Things To Do
Explore Downtown Mystic
Downtown Mystic is a walkable waterfront district nestled along the banks of the Mystic River. With over 80 independently-owned shops and galleries, there is plenty to explore, most notably Mystic Pizza, the famed restaurant from the Julia Roberts movie. While we definitely suggest snapping a quick photo with the sign, we recommend eating at one of the many other delicious restaurants within walking distance. Some favorites of ours include Sift Bakery, the Tree House, Via Emilia, and the Engine Room. For lobster rolls, we encourage you to check out Haring's in Noank or you can crack open a full lobster at Abbott's.
Sail on the Argia
There are many ways to get on the water including paddle board and kayak rentals (e.g., Adventure Mystic and Mystic River Cruise). For a once-in-a-lifetime experience, you can sail on the Argia, the last commercial sailing ship in Mystic, which departs from Steamboat Wharf and carries passengers on two-hour sails throughout Long Island Sound.
Spend the Day at the Aquarium or the Mystic Seaport
There's more to sea (see what we did there) at some of the area's local museums, which include the Mystic Seaport, the Mystic Museum of Art, and the Mystic Aquarium. The Seaport is the largest maritime museum in the United States, hosting a recreated 19th-century coastal village, a working shipyard, and over 650 historic watercraft. History lovers can easily spend a full day exploring the grounds, boarding ships, and chatting with on-site historians. A bonus for all big and small: the North American debut of Brickwrecks: Sunken Ships in LEGO® Bricks is on view through January 2027. The Mystic Aquarium is the Northeast's premier marine mammal rescue and rehabilitation center. With a visit, you will spend time amongst the penguins, Beluga whales, sharks, and many other wonderful sea life. At the Mystic Museum of Art, a hidden gem right on the Mystic River, you can find intimate galleries featuring American Impressionism and rotating contemporary exhibitions.