Mystic, Connecticut Travel Guide

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

Happy Travels,

xx Kristy

Follow Kristy on Instagram

@kristynewengland

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