TOP 22 AMAZING THINGS TO DO IN MYSTIC, CT

Mystic is one of the most beautiful towns on the coast of Connecticut and it's one with unique New England charm. From visiting Mystic Aquarium and Mystic Seaport to shopping on Main Street and eating at some of the highest rated seafood restaurants in the area, Mystic is known for being a great place for a day trip or a week away. If you're planning on visiting Mystic but you're unsure which attractions to fit in, take a look at the list below. As a Connecticut native, I've been to Mystic countless times and I'm more than happy to share my favorite spots.

1. VISIT MYSTIC SEAPORT MUSEUM

Did you know that Mystic is home to the nation's largest and most prominent maritime museum? With a fleet of 500 historic ships, including the 1841 whaleship Charles W. Morgan, which is America's oldest commercial ship, Mystic Seaport is a great place to come and learn about some of Connecticut's history. The other cool part about the museum is that it's set up like a recreated 19th-century coastal village. There are actors in all different buildings across the village, including but not limited to blacksmiths, printers, artisans and more who can help educate you more on what the town was like back then. To save time, purchase your tickets for Mystic Seaport online in advance.

2. WALK THROUGH OLDE MISTICK VILLAGE

Olde Mistick Village is a recreated 18th-century New England outdoor village with 29 shops and 9 restaurants. Visitors can enjoy walking from shop to shop any day of the week, and there's such a variety that there really is something for everyone. There's also a new luxury cinema with VIP lounge chairs and 7.1 surround sound. The popcorn at this theater has been voted the best in Southeastern Connecticut for three consecutive years and it is made with real butter, not a substitute!

3. EAT WATERFRONT SEAFOOD AT RED 36

One of the best parts about Mystic is that it's a coastal town on the water. With that being said, there are plenty of great local seafood spots that have both a great ambiance and highly rated cuisine, but a popular and well-loved option is Red 36. Located directly next to a marina, Red 36 features New England summer classics like clam chowder, mussels in a white wine sauce, and hot, buttery lobster rolls while also showcasing some more modern but equally delicious dishes like warm artichoke and crab dip, lobster carbonara, and thai peanut calamari. This is a great place to stop if you're spending some time in Mystic. Just remember that they don't take reservations so show up earlier than you're planning to eat!

4. EXPLORE MYSTIC AQUARIUM

Mystic Aquarium is Connecticut's largest aquarium and also one of the most diverse aquariums in the country. The great thing about visiting this aquarium is that regardless of the weather, rain or shine, snow or sleet, there's no doubt that you'll enjoy it. Some of the most popular exhibits include reptiles in the Dino Seas exhibit, the fluorescent corals exhibit, a ray touch pool where visitors can actually pet stingrays, and the interactive touch tanks in the Discovery Lab. To purchase tickets in  advance, click here.

Not really interested in watching a moving bridge? Well, let me tell you what makes this once special before you write it off. The Mystic Drawbridge is the oldest operating bascule bridge in the United States. This means that the bridge uses counterweights (230 tons each!) to lift a portion of the bridge, allowing boats to pass underneath, almost like a seesaw. It opens hourly from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm in the summer and a little less frequently in the winter, but it's definitely a cool sight to see if you've never been.

6. GO ON A DOWNTOWN MYSTIC GHOST TOUR

Did you know that Mystic is known for its haunted history and ghost stories? This is because back during the 17th century and the Pequot War there was a significant massacre of Pequot Indians at Mystic Fort (also known as Fort Mystic) near the Mystic River. Since then, the Mystic River has had a reputation for being a haunted area. There are also countless other "haunted" locations in Mystic, including the historic Daniel Packer Inne, Whitehall Burial Ground cemetery, Factory Square, and the Inn at Mystic. While you could walk to each location and take a look for yourself, I would advise hiring a guide who specializes in ghost tours so you could get more context about each location. This ghost tour is only $35 per person!

7. TAKE A SUNSET SAIL ALONG THE MYSTIC RIVER

What better way to spend an evening in Mystic than on a boat during sunset? The Mystic River is about 3.4 miles long, splitting Groton and Stonington from the town of Mystic, and it's one of the best natural attractions in the area. You can choose to either go through the Mystic Seaport Museum, which provides upriver tours, downriver tours, music cruises, and sail boat excursions, or you could go through a private company like Mystic River Cruises, which offer cruise options on an antique picnic boat.

8. Shop local at Bank Square Books

Bank Square Books in Mystic has been home to a diverse collection of new and old books, games, and children's toys since 1988 and it's a place visitors love to stop and shop around during a visit to Mystic. There are events and author visits once every couple of days so there's always something to do here, even if you don't consider yourself a traditional "book lover". It's also a great place to stop in with your kids!

9. Try a slice at the famous Mystic Pizza

If you've seen the famous 1988 film Mystic Pizza starring Julia Roberts, then I don't need to tell you why you should come feast on a slice from this specific pizzeria. If you haven't seen the movie, let me catch you up! Mystic Pizza is a movie about three Portuguese girls who work at a seaside pizza restaurant in Mystic, CT and it follows the girls' lives after finishing up high school as they navigate figuring out their next moves, romances, and more. It's an iconic flick that's well-praised for its relatability and timeless themes, and for that reason the actual Mystic Pizza restaurant attracts thousands each year looking to try the same Greek-style pizza that the movie was based on.

10. Paddleboard or kayak with Adventure Mystic

If a leisurely river cruise on the Mystic River isn't your style, maybe kayaking or paddleboarding it yourself is! Adventure Mystic is a great rental company with well-priced paddleboards, single kayaks, double kayaks, and bikes for anyone who is looking for an active way to explore Mystic. The Mystic River is only 3.4 miles long so you could easily rent a board or kayak for a couple of hours, spend some time on the water, and then grab a bite to eat in the downtown area.

11. Sip wine at Stonington Vineyards

Calling all wine lovers! A beautiful day is best spent outside in the sun, so why not do it with a glass of wine? Stonington Vineyards is located just a few minutes away from downtown Mystic in the town of Stonington, Connecticut. Though it's not technically in Mystic, it's close enough where you could take a little detour, grab a glass of wine, explore the property, and then come back to Mystic for lunch or dinner.

12. Enjoy cocktails and pasta at Bravo Bravo

While I've been to Mystic countless times throughout my life living in Connecticut, there's not a single restaurant in the area that I've heard about more than Bravo Bravo. I feel like every single time I ask someone for their favorite restaurant in Mystic, the answer is usually Bravo Bravo (with Red 36 as a close second). Oh and what makes this place so great, you ask? Well, Bravo Bravo stands out because of it's take on authentic contemporary Italian food and drinks. All of their pastas, sauces, breads, and desserts are house-made, and with a gorgeous modern and minimalistic interior, it's no surprise why people are fighting for reservations here. There are also options for both indoor and outdoor seating that guests are encouraged to take advantage of when the weather is nice.

13. Browse boutiques on West Main Street

Whenever I think of Mystic the very next word that comes to mind is usually "shopping". West Main Street is the cute, idyllic street you picture a New England coastal town to have, complete with colorful boutiques and fun little stores people love to peruse at all times of the day. Regardless of if you're planning on visiting Mystic for just a couple hours or for a week, you really can't miss the shops on West Main. It's what I consider to be the heart of Mystic and how could you visit this town but miss the heart? You can't.

14. Get ice cream at Mystic Drawbridge Ice Cream

The best way to take a day in Mystic up a notch is by visiting the Mystic Drawbridge Ice Cream shop. Since the 1800s, countless owners have worked to create delicious, homemade ice cream and today, that tradition lives in. With both classic flavors and modern twists, there is a frosty treat for everyone to enjoy here. And if you aren't in an ice cream mood? They also have smoothies, soda floats, frappes, and more.

15. See the Charles W. Morgan whaling ship

Mystic is considered a very historic town on the East Coast for many reasons, but one of the most prominent reasons is because of its nautical history. One of the most popular displays of this history is the Charles W. Morgan whaling ship. According to the Mystic Seaport website, "The Charles W. Morgan is the last of an American whaling fleet that numbered more than 2,700 vessels. Built and launched in 1841, the Morgan is now America’s oldest commercial ship still afloat—only the USS Constitution is older." And the coolest part is you don't have to just observe this ship from afar! Instead, visitors have the ability to walk onto to ship and to walk through it. To purchase tickets to Mystic Seaport, home of the Charles W. Morgan whaling ship, click here.

16. Walk or bike the trail at Haley Farm State Park

Less than 10 minutes away from downtown Mystic is preserved colonial-era farmland known as Hayley Farm State Park. With over 250 acres of open land, this state park serves as an area for visitors to walk through nature, take a look into history, and to bike through some paved paths along ponds, bridges, and more. While I wouldn't recommend this as a highlight in Mystic if you're only visiting for the day, this is a great thing to add to the itinerary if you're staying in Mystic for a couple of days.

17. relax with a couples massage at CERULEAN BEAUTY & SPA

Inside the Mystic Marriott Hotel & Spa is Cerulean Beauty & Spa, a renowned full-service spa complete with a menu of massage and skincare therapies, body rituals, and wellness services to choose from. This is a great place to unwind with your significant other and get a couples massage for either 60 or 90 minutes. There's also an indoor pool, infrared sauna, and aromatic steam rooms for guests to enjoy in between their spa treatments.

18. Snap photos of the sunset at Mystic River Park

Because Mystic is such a beautiful place, near both the Long Island Sound and the Mystic River, this list cannot be complete without mentioning that visitors should sit and watch a sunset over the water. Mystic River Park has a wooden boardwalk with countless benches so you can sit directly next to the water and take in the view as the sun dips below the horizon. What a perfect way to end the day in such a quaint little coastal town!

19. Visit the Mystic Museum of Art

Whether you need an indoor activity in Mystic because it's a cold, rainy day or you just absolutely love taking in the arts, the Mystic Museum of Art is a great way to stay occupied and maybe even expand the mind for a couple of hours. There's a deep history associated with MMOA, which you can read more about here, but since 1931 this area has been a special place that facilitates art, culture, and connection between its visitors. There are also special events, exhibits, and activities that MMOA puts on so be sure to check their events calendar so you know what's coming up during your visit!

20. Catch a show at Mystic Dark Room

Mystic Dark Room is a performing arts theater that promotes "immersive, intimate, and unforgettable experiences" where most of the shows feature comedy, contemporary dance, and storytelling all rolled into one unique display of entertainment. Guests typically come here for date nights, to celebrate special occasions, or to enjoy a fun moment out with friends. The doors typically open at 6:00 pm so that show goers can drink a specialty cocktail or two beforehand, and the show starts at 7:00 pm sharp. Each show it 1-2 hours long and guests are encouraged to wear smart casual clothing. This is a great way to spend a night in Mystic and to have a unique experience during your visit to this area of Connecticut. Click here to see their current events or to purchase tickets.

21. Enjoy pastries and coffee at Sift Bake Shop

If you're starting the day early in Mystic, don't forget to stop at Sift Bake Shop. It's a French inspired bakery that has both your classic croissants and coffees but also has artisanal breads, pastries, and other sweets. Some of the most popular items on the menu include the almond croissants, pecan sticky buns, lemon tarts, and the macaroons. I personally love to walk the glass case and see which dessert looks the best with the most vibrant colors and order that! Last time I was there I ordered a blueberry lemon dessert tart and it was amazing. I can't recommend stopping here enough.

22. Rent a bike and ride around downtown

One of the best ways to get around Mystic is via bike. Lucky for you, if hauling your bike into or onto your car isn't an option, bike rentals are available for a great price at Adventure Mystic. There's a paved bike trail near where Main Street (Route 12) intersects Route 6, and there's even a vineyard loop that takes you from Mystic through Stonington and the Jonathan Edwards Wineries for 22 miles.

MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR TRIP TO MYSTIC

Whether you're planning a full day in Mystic or just stopping by, this coastal town is packed with charm, great food, and things to do. If you’re looking for more Connecticut gems or dreaming bigger, I’ve traveled to 17 different countries and share guides on both local and international destinations. Scroll down to check out more blog posts on Connecticut, weekend getaways, and must-see places around the world. And if you want travel tips sent straight to your inbox, subscribe to stay in the loop!