The Best Mystic, CT Travel Guide (Updated 2025)
Mystic, Connecticut is an adorable coastal town located on the south east tip of Connecticut. Known for cute boutiques, picturesque streets, lovely restaurants, cozy b&bs, and more Mystic, CT is a perfect place for a New England weekend trip. Read on to discover the best Mystic, CT Travel Guide.
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About Mystic
Safety - Mystic is super safe! Compared to the rest of the United States, Mystic is one of the safest places to be. Just take normal precautions (avoid walking alone at night, beware of pickpockets, ect.)
History - Mystic, CT was established in 1654 by both the Burrow and the Denison families. In the early years of Mystic it was a significant seaport. From 1654 - 1784 six hundred ships were built in Mystic. Today Mystic's is most notable for its tourism industry.
Weather - Mystic has typical New England weather. In the winters it will be quite chilly (20s - 50s F). In the summer it will be warm and sunny (60s - 80s F). There is never much of a spring in New England, it is usually rainy and grey until the middle of May. Early fall is the best time to be in New England because it is still warm and you will get to see the colorful leaves!
Mystic Connecticut Hotels
Luxury Mystic Hotels
The Whaler's Inn - Located right in the downtown area you will find the lovely Whaler's Inn. The Whaler's Inn is complete with clean and comfy rooms, a bar, breakfast served daily, and more! This place is a great option when looking for where to stay in Mystic CT.
Harbor View Landing - The Harbor View Landing in an adorable boutique hotel that offers luxury accommodation, harbor views, and more.
Middle Range Mystic Hotels
House of 1833 Bed and Breakfast - The House of 1833 is a quaint and cozy bed and breakfast. At The House of 1833 you will find comfortable rooms, exceptional breakfast, an outdoor swimming pool, and more.
Eileen of Mystic - Located in the downtown area you will find The Eileen of Mystic. The Mystic, CT bed and breakfast has stylish rooms, comfortable beds, breakfast served daily, and more.
Budget Mystic Hotels
Taber Inn - The Taber Inn is an adorable bed and breakfast located near the city center. The quaint and quiet Taber Inn includes an indoor swimming pool, breakfast served daily, and more.
Mystic Hyatt - The Mystic Hyatt is a lovely budget friendly option for your New England getaway. At the Mystic Hyatt you will find a gym, a bar, a restaurant, spacious rooms, and more!
What To Do In Mystic, CT
Visit The Iconic Mystic Pizza
Have you ever seen the movie Mystic Pizza? The iconic movie was filmed right in Mystic Connecticut. Mystic Pizza is located right in downtown Mystic and offers delicious deep dish pizza. The restaurant itself is full of the movie paraphernalia, so it is a super cool place to stop by.
Denison Homestead
The Denison Homestead is a historical manor located in Stonington, Connecticut. Built in the 1717, the Manor is one of the most well preserved houses from colonial America. When you visit the Denison Homestead you will have the opportunity to explore the entire home, walk around in the surrounding gardens, and visit a gift shop. If you visit on a Sunday you will find a lovely farmers market!
For more on the the history of the house and the Denison family read this thoughtful article.
Shopping In Downtown Mystic
The picturesque downtown Mystic is full of adorable boutiques, amazing seafood restaurants, and cozy coffee shops. Whether you are a fellow photographer or foodie you will love downtown Mystic. Some of my favorite shops in downtown Mystic include The Ditty Bag - Market and Cafe, The Bee's Knees, Kenzies Fudge and Chocolate shop, and Manufaktura.
Mystic Seaport Museum
The Mystic Seaport Museum is probably one of the most popular tourist attractions in Connecticut. At the Mystic Seaport Museum you will find The Mystic Seaport Village (more below), Figureheads from ships, Sailor Make (art from sailers), and more. The Mystic Seaport Museum is definitely one of the best things to do in Mystic Connecticut.
To learn more about The Mystic Seaport Museum visit their website here.
Old Mystic Village
Located just north of downtown Mystic you will find Old Mystic Village. Old Mystic Village is a recreated Village of 18th century New England buildings. At Old Mystic Village you can explore shops, restaurants, and more all while admiring the stunning buildings. You must visit Old Mystic Village on your weekend escape to Mystic.
For more information on dining and shops visit the Old Mystic Village website here.
Mystic Museum of Art
Located just north of downtown Mystic you will find the Mystic Museum of Art. Founded in 1913 the Mystic Museum of art is home to paintings, drawings, and more from the people of Mystic and the Mystic area. The Mystic Museum of Art must be on your Mystic CT itinerary! For more information on the Mystic Museum of art checkout their website here.
Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center
The Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center is a wildlife rehabilitation center located east of the downtown area. At The Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center you can walk on trails, observe wildlife, take classes, and more. This place is easily one of the best attractions in Mystic CT!
For more information on the Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center checkout their website here.
Take a Day Trip To Newport, Rhode Island
Newport, Rhode Island (another one of the best New England coastal towns) is only about an hour east of Mystic. Newport is one of the best places you can visit on the east coast. While in Newport, Rhode Island be sure to visit the 11 Newport Mansions, The Tennis Hall of Fame, The Newport Cliff Walk, one of the fabulous Newport beaches, and more.
🎾Read Next - A Complete Guide To Newport, Rhode Island
Best Tours To Take In Mystic
🚗Mystic Seaport Museum Adventure - Explore the Mystic Seaport on this incredible tour. You will have access to the Seaport Museum and the 1800s New England village on this tour.
🚗Downtown Mystic Ghost Tour - New England is full of ghost stories and sightings. This Downtown Mystic Ghost tour will take you to all of the most haunted places in Mystic.
Where To Dine In Mystic
Coffee & Breakfast In Mystic
☕Mystic Depot Roasters. - The Mystic Depot Roaster is a charming little cafe that serves up everything coffee and breakfast.
☕Lamplighter Trading Company - The Lamplighter Trading Company is an adorable coffee shop located right in the downtown area. You can find coffee and breakfast food in this adorable coffee shop.
☕Sift Bake Shop Mystic - Sift Bake Shop is a lovely cafe and bakery located right in downtown Mystic. At the Sift Bake Shop you will find top notch coffee, baked goods, pastieries, and a cute place to sit.
Lunch & Dinner In Mystic
🍴Red 36 - Red 36 in a lovely seafood joint located right on the water. Enjoy lobster, oysters, fish, and more at the cool and casual Red 36.
🍴The Oyster Club - The Oyster Club is a luxurious restaurant in Mystic, Connecticut that serves up freshly caught seafood.
How To Get To Mystic
If you are flying than the best airports to fly into are the Hartford Airport or the Providence Airport. Both are about an hour away from Mystic. You could also fly into Boston or NYC. You can find trains and buses to Mystic from Boston or NYC.
I would recommend renting a car in Mystic!
When To Visit Mystic
New England is a summer and fall destination. The summers are warm and sunny. During the fall you will be met with colorful leaves, pumpkin patches, warm apple cider, and fall spirit. Avoid New England during the spring, it tends to be gray and rainy. The holidays are fun in Mystic, they do a great job of decorating the downtown area, and it is a lovely place to do some holiday shopping.
Mystic FAQs
Is Mystic, CT safe?
Yes. Mystic, CT is one of the safest towns in the United States. Just take normal precautions you would anywhere. (watch out for pickpockets, be careful walking at night, ect.)
Is Mystic, CT a town?
No. Mystic, CT is considered a village because it doesn't have its own government.
Is Mystic, CT walkable?
Yes. Mystic is super walkable, especially the downtown area. To get from one side of the village to another you may need to take a car, but other than that Mystic is walkable.
Is Mystic, CT worth visiting?
Absolutely. Mystic is a super cool town that is definitely worth a visit. Some of the best things to do in Mystic include Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center, Mystic Museum of Art, Mystic Seaport Museum, Denison Homestead, and Mystic Pizza.
What county is Mystic, CT in?
New London County
Is there a beach in Mystic, CT?
There is not a beach in Mystic, however there are some amazing beaches Mystic. Some of the best beaches near Mystic, CT include Williams Beach Park (10 mins away), Esker Point Beach (10 mins away), Eastern Point Beach (20 mins away), duBois Beach (12 mins away), and more!
The Best Mystic, CT Travel Guide Wrap Up
Mystic is a adorable little city in southern Connecticut. I hope that this Mystic, CT Travel Guide helps you plan the perfect trip to New England. If you liked this post I think you will love my Locals Guide To Boston, Massachusetts, What To Do In Norwalk, and My Complete Guide To York, Maine.
Happy Travels,
Daisy
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