Mystic Luxury Travel Guide
Mystic is one of the most charming cities in New England. Its historic architecture, robust fishing culture, and abundance of fun things to do make it a truly special place to visit. Mystic has everything from beautiful beaches, boating, and museums to famous foodie destinations, unique shops, and lighthouses. This Mystic Luxury Travel Guide has everything you need to plan a wonderful visit, whether it’s your first time in the area or your fiftieth.
Best Time of Year to Visit Mystic
Mystic is a great place to visit year-round. Spring and summer are perfect for those wishing to spend more time outdoors, whereas autumn and winter are chillier and better suited for indoor exploration. It’s also a great spot for a winter weekend getaway if you’d like to stay in, explore museums, relax, and eat.
How to Reach Mystic
The nearest airport is in Providence, Rhode Island (PVD). Otherwise, Mystic is reachable by car via I-95.
How to Get Around Mystic
Downtown Mystic is very walkable, and that’s how we mainly got around. If you feel like going further, either bike or drive. Parking is abundant in the off-season, but may be more competitive in summer.
Where to Stay in Mystic
The Whaler’s Inn is where we’ve stayed each time we visit the area. It’s a beautiful hotel located right downtown, making it the perfect location from which to explore Mystic. Read about our first stay here, and our most recent stay in their newly opened Stanton House.
Where to Eat in Mystic
The Mariner
Perfect for those seeking a finer sit-down experience, The Mariner is a classic coastal seafood restaurant.
Mystic Fish Camp
By the owners of The Shipwright’s Daughter, Mystic Fish Camp is everything best about fine dining blended with a casual, laid-back summer camp vibe. It sounds odd until you try it and understand why it just works! You simply. must try the “Poor Man’s Lobster Roll,” “Tartare Bowl,” and the “Seasonal Salad.”
Mystic Karmic Kitchen
This is one of my favorite spots in New England to grab a fresh smoothie, vegan sushi, a hearty Açai bowl, or premade (with love and organic ingredients!) snack. The staff are the nicest, too!
Mystic Pizza
Made famous by the eponymous romantic comedy starring Julia Roberts, Mystic Pizza is one of the most visited spots in Connecticut. Grab a slice, or a box, and watch the cult classic film in your hotel room after a long night of exploring.
Popover
Popover is a great place to enjoy brunch or lunch in town, just around the corner from the Shipwright’s Daughter.
The Shipwright’s Daughter
This is my favorite restaurant in Connecticut, and one of my favorites anywhere in the United States! Read my full review.
Sift
One of New England’s most famous bakeries, Sift even has gluten-free options!
Taquería
Craving something from south of the border? Taquería will set you right! Taquería is extra unique because it was once a gas station. Often these buildings sit empty, but the owners seized the opportunity to do something much more sustainable than tearing it down and rebuilding or clear-cutting new land!
What to Do In & Around Mystic
Argia Cruise
Sail the waters around Mystic and experience the town from a distant point of view.
Mystic Aquarium
I’m not normally a fan of aquariums or zoos, but Mystic Aquarium is different. They rehabilitate injured wildlife like turtles, seals, and more, then release them. The animals that live there permanently have been injured and cannot live in the wild.
Mystic Museum of Art
Mystic’s art museum blends local art and culture into something completely unique.
Mystic Seaport
The best place on the East Coast to learn about New England’s shipping, sailing, and boat-building heritage. There’s an active shipyard here, which sounds boring until you learn that you can walk inside and watch them work using techniques that would be lost if not for their hard work! It’s so cool! They also have boat tours, a planetarium, and lots of art. My favorite part is their collection of antique ship figureheads!
Shopping Downtown
Shop an assortment of unique boutiques and local specialty shops. Hang the Moon, The Nantucket Trader, & Desert Rose Jewelry are my favorite spots to shop in town.
Visit Olde Mystic Village
Another great spot to shop, located closer to Mystic Aquarium, Olde Mystic Village has an extremely diverse selection of shops and restaurants.
Day Trips from Mystic
Block Island, Rhode Island
1h Ferry
Take the ferry to Block Island in under an hour and see why New Englanders flock here year-round!
Greenwich, Connecticut
1.5h Drive
One of Connecticut’s most popular destinations, Greenwich is perfect for anyone who loves fine dining, high-end shopping, and strolling through lush gardens.
Newport, Rhode Island
1h Drive
One of my favorite towns in the States, Newport’s Gilded Age mansions dot the rocky cliffs, simply begging to be toured. Stop into a tea house for lunch, sun yourself on Easton Beach, and take a sunset sail around Narragansett Bay.
Old Saybrook, Connecticut
30m Drive
Home to amazing ocean views, lighthouses, and beautiful beaches dotted with classic New England architecture, Old Saybrook is a great addition to any New England road trip itinerary.
Providence, Rhode Island
45m Drive
Rhode Island’s capital has great food, museums, parks, gardens, and water views.
Stonington, Connecticut
10m Drive
One of the best spots to dock your sailboat, enjoy fresh seafood, and walk the beaches, Stonington is one of New England’s cutest historic villages.
Watch Hill, Rhode Island
25m Drive
Another beautiful coastal town, Watch Hill, is Westerly’s most beloved neighborhood. Walk the beach, enjoy fantastic food, shopping, and views, and enjoy the sunset over Napatree Point.
Safety
Mystic is a very safe community. Be aware of water hazards, as with any coastal town. Secure valuables, keep an eye on children near water and bridges, and watch out for jellyfish if you decide to swim.
You’ll have a wonderful time!
Explore more of our adventures in Connecticut and Mystic & Stonington.
