Mystic Travel Guide

Trek Zone

Locality

Facts and practical information

Nestled along the scenic coast of Connecticut, Mystic is a charming and picturesque destination that offers a delightful blend of history, natural beauty, and maritime heritage. This quaint Census-designated place is a hidden gem that captivates visitors with its historic seaport, renowned aquarium, and vibrant downtown.

Mystic Seaport Museum stands as a testament to the town's rich maritime past. Step back in time as you explore the meticulously preserved 19th-century seafaring village, complete with tall ships, historic buildings, and skilled craftsmen. Immerse yourself in the seafaring lifestyle with interactive exhibits, live demonstrations, and captivating stories of past voyages.

For an up-close encounter with marine life, Mystic Aquarium is a must-visit attraction. Home to a diverse range of aquatic creatures, this world-class aquarium offers a unique opportunity to come face-to-face with beluga whales, penguins, sharks, and many other fascinating marine species. Educational programs and interactive exhibits provide a deeper understanding of the ocean's wonders.

As you wander through the streets of downtown Mystic, you'll be enchanted by its vibrant atmosphere and charming boutiques. Explore the eclectic mix of shops, art galleries, and antique stores, where you can find one-of-a-kind treasures and souvenirs. Indulge in delectable New England cuisine at the numerous restaurants and cafes that line the streets, offering everything from fresh seafood to farm-to-table delights.

Nature enthusiasts will find solace in the natural beauty that surrounds Mystic. Stroll along the scenic riverfront or embark on a kayaking adventure along the Mystic River, where you can admire the tranquil waters and lush landscapes. For a more leisurely experience, take a relaxing cruise aboard a traditional wooden sailing ship and soak in the breathtaking views.

Mystic is also a gateway to the stunning coastal wonders of Connecticut. Just a short drive away, you can explore the hidden beaches, charming coastal towns, and scenic state parks that dot the shoreline. Whether you're seeking a peaceful seaside retreat or an adventurous outdoor excursion, Mystic serves as an ideal base for exploring the beauty of the Connecticut region.

Alternative names: Population: 4.2 thous.Area: 3.78 mi²Elevation: 3 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 41°21'25"N, 71°57'58"W

Location

ConnecticutUnited States

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Mystic Top Attractions

Mystic Attractions - What to See and Explore

Mystic offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Mystic Seaport, Mystic River Bascule Bridge, Charles W. Morgan Ship, Sabino. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Museum • Maritime museum
Mystic Seaport
Mystic Seaport, nestled in the picturesque town of Mystic, Connecticut, is a quintessential New England attraction and a treasure trove for maritime enthusiasts. This expansive museum, often referred to as The Museum of America and the Sea, offers a unique glimpse into...
Bridge
Mystic River Bascule Bridge
The Mystic River Bascule Bridge is a bascule bridge spanning the Mystic River in Mystic, Connecticut in the United States. It carries vehicle and foot traffic directly into the tourist district of town via 33 ft-wide Main Street.
Museum • Ship
Charles W. Morgan Ship
Charles W. Morgan is an American whaling ship built in 1841 that was active during the 19th and early 20th centuries. Ships of this type were used to harvest the blubber of whales for whale oil which was commonly used in lamps. Charles W.

Ship
Sabino
Sabino is a small wooden, coal-fired steamboat built in 1908 and located at the Mystic Seaport Museum in Mystic, Connecticut. It is one of only two surviving members of the American mosquito fleet, and it was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1992.
Museum • Art museum
Mystic Museum of Art
Mystic Museum of Art is a museum of American art at 9 Water Street in Mystic, Connecticut. The Mystic Art Association, an organization of artists who painted in the seacoast town, was founded by Charles Harold Davis in 1913.
41°21'35"N • 71°58'36"W
Pequot Fort
The Pequot Fort was a fortified Native American village in what is now the Groton side of Mystic, Connecticut. Located atop a ridge overlooking the Mystic River, it was a palisaded settlement of the Pequot tribe until its destruction by Puritan and Mohegan forces in the 1637 Mystic massacre during the Pequot War.
Bridge
Mystic River Railroad Bridge
The Mystic River Railroad Bridge is a railroad bridge carrying Amtrak's Northeast Corridor over the Mystic River in Mystic, Connecticut, between the towns of Groton and Stonington. There have been three bridges at this location.
Zoo • Old Mystic
Mystic Aquarium
Mystic Aquarium is a marine aquarium in Mystic, Connecticut. It is one of only two U.S. facilities holding Steller sea lions, and it has the only beluga whales in New England.
Lighthouse • Vernacular architecture
Mystic Seaport Light
Mystic Seaport Light is a lighthouse at the south end of Mystic Seaport, 2 miles upriver from Noank, Connecticut. The light is a two-story white shingled structured topped with a glass-enclosed lantern and is a replica of the 1901 Brant Point Light.
Museum • Nature and wildlife • Park
Pequotsepos Manor
Pequotsepos Manor, known formally as Denison Homestead, is a historic house museum at 120 Pequotsepos Road in the Stonington part of Mystic, Connecticut.
Ship
L. A. Dunton
L. A. Dunton is a National Historic Landmark fishing schooner and museum exhibit located at the Mystic Seaport Museum in Mystic, Connecticut.
Ship
Emma C. Berry
Emma C. Berry is a fishing sloop located at the Mystic Seaport Museum in Mystic, Connecticut, United States, and one of the oldest surviving commercial vessels in America. She is the last known surviving American well smack. This type of boat is also termed a sloop smack or Noank smack.
Museum
Joseph Conrad Ship
Joseph Conrad is an iron-hulled sailing ship, originally launched as Georg Stage in 1882 and used to train sailors in Denmark. After sailing around the world as a private yacht in 1934 she served as a training ship in the United States, and is now a museum ship at Mystic Seaport in Connecticut.
Bridge • Downtown Mystic
Mystic Bridge Historic District
The Mystic Bridge Historic District is a historic district in the village of Mystic, Connecticut on the Stonington side of the Mystic River.
Ship
Regina M.
Regina M. is a Carry Away Sloop located at Mystic Seaport in Mystic, Connecticut, United States. Regina M. was built in 1900 in Passamaquoddy Bay and was used to collect herring from fish weirs and transport them to canneries on shore.
Ship • Downtown Mystic
Argia
Argia is a two-masted, gaff topsail schooner. Argia's home port is Mystic, Connecticut, United States. The Argia was built in 1986 to be used as a tourism and charter vessel. Argia operates during the months of May through October. She is a replica of a 19th-century schooner, designed and built by Captain Frank Fulchiero.
41°22'13"N • 71°57'49"W
Elm Grove Cemetery
Cemetery • Old Mystic
Ship
Roann
Roann is an Eastern rig dragger located at Mystic Seaport in Mystic, Connecticut, United States. Roann was built in 1947 in Thomaston, Maine by Newbert & Wallace and was used to fish for flounder, cod, and haddock.
Ship
Gerda III
Gerda III is a lighthouse tender located at Mystic Seaport in Mystic, Connecticut, United States. Gerda III was built in 1928 in Denmark and was used as a common work boat.

Day trips

Mystic – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Mystic, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Submarine Force Library and Museum (Groton), Montauk Point Lighthouse (Montauk), Yawgoo Valley (Exeter).

6.7 miW
Museum, Specialty museum, Military museum
Submarine Force Library and Museum, Groton
The Submarine Force Library and Museum, located in Groton, Connecticut, stands as a testament to the rich history and technological advancements of the United States submarine force. This unique museum is the only submarine museum operated by the United States Navy...
21 milesS
Lighthouse
Montauk Point Lighthouse, Montauk
Perched at the easternmost tip of Long Island, the Montauk Point Lighthouse stands as a sentinel over the tumultuous waters where the Atlantic Ocean meets Block Island Sound. Constructed in 1796 under the direction of President George Washington and authorized by the...
25 milesNE
Winter sport, Park, Outdoor activities
Yawgoo Valley, Exeter
Tucked away in the serene town of Exeter, Rhode Island, Yawgoo Valley holds the distinction of being the state's sole ski resort. This charming winter destination offers a cozy and intimate alternative to the larger resorts found in neighboring states, making it a...
11 milesW
Racetrack, Sport venue, Sport
Waterford Speedbowl, Waterford
Rev up your engines and prepare for an adrenaline rush at the Waterford Speedbowl, an iconic car racing track nestled in the city of Waterford, Connecticut. This asphalt oval track has been fueling the excitement of motorsports enthusiasts since 1951, offering a...
6.5 miSE
Amusement, Historical place, Amusement ride
Flying Horse Carousel, Watch Hill
The Flying Horse Carousel is a historic carousel in Watch Hill, the principal summer resort area of the town of Westerly, Rhode Island, United States.