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Census-designated place in Connecticut, United States
Photo: via Wikimedia Commons, Copyrighted free use
Mystic is a village that is partly in Groton and partly in Stonington in Connecticut. It is a major tourist destination.
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Indoor and outdoor exhibits and habitats which cover a wide range of reptilian, amphibian, and aquatic species. Examples of exhibits include the beluga whale exhibit, penguin exhibit, and sea lion exhibit. In addition, there are many tanks containing coral, sharks, reef-fish, stingrays, and other creatures. Some exhibits are also interactive, such as the shark and ray “touch-pools.” Amongst these exhibits are a number of special events like the daily Marine Theater shows.
The nation's largest maritime museum. A living history museum on 17 acres. Old historic port used in the filming of many movies, including Amistad.
Open year round, this natural history museum and live animal exhibits display Connecticut’s local habitats; great for kids.
Local ballet company that puts on regular performances and acts throughout the year.
The oldest, wooden, coal-fired steamboat still in operation offers historic views along the scenic Mystic River.
View an engineering relic at work while enjoying some of the freshest cider around; also enjoy famous “hard” ciders of various types.
Three or four sails daily (2 hr; subject to cancellation in bad weather or if there are too few customers) May–mid-Oct aboard a traditional schooner. See historic Mystic Harbor, Mystic River, islands, and lighthouses. Public sails or charter the whole boat.
Hatteras Charter fishing boat licensed in three states and federal waters.
Sail this 62-foot schooner, built in 1932. Day trips and longer voyages. Customers do participate in the sailing, especially on the longer voyages. There are 5- and 10-day programs specifically for teens. Most sailings sell out.
Explore woodland, wetland and meadow habitats on eight miles of trails on a 250-acre wildlife sanctuary.
The Mystic Whaler is a 93' tall ship that takes passengers out on day sails, lobster dinner cruises and multi-day vacation cruises. Just 10 miles away from Mystic, this schooner offers a variety of all age sailing adventures.
Watch the artistic films not being played anywhere else. View many films the way the director intended them to be viewed. A very interesting and profound way to spend an afternoon.
If you visit Mystic during the summer and have adequate transportation, be sure to eat here. A classic New England seafood restaurant, Abbott's opens in May for the summer. You may BYOB and enjoy fresh seafood at market price.
A classic Italian bistro featuring imported pasta and some American fare. Be sure to explore the wine selection.
Fine Italian dining for $20-25.
Olde Mistick Village, 23 Coogan Boulevard. M-Th 11:30AM-9:30PM, F Sa 11:30AM-10PM, Su noon-9:30PM. Enjoy the best seafood in Mystic anyway you like it; cooked or raw for an experience at the sushi bar.
(Route 27). A small shack-like building on your way into Mystic. This has the best breakfast around. The service is friendly and they are quick to refill your java. The sausage and home fries are great and so is the charm. Dining inside is packed tight with tables, but your reward will be worth the squeeze. They offer loads of vegetarian options but very little (other than a veggie wrap around lunch) for vegans. Under $10 for a hearty breakfast.
No Julia Roberts doesn't work there; you can check out the sweet 1988 romantic comedy if you want to see her dish up something nice. Otherwise this is your go-to spot for tourist grub. Enjoy at under $20 for entree or pizza.
Rt. 1. An interesting alternative for a dining experience in Mystic, The Pita Spot boasts a Mediterranean menu unlike any other in the area. Enjoy an American breakfast, or a Mediterranean lunch and dinner outside during the summer, or inside during the winter. A tourist hot-spot, The Pita Spot is small and cozy with service that will tend to your every need.
Close to many of Mystic's attractions, this restaurant draws crowds for its fantastic seafood. In the summertime, diners can sit on the outdoor patio and enjoy the seaport. $20-30.
Fine dining and an olde tyme atmosphere. Voted Connecticut magazine "Best Steak", and rightfully so! Expect to pay about $25 for their top-rated steaks.
Built over 250 years ago, this restaurant is two stories. The lower floor is a small pub, the upper story is a restaurant. They have two different menus, both excellent. Particularly good, and reasonably priced, are the fish and chips and burgers in the pub. Arrive early to get a table in the pub section. If none are available, the more expensive restaurant section is also worth the visit.
Enjoy the expansive Greek menu of this local hotspot. This quiet yet bustling restaurant has extremely reliable service and quality. A very relaxed dining experience.
Next to the bridge that is part of its namesake, this small ice cream parlor serves a varied menu of frozen treats with something for everyone. Open during Summer and Winter, their menu includes a wide spectrum of choices from salads and sandwiches to ice cream, malts, and pastries. Their ice cream offerings include over 25 varieties, made with a number of local ingredients.
Just outside the downtown area, Mystic Market provides both made-fresh deli dishes as well as other sundries. Their dishes can be both packaged to bring home or eaten at their window-side bistro tables. Amongst the items offered on the menu that can be found on their site are wraps, paninis, salads, sandwiches, and coffees.
Enjoy the nightly entertainment in the cozy pub downstairs. Must be 21 or older to enter.
An authentic Irish pub serving up an assortment of beers. Yes they have Guinness on tap! Great atmosphere. Must be 21 or older to enter.
Good place to go and watch the big games. Must be 21 or older to enter.
The "watering hole" above the restaurant brings the feeling and energy of Mexico to the community. Must be 21 or older to enter.
(Rt. 27).
A 1750s colonial house filled with old-fashioned fireplaces and surrounded by lush greenery and flower gardens.
A traditional Scottish bed and breakfast set in a 250-year-old restored Victorian farm house less than 2 miles from downtown Mystic.
Small Inn and 3-room cottage.
This country colonial, built in 1784, was formally a bookstore boasting over 20,000 books. To keep the theme, each room is named after New England authors such as Robert Frost and Nathaniel Hawthorne.
It was built as a stage coach stop in 1840 and has since been restored.
This historic mansion, built in 1771, offers breakfast each morning and a wine and cheese reception each night.
Entertainment, duck pond and some really cool shops.
Find Mystic relics and desirable gifts.
Finest clothing and women’s apparel and accessories, sports wear, day and evening dresses.
Browse the largest collection of unusual creative gifts inspired by the bathroom.
The original surplus store of Mystic (followed after by its sister-store, Mystic Army Navy Store II) amongst the other venues Downtown, is another option to consider when looking for surplus military/rugged clothing. As both Mystic Army Navy Store and Mystic Army Navy Store II are cut from the same cloth, their unused stocks can be very similar, though their used offerings are sometimes very different from its sister. One has a better chance of finding unique examples of military history for sale here, including (the recognizable example of) a section of B-29 bomber fuselage.
The Gray Goose Cookery has a wide variety of cooking appliances and utensils from a number of reputable manufacturers as well as a number of different foods and ingredients such as sauces, spices, and chocolates. Also offered are cooking classes.
Filled with clothing, tchotchkes, souvenirs, and interesting miscellany like clocks, models, and games of a vintage aesthetic, Radiowaves is one of the number of unique stores to be found on downtown Mystic’s Main Street. Though a niche shop, there are many interesting things to be found within, and is a great place to search for gifts.
Located in a quiet courtyard off downtown Mystic's Main Street, Mystic Disc specializes in old and hard-to-find LPs, EPs, 45s, and other analog music formats. CDs are also sold though in a much more limited size and selection. Though their vinyl is organized by genre and alphabet, it can be overwhelming when one has little time to spare. Most of these items are used though checked for their condition, however there is also a smaller selection of new releases. Staff is personable, friendly, and helpful.
By train
Amtrak - Mystic Station (MYS), 2 Roosevelt Av. (Rt. 1), +1-800-USA-RAIL. Service across southern Connecticut to New York and points south; to Providence, Boston and points north.
By plane
F.
By boat
Follow the Mystic River and dock at one of the many marinas along the coast. Ferries from Long Island, Block Island, and Fisher's Island are available, and many accommodate bicycles.
The easiest way to travel Mystic is by car. Many rentals are available if you are from out of town, and taxis are also a good option.
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Westerly · Regional · WST
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