Want to know how to spend your day in Mystic, CT? We’ve got you covered!
Having lived in Mystic for 30 years and watched our children grow up here, we have our favorite places to visit, and so did our kids when they were young!
We’ve put together a guide of the best things to see and do in Mystic. This is a combination of the must-see attractions and some of our off-the-beaten-track recommendations, too. Think of it as a little sprinkling of inspiration to help you plan your visit.
You’ll find our Mystic activities organized into sections to help you plan your stay efficiently. However, many of these activities can be enjoyed by all, adults and children alike.
Video credit: Mystic Seaport Museum
Mystic Seaport Museum has the largest collection of watercraft in the United States, including four national landmark vessels, and it’s one of the most popular tourist attractions in New England, bringing visitors from far and wide
Set on 19 acres along the Mystic River, climb aboard historic boats as you take a dive deep into maritime history including the last whaling vessel, the Charles W Morgan. You can also take a boat ride or charter a boat, imagining what it was like to captain a ship along the Mystic River.
If you prefer to keep your feet on solid ground, you can take a stroll around the meticulously recreated seaport village where the buildings aren’t replicas, they are authentic trading stores that date back to the 1800s.
The Mystic Seaport Museum is a full day visit with so much to see and do for kids and adults. A trip to Mystic wouldn’t be the same without spending the day here.
This isn’t just any lighthouse museum. This is “America’s first lighthouse museum built”! Built in 1840, Stonington Lighthouse Museum houses 7 exhibition rooms that house permanent displays of maritime artifacts. Head up the 29 circular steps and a ladder to reach the lookout at the top of the tower with views over three states.
Nestled just five minutes from downtown Mystic, the Denison Homestead spans 160 acres of privately owned land. Also known as Pequotsepos Manor, this three-century-old family farm has a wonderful history spanning five different periods in American history and is listed on the National Register of Historical Places.
Operating year-round, the museum offers guided tours (booked in advance) by family descendants who recount their fascinating history during the tour. The beautiful grounds are filled with daffodils in the Springtime, and the Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center is opposite which means you can combine a historical tour with a glorious walk through Mystic woodland.
Elm Grove Cemetery is a Victoria-era cemetery nestled on the Mystic River. The paths that cut through create the shape of an elm tree from the sky. During the early 1890s, many of the Elm trees were cut down to build the memorial arch, and stonecutters from Italy were brought to work on the arch. The gateway spans 54 feet and is 32 feet high and 6 feet thick.
The beautiful cemetery is still home to many mature trees. The park setting is a delightful and peaceful place for a stroll.
A lesser known, historic location just 10 minutes from Mystic, which marks the infamous event of September 6, 1781, when British Forces, led by the notorious Benedict Arnold, seized the Fort and perpetrated a tragic battle which claimed the lives of 88 out of the 165 defenders stationed there.
Dating back to 1775, Fort Griswold retains its original ravelin, ramparts, and stonework. The Ebenezer Avery House is located in the grounds of Fort Griswold and served as a refuge for the wounded following the battle. The Monument House Museum showcases exhibits detailing Groton’s history, while the 135-foot-tall Groton Monument provides panoramic views of the fort and its surroundings.
Within the park, there is a delightful picnic area, where you can complete a morning’s visit with a relaxed lunch enjoying the fabulous views.
Mystic Museum of Art started out as the Mystic Art Colony, established by the impressionist painter, Charles H Davies, and has been an integral part of the Connecticut art scene for over 100 years.
Today, it’s a cultural hub housing four art galleries, art studios and classrooms, and an art reference library. As well as hosting incredible exhibitions and creative events, the museum also holds various classes open to the public, including children’s workshops which are a fabulous way to keep children occupied on rainy or wintery days.
Located on the waterfront in the heart of scenic Mystic, Connecticut. It’s said that if you haven’t seen the Mystic Museum of Art, you haven’t seen Mystic!
This intimate small town theater has a luxurious feel with heated, full recliner seats. It serves the best real butter popcorn, local wine and beer, and hot foods such as chicken fingers, fries, and more.
Mystic Luxury Cinemas also plays host to live performances, film festivals, and you can even rent a theater for a special occasion. Concession prices are the lowest in the region, so check your visit dates to see what’s on during your stay.
Video credit: Quick ReViews
Home to over 10,000 species of marine mammals, fish, invertebrates, and reptiles, including Beluga Whales, Sand Tiger Sharks, and African Penguins, the Mystic Aquarium is one of the best things to do with kids in Mystic.
Experience exciting up-close interactions with their animal ambassadors, catch a sea lion show, paint with a sea lion, or become a marine biologist for a day!
From age 7 upwards, the Mystified Escape Rooms is the perfect activity for keeping children occupied for a few hours (and adults too!) There are various escape room activities to choose from mystery adventures, to saving Mystic from a monster hurricane!
If it’s a glorious day and you don’t want to stay indoors, you can also book a live Scavenger Hunt which takes place around historic downtown Mystic.
Explore the thrill of elevated escapades at Mystic’s TreeTrails Adventures, where the adventure unfolds amidst treetop canopies. Embark on a journey across five distinct Tree Trail courses tailored for beginners to experts with specially designed Kid Trails.
Encounter the exhilaration of zip lines, traverse suspended bridges, conquer rope ladders, and tackle aerial challenges where you’ll experience the wonders of nature from the heights of the trees.
TreeTrails Adventures is a 5-minute journey from downtown Mystic.
Video credit: Beth Frank @farbav
Witness the iconic bascule drawbridge in action, connecting the east and west sides of Mystic. Last year, 2022 celebrated the 100th anniversary of the bridge. Walk along the boardwalk, have a picnic in the park, and watch the boats and Mystic Bridge go up every 40 minutes past the hour from May 1 to Oct. 31. Enjoy music in the park on Monday and Tuesday nights in the summer.
Tucked away in Stonington Borough on the Stonington Point, DuBois Beach is a little gem of a beach. From Stonington Point, you can see three states: Connecticut, Rhode Island, and New York. It is great for picnics and watching the boats go through the channel.
Ok, it might not sound very romantic. But it’s one for the adults, and after a taste of “The Best Sweet Cider on Earth”, you’ll certainly feel in the mood for happiness – if not love!
B.F. Clyde’s Cider Mill is the oldest steam powered cider mill in the United States and a National Historic Landmark.
Only open to the public between September 1st and early December, during a visit, you can enjoy cider-making demonstrations, try their famous cider donuts, and purchase everything from cider, to candy apples and apple pie!
Video credit: Walk Around
Combine a trip to a cultural attraction with a spot of boutique shopping. Olde Mistick Village is completely unique. Recreated as a 1720s colonial-style village, this outdoor center is home to world-class shopping, boutique shops, restaurants, and a nostalgic small-town movie theater.
Visitors can happily wander around the village green, complete with a duck pond and waterwheel, and pick up a memento of their Mystic adventure along the way. Olde Mistick Village celebrated its 50th anniversary this year, 2023.
A charming waterfront location burrowed in a warren of Colonial-era sea captains’ homes, with historic landmarks, such as the Mystic Drawbridge, close by.
Main Street Downtown Mystic is home to over 80 independently-owned boutique shops and galleries selling clothing, gifts, art, jewelry, books, and more and an award-winning food and drink scene.
Explore this charming village’s narrow streets and historic homes, filled with boutiques and cafes. The Borough has a long history as a fishing community and still maintains fishing boats at the Stonington Docks. Next to the Docks is a children’s playground and a dog park.
Home to a thriving creative community of artists, entrepreneurs, and businesses. Offering visual arts, design, unique crafts, creative classes, health & healing services, fitness classes, and professional services. The Mill is also home to an artisanal bakery, an award-winning nano-brewery, a woodfired pizza restaurant, an espresso bar, and a new bistro style restaurant garnering rave reviews. My favorite nautical consignment shop is here; Unit 88
Video credit: The Day
Oh, come on, you have to try it once just to say you’ve eaten at Mystic Pizza. The shop thrived since the release of the 1988 film of the same name, and there are now two restaurants where you can try their ‘Build your own pizza’, specialty pizzas, calzones, and grinders.
Eat in or order online for a takeout in your Mystic Vacation Rental. Want to know more about eating, drinking, and nights out in Mystic? Read our Mystic Bar & Restaurant Guide.
A Connecticut State Park preserving Colonial-era farmland. Many dog walkers and bikers here…and a great place for both. Wide open trails and beautiful stone walls with a stretch right along Palmer Cove. The park’s 267 acres are connected to the adjacent Bluff Point State Park by way of a pedestrian bridge over railroad tracks~ both state parks worth visiting!
Embrace nature with hiking trails, wildlife exhibits, and educational programs. The Denison Homestead is right across the way from the nature center~ why not enjoy some history? Behind the Denison Homestead are more trails. A delightful little farmers market runs from May through October on Sundays from 12 to 3 PM.
Hike the wide trails, wander through orchards, and visit the Giving Garden which donates all of its produce to help feed the hungry, at Coogan Farm. A 400 year old historic holding which is firmly planted in Mystic’s history.
Trails are open all year round from sunrise to sunset, and you have access to neighboring Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center trails.
Also on site, you’ll find a nature and arts barn, a welcome center, and a viewing point to the Mystic River. There are self-guided tours with plaques, and the best thing? It’s free and pet-friendly!
Hike the wide trails, wander through orchards, and visit the Giving Garden which donates all of its produce to help feed the hungry, at Coogan Farm. A 400 year old historic holding which is firmly planted in Mystic’s history.
A hidden treasure on the Mystic coast, Enders Island is connected to the mainland by a brief causeway. The secluded haven serves as a spiritual retreat for a Catholic Community, but it is open to the public and well worth a visit.
The island has 11 acres of beautiful grounds, gardens and 360º ocean views. In the center of it all is Enders House and Our Lady of the Assumption Chapel, a masterpiece crafted from Connecticut fieldstone and stones from Marian Shrines worldwide.
Access to the grounds is free, so everyone can experience the island’s serenity and charm, including your dog!
When you book a stay with us at Mystic Vacation Rentals, we’ll be on hand with more recommendations on places to eat, where to shop, and if you need help with booking attractions, we’ll be happy to help.
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Want to know how to spend your day in Mystic, CT? We’ve got you covered!
Having lived in Mystic for 30 years and watched our children grow up here, we have our favorite places to visit, and so did our kids when they were young!
We’ve put together a guide of the best things to see and do in Mystic. This is a combination of the must-see attractions and some of our off-the-beaten-track recommendations, too. Think of it as a little sprinkling of inspiration to help you plan your visit.
You’ll find our Mystic activities organized into sections to help you plan your stay efficiently. However, many of these activities can be enjoyed by all, adults and children alike.
Video credit: Mystic Seaport Museum
Mystic Seaport Museum has the largest collection of watercraft in the United States, including four national landmark vessels, and it’s one of the most popular tourist attractions in New England, bringing visitors from far and wide
Set on 19 acres along the Mystic River, climb aboard historic boats as you take a dive deep into maritime history including the last whaling vessel, the Charles W Morgan. You can also take a boat ride or charter a boat, imagining what it was like to captain a ship along the Mystic River.
If you prefer to keep your feet on solid ground, you can take a stroll around the meticulously recreated seaport village where the buildings aren’t replicas, they are authentic trading stores that date back to the 1800s.
The Mystic Seaport Museum is a full day visit with so much to see and do for kids and adults. A trip to Mystic wouldn’t be the same without spending the day here.
This isn’t just any lighthouse museum. This is "America's first lighthouse museum built”! Built in 1840, Stonington Lighthouse Museum houses 7 exhibition rooms that house permanent displays of maritime artifacts. Head up the 29 circular steps and a ladder to reach the lookout at the top of the tower with views over three states.
Nestled just five minutes from downtown Mystic, the Denison Homestead spans 160 acres of privately owned land. Also known as Pequotsepos Manor, this three-century-old family farm has a wonderful history spanning five different periods in American history and is listed on the National Register of Historical Places.
Operating year-round, the museum offers guided tours (booked in advance) by family descendants who recount their fascinating history during the tour. The beautiful grounds are filled with daffodils in the Springtime, and the Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center is opposite which means you can combine a historical tour with a glorious walk through Mystic woodland.
Elm Grove Cemetery is a Victoria-era cemetery nestled on the Mystic River. The paths that cut through create the shape of an elm tree from the sky. During the early 1890s, many of the Elm trees were cut down to build the memorial arch, and stonecutters from Italy were brought to work on the arch. The gateway spans 54 feet and is 32 feet high and 6 feet thick.
The beautiful cemetery is still home to many mature trees. The park setting is a delightful and peaceful place for a stroll.
A lesser known, historic location just 10 minutes from Mystic, which marks the infamous event of September 6, 1781, when British Forces, led by the notorious Benedict Arnold, seized the Fort and perpetrated a tragic battle which claimed the lives of 88 out of the 165 defenders stationed there.
Dating back to 1775, Fort Griswold retains its original ravelin, ramparts, and stonework. The Ebenezer Avery House is located in the grounds of Fort Griswold and served as a refuge for the wounded following the battle. The Monument House Museum showcases exhibits detailing Groton's history, while the 135-foot-tall Groton Monument provides panoramic views of the fort and its surroundings.
Within the park, there is a delightful picnic area, where you can complete a morning’s visit with a relaxed lunch enjoying the fabulous views.
Mystic Museum of Art started out as the Mystic Art Colony, established by the impressionist painter, Charles H Davies, and has been an integral part of the Connecticut art scene for over 100 years.
Today, it’s a cultural hub housing four art galleries, art studios and classrooms, and an art reference library. As well as hosting incredible exhibitions and creative events, the museum also holds various classes open to the public, including children’s workshops which are a fabulous way to keep children occupied on rainy or wintery days.
Located on the waterfront in the heart of scenic Mystic, Connecticut. It’s said that if you haven’t seen the Mystic Museum of Art, you haven’t seen Mystic!
This intimate small town theater has a luxurious feel with heated, full recliner seats. It serves the best real butter popcorn, local wine and beer, and hot foods such as chicken fingers, fries, and more.
Mystic Luxury Cinemas also plays host to live performances, film festivals, and you can even rent a theater for a special occasion. Concession prices are the lowest in the region, so check your visit dates to see what’s on during your stay.
Video credit: Quick ReViews
Home to over 10,000 species of marine mammals, fish, invertebrates, and reptiles, including Beluga Whales, Sand Tiger Sharks, and African Penguins, the Mystic Aquarium is one of the best things to do with kids in Mystic.
Experience exciting up-close interactions with their animal ambassadors, catch a sea lion show, paint with a sea lion, or become a marine biologist for a day!
From age 7 upwards, the Mystified Escape Rooms is the perfect activity for keeping children occupied for a few hours (and adults too!) There are various escape room activities to choose from mystery adventures, to saving Mystic from a monster hurricane!
If it’s a glorious day and you don’t want to stay indoors, you can also book a live Scavenger Hunt which takes place around historic downtown Mystic.
Explore the thrill of elevated escapades at Mystic's TreeTrails Adventures, where the adventure unfolds amidst treetop canopies. Embark on a journey across five distinct Tree Trail courses tailored for beginners to experts with specially designed Kid Trails.
Encounter the exhilaration of zip lines, traverse suspended bridges, conquer rope ladders, and tackle aerial challenges where you’ll experience the wonders of nature from the heights of the trees.
TreeTrails Adventures is a 5-minute journey from downtown Mystic.
Video credit: Beth Frank @farbav
Witness the iconic bascule drawbridge in action, connecting the east and west sides of Mystic. Last year, 2022 celebrated the 100th anniversary of the bridge. Walk along the boardwalk, have a picnic in the park, and watch the boats and Mystic Bridge go up every 40 minutes past the hour from May 1 to Oct. 31. Enjoy music in the park on Monday and Tuesday nights in the summer.
Tucked away in Stonington Borough on the Stonington Point, DuBois Beach is a little gem of a beach. From Stonington Point, you can see three states: Connecticut, Rhode Island, and New York. It is great for picnics and watching the boats go through the channel.
Ok, it might not sound very romantic. But it’s one for the adults, and after a taste of “The Best Sweet Cider on Earth”, you’ll certainly feel in the mood for happiness - if not love!
B.F. Clyde’s Cider Mill is the oldest steam powered cider mill in the United States and a National Historic Landmark.
Only open to the public between September 1st and early December, during a visit, you can enjoy cider-making demonstrations, try their famous cider donuts, and purchase everything from cider, to candy apples and apple pie!
Video credit: Walk Around
Combine a trip to a cultural attraction with a spot of boutique shopping. Olde Mistick Village is completely unique. Recreated as a 1720s colonial-style village, this outdoor center is home to world-class shopping, boutique shops, restaurants, and a nostalgic small-town movie theater.
Visitors can happily wander around the village green, complete with a duck pond and waterwheel, and pick up a memento of their Mystic adventure along the way. Olde Mistick Village celebrated its 50th anniversary this year, 2023.
A charming waterfront location burrowed in a warren of Colonial-era sea captains’ homes, with historic landmarks, such as the Mystic Drawbridge, close by.
Main Street Downtown Mystic is home to over 80 independently-owned boutique shops and galleries selling clothing, gifts, art, jewelry, books, and more and an award-winning food and drink scene.
Explore this charming village's narrow streets and historic homes, filled with boutiques and cafes. The Borough has a long history as a fishing community and still maintains fishing boats at the Stonington Docks. Next to the Docks is a children’s playground and a dog park.
Home to a thriving creative community of artists, entrepreneurs, and businesses. Offering visual arts, design, unique crafts, creative classes, health & healing services, fitness classes, and professional services. The Mill is also home to an artisanal bakery, an award-winning nano-brewery, a woodfired pizza restaurant, an espresso bar, and a new bistro style restaurant garnering rave reviews. My favorite nautical consignment shop is here; Unit 88
Video credit: The Day
Oh, come on, you have to try it once just to say you’ve eaten at Mystic Pizza. The shop thrived since the release of the 1988 film of the same name, and there are now two restaurants where you can try their ‘Build your own pizza’, specialty pizzas, calzones, and grinders.
Eat in or order online for a takeout in your Mystic Vacation Rental. Want to know more about eating, drinking, and nights out in Mystic? Read our Mystic Bar & Restaurant Guide.
A Connecticut State Park preserving Colonial-era farmland. Many dog walkers and bikers here…and a great place for both. Wide open trails and beautiful stone walls with a stretch right along Palmer Cove. The park's 267 acres are connected to the adjacent Bluff Point State Park by way of a pedestrian bridge over railroad tracks~ both state parks worth visiting!
Embrace nature with hiking trails, wildlife exhibits, and educational programs. The Denison Homestead is right across the way from the nature center~ why not enjoy some history? Behind the Denison Homestead are more trails. A delightful little farmers market runs from May through October on Sundays from 12 to 3 PM.
Hike the wide trails, wander through orchards, and visit the Giving Garden which donates all of its produce to help feed the hungry, at Coogan Farm. A 400 year old historic holding which is firmly planted in Mystic’s history.
Trails are open all year round from sunrise to sunset, and you have access to neighboring Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center trails.
Also on site, you'll find a nature and arts barn, a welcome center, and a viewing point to the Mystic River. There are self-guided tours with plaques, and the best thing? It’s free and pet-friendly!
Hike the wide trails, wander through orchards, and visit the Giving Garden which donates all of its produce to help feed the hungry, at Coogan Farm. A 400 year old historic holding which is firmly planted in Mystic’s history.
A hidden treasure on the Mystic coast, Enders Island is connected to the mainland by a brief causeway. The secluded haven serves as a spiritual retreat for a Catholic Community, but it is open to the public and well worth a visit.
The island has 11 acres of beautiful grounds, gardens and 360º ocean views. In the center of it all is Enders House and Our Lady of the Assumption Chapel, a masterpiece crafted from Connecticut fieldstone and stones from Marian Shrines worldwide.
Access to the grounds is free, so everyone can experience the island's serenity and charm, including your dog!
When you book a stay with us at Mystic Vacation Rentals, we’ll be on hand with more recommendations on places to eat, where to shop, and if you need help with booking attractions, we’ll be happy to help.
