Mystic Connecticut Travel Guide
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Built on the banks of the Mystic River, the New England town of Mystic CT was a major ship building center in the 18th century. Today, Mystic honors its seafaring roots with its many maritime attractions including the Mystic Seaport and Mystic Aquarium. Our Mystic Connecticut Travel Guide includes information on how to get to Mystic; and where to eat, sleep, shop, and play.
Walkable downtown Mystic CT is packed with shops and restaurants. The town center has two riverside walkways, picturesque marinas, and the famous Mystic River Bascule Bridge. Outside of the downtown area, things to do in Mystic CT include shopping in Olde Mistick Village and many water-based activities.
We suggest spending more than one day at this quaint New England travel destination. Use our Mystic CT Travel Guide to research hotels, restaurants, attractions, and things to do.
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WHERE IS MYSTIC CT
Mystic is located in southeastern Connecticut, USA. The downtown area is nestled around the mouth of the Mystic River where a massive bascule bridge raises and lowers to let traffic in and out of Mystic Harbor. Mystic CT is about 130 miles northeast of New York City and 100 miles southwest of Boston. The nearest city is New London CT which is about 10 miles south of Mystic.
HOW TO GET TO MYSTIC CT
As with many New England towns, Mystic attractions are spread across the region. A car is the most convenient way to get around. However, Mystic is serviced by Amtrak trains and a nearby ferry. With a compact downtown, and the Mystic Seaport Museum and Williams Beach Park within a mile of the village, it is possible to have a full visit without a car.
By Car: Mystic is about 1 mile from I-95 traveling north or south.
By Train: Mystic is serviced by Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor. The Mystic trains station is within walking distance of downtown.
By Ferry: The Cross Sound ferry runs between Long Island, NY and New London, CT. Then, take a train or taxi to Mystic.
By Bus: No direct routes to Mystic at this time.
MYSTIC CT WEATHER
Mystic is a four-season New England destination. Temperatures in the summer (late June through early September) average 71’F. Temperatures in the winter (early December through mid-March) average 46’F. A maritime climate comes with quick weather changes of sun, rain, wind, and fog throughout the year.
BEST TIME TO VISIT MYSTIC CT
High tourist season runs during the months of July and August. Low tourist season is during the winter months when many seasonal businesses close and year-round businesses shorten hours. The best time to visit Mystic CT is during the months of May, June, September, and October when everything is open and the weather is pleasant.
MYSTIC CONNECTICUT HOTELS
Mystic CT is a major tourist destination. This is reflected in the variety of accommodations available; ranging from luxury to economy. Expect for prices to be higher when staying close to downtown Mystic and Mystic Seaport, and in summer. Our list of Mystic Connecticut hotels includes well-established Mystic lodgings and national chains.
Inn at Mystic: Address: Address: 3 Williams Avenue, Mystic CT
The colonial-style inn sits of 14-acres with sea views of Mystic Harbor. The hotel has an onsite restaurant and is with walking distance of downtown Mystic.
Steamboat Inn: Address: 73 Steamboat Wharf, Mystic CT
Tucked on a riverwalk behind the Mystic River Bascule Bridge is the Steamboat Inn. The inn features a dock for boats, wood burning fireplaces, and complimentary road bikes.
Stonecroft Country Inn Bed & Breakfast: Address: 515 Pumpkin Hill Road, Ledyard, CT
Located about 5-miles from downtown Mystic, the Stonecroft Country Inn sits on 6.5 acres of gardens and greenery. Once a sea captain’s estate, the B&B has 10 luxury guest rooms and free breakfast in its elegant dining room.
Taber Inne & Suites: Address: 66 Williams Ave., Mystic CT
This family-owned property has 12 buildings on 2 acres. A favorite with families, the property features an indoor heated pool. Some two-bedroom suites have fireplaces and Jacuzzis.
Whaler’s Inn: Address: 20 East Main Street, Mystic CT
The Whaler’s Inn is located in the middle of downtown Mystic. It is close to many restaurants, shops, and the Mystic River Park. Some rooms offer a gas fireplace and jet tub.
National Chains: Chain hotels are well-represented in Mystic. Most are located 1-3 miles from downtown Mystic CT on CT 27S (heading toward Olde Mistick Village). On our last visit we enjoyed a pleasant stay at the Spark by Hilton. Other chains in this area include: Hampton Inn & Suites Mystic, Holiday Inn Express, Howard Johnson by Wyndham Mystic, Hyatt Place Mystic, Quality Inn Mystic, and Residence inn Mystic Groton.
MYSTIC CT RESTAURANTS
Visitors to Mystic still flock to the iconic “Mystic Pizza,” made famous by the 1988 movie of the same name starring Julia Roberts. Stopping in at the Main Street eatery is a must-do activity for many travelers. The town is also famous for its fresh seafood and brew culture. And, whether munching on fried clams or smoked oysters, dishes in Mystic have a distinctive New England flair.
One nice aspect of warm-weather dining in Mystic CT is the wealth of outdoor seating. There are garden terraces, seaside picnic tables, open-air patios, and sidewalk chic tables from which to choose. Here we have listed a few of our favorite restaurants and watering holes:
Abbott’s Outpost: Downtown tavern style restaurant serving regional New England favorites such as lobster rolls, clam strips, crepes, salads, and wraps.
Bank and Bridge Brewing: Downtown brewery and gastro pub on Main Street.
Barley Head Brewery: Downtown nano-brewery and bar. Beers change weekly. Guests are allowed to bring in take-out from other eateries.
Engine Room: Located between Mystic Seaport and downtown, the eatery serves craft beer and an American menu in a rustic-chic dining room. Has outside seating.
Friar Tuck’s Tavern: Downtown sport’s bar serving Irish-English-American food. Has a large outdoor patio. Often has live music.
Jealous Monk: Beer garden and pub located in Olde Mistick Village. Serves an eclectic menu of inventive quick bites and regional favorites.
Nana’s Bakery & Pizza: Downtown organic bakery and pizza shop. Breads and pastries made daily. Serving specialty hot and cold drinks, salads, breakfast items, sandwiches, and pizza.
Pink Basil: Located in Old Mistick Village, the restaurant specializes in Asian food and sushi. Indoor and patio dining.
Red 36: On the outskirts of downtown, Red 36 is surrounded by a marina on the Mystic River. The American menu features fresh seafood, fun cocktails, and a large deck with gorgeous coastal views.
S&P Oyster: Upscale downtown restaurant by Bascule Bridge. Fresh and elegant indoor and outdoor dining. Menu features seafood dishes with craft cocktails.
OUR FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN MYSTIC CT
Mystic Seaport: Explore a recreated 17th century New England seaport at Mystic Seaport Museum.
Olde Mistick Village: Shop the unique specialty stores of Olde Mistick Village.
Mystic Aquarium: Visit with beluga whales, penguins, seals, and sea lions at the Mystic Aquarium.
Mystic River Bascule Bridge: Get some take-out and watch the Mystic River Bascule Bridge raise and lower from the Mystic River Park boardwalk.
Argia Schooner Cruise: Take a sunset sail on the schooner Argia. See lighthouses, islands, and the New England coast.
Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center: Hike around the Pequotsepos Nature Center.
Williams Public Beach: Stick your feet in the sand and enjoy the water views at Williams Public Beach.
Foxwoods Casino: Add some excitement to your evening at the nearby Foxwoods Casino.
Downtown Mystic CT: Shop downtown Mystic at Mystic Knotwork, Tidal River Clothing, Trove, Bank Square Books, and other shops.
Adventure Mystic: Challenge yourself with a paddle board or kayak lesson at Adventure Mystic.
Enjoy the fishing boats and captain’s houses, Laura & Randy
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