18 Of The Best Things To Do In Mystic, Connecticut
Mystic, Connecticut is the perfect New England getaway. Once known as a seaport town with a knack for building ships, today it’s admired for its charming downtown area, ample entertainment options, and delicious pizza.
This popular Connecticut vacation destination became a household name when the 1988’s film, Mystic Pizza, starring Julia Roberts debuted (and yes, you can eat at the real Mystic Pizza!)
Whether you enjoy museums, exploring the outdoors, or learning about the town’s past, Mystic has something for everyone.
Read on for the best things to do in Mystic, Connecticut.
The Best Things To Do In Mystic, Connecticut
Maritime Seaport Museum
Maritime Seaport Museum is the largest maritime museum in the United States and one of the top things to do in Mystic, Connecticut.
It’s an interactive outdoor museum with everything a real seaport town would have plus much more.
They’ve got an active shipyard, a huge 19th century seafaring village, sailboats and wooden boats that visitors can explore. They also have a full exhibit hall, classes, boat tours, and games for children… Phew, got that all?
Tip: Be sure to check out the Charles W. Morgan ship, she’s the world’s last wooden whaling ship. You can walk around and imagine what life was like for the crew on this very ship in the 1800’s.
We spent a few hours at the Maritime Seaport Museum, including the boat tour, but you could easily spend days trying to see everything here.
The Mystic Seaport Museum admission allows visitors to re-enter for 7 days (with receipt) so if you’re in town for a bit, visit early in the trip and revisit for free.
Mystic Aquarium
Regarded as one of the best aquariums in New England, Mystic Aquarium is home to all sorts of fun sea life such as sea lions and African penguins.
They’re home to the country’s only spotted seals and New England’s only beluga whales, which are particularly fun to watch because they’re so playful.
Take advantage of their animal encounter programs or simply let your children experience all there is to offer here, including a dinosaur exhibit. This is definitely one of the best places to visit in Mystic with kids.
The ticket prices vary depending on time of day and day of week, be sure to reserve tickets online in advance for the best price: Mystic Aquarium.
Shop In Olde Mistick Village
Olde Mistick Village is an outdoor shopping district popular for visitors.
The complex is designed to mimic an 18th century New England village and houses over 60 unique, local shops and eateries. Stop by and see why Olde Mistick Village has been loved by the community for nearly 50 years.
Tip: Be sure to check out the duck pond in the center of the village!
This popular open air village is free to walk around and pet-friendly.
Explore Downtown Mystic, Connecticut
Restaurants, boutique stores, and ample sweet shops line Mystic’s Main Street.
We spent about two hours here browsing the many local businesses and trying out restaurants.
While exploring, you’ll notice the historic homes throughout downtown Mystic. Each has a plaque with the year of their construction and the family who originally lived there. I found the plaques to be so interesting, and don’t worry, they’re large enough to read respectfully from a distance.
Once finished shopping and dining be sure to walk across the draw bridge, Mystic River Bascule Bridge, and go for a walk along the Mystic River.
Mystic Pizza
As mentioned above, the 80’s film sensation Mystic Pizza was based on the real life pizza shop here in Mystic, CT.
The beloved film about 3 young waitresses was one of Julia Roberts’ breakout roles on her way to becoming a household name. While here be sure to grab yourself a “Slice of Heaven!”
Note: Most scenes were filmed in nearby Stonington, CT. If you’re a big fan of the movie be sure to check it out, it’s just 4.5 miles away!
Grab a local brew and enjoy live music at Misfit Club Bar & Brewery or Bank & Bridge Brewing following pizza.
Visit Nearby Noank Village
Just a short 2.5 miles from Mystic is the charming village of Noank, which has gorgeous seafront views and a handful of cute shops and restaurants.
Noank has a deep, prideful history of fishing, lobstering, and boat building, which you’ll see throughout this tiny peninsula.
This was definitely worth a quick stop during our trip and ended up being one of my favorite things to do in Mystic.
Go For A Boat Ride On The Mystic River
While visiting Mystic consider a sunset boat ride along the Mystic River.
There’s a few companies offering tour options. Consider a private charter with Mystic River Cruises. Also check out Argia Mystic Cruises for public sails on the last commercial sailing ship left in Mystic or Poet’s Lounge Sailing Charter for a ride on a 40-foot former racing sail boat.
No matter how you hit the water this is definitely a favorite among things to do in Mystic, CT!
Fun Fact: The name Mystic came from the Native American Pequot’s term “missi-tuk.” Meaning “great tidal river” in reference to the Mystic’s tidal waters.
Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center
The Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center provides education on the history and ecology of Connecticut’s natural world, focusing on children’s programs and utilizing over 300 acres and 10 miles of trails.
You’ll likely have close encounters with frogs and turtles, and can learn more about the animals being nurtured back to health in their wildlife rehabilitation center.
While at the Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center be sure to check out the Denison Homestead Museum, a member of the National Register of Historic Places. The museum is just a few dollars per person.
B.F. Clyde’s Cider Mill
If visiting in fall or winter, B.F. Clyde’s Cider Mill is one of the top places to visit in Mystic.
This is the only steam-powered cider mill left in the United States and is famous for hard ciders, apple wines, and of course, fresh-baked donuts. This family owned business, in operation since 1881, is loved by both visitors and locals alike.
The seasonal cider mill is open from September through the holidays and is an especially great place for families.
Go Ziplining
Spend a day outside at the Fields of Fire Adventure Park where you’ll find ziplining, rope courses, and paint balling, to name a few activities.
TreeTrails is the park’s most popular adventure course offering 5 aerial trails with 53 elements and 7 zip lines. The course is designed for adults and kids 7+.
Book the adventure course here: Fields Of Fire Adventure Park – TreeTrails
They also have a nighttime adventure, Glow In The Park TreeTrails, for slightly less.
Mystic Drawbridge Ice Cream
Enjoy a scoop of creamy homemade ice cream overlooking the river at Mystic Drawbridge Ice Cream.
They’ve been serving up delicious treats here since the early 1800’s and no matter the season this is always a favorite spot.
Bakeries & Ice Cream In Mystic
Those with a sweet tooth will also want to check out:
- Sift Bake Shop
- Lis Bake Shop
- Lighthouse Bakery
- Mystic Sweets & Ice Cream Shoppe
- Mystic River Chocolate Cafe
- Karma Kitchen & Juicery (for health-conscious sweets)
Cool Off At duBois Beach
If a beach day is calling be sure to check out duBois Beach.
Spend a day lounging out in the sand and enjoying the gentle surf. The public beach is located about 5 miles away in Stonington, and requires a small fee for adults.
Tip: For something more remote check out Sandy Point Beach.
Submarine Force Library & Museum
At Submarine Force Library & Museum visitors will learn about the history of seafaring submarines throughout US history, as the museum holds tens of thousands of related documents and artifacts.
The most notable prize of their collection is the USS Nautilus, the world’s first ever nuclear-powered submarine, which can be toured during your visit!
Museum hours vary based on season but is always closed on Tuesdays.
Important Note: The museum closes periodically for routine maintenance, be sure to check their website before heading out: The Submarine Force Museum.
Mystic Museum of Art
The Mystic Museum of Art is located in downtown Mystic and focuses primarily on American art exhibits.
Robert Brackman, Beatrice Cuming, and Henry Ward Ranger are among the artists in their permanent collection, which ranges from the early 1900’s until near-present day.
This popular art museum is normally open daily, keep an eye out for occasional seasonal or exhibit change closures.
Mystic Outdoor Art Festival
Art lovers will adore Mystic’s annual outdoor art festival held downtown each August.
The festival showcases over 200 artists from around the United States, totaling more than two miles of diverse arts and crafts. The Mystic Outdoor Art Festival, or “MOAF”, is a free event for all to enjoy.
If you happen to visit during the event, this is one of the most fun things to do in Mystic.
Events In Mystic, CT
While the Mystic Outdoor Festival is definitely one of the most popular, the town hosts tons of events throughout the year.
Additional annual events in Mystic include:
- Mystic Irish Parade – March
- Summer Sounds Concert Series – June – August
- Taste of Mystic – September
- Lantern Light Village – December
Bluff Point State Park
Situated on a scenic peninsula, surrounded by the Poquonnock River, Mumford Cove, and Long Island Sound is Bluff Point State Park.
This coastal gem has over 800 acres of wilderness, ample hiking and biking trails, beaches, and beautiful views.
The park is only 5 miles from Mystic, making for an easy nature getaway.
Looking for something right in town? Consider the Peace Sanctuary Wildlife Refuge instead.
Go For A Spooky Ghost Tour
Enjoy haunted tales? Consider booking a ghost tour in Mystic, CT.
The Original Ghost Walk tour with Seaside Shadows takes visitors through historic downtown Mystic while diving into the towns spooky, supernatural past.
Mysterious murders, lost seafarers, and scandalous happenings anyone?
This is an especially fun way to learn about the town’s interesting past.
Book the popular tour here: Seaside Shadows Haunted History Tours.
Day Trips From Mystic, CT
Mystic is centrally located, so it’s really easy to explore the surrounding area. Those with the time, be sure to check out some of these popular day trips from Mystic, Connecticut:
- Old Lyme, CT
- Watch Hill, RI
- Providence, RI
- Narragansett, RI
- Old Saybrook, CT
- Orient Point, NY
- Newport, RI
- Hartford, CT
You May Also Like: The Top Things To Do In Watch Hill, RI | The Best Things To Do In Newport, RI
Where To Eat In Mystic, CT
Mystic has tons of delicious dining options below are a few popular joints:
- Oyster Club
- Nana’s Bakery & Pizza
- Fiar Tuck’s Tavern
- Samurai Noodle Bar & Grill
- S&P Oyster
- Karma Kitchen & Juicery
- Shipwright’s Daughter
- Engine Room
Getting Around Mystic
Once you’ve made it to Mystic it’s easy to get around by foot. Most popular destinations, such as the downtown area, Maritime Seaport Museum, and Mystic Aquarium, are all within 2 miles.
If you plan to explore outside of this area a car is best. Ride share, such as Uber and Lyft, are readily available for those who aren’t traveling with a car.
For those who are traveling with cars, we found parking to be very easy at most attractions.
Traffic can be bad immediately surrounding downtown Mystic and you will need to pay to park there or plan to use free street parking nearby, then walk.
Where To Stay In Mystic
We stayed at the Hyatt Place Mystic which was just a short drive from all the best places in Mystic and it included free breakfast. I really enjoyed this hotel and would recommend staying here.
Additional Places To Stay
As you can see, there are many great things to do in Mystic, Connecticut. We really enjoyed our time here and can’t wait to return.
Any questions or additional tips? Please leave a comment below or reach out on social media.
Looking for more ideas? Check out my additional Mystic and New England guides below or head on over to This Is Mystic!
More Information For Your Connecticut Vacation:
More Information For Your New England Vacation:
- Massachusetts Guides
- New Hampshire Guides
- Rhode Island Guides
- Vermont Guides
- Southern New England Road Trip: 9-Day Itinerary
More Information For Your East Coast Travels:
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