Mystic Travel Guide

A comprehensive travel guide to Mystic, Connecticut, including popular attractions, things to do, where to stay, what to buy, and safety tips.


Mystic, a small town located in the eastern part of Connecticut, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in New England. With a population of just over 4,000, Mystic boasts a rich history, beautiful scenery, and an array of attractions that cater to everyone’s interests. This comprehensive travel guide will cover everything you need to know to plan your perfect trip to Mystic.

Introduction to Mystic

Located on the Mystic River and bordering the Long Island Sound, Mystic is a charming town with a rich maritime and industrial history. The town’s two historic districts, Mystic River and Mystic Bridge, are home to numerous 19th-century buildings, shops, and restaurants. Visitors can learn about the town’s history at the Mystic Seaport Museum, which is the nation’s leading maritime history museum.

List of Places to Visit in Mystic

Mystic has a plethora of attractions, ranging from culturally important landmarks to natural wonders. Below are some of the must-visit places in Mystic:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Mystic Seaport Museum: Experience life in a 19th-century seafaring village and explore the museum’s extensive collection of maritime artifacts and ships.
  • Mystic Aquarium: Get up close and personal with marine life, including beluga whales, sea lions, and penguins.
  • Olde Mistick Village: A quaint shopping and dining destination featuring 60 specialty shops, boutiques, and restaurants.

Natural Attractions of Mystic: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Fishers Island Sound: Take a relaxing sunset sail or plan a fishing trip on this scenic waterway.
  • Coogan Farm: Get a chance to meet farm animals, walk through nature trails and enjoy a peaceful picnic with a scenic backdrop.
  • B.F.Clyde’s Cider Mill: Taste delicious cider, wine, and apple products. Here, visitors will have an insight into cider mill before 20th century.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Mystic

Mystic and its surrounding area offers several hiking and biking trails, including:

  • Avalonia Land Conservancy Trail: Many trails to explore through, including the Pequot Trail. (easy/moderate difficulty)
  • Hopeville State Park Trails: Explore the 3.5-mile Jones Pond Loop Trail or hike along the river on the Rhododendron Sanctuary Trail. (easy/moderate difficulty)
  • Bluff Point State Park: A picturesque 3.6-mile loop trail along the coast. (easy)

Best Things to Do in Mystic: Activities and Tours

  • Mystic Pizza Tour: Take a guided tour of the filming locations of the iconic 1980’s movie Mystic Pizza.
  • Painting Uncorked: Get your creative juices flowing by painting a masterpiece while sipping on wine.
  • Marnick’s Restaurant: Unwind with live music and dinner.

Week-Long Itinerary for Mystic

For a week-long itinerary in Mystic, we recommend:

Day Activities
1 Mystic Seaport Museum, B.F.Clyde’s Cider Mill
2 Mystic Aquarium, Mystic Pizza Tour, Marnick’s
3 Coogan Farm, Avalonia Land Conservancy Trail
4 Olde Mistick Village, Hopeville State Park Trails
5 Fishers Island Sound, Bluff Point State Park
6 Day trip to Foxwoods Resort Casino
7 Relax and unwind at a local beach

Food and Drink Scene of Mystic

Mystic offers a diverse range of dining options from casual brunches to fine dining. Below are some of the must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes:

  • Lobster Roll: Fresh chunks of lobster served on a buttery roll.
  • Clam Chowder: New England’s famous creamy soup, made with clams, potatoes, and bacon.
  • Fried Clams: Tender, briny clams breaded and deep-fried until crisp.

Local Beverages:

  • Beer: Try the craft beer at Beer’d Brewing Company or visit Engine Room for the best craft beer selection in town.
  • Wine: Sip on local and international wines at Saltwater Farm Vineyard, Stonington Vineyards, or Maugle Sierra Vineyards.

Where to Stay in Mystic: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Mystic has a wealth of accommodation options that cater to every budget. Below are some of the best places to stay in town:

  • Steamboat Inn: A cozy inn located in the heart of Mystic, offering stunning views of the harbor.
  • Hilton Mystic: A modern hotel with elegant rooms and excellent amenities.
  • Hyatt Place Mystic: A bright and modern hotel that is perfect for families.

What to Buy in Mystic: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Mystic has plenty of shops where you can buy unique souvenirs or local products to take home. Some of the popular items to buy in Mystic include:

  • Mystic Knotwork: Handcrafted nautical knots, bracelets, and other accessories.
  • Mystic Seaport Museum Store: Maritime-inspired jewelry, pottery, and home decor.
  • Sea Bags: Durable and eco-friendly totes, clutches, and accessories made from recycled sails.

Local Culture and Customs of Mystic

Mystic residents are known for their warmth and friendliness towards visitors. The town is deeply rooted in maritime traditions and prides itself in preserving its rich history. The residents value environmental conservation and are careful to limit their impact on the environment to maintain the town’s natural beauty.

Best Time to Visit Mystic

The best time to visit Mystic is during the fall season (September to November) when the weather is mild, the crowds are low, and the foliage is spectacular. Summer (June to August) is also an excellent time to visit Mystic for its vibrant festivals and outdoor activities.

Do’s and Don’ts of Mystic

Do:

  • Do check out the Mystic Seaport Museum to learn about the town’s maritime history.
  • Do try the local seafood specialties, such as lobster rolls and clam chowder.
  • Do visit the scenic Fishers Island Sound for a relaxing sail or fishing trip.

Don’t:

  • Don’t litter or disturb the natural habitat while exploring the town’s natural attractions.
  • Don’t forget to tip your servers and taxi drivers.
  • Don’t miss the chance to take a stroll through Olde Mistick Village for a unique shopping experience.

Safety and Health

Safety in Mystic

Mystic is a safe town to visit, with low crime rates. However, travelers should always take sensible precautions, such as keeping valuables out of sight and locking their car doors.

Health in Mystic

Mystic has numerous medical facilities, including a community hospital, urgent care centers, and pharmacies.

Getting to Mystic: Transportation Options and Logistics

Mystic is easily accessible by car, bus, and train. Below are some of your options to get to the town:

Airports Near Mystic:

  • Bradley International Airport (BDL) - 67 miles from Mystic

Bus Stations Near Mystic:

  • Greyhound Lines - located in New London, Connecticut, 10 miles from Mystic

Other Options:

  • Amtrak Train Station - located in Mystic
  • Car rental services - available at Bradley International Airport

How to Get Around in Mystic

Mystic is a small town that can easily be explored on foot. However, visitors can also use other modes of transportation, such as:

  • Trolley tours - an hour-long guided tour of the town’s historic district.
  • Biking - Rent a bike and explore scenic trails in and around the town.

Where to Go Next from Mystic: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Mystic’s central location makes it a great base for exploring nearby destinations. Popular neighboring towns and attractions include:

  • Newport, Rhode Island - home to the iconic Newport Mansions.
  • Foxwoods Resort Casino - Connecticut’s largest casino and entertainment destination.
  • Watch Hill, Rhode Island - A picturesque seaside village with boutique shops and restaurants.

Conclusion

Mystic is a charming town with a rich history, scenic beauty, and unique local culture. With our detailed guide, you’re sure to make the most out of your trip to Mystic. Don’t forget to take in all that this charming town has to offer, from the rich maritime history of the Mystic River to the natural beauty of Fishers Island Sound. Happy travels!

Charles W. Morgan Charles W. Morgan