Mystic, Connecticut is a favorite travel destination for my family all year long. We love to visit in the spring, summer, fall, and during the holidays. Each season is festive and fun in its own way. We all love this special place on the Connecticut shoreline.
People come from around the globe to enjoy The Mystic Seaport Museum and Mystic Aquarium. The historic downtown with its famous Bascule Bridge is full of great dining, shopping, and water activities along the Mystic River.
Over the years, it’s become quite the foodie destination. There are so many great dining options. Sometimes we just visit for a meal at one of our favorite restaurants since it’s so close to home.
We just enjoyed another summer stay here, and there’s always something new opening to enjoy every year. Here’s my Mystic, Connecticut Travel Guide, and links to more articles on Mystic Country.
STAY
THE WHALER’S INN
The Whaler’s Inn is our family favorite. The location is the best for walking around the historic downtown, they have rooms that are perfect for families and romantic getaways, and their restaurant is top-notch.
DELAMAR MYSTIC
Delamar Mystic is the newest hotel in Mystic close to The Mystic Seaport. This is a luxury boutique hotel, fabulous for couples, and has a lovely restaurant on-site too.
HARBOR VIEW LANDING
Harbor View Landing offers luxury cottages right on the water. Complimentary bikes, a dock, and a waterfront property make this a wonderful retreat. You can also rent the entire property for bigger gatherings.
DINING
breakfast
SIFT
Sift Bake Shop is our favorite breakfast spot. Actually, it’s our favorite bakery in Connecticut. So many delicious pastries, treats, sandwiches, desserts, and they offer a full coffee menu.
THE SHIPWRIGHT’S DAUGHTER
The Shipwright’s Daughter has a delicious breakfast menu with fresh seasonal options and is open every morning 8-10am.
KITCHEN LITTLE
Kitchen Little is a townie favorite and where we take the boys when they want good old-fashioned home cooking. It’s nothing flashy, just good food. Their menu offers extensive old school options with omelettes, Benedicts, pancakes, waffles, biscuits and gravy, and more.
lunch
RED 36
Red 36 is another family favorite with outdoor and open seating right on the Mystic Harbor. Lots of seafood, chowder, salads, burgers, Mexican-inspired dishes, lobster and a great drink menu. It’s a fun scene and they offer an oyster bar too.
OFF THE HOOK
Off the Hook is a great takeout spot. You can order ahead online for lobster rolls, fish tacos, sandwiches, and more. We love their lobster roll flights. Also, they offer Del’s Lemonade which is great on a hot summer day.
THE ENGINE ROOM
The Engine Room is another family favorite. Great burgers, appetizers, sides, and drinks. They offer generous portions and my boys love to get the burgers and sides to share with the table including mac & cheese, brussel sprouts, cornbread, and fries.
dinner
THE OYSTER CLUB
The Oyster Club is always delicious. A fabulous menu with seafood, steak, pasta, and more. In the warm months you can enjoy the dining in their Treehouse.
THE SHIPWRIGHT’S DAUGHTER
The Shipwright’s Daughter is a great place for seafood and creative seasonal dishes. James Beard Award Winning Chef David Standridge and his team come up with the most delicious menus.
S&P OYSTER
S&P Oyster is one we always go back to for a romantic dinner. The food and service is always above and beyond.
THE PORT OF CALL
The Port of Call is a great atmosphere, and the food is always excellent. We love the vibe indoors, you can opt to dine in the dining room or have small plates downstairs.
lobster shacks
ABBOTT’S IN THE ROUGH
Abbott’s in neighboring Noank, is a Connecticut classic for lobster dinners, and a fun experience for the family dining on the water. BYOB.
HARINGS
Harings is the new restaurant where Ford’s Lobster served families for years in Noank. It’s a fun vibe and has a wonderful locally caught menu of lobster, oysters, fish, and locally sourced farm fresh veggies. BYOB.
ice cream
DRAWBRIDGE ICE CREAM
Drawbridge Ice Cream is our family’s favorite place to grab a scoop. Their ice cream is the best and made in small batches. I love the salted caramel in a waffle cone. They have a huge menu of options. It’s so fun to grab a scoop, and enjoy it sitting on the water.
PLAY
We have been taking our family to Mystic for years. Our boys have grown up enjoying field trips and family trips to the Mystic Aquarium and Mystic Seaport Museum. Now in college and high school, they still enjoy visiting these special spots.
THE MYSTIC SEAPORT
The Mystic Seaport Museum is a wonderful family experience. You can step back in time and experience an old 19th Century New England fishing village, learn about shipbuilding and sea crafts, climb aboard ships and boats, and enjoy their rotating exhibits. You can even get out on the water on their historic vessels available for private charters or group cruises. Be sure to stop by Olde Mistick Village located right next to the aquarium for shopping and family-friendly restaurants after your visit.
THE MYSTIC AQUARIUM
The Mystic Aquarium is part outdoor and part indoor aquarium, and is one of the few rescue aquariums in the country. Fan favorites include the Beluga whales who love to put on a show for visitors, the penguins, sea lions and seals. The indoor aquarium has an amazing collection of sea life and history. Be sure to stop by Olde Mistick Village , located right next to the aquarium, for shopping and family-friendly restaurants after your visit.
ON THE WATER
KAYAK & PADDLEBOARD RENTALS
Adventure Mystic is located at Schooner’s Wharf right in the downtown and offers paddle board and kayak rentals. It’s fun to take them out on the river during your stay. You can see the Seaport and lighthouse from the water and have some good clean fun and exercise.
MYSTIC RIVER CRUISES
Mystic River Cruises offers a private charter aboard Novelty, an antique wooden picnic boat. We’ve done this several times and its a great way to enjoy the river and sound.
SAIL ABOARD ARGIA
Argia Cruises offers public group sails and private charter sails aboard the Schooner Argia. Great for big groups up to 49 people.
MYSTIC SEAPORT VESSELS
The Mystic Seaport Museum offers sailboats, private charters, and public cruises. They have a nice collection of antique vessels and options to suit your party.
SHOPPING DOWNTOWN
MYSTIC KNOTWORK
No trip to Mystic is complete without shopping at Mystic Knotwork. Family-owned for generations, these handmade nautical knot pieces for your home are just beautiful. I love the bowls, coasters, and door stoppers. Also, they offer a great selection of knotted jewelry, ornaments, and pet gear.
MANUFAKTURA
Manufaktura offers polish stoneware for your home, table, and more. It’s gorgeous and so durable. They have a special coastal collection just for Mystic. It’s a favorite stop for me personally.
LINEN PRESS
Linen Press Mystic offers gorgeous tablecloths, bedding, and home decor. I love their tabletop selections and sheeting.
ISLAND PURSUIT
Island Pursuit has a great selection of apparel for women and men. Great brands and a lot of variety.
SEA BAGS
Sea Bags offers bags made from recycled sails and rope. I have a few of these bags and they are so cute and durable. A New England staple.
BURGEE MYSTIC
Burgee Mystic is a great boutique with clothing and gifts with a coastal appeal.
JUST MYSTIC
Shop Just Mystic for branded Mystic apparel and gifts. They have the best Mystic sweatshirts.
MORE MYSTIC
Here’s more articles to help you plan your stay in Mystic in the fall…
fall in Mystic
A Visit to B.F. Clyde’s Cider Mill
Fall Foliage Cruise with Mystic River Cruises
Whittle’s Willow Spring Farm Pumpkin Patch & Market
A Fall Stay at The Whaler’s Inn
The Stanton House at The Whaler’s Inn