The Area
Downtown Mystic Shops
Mystic’s heart beats around its historic 1922 drawbridge, which still raises on the hour in warmer months. Wander the pedestrian-friendly village, browse local boutiques, sip a coffee by the river, and don’t miss a photo op as boats pass beneath the moving bridge. It’s the scenic, small-town vibe everyone loves about Mystic.
Newport, RI
For those staying through the weekend, we highly recommend visiting Newport on Saturday! About an hour from Mystic, Newport is the kind of place you could spend all day. Start at Bowen’s Wharf — grab a drink by the water, pop into a few boutiques, and watch the boats come and go. Josh and Grace's favorite spots are the Black Pearl and Luke's Lobster, followed by shopping at the Kiel James Patrick flagship store or a tour from the water with Newport Classic Cruises. If you’ve got more time, walk the Cliff Walk or tour the famous Newport mansions. There are many, but the Breakers, a 70-room Gilded Age mansion built by Cornelius Vanderbilt II is the most beautiful and impressive estate in Newport (and maybe the entire United States) — it genuinely lives up to its reputation.
Mystic Seaport Museum
Mystic Seaport is the nation’s largest maritime museum—spanning 19 waterfront acres—and home to historic vessels like the Charles W. Morgan, the last wooden whaleship afloat. Step into a recreated 19th-century seafaring village, watch craftsmen at work in the shipyard, and even take a short sail or paddle on the Mystic River. It’s a hands-on, atmospheric way to dive into New England’s whaling and shipbuilding history.
Sea View Snack Bar
If you’re looking for a true New England seafood shack experience, this is it!! Order at the counter, grab a table outside, and go for the classics—lobster rolls, fried clams, chowder, all done really well. This place is no-frills and the real deal. Seriously.
S&P Oyster Restaurant and Bar
Right on the river in downtown Mystic, S&P is an easy spot to stop for a drink or sit down for a nice meal. If it’s nice out, sit outside—the views of the water and drawbridge are hard to beat. Great seafood, good atmosphere, and a solid option if you’re looking for something a little more elevated without being overly formal.
Sift Bake Shop Mystic
This is a very popular spot in Mystic for coffee, cookies, and other baked goods. The line can get long, but it can move relatively quickly.
Mystic Aquarium
A standout in marine conservation, Mystic Aquarium is one of the only places in New England where visitors can see beluga whales (!!!) up close, alongside sea lions, penguins, and colorful jellyfish. This is a great activity for those with children.
Ocean House
The place where Josh and Grace got engaged! About 30 minutes from Mystic, the Ocean House is a classic New England resort perched above the water in Watch Hill. It’s the only hotel in Rhode Island with both Forbes Five-Star and AAA Five Diamond ratings, but you don’t have to be staying there to enjoy it — grab lunch, dinner, or drinks on the veranda, and take a walk down to East Beach, the beautiful public beach right next door. We find the Ocean House to be very busy in the summer, so we recommend making a reservation in advance.
Napatree Point (Watch Hill)
Josh's favorite beach in New England, 30-ish minutes from Mystic. Just down the street from the Ocean House and Taylor Swift's Holiday House. Napatree Point is a protected conservation area known for its quiet shoreline and nesting piping plovers. (Full transparency, the parking in Watch Hill is a struggle; there's some street parking and a few paid lots. We think it's worth it, though.) You can also enter a separate public beach at the foot of Ocean House & Holiday House at 90 Bluff Ave, Westerly, RI 02891. If you want to visit the Watch Hill Lighthouse, you can walk down Lighthouse Road (a private road open to pedestrian access) from Bay Street. It’s about a 10-minute walk with great views of the harbor and coastline along the way. The lighthouse grounds are open daily in summer.
Matunuck Oyster Bar
Josh's favorite restaurant in the area. Right on the water overlooking the oyster farm, this is one of the best-known spots in the area for seafood. It’s a great place for a nice lunch or dinner—fresh oysters, seafood, and really pretty views of the salt pond. It does get busy, especially on weekends, so be sure to make a reservation.
East Matunuck State Beach
Another one of Josh's favorite beaches in the area. Noted as a popular swimming spot with strong surf, East Matunuck State Beach totals more than 144 acres, with a modern beach pavilion and a large parking lot. Watch the ferry cruise by on its way to Block Island and fishing boats coming in and out from the Port of Galilee. Plan to arrive early on summer weekends when parking fills up quickly, and you can buy a parking pass in advance to take the express lane in.
Misquamicut State Beach
Just a short drive from Mystic, Misquamicut State Beach offers a wide stretch of soft sand and open ocean views. It’s one of the few nearby beaches with consistent waves, making it a great place to swim and spend the day by the water. As the state's most popular beach, parking often fills to capacity during sunny summer days, but you can purchase your parking pass ahead of time so you can use the express lane.