Mystic

Made famous by the 1988 romantic comedy-drama, Mystic Pizza. While the village of Mystic is small, it does carry an extensive amount of attractions around the picturesque waterfront. With many unique attractions to enjoy, including the Mystic Aquarium and Mystic Seaport, you will surely find perfect daily activities for you and your family to enjoy.

Mystic caters to the whole family and provides many activities for all ages. Kids will love the aquarium and the seaport, but don’t be misled by the above, Mystic is also a great destination for adults traveling without children. With charming stores, restaurants, paddle boarding, vineyards, and breweries, the village of Mystic has made a name for itself as an area leader in providing a great visitor experience.

The best time to go

For Mystic, the busiest months to visit are during the summer months of June, July, and August. During these months the hotel prices will be the highest. However, you can save a significant amount if you make reservations early. January is considered the cheapest time to go as the New England winter will surely keep most people at home.

Best things to do in Mystic, Connecticut

A Day at Mystic Aquarium

The love for all marine life is what makes the Mystic Aquarium worth visiting. You can easily spend the entire day watching the mammals swim or learning about the marine habitat. With new events occurring all of the time, the aquarium is sure to provide a great educational experience. You will love learning about African penguins, beluga whales, and seals. You can also enjoy a nice show within the Foxwoods Marine Theater where you can see the California sea lions as they perform. If you are interested in making long-lasting memories, the Mystic Aquarium offers on-site animal encounters, though be sure to book these beforehand as they can be especially popular during the busy season They offer a selection of encounters with penguins, seals, sea lions, beluga whales, reptiles, and rays. One of the biggest problems that you’ll encounter is which one to choose. But have no worries if you can’t, as they offer an option to join a trainer for a day and visit them all!

Mystic Seaport

When in Mystic you can’t miss the Mystic Seaport, which is a live museum that brings visitors back to the shipbuilding era that Mystic was known for generations ago. Mystic is also home to the whaling ship Charles W. Morgan, built in 1841 and is the last of its kind. It’s a piece of history that is often forgotten but helped to shape New England into what it is today.

Along with this, you will enjoy many other sites like re-creations of a barrel-making shop, a shipsmith shop, and a lighthouse. To make your day unforgettable, you can experience the Mystic River on a boat. You can join a scenic cruise or rent your own sailboat, rowboat, or paddle boat. This is a family friendly activity, but also a great setting for couples on a romantic getaway.

If you enjoy large events, there are many seasonal ones that take place such as the Sea Chantey festival or Seaport 4th of July.

Take a Stroll Window Shopping

As you stroll through Water Street take a peek inside the Museum of Art. When you finish enjoying the beautiful art you can continue to explore the variety of stores in the downtown area. If you want to look for more shopping experiences, then head over to the Olde Mistick Village. Here, you will enjoy some nice nostalgia with over 35 shops to visit.

Foxwoods Resort Casino

A short 25 min drive from Mystic is Foxwoods Resort & Casino. It is located in Mashantucket Pequot Reservation and offers a wide range of activities for all ages. Undoubtedly this is a place to go for any adults who enjoy gambling. But don’t be fooled by the name as there is so much more than that. For families, there are a multitude of live shows and exquisite dining in the best area restaurants. The best attraction for thrill-seekers is HighFlyer Zipline, which launches you from a 33-story hotel tower. For those looking for some outdoor activities, Pequot trails have trail options for all experience levels. If shopping and bargain hunting is more your thing, then Tanger Outlets is a paradise for shoppers with over 58 stores.

Visiting the casino during the day can be turned into an educational experience, as there is Mashantucket Pequot Museum and Research Center right nearby. This complex has 308,000 square feet and is a tribally-owned and operated non-profit institution. The museum will surely provide a nice opportunity for the entire family to explore together.

Nightlife in Mystic

If a night at the casino is not for you and you prefer to stay in Mystic, then you should check out The Harp and Hound Irish Pub. It’s the best nighttime entertainment located in the heart of Mystic. You’ll enjoy some great drinks and a variety of cocktails to choose from as you relax in the casual setting. The pub hosts weekly trivia nights as well as live music to be enjoyed.

Local food specialties

Seafood

As with any New England dish lobster plays a pivotal role in the local diet. A lobster roll is a necessity when traveling the coastal areas, and another delicious dish to try is a seafood paella with shrimps, clams, and mussels. At Red 36 fresh seafood can be enjoyed in a waterfront setting with views of the Mystic River. This restaurant is located directly on the river and you can even arrive by boat.

Mystic Pizza

Mystic Pizza, located at 56 West Main St, in the center of Mystic, is the place that inspired the famous movie. The story goes that writer Amy Jones was vacationing in Mystic, went to the restaurant, and was inspired to write the movie. The movie was actually filmed on set at this location, so you’ll be stepping into movie history as you sit down for some delicious pizza. You should note that there is now a second location (Mystic Pizza II in North Stonington CT). Also, be aware that the place gets crowded and you should expect it to be exceptionally busy during the summer months. That being said, the pizza is delicious and every pie is still made with the same care that was used when they first opened in 1973 by the Zelepos family.