Mystic (Connecticut)

Mystic is a popular tourist destination because of Mystic Seaport, Mystic Aquarium, the touristy shopping downtown, and its maritime heritage. It is home to many marinas, historic ship-captain's homes, galleries, and traditional boats offering day-sails. Between New York City and Boston, it's easily reachable from both. Mystic is also near Foxwoods Casino.

• Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce

  phone: +1 860-572-9578
  address: 14 Holmes Street

• Mystic & Shoreline Visitor Information Center

  phone: +1 860-536-1641
  address: Olde Mistick Village, Coogan Blvd.

By car

From either New Haven or Providence, take Interstate 95 to exit 30, or U.S. Route 1. From Worcester, take Interstate 395 to CT Route 85, to Interstate 95/U.S. Route 1.

By train

Amtrak - Mystic Station (MYS), 2 Roosevelt Av. (Rt. 1), . Service across southern Connecticut to New York and points south; to Providence, Boston and points north.

By plane

Larger airports in the area with scheduled flights are Bradley International Airport (BDL) Windsor Locks, T.F. Green Airport (PVD), Warwick (Rhode Island), as well as the smaller, regional Westerly Airport, WST)

By boat

Follow the Mystic River and dock at one of the many marinas along the coast. Ferries from Long Island, Block Island, and Fisher's Island are available, and many accommodate bicycles.

• Long Island Ferry service: +1 860-443-5281
• Fisher's Island Ferry: +1 631-788-7463

The easiest way to travel Mystic is by car. Many rentals are available if you are from out of town, and taxis are also a good option. One relatively close car rental is on 311 Mitchell Street in the outlying city of Groton. Phone: +1 860-448-0422.
Bicycles are another reasonable alternative.
The town offers Mystic Community Bikes, free bicycle use, with many pick up/drop off locations on a refundable deposit basis. Mystic Community Bikes
Since many of the shops in Mystic are relatively close to one another, taking in the sights and sounds by walking throughout the downtown area is also a very enjoyable experience.

• Mystic Aquarium and Institute for Exploration

  phone: +1 860 572-5955
  address: 55 Coogan Blvd
  Indoor and outdoor exhibits and habitats which cover a wide range of reptilian, amphibian, and aquatic species. Examples of exhibits include the beluga whale exhibit, penguin exhibit, and sea lion exhibit. In addition, there are many tanks containing coral, sharks, reef-fish, stingrays, and other creatures. Some exhibits are also interactive, such as the shark and ray “touch-pools.” Amongst these exhibits are a number of special events like the daily Marine Theater shows.

• Mystic Seaport - The Museum of America and the Sea

  phone: +1 860 572-5315
  address: 75 Greenmanville Av
  The nation's largest maritime museum. A living history museum on 17 acres. Old historic port used in the filming of many movies, including Amistad.

• Mashantucket Pequot Museum and Research Center110 Pequot Trail, Ledyard.

• Olde Mistick Village, A fun, outdoor shopping area with food, entertainment, and lots of shopping. With over 60 shops, this is a fun place to go on a family outing if you have nothing to do.

• Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center

  address: 109 Pequotsepos Road
  Open year round, this natural history museum and live animal exhibits display Connecticut’s local habitats; great for kids.

• Mystic Ballet

  phone: +1 860 536-3671
  address: 325 Mistuxet Ave.
  Local ballet company that puts on regular performances and acts throughout the year.

• Steamboat Sabino at Mystic Seaport

  phone: +1 860 572-5315
  address: 75 Greenmanville Avenue
  The oldest, wooden, coal-fired steamboat still in operation offers historic views along the scenic Mystic River.

• B.F. Clyde’s Cider Mill

  address: 129 North Stonington Road
  View an engineering relic at work while enjoying some of the freshest cider around; also enjoy famous “hard” ciders of various types.

• Argia Mystic Cruises Three sails every day May through October aboard a traditional sailing ship. See historic Mystic Harbor, Mystic River, islands, and lighthouses. Public sails or charter the whole boat. +1 860 536-0416 -- 15 Holmes St., Downtown Mystic -- http://www.argiamystic.com -- sales@argiamystic.com

• Benmar Custom ChartersHatteras Charter fishing boat licensed in three states and federal waters.

• Brilliant at Mystic Seaport

  address: 75 Greenmanville Avenue
  Learn what it’s really like to sail on Mystic Seaport’s famous, prize-winning, 62-foot schooner.

• Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center

  address: 109 Pequotsepos Road
  Explore woodland, wetland and meadow habitats on eight miles of trails on a 250-acre wildlife sanctuary.

• Mystic Whaler Cruises

  address: 35 Water Street
  The Mystic Whaler is a 93' tall ship that takes passengers out on day sails, lobster dinner cruises and multi-day vacation cruises. Just 10 miles away from Mystic, this schooner offers a variety of all age sailing adventures.

• Olde Mystick Village Art CinemasWatch the artistic films not being played anywhere else. View many films the way the director intended them to be viewed. A very interesting and profound way to spend an afternoon.

• Upcoming Events: Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade, begins at the Seaport and ends on Water Street Downtown Mystic; 50th Mystic Outdoor Art Festival, in Historic Downtown Mystic, over 300 artists and craftsmen display and sell their work; Taste of Mystic, Cottrell Street Downtown Mystic, local restaurants offer samples of Mystic's finest culinary; Holiday Lighted Boat Parade, Watch from the docks as a series of boats travel slowly down the Mystic River, each one decorated differently in the spirit of the holidays.

• Olde Mistick Village

  address: Coogan Boulevard
  Entertainment, duck pond and some really cool shops.

• A Taste of New England

  address: Olde Mistick Village, 27 Coogan Boulevard
  Find Mystic relics and desirable gifts.

• Designs, Ltd.

  address: Olde Mistick Village, 27 Coogan Boulevard.
  Finest clothing and women’s apparel and accessories, sports wear, day and evening dresses.

• Bathtub

  address: Olde Mistick Village, 29 Coogan Boulevard
  Browse the largest collection of unusual creative gifts inspired by the bathroom.
• Historic Downtown Mystic, Shopping and Dining in the heart of downtown by the Mystic River. Shop for unique gifts, souveniers, and clothing, and stop for a bite to eat along the river. Many events are offered throughout the year such as Holiday Lighted Boat Parade, Mystic Stroll, and Harvest Moon Festival.

• Mystic Army Navy Store

  address: 37 W. Main Street
  The original surplus store of Mystic (followed after by its sister-store, Mystic Army Navy Store II) amongst the other venues Downtown, is another option to consider when looking for surplus military/rugged clothing. As both Mystic Army Navy Store and Mystic Army Navy Store II are cut from the same cloth, their unused stocks can be very similar, though their used offerings are sometimes very different from its sister. One has a better chance of finding unique examples of military history for sale here, including (the recognizable example of) a section of B-29 bomber fuselage.

• Mystic Army Navy Store II

  address: Olde Mistick Village, 27 Coogan Boulevard
  A good-sized selection of both new and used surplus goods including uniforms, hats, jackets, packs, and etcetera. Most of the selection is of a US Armed Forces variety, though there are a number of offerings from other militaries from around the world. A sister-store can be found in Mystic's downtown area.

• The Gray Goose Cookery

  address: Olde Mistick Village, 27 Coogan Boulevard
  The Gray Goose Cookery has a wide variety of cooking appliances and utensils from a number of reputable manufacturers as well as a number of different foods and ingredients such as sauces, spices, and chocolates. Also offered are cooking classes.

• Radiowaves

  address: 29 W. Main St.
  Filled with clothing, tchotchkes, souvenirs, and interesting miscellany like clocks, models, and games of a vintage aesthetic, Radiowaves is one of the number of unique stores to be found on downtown Mystic’s Main Street. Though a niche shop, there are many interesting things to be found within, and is great place to search for gifts.

• Mystic Disc

  address: 10 Steamboat Wharf
  Located in a quiet courtyard off downtown Mystic's Main Street, Mystic Disc specializes in old and hard-to-find LPs, EPs, 45s, and other analog music formats. CDs are also sold though in a much more limited size and selection. Though their vinyl is organized by genre and alphabet, it can be overwhelming when one has little time to spare. Most of these items are used though checked for their condition, however there is also a smaller selection of new releases. Staff is personable, friendly, and helpful.

• Mystical Toys

  address: 4 E. Main Street
  On the corner of a bustling intersection next to the historic drawbridge of downtown Mystic, Mystical Toys is a small, one-of-a-kind toy shop filled with a wide variety of toys. Though generally geared toward younger children, they stock both traditional and old-style toys as well as new playsets, science kits, models, and more.

• Abbott's Lobster in the Rough

  address: 117 Pearl St
  If you visit Mystic during the summer and have adequate transportation, be sure to eat here. A classic New England seafood restaurant, Abbott's opens in May for the summer. You may BYOB and enjoy fresh seafood at market price.

• Anthony J's

  address: 6 Holmes St
  A classic Italian bistro featuring imported pasta and some American fare. Be sure to explore the wine selection.

• Bravo, Bravo & Bar

  address: 20 East Main Street
  Fine Italian dining for $20-25.

• Go FishOlde Mistick Village, 23 Coogan Boulevard. M-Th 11:30AM-9:30PM, F Sa 11:30AM-10PM, Su noon-9:30PM. Enjoy the best seafood in Mystic anyway you like it; cooked or raw for an experience at the sushi bar.

• Kitchen Little

  address: 135 Greenmanville Av
  (Route 27). A small shack-like building on your way into Mystic. This has the best breakfast around. The service is friendly and they are quick to refill your java. The sausage and home fries are great and so is the charm. Dining inside is packed tight with tables, but your reward will be worth the squeeze. They offer loads of vegetarian options but very little (other than a veggie wrap around lunch) for vegans. Under $10 for a hearty breakfast.

• Mystic Pizza

  address: 56 West Main St
  No Julia Roberts doesn't work there; you can check out the sweet 1988 romantic comedy if you want to see her dish up something nice. Otherwise this is your go-to spot for tourist grub. Enjoy at under $20 for entree or pizza.

• Mezza Mediterranean Cuisine

  address: 45 Williams Avenue
  Rt. 1. An interesting alternative for a dining experience in Mystic, The Pita Spot boasts a Mediterranean menu unlike any other in the area. Enjoy an American breakfast, or a Mediterranean lunch and dinner outside during the summer, or inside during the winter. A tourist hot-spot, The Pita Spot is small and cozy with service that will tend to your every need. Enjoy a meal here anywhere from 10$-25$.

• S&P Oyster Co

  address: 1 Holmes St
  Close to many of Mystic's attractions, this restaurant draws crowds for its fantastic seafood. In the summertime, diners can sit on the outdoor patio and enjoy the seaport. $20-30.

• Steak Loft

  address: 27 Coogan Boulevard, Olde Mistick Village, Building 24
  Fine dining and an olde tyme atmosphere. Voted Connecticut magazine "Best Steak", and rightfully so! Expect to pay about $25 for their top-rated steaks.

• The Captain Daniel Packer Inne, Restaurant and Pub

  address: 32 Water St
  Built over 250 years ago, this restaurant is two stories. The lower floor is a small pub, the upper story is a restaurant. They have two different menus, both excellent. Particularly good, and reasonably priced, are the fish and chips and burgers in the pub. Arrive early to get a table in the pub section. If none are available, the more expensive restaurant section is also worth the visit.

• Angies Pizza

  address: 25 Roosevelt, Route 1 & 7
  Enjoy the expansive Greek menu of this local hotspot. This quiet yet bustling restaurant has extremely reliable service and quality. A very relaxed dining experience.

• Pizzetta

  address: 7 Water Street
  Pizzetta offers fantastic gourmet pizzas both outside (around the back) or inside in a slightly upscale (but still casual) dining room. The pizzas are (surprisingly) some of the best in the area and they offer excellent local beers and even Connecticut wines. They are very vegetarian and vegan friendly and can make most pizzas vegetarian/vegan by substituting veggie "meat" or Daiya (veggie "cheese"). Highly recommended!

• Mystic Drawbridge Ice Cream

  address: 2 W. Main Street
  Next to the bridge that is part of its namesake, this small ice cream parlor serves a varied menu of frozen treats with something for everyone. Open during Summer and Winter, their menu includes a wide spectrum of choices from salads and sandwiches to ice cream, malts, and pastries. Their ice cream offerings include over 25 varieties, made with a number of local ingredients.

• Mystic Market East

  address: 63 Williams Avenue
  Just outside the downtown area, Mystic Market provides both made-fresh deli dishes as well as other sundries. Their dishes can be both packaged to bring home or eaten at their window-side bistro tables. Amongst the items offered on the menu that can be found on their site are wraps, paninis, salads, sandwiches, and coffees.

• Mystic's Bar Crawl, Stop in one of the little t-shirt shops on West Main Street and pick up your shirt to take around to the 13 bars and have each initial by their name. Must be 21 to participate.

• Captain Daniel Packer Inn (DPI)

  address: 32 Water Street
  Enjoy the nightly entertainment in the cozy pub downstairs. Must be 21 or older to enter.

• Harp and Hound

  address: 4 Pearl Street
  An authentic Irish pub serving up an assortment of beers. Yes they have Guinness on tap! Great atmosphere. Must be 21 or older to enter.

• John's Cafe

  address: 9 Cottrell Street
  Good place to go and watch the big games. Must be 21 or older to enter.

• Margaritas

  address: 12 Water Street
  The "watering hole" above the restaurant brings the feeling and energy of Mexico to the community. Must be 21 or older to enter.

• Voo Doo Grille

  address: 12 Water Street
  Feeling adventurous? Try some alligator while enjoying the nightly entertainment. Must be 21 or older unless accompanied by an adult 21 or older.

• The Whaler's Inn

  address: 20 East Main St

• AmeriSuites

  address: 224 Greenmanville Av
  (Rt. 27).

• Best Western Mystic Hotel

  address: 9 Whitehall Av

• Comfort Inn Mystic

  address: 48 Whitehall Av

• Days Inn by Wyndham Mystic

  phone: +1-860-415-8155
  address: 55 Whitehall Av

• Harbour Inne & Cottage

  address: 15 Edgemont St

• Hilton Mystic

  phone: +1 860 572-0731
  address: 20 Coogan Boulevard

• Holiday Inn Express

  address: 6 Coogan Blvd

• Howard Johnson Inn

  address: 253 Greenmanville Av

• Hyatt Place Mystic

  phone: +1 860 536-9997
  address: 224 Greenmanville Ave

• Residence Inn

  address: 40 Whitehall Avenue

• Steamboat Inn

  address: 73 Steamboat Wharf

Bed and breakfasts

• Adams House

  address: 382 Cow Hill Rd
  A 1750s colonial house filled with old-fashioned fireplaces and surrounded by lush greenery and flower gardens.

• Brigadoon Bed & Breakfast

  address: 180 Cow Hill Rd
  A traditional Scottish bed and breakfast set in a 250-year-old restored Victorian farm house less than 2 miles from downtown Mystic.

• Harbour Inne & Cottage

  address: 15 Edgemont St
  Small Inn and 3-room cottage.

• Old Mystic Inn

  address: 52 Main St
  This country colonial, built in 1784, was formally a bookstore boasting over 20,000 books. To keep the theme, each room is named after New England authors such as Robert Frost and Nathaniel Hawthorne.

• Pequot Hotel Bed and Breakfast

  address: 711 Cow Hill Rd
  It was built as a stage coach stop in 1840 and has since been restored.

• Whitehall Mansion

  address: 42 Whitehall Avenue
  This historic mansion, built in 1771, offers breakfast each morning and a wine and cheese reception each night.

• New London There is a trolley service that introduces visitors to New London. Ride the trolley all day for $5, catch it at any of the bus stations, ferry landings, or the New London visitor's center. Check out historic Downtown New London's Bank and State Street. Roughly twenty or so bars and restaurants line the "L" shaped heart of the downtown district which once saw Benedict Arnold burn it to the ground as well as the Amistad trial. Located in New London is the Crystal Mall, and two floor shopping mall with many known shops.
• Stonington Borough A charming village just southeast of Mystic, Stonington offers a slower pace for visitors. Shopping, art, antiques, and museums can be enjoyed within view of 3 states! Stonington is easy to get to, whether by car, boat, or ferry.
• U.S. Navy Submarine Force Museum, Groton The only submarine museum operated by the U.S. Navy, this is the #1 site for sub artifacts. Be sure to call ahead to verify the hours of operation.