Mystic CT Things To Do
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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 the Mystic Seaport Museum. Our collection of Mystic CT things to do will help organize your activities.
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.
Our list of things to do in Mystic CT includes twelve of the most popular area attractions. For information on hotels and restaurants, read our Mystic Connecticut Travel Guide. To learn about the seaport museum, read our A Day at Mystic Seaport article.
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BEST THINGS TO DO IN MYSTIC CT
TIP: Mystic CT is a four-season New England town. Many seasonal businesses are closed in the winter months; or, have reduced hours. Always call ahead or go online for current opening times.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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 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.
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.
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.
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. Parking is free day and night.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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