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Mystic CT Things To Do

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Brant Point Replica Lighthouse at Mystic Seaport | Things to do in Mystic CT
Brant Point Replica Lighthouse

With a rich tradition of whaling and ship building, Mystic Connecticut is steeped in maritime lore. Discover the town's deep ties to the sea by exploring its fishing wharves, nautical landmarks, and Mystic Seaport Museum. Our collection of Mystic CT things to do will help organize your activities.

 

Mystic Seaport Village at Mystic Seaport Museum | Connecticut Travel
Mystic Seaport Village

Mystic is a small town with big attractions. Full of history, outdoor adventure and New England charm, it is a travel destination that works equally well for couples or families. In addition to Mystic Seaport, there are many other attractions for visitors to enjoy including the Mystic Aquarium, Olde Mistick Village, adventure parks, casinos, cruises, and sailing centers.


Schooner Wharf in Mystic CT | Best Things to do in Mystic CT | New England Travel
Schooner Wharf

Our list of things to do in Mystic CT includes twelve of the most popular area attractions. Mystic is an area where you will want to spend more than one day. The region has many affordably priced hotels and B&Bs to choose from. It is also within easy driving distance of Boston, Hartford, and New York City. Click here for car rental information.

Mystic CT Things to Do | New England Travel Destination

Sailboats and Dinghies on the Mystic River | Best things to do in Mystic CT, New England Travel
Sailboats and Dinghies on the Mystic River

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For things to do Mystic Ct in the evening, explore these nighttime tours:

 

BEST THINGS TO DO IN MYSTIC CT

TIP: Mystic CT is a four-season New England town. However, many seasonal businesses are closed in the winter months; or, have reduced hours. Always call ahead or go online for current opening times.


Schooners at Mystic Seaport | Mystic Connecticut Things To Do, New England Coast
Schooners at Mystic Seaport

Mystic Seaport Museum

Spread over 19 acres, Mystic Seaport is a living history museum. The museum’s many buildings and wharves recreate a 19th century New England whaling town. Onsite, Preservation Shipyard is a working shipyard where visitors can observe boats being built and repaired. At Mystic Seaport Village there are exhibitions on coopering, blacksmithing, clock repair, and more.

 

Boat Repair Workshop at Mystic Seaport | Best things to do in Mystic CT in New England, USA
Boat Repair Workshop

Mystic Seaport is home to hundreds of historic water craft. Many of these vessels are moored on the museum’s wharves. Some boats can be toured including the Charles W. Morgan - the last surviving wooden whaling ship. In addition, Mystic Seaport has a planetarium, children’s activity center, a lighthouse, sailing center, boat rentals, shops, restaurants, and more.

 

Below Deck of a Whaling Ship | Mystic Seaport, Mystic CT
Below Deck of a Whaling Ship

Olde Mistick Village

Olde Mistick Village is an open-air collection of shops constructed in the layout of a 1700s colonial settlement. The village is built around a town green, complete with a duck pond and gazebo. Parking is free. Once inside the village, the lanes are pedestrian only. Walkways and restrooms are handicap accessible. The center is pet friendly to leashed pets.  

 

Free Parking at Olde Mistick Village | Best Things to do in Mystic CT, New England
Free Parking at Olde Mistick Village

In Olde Mistick Village you will find unique specialty stores, eateries and watering holes. Some of my favorite stores include the Extra Virgin Olive Oil Store, Alice’s Haunted Little Bookstore, Franklin’s General Store, and the Toy Soldier. There are sit down and take-out restaurants such as Trattoria Amalfi, The Jealous Monk beer Hall, and Mango’s Woodfire Pizza.

 

There is also a cinema on the grounds. Olde Mistick Village is open 7-days a week. The shopping center is located 2-miles from downtown Mystic (next to the Mystic Aquarium).


Alice's Little Haunted Bookshop | Things to do in Mystic CT, New England
Alice's Little Haunted Bookshop

Mystic Aquarium

Kids of all ages will marvel at the marine life found at the Mystic Aquarium. See beluga whales, penguins, seals, and whales at the park’s indoor and outdoor exhibits. There are interactive exhibits with opportunities to touch sharks, amphibians, stingrays, and reptiles. There are complimentary sea lion shows and an animatronics dinosaur adventure. Visitors can also observe animal training and live feeding sessions. The Mystic Aquarium is ADA compliant, and open every day except Thanksgiving and Christmas.

 

Mystic Aquarium | Mystic Connecticut Things to Do
Mystic Aquarium

Mystic Drawbridge & River Walk

The famous Mystic River Bascule Bridge spans the Mystic River connecting the Groton side of town to the Stonington side. The bridge has been letting boat traffic flow in and out of Mystic Harbor since 1922. In high season, the Mystic Drawbridge is raised and lowered at 40-minutes past the hour between 7:40am and 6:40pm. During these times, traffic stops on both sides of the bridge while boats pass.


Or, for a fun walking tour of the downtown area, try a Mystic Mash Up Scavenger Hunt.

 

Mystic River Bascule Bridge | Downtown Mystic CT | New England Travel Destination
Mystic River Bascule Bridge

A great place to watch the Mystic Drawbridge raise and lower is from the Mystic River Park. The park’s boardwalk runs from the bridge to a marina on the outskirts of town. It is the perfect spot to enjoy a picnic while watching the bascule bridge at work.

 

Mystic River Park | Things to do in Mystic CT | New England Travel
Mystic River Park

Argia Mystic Cruises

Departing from Steamboat Wharf in downtown Mystic CT, the schooner Argia take passage under the Mystic Drawbridge four times a day. Sailing up and down the New England coast the Argia cruises past lighthouses, islands, and coastal villages. From May to Mid-October the schooner carries up to 49 passengers. Guests are encouraged to bring food and picnic on board (beer and wine is allowed). For a special treat, try the 6pm sunset cruise.

 

Schooner Argia Cruises | Mystic CT Thing to Do | New England Travel
Schooner Argia Cruises

Foxwoods Casino and Thrill Rides

Only 10-miles away from Mystic Village lies Foxwoods Casino in Mashantucket CT. The complex is home to a complete gaming and entertainment experience. Onsite there are four casinos, over 50 restaurants and bars, a bingo hall, two theaters, and a massive Tangler Outlet shopping mall. In addition, the Foxwoods Casino complex offers bowling, axe throwing, Go-Karting, Zip-lining, virtual reality games, and an escape room. After the thrill rides and gaming tables, relax at the Foxwoods Hard Rock Cafe.

 

Foxwoods Casino | Things to Do in Mystic CT | New England Travel Destination
Foxwoods Casino

Adventure Mystic Paddle Sports

Adventure Mystic is located at Schooner Wharf on the Mystic River between Mystic Seaport and downtown Mystic CT. The company rents paddleboards, kayaks, and bikes to help you see the New England coast from an entirely new perspective. Mystic Adventure offers lessons, group paddles, and has a store onsite. 

 

Adventure Mystic on the Mystic River | Schooner Wharf | Things to do in Mystic CT
Adventure Mystic

Shop Downtown Mystic CT

Downtown Mystic CT has an amazing variety of stores to browse on both sides of the Mystic Drawbridge. Interspersed between the boutiques are coffee houses, brew pubs, and specialty food shops. Don’t miss Mystic Knotwork, Tidal River Clothing, Trove, Bank Square Books, Polish Stoneware, the Army-Navy store, Sea Bags, Mystic Pizza, Young Buns Doughnuts, and more.

 

Downtown Mystic CT | Mystic CT Shops | Mystic Connecticut Things to Do
Downtown Mystic CT

BF Clyde’s Cider Mill

Since 1881, family-owned BF Clyde’s has been selling apple and other New England-based products. The cider mill is now the oldest steam powered cider mill operating in the USA. Beginning September 1st, and continuing through the harvest season, stop in to see cider-making demonstrations, wine and hard cider tastings, and to shop for the Cider Mills locally made products. Cider donuts, sweet and hard cider, wine, jams, jellies, maple syrup, and honey are usually in stock.

 

Connecticut Woodlands | Things to do in Mystic CT | New England Coast
Connecticut Woodlands

Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center

Learn about the habitats and wildlife of southeastern Connecticut at the Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center. The nature center is open 7 days a week. It is located a few minutes from downtown Mystic CT. Visit the center’s exhibits and learn about raptors that are native to New England as well as frogs, fish, turtles, and snakes. Then head into the woods, wetlands, and meadows. There are miles of marked trails to hike.


Boat Lift on the Mystic River | Things to do in Mystic CT
Boat Lift on the Mystic River

Mystic Boat Adventures

Mystic Boat Adventures offers one- and three-hour tours aboard your own 2-person power boat (no license required). Tours are guided. Boat speeds reach up to 30mph. The popular 3-hour tour encompasses the Mystic Drawbridge and Mystic Seaport, before heading into Mystic Harbor and up the shoreline. Expect to see lighthouses and the great views of the New England coast.

 

Anchor in Liberty Pole Square | Downtown Mystic CT, New England Travel
Anchor in Liberty Pole Square

Go Beachcombing on Williams Beach

Just outside of downtown Mystic CT is a small sandy beach. Part of the Mystic YMCA, the Williams public beach has calm waters for swimming, a playground, sports fields, and picnic grounds with tables. Dogs are allowed. There is complimentary parking at the YMCA (a 1-minute walk from the beach).

 

Enjoy the salt water and the salt water taffy, Laura and Randy

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Mystic Pizza | Things to do in Mystic CT, New England Travel Destination
Mystic Pizza

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