twenty or so bars and restaurants line the "L" shaped heart of the downtown district which once saw Benedict Arnold burn it to the ground as well as the Amistad trial. Located in New London is the Crystal Mall, and two floor shopping mall with many known shops.
- Stonington Borough A charming village just southeast of Mystic, Stonington offers a slower pace for visitors. Shopping, art, antiques, and museums can be enjoyed within view of 3 states! Stonington is easy to get to, whether by car, boat, or ferry.
- U.S. Navy Submarine Force Museum, Groton The only submarine museum operated by the U.S. Navy, this is the #1 site for sub artifacts. Be sure to call ahead to verify the hours of operation.
Nearby
Stonington
City / town · 16 listings · 3 mi away
Groton
City / town · 7 listings · 3 mi away
Ledyard
City / town · 12 listings · 6 mi away
Watch Hill
City / town · 32 listings · 7 mi away
New London
City / town · 22 listings · 7 mi away
Westerly
City / town · 73 listings · 7 mi away
North Stonington
City / town · 10 listings · 7 mi away
Waterford
City / town · 8 listings · 9 mi away
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