There’s no shortage of charming places to visit in Connecticut, but few capture the heart quite like the historic seaside town of Mystic. Known for its rich maritime heritage, postcard-worthy waterfront views, and its famous connection to the Mystic Pizza movie, this small town has long been one of the most beloved destinations in the state. That said, there’s so much more to discover here than its pop culture fame alone.
From scenic river walks and unique local shops, to immersive museums, outstanding restaurants, and awesome places to stay, this guide covers the best things to do in Mystic, CT. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a day trip, you’ll find a mix of can’t-miss attractions and local favorites that show why Mystic continues to be one of Connecticut’s most memorable destinations.
Whenever I’m traveling through Connecticut, I can’t help by stop by Mystic – it’s definitely one of my favorite places to explore in the state, and I’ve now been so many times, I’ve lost count. I’m so excited to give you the inside scoop on visiting this quaint little town, and share all the best things to add to your itinerary.
Ready to start planning your trip? Let’s get started.
New England Wanderlust contains affiliate links, and is a member of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. We may earn a commission from any purchases you choose to make from our links, at no additional cost to you. For more information, please refer to our Privacy Policy.
Best Things To Do In Mystic, CT That Make It Worth Visiting
1. Explore The Mystic Seaport Museum
One of the most popular things to do in town is the Seaport Museum, which includes a historic village, working ship yard, marina, and rotating exhibits. Beginning in the 1600s, Mystic was known as the country’s leading shipbuilding region, with over 600 vessels constructed over the course of 300 years. The exhibits and knowledgeable staff do an incredible job showcasing this fascinating part of the town’s history.
Be sure to explore the village ground, which were designed to bring 19th century Maritimes history back to life for all to experience. Each historic building was original to New England, used as a shop or business in the 1800’s, and transported to the Seaport Village to showcase different seafaring trades.
Another can’t-miss stop at the museum is the Charles W. Morgan, the last wooden whaling ship in the entire world. Visitors are able to climb aboard into the ship, and feel what it would have been like to be a part of the crew.
Inside the Seaport Village, you’ll also find a replica of Nantucket’s Brant Point Lighthouse, which looks out over Mystic River, which makes for a fun photo opportunity.
There are even options to get out onto the water at the Seaport! Included with your admission ticket, you can take out a rowboat to cruise around the river on your own. For a small fee, you can also take guided sailing tours.
→ Click here to purchase your tickets to the Mystic Seaport Museum and Village
2. Stroll Through Downtown
Mystic’s downtown is most definitely an area you don’t want to miss during your visit. Sitting along the river, you’ll find a long Main Street line with shops and restaurants, and spots where you can walk along the water.
Some of my favorite, can’t-miss shops in downtown Mystic are:
→ Sift Bakery – which is actually next on my list 😉
→ Mystic Pizza – find out below if it’s worth the hype!
→ Mystic Drawbridge Ice Cream, which is the best ice cream in town, in my option.
→ Mystic Knotwork – Martha Stewart loves this artisan boutique, too!
→ Queenie’s Gift Emporium – Kind of like a modern general store with fun gifts.
→ The Spice & Tea Exchange of Mystic.
→ Just Mystic – where to go when you fall in love with Mystic and want some town-branded apparel 😉
→ Manufaktura Company Store – If you love Polish pottery like I do, this is a great shop to visit.
There are quite a few other places to check out in Mystic’s downtown, so be sure to take some time and stroll through the local shops.
3. Don’t Leave Without Visiting Sift Bake Shop
Truly one of the best bakeries in all of New England is Sift Bale Shop, so it really does deserve its own spot on this list. I’ve tried so many things from here over the years, and they all continue to be excellent, and I’m always impressed with every visit I make.
The owner, Adam Young, was actually awarded best baker in America by the Food Network in 2018, and before opening Sift, he was the executive pastry chef at the Ocean House in Watch Hill, Rhode Island, which is a five star luxury property owned by the Relais & Chateaux group.
Sift now also has locations in Niantic and Watch Hill, and yep, I’ve been to both of those as well!
However, their Mystic location is the biggest one, and has since expanded, and now includes Mix, the rooftop cocktail bar, in addition to their classic pastries.
Some of my stand-outs here include their croissants (I love the plain butter, but my husband swears by the raspberry one), their cookies, macarons, and their pecan sticky buns. But honestly, everything I’ve ever gotten here has been memorable in the best possible way.
4. Pop Into Mystic Pizza For A Slice
One of the reasons this town became so famous is the movie, and while the actual pizza place that was used as the filming location isn’t actually the Mystic Pizza restaurant that you’ll find on Main Street, it is designed to look a lot like the movie’s restaurant, so you’ll definitely get all the nostalgic vibes when visiting.
So, you mat be wondering two things: If the restaurant in downtown Mystic was designed to look like the movie restaurant, which came first? And also, is it worth eating at Mystic Pizza? I’m happy to answer both!
The restaurant in the movie was inspired by the restaurant that stands today on Main Street. But, another building in Stonington was used as the actual filming location. They created the pizza place in the movie specifically for the film set, and it’s not actually a pizza place you can visit now. Located at 72 Water Street, it’s currently the New England Science & Sailing Center (or, NESS for short).
However, the Mystic Pizza that is currently on Main Street in downtown went through a renovation after the movie was released (I’m not sure exactly when, but it was sometime after), and it expanded to accommodate more people due to its fame, as well as designed the interior to look a lot like the movie. You’ll find the neon “Slice of Heaven” sign when you walk in, and you can also buy Slice of Heaven t-shirts, like the wait staff wear in the movie. It’s honestly a lot of fun.
So, is it worth it? Is the food here actually good?
I’ve personally only ever gotten pizza slices here, but I do like it a lot! It’s not my favorite pizza of all time, and reminds me a bit of Greek-style pizza. But I do frequently pop in for a slice if I need something to eat quick, and always enjoy it. I do think it’s worth doing.
5. Explore The Mystic Aquarium
This is definitely one of the more iconic attractions in Mystic that’s definitely worth checking out during your visit. At the Mystic Aquarium, you’ll get the chance to see beluga whales, sea lions, penguins, sharks, tons of different kinds of jelly fish, plus lots more wildlife.
Since 1975, the Mystic Aquarium has been rehabilitating and releasing injured marine animals along the Connecticut and Rhode Island coastline. While visiting the aquarium, you’ll be able to take a peak inside their Rescue Clinic and get a glimpse into the important work they do to help preserve our native animals.
For extra special occasions, you can also arrange animal encounters at the aquarium, which includes spending time with penguins, painting with seals and helping a trainer feed different animals. Click here for more information on booking an animal encounter at Mystic Aquarium.
Pro Tip: If you plan to visit both the Seaport Museum and Village, and the Mystic Aquarium, be sure to buy a combination ticket, which will save you some money!
6. Shop & Dine At Olde Mistick Village
Just under 2 miles from downtown Mystic is Olde Mistick Village, which is a cluster of over 50 really adorable shops and cafes, centered around a beautiful pond, making this one a place you don’t want to skip when planning your itinerary.
In fact, it’s so charming and picturesque here, this part of town was heavily featured in the 2023 Hallmark holiday move Mystic Christmas. I was actually visiting Mystic when they were filming, and got to walk through the set all decorated for the movie, which was really cool! I’m so bummed I never snapped photos of it, but ah well – the memory lives on my head, and it’s such a fun one to revisit 😊
Once destined to be a shopping mall, the little village that stands today was built in the 1970s, and was inspired by the 1700s Colonial period. It was designed so that no two buildings were alike, and that it was a destination in and of itself.
With unique shops and eateries, this is such a fun place to experience that makes Mystic, CT worth visiting. Here are some of the best places to check out when in the Olde Mistick Village:
→ The Cloak & Wand – A unique place for Harry Potter fan, and those with an interest in magic. They also have a really cool “potion” bar here, where they serve up custom hot chocolate drinks, and fun, cold soda drinks with a mystical twist. I always stop here when visiting to get a fun and unique drink to sip on while walking around.
→ Alice In The Village – A wonderful tea room and gift shop inspired by the original Lewis Carrol storybook.
→ Munson’s Chocolates – An amazing chocolate store with several locations throughout Connecticut, but this shop in particular in especially fun to visit.
→ Franklin’s General Store – A New England-inspired general store that is so much fun to walk around, and packed with tons of charm. You’ll find everything a true general store should have including candy, kid’s toys, apparel, specialty foods, a fudge shop and tons more. It really feels like you’re stepping back in time during your visit here.
Olde Mistik Village is also home to some great restaurants, making this a place you could definitely spend a half day or more. The pizza restaurant featured in the Hallmark movie is also located here, and they didn’t change it at all for the movie, so that’s also a fun place to check out. It’s called Mango’s Wood Fired Pizza, and it’s actually pretty good!
There’s a very large parking lot for the shopping village, too, making it easy to visit.
7. Set Sail On The Last Remaining Commercial Ship In Mystic
If you’re not planning to visit the Mystic Seaport Museum, but still want to head out onto the water, be sure to book a tour with Argia Mystic Cruises. Argia is the last commercial ship in Mystic, making this one of the best things to do!
Visitors can choose between public and private sails aboard the schooner May through October, and includes options for morning, afternoon, and sunset charters. You’re also welcome to bring a bottle of wine or some beer aboard, along with light snacks. Tours pass by islands, lighthouses, and you have the option to help hoist the sails, which is such a fun memory to take home with you.
Tickets for sails with Argia can be booked online directly on their website here.
8. Head Out On A Spooky Ghost Tour
Like many historic New England towns, Mystic has no shortage of legends, local lore, and ghostly tales tied to its centuries-old past. If you’re curious about the town’s spookier side, one of the best ways to explore it is by booking a guided ghost tour, where you’ll hear eerie stories and uncover the history behind Mystic’s most talked-about hauntings.
There are two fantastic ghost tour options in Mystic that you can check out:
→ Downtown Mystic Group Walking Tour, which is just under two hours long, and does a great job combining the town’s history with all the ghost legends and spooky lore.
→ Mystic Moonlight Graveyard Ghost Tour, which is also just under 2 hours, and focuses on Mystic’s Whitehall Cemetery, which has long been thought to be very haunted.
9. Visit B.F. Clyde’s Cider Mill (Seasonal Only)
If you’re visiting Mystic in September, October, or November, this is a spot you’ll want to have on your itinerary. B.F. Clyde’s is the last steam-powdered cider mill in the entire U.S., making this such a fun and memorable excursion.
During your visit, you’ll be able to get fresh apple cider and doughnuts, and also do tastings of their hard ciders and wines. On select days (usually Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays), they’re actively pressing their apples, so those are good days to visit to get a peek at the process.
Pro Tip: B.F. Clyde’s is typically open from early September through the end of November. For updates on opening and closing days each year, be sure to check their Facebook page.
Parking At B.F. Clyde’s: Their parking area is small, and on popular days in the fall (especially weekends), they get very busy. They do allow street parking, so that’s an option if the lot is full, but just be sure to keep an eye out for no parking signs in certain spots, and be respectful of neighbors (as in, don’t park in people’s driveways). Lastly, they do have an off-site lot, which is .4 miles away, located at 49 N Stonington Road, if you’re up for walking. Sometimes, I just go straight to this lot if I know it’s going to be busy to avoid wasting time at their on-site lot. It’s an easy walk.
10. Experience The Bascule Bridge
Also featured in the Mystic Pizza movie, the Bascule Bridge is found right in downtown Mystic – so you can’t miss it! As one of Mystic’s most beloved local landmarks, this bridge style was common in the 1800s and early 1900s, when busy waterways needed movable bridges that could open quickly for ship traffic. The one you see in Mystic was built in 1922, replacing an older swing bridge, and it’s not as common to see this style of bridge in the U.S. anymore.
Watching it raise – often hourly in the warmer months – has become something of a ritual for both visitors and locals alike, offering great photo opportunities and scenic views of the waterfront.
This bridge connects the Stonington side of the river, with the Groton side, and operates hourly from May 1 – October 31 to allow boats to pass through. As you read this, you may think it doesn’t sound all that exciting, but seeing the bridge shut down all traffic in downtown, and lift up to allow boats to pass through, is actually really cool to see in person.
I’ll be honest, I always make time to see the bridge operate during my visits in-season because I always find it so cool to see – even after all my years of visiting.
11. Visit The Mystic Museum of Art
The Mystic Museum of Art was created in 1913 by a local artist colony, and today, is a free museum for all to enjoy. Not only does the museum have a permanent collection of over 250 pieces on display, they also feature different rotating exhibits throughout the year, and have beautifully manicured gardens for visitors to enjoy.
The museum is small, and you likely won’t need more than 1-2 hours here. But if you love art, this is a great place visit. And if you happen to visit on a rainy day, this is a wonderful place to wait out the rain, and admire the beautiful artwork.
12. Explore The Amazing Culinary Scene: Where To Dine In Mystic
Mystic is home to so many wonderful restaurants, each offering creative menus, class New England dishes, and so much more. Here’s where I suggest you eat when visiting:
The Shipwright’s Daughter: This is regarded as one of the best restaurants in Mystic, if not the best. The chef where was the winner of the James Beard award for best chef, Northeast in 2024. The restaurant is located at the Whaler’s Inn on Main Street.
S&P Oyster Bar: Located right on the river with water and bridge views, this is a wonderful restaurant for both lunch and dinner, with a menu focused on New England and seafood dishes, while also integrating some South American influences.
Cucina Al Pantheon: A fantastic option for Italian cuisine during your trip, and located inside the historic 1931 granite bank – you’ll see parts of the bank preserved inside the restaurant, which makes for a unique experience.
Engine Room: This is a cool spot for lunch with a traditional pub-style menu. They have great cocktails, a huge bourbon selection, and the restaurant is housed inside the Lathrop Marine Engine building, where they maintained a lot of the original architecture.
Captain Daniel Packer Inne: A great spot that a lot of visitors miss. The restaurant is housed inside a historic Colonial building from 1756, and has been carefully restored to preserve features like original fireplaces, exposed beams, and a cozy New England atmosphere that makes you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. The food is also wonderful.
Things To Do Just Outside Of Mystic That Are Worth Your Time
While there’s plenty to see and do in Mystic proper, the town is actually a village that sits within the towns of Stonington and Groton, so just taking a short drive will lead you to more really wonderful sights to see and things to do. Here are my top recommendations just outside of Mystic.
13. Explore Downtown Stonington
but this photo is to illustrate the atmosphere in downtown Stonington.
Stonington’s downtown is such a charming spot to visit that a lot of people tend to miss, which I think is a shame. It’s not as large as Mystic, but you’ll find some beautiful architecture, cute shops, and nice restaurants here. I love strolling this part of town during my visits.
One of my favorite spots in Stonington to visit is Noah’s Restaurant, which was used as the “Nor’easter Diner” is the movie Hope Springs with Meryl Streep and Tommy Lee Jones. They’ve even left the Nor’easter Diner mural painted on the side of their restaurant, which is really cool. They serve all three meals here, and all the food I’ve gotten has been excellent.
14. See Stonington Lighthouse & Museum, Plus The Waterfront
About a 10-minute walk from downtown Stonington, you’ll find the Stonington Lighthouse Museum. This more uniquye granite lighthouse was built in 1840 to guide ships across Fishers Island Sound, the and attached keeper’s house now operates as a seasonal museum to preserve more than 170 years of maritime history. It was also one of the first lighthouse museums in the country, after the Stonington Historical Society acquired it in 1925.
While it’s not what you think of when you envision a typical lighthouse, it’s still a really pretty place to visit, and the museum is rather interesting. You’ll want to keep in mind that hours vary during its season, so be sure to check their website here before making a special trip.
Right by the lighthouse museum is a nice little waterfront area at Stonington Point, which is worth walking over to. It’s small, but you’ll see the quaint DuBois Beach, and some nice harbor and ocean views during your visit.
15. Hit The Trails At Bluff Point State Park
Bluff Point State Park is only a short 15 minute drive from Mystic, and a great place for a relaxing walk on one of the nature trails.
Along Long Island Sound, you’ll find the Coastal Reserve Trail at this park, which is a 3.6 loop trail that’s very easy, and provides wonderful views of the water. If you visit on a warm summer day, you’ll also pass by beaches that are perfect for swimming along the trail. This is such a great gem that allows you to experience more of the natural beauty of the area while visiting Mystic.
Pro Tip: Please be aware that out-of-state visitors will need to pay a fee to park here.
16. Visit The Nearby Vineyards
There are two vineyards that are 15 minutes or less from downtown Mystic that are really fun to visit: Saltwater Farm Vineyard and Stonington Vineyards.
Saltwater Farm renovated an old airplane hanger into a gorgeous tasting room overlooking their rows of vines, and specializes in small-batch estate wines using French techniques. If visiting in the warmer months, be sure to try their Cabernet Rose, which is really nice and refreshing on a summer day. They don’t offer wine tastings, but you can get their wines by the glass or bottle, and they welcome you to bring your own food (they also have some snacks available to purchase).
Stonington Vineyards is another great one to check out. They offers tastings, wines by the glass and bottles for purchase, and encourage visitors to bring their own picnics and spend the day overlooking their rows of vines. Stonington Vineyards is known for their European table-style wines, many of which have won awards over the years.
I’m a big fan of their Resiling on a warm day, but all the wines I’ve tried here have been great.
17. Get Fresh, Local Flowers At A Cute Roadside Stand
One of my favorite little hidden gems near Mystic is the Mystical Gardens Flower Stand, which features freshly-made bouquets from their own flower garden in town. I’ve gotten such beautiful bouquets from them during my visits, and they also specialize in peonies, if you happen to visit during peony season in June.
The flower stand is right on the road outside of their house, and is self-serve, meaning it works on the honor system. They accept cash and Venmo, and they can be found on Sleepy Hollow Road in North Stonington – it’s the first house on the left.
Before visiting, be sure to check their Instagram page here to get up-to-date information on their seasonal hours, so you know they’ll be bouquets on the stand when you come by.
18. Go Ziplining With TreeTrails Adventures
In fact, you can do more than zipline with TreeTrails Adventures! Perfect for both adults and children, the adventure courses for both adults and kids including ziplining, rope bridges and netted tunnels – all about 50 feet above ground. This is a fun place to check out if you’re looking for a little more adventure during your visit.
Where To Stay In Mystic
The Whaler’s Inn: A boutique hotel in downtown Mystic that makes it easy to walk to all the shops, restaurants and Bascule Bridge. Each room is individually decorated, making it a unique experience each stay, and all rooms are equipped with a Roku to stream your favorite shows.
→ Click here to check rates & availability at The Whaler’s Inn
Delmar Mystic: A newer upscale hotel in Mystic that’s just a one-minute walk from the Mystic Seaport Museum. The hotel is beautifully designed, offering water views, complimentray breakfast, valet parking, and admission to the Seaport Museum. Additionally, enjoy on-site dining, an outdoor seasonal pool, and an on-site spa.
→ Click here to check rates & availability at the Delmar Mystic
The Taber Inne: Located about a mile from downtown, this little inn is perfect for those looking for a more budget-friendly hotel while still being close to downtown. Rooms are clean and comfortable, and some come with jacuzzi tubs.
→ Click here to check rates & availability at The Taber Inne
Visiting Mystic, CT: Answering Your Questions
Are There More Mystic Movie Filming Locations You Can Visit?
Yes, there are some more movie filming locations you can visit in the Mystic area, including:
→ The actual building used as the pizza restaurant in Mystic Pizza can be found in nearby Stonington at 70 Water Street. It looks pretty much the same as it did in the movie, but is now home to the New England Science & Sailing Foundation.
→ The former Ford’s Lobster was also used as a filming location in Mystic Pizza, serving as Ferriera Lobster for the movie. Now’s it’s Haring’s restaurant, which is a nice spot for fresh seafood overlooking the water. The shack has lost a little of it’s charm since becoming Haring’s, but it’s still a fun place to check out if you’re a fan of the movie, and has a great lobster roll.
→ Downtown Mystic and the Bascule Bridge were all featured in the movie Mystic Pizza.
→ The Hallmark holiday movie Mystic Christmas featured lots of locations around Mystic, including Olde Mistik Village as mentioned, the riverfront, and Sift Bake Shop.
→ The Mystic Seaport Museum has had a few movies filmed there, including Amistad.
What’s The Best Time To Visit Mystic?
I’ve been in all four season, and honestly, each one offers something fun and unique to enjoy. The summer season is the busiest season town, but you’ll have the best weather. I especially love spring and fall to avoid some of the summer crowds – although, I’ve noticed that the fall season has gotten more busy in the last few years, especially during October. This month does offer some really lovely fall foliage, though.
Winter is the quietest season in town, so you’ll experience the fewest crowds. And the holiday season in Mystic is really fun, with decorations and events throughout town. It really just depends on what you’re looking for.
Are There Free Things To Do In Mystic?
Of course! Just walking around downtown, and seeing the bridge rise are completely free. Walking around Olde Mistick Village is also free, as is the Mystic Museum of Art.
Is Mystic Best For Adults Or Families With Kids?
Honestly, both. Kid-friendly activities include the Mystic Aquarium, schooner sailing tours in Argia (sunset tours require a minimum age of 10, but other tours allow younger children), and even the Mystic Seaport Museum is kid-friendly. Whenever I’m at the museum (I’ve been three times), I’ve seen tons of families with kids who seem really excited to climb aboard the tall ships and such. It’s a very interactive museum that’s pretty engaging.
For an adult-only getaway, you can book romantic dinners, take a sunset sail on schooner Argia, visit the wineries just outside of town, and
Is Mystic, CT Worth Visiting? I’ve Hard It’s Overhyped
I absolutely think Mystic is worth visiting. Between the maritimes history, shopping downtown, Olde Mistik Village, the Aquarium, Mystic Seaport Museum, and fantastic dining options, it’s loaded with so many things to do in a small amount of space. It makes for a great weekend getaway, as well as a fun day trip, too. I fell in love with it during my first-ever visit years ago, and it continues to hold the same appeal to me now after many visits.
More posts you may enjoy:
- Summer In Connecticut: The Best Things To Do
- Things To Do In Westerly, RI & Watch Hill
- Things To Do In Old Saybrook, CT
- Things To Do In Niantic, CT
- Where To Find The Real Stars Hollow From Gilmore Girls
- Fun Things To Do In Milford, CT: A Lovely Gem
That’s A Wrap: Best Things To Do In Mystic, CT
Now that you know all the best things to do that make Mystic, CT worth visiting, you’re now ready to plan your own trip. Whether you’re looking to learn about its ship-building history, and see it come to life at the Seaport Museum, or you want to spend the day touring the local vineyards, shops, and eating at fabulous restaurants, Mystic has something for everyone, and it’ll definitely win you over with its charm.
