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, 14 Holmes Street, ☏ +1 860-572-9578, toll-free: +1-866-572-9578. (updated Aug 2018)
• Mystic & Shoreline Visitor Information Center, Olde Mistick Village, Coogan Blvd., ☏ +1 860-536-1641, mysticinfo1@yahoo.com. (updated Aug 2018)

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, 55 Coogan Blvd, ☏ +1 860 572-5955, fax: +1 860 572-5969, info@mysticaquarium.org. Daily 10AM-4:50PM, and open an hour early and/or an hour later during busy times of the year. 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. Adults $38, 60+ $32, 13-17 $32, 3-12 $28 -- $6 off each ticket if you buy on-line.. (updated Apr 2019)
• 🌍 Mystic Seaport - The Museum of America and the Sea, 75 Greenmanville Av, ☏ +1 860 572-5315, toll-free: +1-888-973-2767. Apr-Oct 9AM-5PM, Nov-Mar 10AM-4PM. 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. $26.05, Seniors $24.25, Youth $17.05. 
• Mashantucket Pequot Museum and Research Center, toll-free: +1-800-411-9671. 10AM-4PM. 110 Pequot Trail, Ledyard. Adults $15, ages 6-15 $10. 
• 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, 109 Pequotsepos Road, ☏ +1 860 536-1216, fax: +1 860 536-2983. M-Sa 9AM-5PM, Su 10AM-4PM. Open year round, this natural history museum and live animal exhibits display Connecticut’s local habitats; great for kids. 
• 🌍 Mystic Ballet, 325 Mistuxet Ave., ☏ +1 860 536-3671. Local ballet company that puts on regular performances and acts throughout the year. 
• Steamboat Sabino at Mystic Seaport, 75 Greenmanville Avenue (Mystic Seaport), ☏ +1 860 572-5315. Mid May- Columbus Day, Su-Th 10:30AM-6:30PM. The oldest, wooden, coal-fired steamboat still in operation offers historic views along the scenic Mystic River. Half-hour cruises $5.50 adult, $4.50 youth (age 6-17); 90-minute cruise $12 adult, $10 Youth (age 6-17). 
• B.F. Clyde’s Cider Mill, 129 North Stonington Road, ☏ +1 860 536-3354. Daily: Sep- Oct 9AM-6PM; Nov–Dec 9AM–5PM. 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 Charters, ☏ +1 860 521-3345, SeacapJG@aol.com. Hatteras Charter fishing boat licensed in three states and federal waters. 
• Brilliant at Mystic Seaport, 75 Greenmanville Avenue, ☏ +1 860 572-5323, Suzanne.Reardon@mysticseaport.org. Learn what it’s really like to sail on Mystic Seaport’s famous, prize-winning, 62-foot schooner. 
• Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center, 109 Pequotsepos Road, ☏ +1 860 536-1216, Info@dpnc.org. Explore woodland, wetland and meadow habitats on eight miles of trails on a 250-acre wildlife sanctuary. 
• Mystic Whaler Cruises, 35 Water Street, toll-free: +1-800-697-8420, Info@mysticwhaler.com. 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 Cinemas, ☏ +1 860 536-4227. Watch 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, Coogan Boulevard (just off I-95 at Exit 90), ☏ +1 860 536-4941, info@oldmysticvillage.com. Entertainment, duck pond and some really cool shops. 
• A Taste of New England, Olde Mistick Village, 27 Coogan Boulevard, ☏ +1 860 572-4896. Summer and Christmas Seasons: M-Sa 10AM-6PM, Su noon-5PM.. Find Mystic relics and desirable gifts. 
• Designs, Ltd., Olde Mistick Village, 27 Coogan Boulevard., ☏ +1 860 536-3447. M-Sa 10AM-6 PM, Su noon-5PM. Finest clothing and women’s apparel and accessories, sports wear, day and evening dresses. 
• Bathtub, Olde Mistick Village, 29 Coogan Boulevard, ☏ +1 860 536-4471. M-Sa 10AM-6PM, Su 11AM-5PM. 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, 37 W. Main Street, ☏ +1 860 536-1877. M-Th 10AM-7PM, F Sa 9AM-8PM, Su 11AM-6PM. 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. 
• The Gray Goose Cookery, Olde Mistick Village, 27 Coogan Boulevard, ☏ +1 860 536-5306. M-Sa 10AM-6PM, Su 11AM-6PM. 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, 29 W. Main St., ☏ +1 860 572-4435. 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, 10 Steamboat Wharf, ☏ +1 860 536-1312. M-Sa 11AM-6PM, Su 1PM-4PM. 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. 

• Abbott's Lobster in the Rough, 117 Pearl St, ☏ +1 860 536-7719. 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, 6 Holmes St, ☏ +1 860 536-0448. A classic Italian bistro featuring imported pasta and some American fare. Be sure to explore the wine selection. $10-20. 
• Bravo, Bravo & Bar, 20 East Main Street, ☏ +1 860 536-3228. Fine Italian dining for $20-25. 
• Go Fish, ☏ +1 860 536-2262. Olde 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, 135 Greenmanville Av, ☏ +1 860 536-2122. (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, 56 W Main St, ☏ +1 860 536-3700. Daily 10AM–10PM. 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. Budget. 
• Mezza Mediterranean Cuisine, 45 Williams Avenue, ☏ +1 860 415-4656. 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, 1 Holmes St, ☏ +1 860 536-2674. 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, 27 Coogan Boulevard, Olde Mistick Village, Building 24, ☏ +1 860 536-2661. 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, 32 Water St, ☏ +1 860 536-3555. 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, 25 Roosevelt, Route 1 & 7, ☏ +1 860 536-7300. 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. $7-20. 
• Pizzetta, 7 Water Street, ☏ +1 860 536-4443. 11:30AM-9PM (10PM on weekends). 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, 2 W. Main Street, ☏ +1 860 572-7978. Summer 9AM-11PM, Winter 10AM-10PM. 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, 63 Williams Avenue, ☏ +1 860 572-7992. M-F 7AM-7PM, Su 8AM-5PM. 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), 32 Water Street, ☏ +1 860 536-3555. Enjoy the nightly entertainment in the cozy pub downstairs. Must be 21 or older to enter. 
• Harp and Hound, 4 Pearl Street, ☏ +1 860 572-7778. 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, 9 Cottrell Street, ☏ +1 860 536-6700. Good place to go and watch the big games. Must be 21 or older to enter. 
• Margaritas, 12 Water Street, ☏ +1 860 536-4589. The "watering hole" above the restaurant brings the feeling and energy of Mexico to the community. Must be 21 or older to enter. 

• The Whaler's Inn, 20 East Main St, ☏ +1 860 536-1506, fax: +1 860 572-1250, sales@whalersinnmystic.com. 
• AmeriSuites, 224 Greenmanville Av, ☏ +1 860 536-9997, fax: +1 860 536-9686. (Rt. 27). 
• Best Western Mystic Hotel, 9 Whitehall Av, ☏ +1 860 536-4281, fax: +1 860 572-1300. 
• Comfort Inn Mystic, 48 Whitehall Av, ☏ +1 860 572-8531, fax: +1 860 572-9358, comfortinnmystic@waterfordhotelgroup.com. 
• Days Inn by Wyndham Mystic, 55 Whitehall Av, ☏ +1-860-415-8155, fax: +1-860 572-1164. 
• Harbour Inne & Cottage, 15 Edgemont St, ☏ +1 860 572-9253, harbourinne@earthlink.net. 
• Hilton Mystic, 20 Coogan Boulevard, ☏ +1 860 572-0731, fax: +1 860 572-0328. 
• Holiday Inn Express, 6 Coogan Blvd, ☏ +1 860 572-9065. 
• Howard Johnson Inn, 253 Greenmanville Av, ☏ +1 860 536-2654, gm@mystichotels.com. 
• Hyatt Place Mystic, 224 Greenmanville Ave, ☏ +1 860 536-9997. (updated Feb 2016)
• Residence Inn, 40 Whitehall Avenue, ☏ +1 860 536-5150, fax: +1 860 572-4724. 
• Steamboat Inn, 73 Steamboat Wharf, ☏ +1 860 536-8300, sbwharf@aol.com. 

• 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.