Five Top Things to Do In Mystic Connecticut

 

Discover the Top Five Must-See Wonders of Mystic, Connecticut

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Photo by Rusty Watson

Mystic Seaport Museum: A Voyage Through Time

Dive deep into one of my favorite places on earth, the Mystic Seaport Museum, America’s leading maritime museum in the nation! Named #2 Best Open Air Museum by USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Award, the Mystic Seaport Museum is more than just a collection of exhibits; it’s a vibrant working village featuring historic ships to climb aboard, a working preservation shipyard where shipbuilding is their art, and historic buildings to stop in that keep trades alive and well. Reenacted scenes bring the seafaring tales of old to life. Feel like getting out on the water? Take a river cruise aboard the Sabino or Liberty, sail on a catboat, rent a small craft and be your own captain, or book a private charter~ so many choices! Many annual events throughout the year. Prepare to be whisked away to a bygone era when the ocean was a vast, uncharted territory.

May 4–November 3: Open daily from 10 AM–5 PM

November 4–December 29: Open Thursday–Sunday from 10 AM–4 PM

 

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Photo by Jae salavarrieta

Mystic Aquarium: An Underwater World of Wonder

Get up close and personal with over 300 species of marine life from around the globe. The Mystic Aquarium offers interactive encounters with touch tanks, such as stink rays, sharks, and other sea creatures. Our favorite and sure to be yours are the beloved beluga whales, African penguins, and California sea lions. Mystic Aquarium has the largest outdoor beluga whale habitat in the US and the only one in New England. Make time to see the sea lion show and meet these incredibly cute creatures. Do you love state-of-the-art technology? Then, you’ll love their virtual reality ocean journey! It’s not just an aquarium; it’s an opportunity to witness the wonder of the ocean’s depths and learn about conservation efforts safeguarding these magnificent creatures’ future.

Open daily; closed Thanksgiving and Christmas

 

Pic 13 Mystic River Bascule Bridge and Mystic River Park
Photo by Johnathan Bied

Mystic River Bascule Bridge: Engineering Marvel and Historic Landmark

Pause to admire the Mystic River Bascule Bridge built over 100 years ago~ it’s a true testament to early 20th-century engineering. This drawbridge isn’t just functional; it’s a piece of Mystic’s history, rising to allow tall ships to pass beneath its span, and connecting the two sides of Mystic; Groton and Stonington. It’s a reminder of the town’s enduring connection to the sea and a perfect spot for a memorable photo. Enjoy an ice cream cone from Drawbridge Ice Cream shop or dinner at S&P Oyster Restaurant and Bar while you wait for the bridge to go up 40 minutes past the hour during the summer months.

It is raised to allow boat traffic on a regular schedule from May 1st – October 31st at 40 min. past the hour from 7:40 AM – 6:40 PM, otherwise on demand.

Pic 10 Olde Mistick Village
Photo by Johnathan Bied

Olde Mistick Village: A Unique Shopping Experience

Wander through a recreated 18th-century New England shopping village where modern-day amenities blend seamlessly with historical charm. Olde Mistick Village is a shopping haven with a twist, offering unique, locally-owned shops amidst walkways that twist and turn, guiding you through this delightful outdoor shopping center. You could spend a day here browsing, eating, visiting the duck pond, and catching a movie at the Mystic Luxury Cinema. Speaking of movies, Hallmark aired Mystic Christmas in November 2023, featuring Olde Mistick Village and our favorite pizza restaurant, Mangoes Pizza! It’s a place where the past and present meet, offering something for everyone—from annual events and artisanal crafts to gourmet delights such as Amalfi, Toast and Tonic, Jealous Monk, and, of course, Mangoes Pizza!

Regular Hours: Open daily, 10 AM–6 PM Monday – Saturday and 11 AM–6 PM on Sunday

Summer Hours: Open Daily 10 AM–8 PM Monday – Saturday and 11 AM–6 PM on Sunday (Restaurants and luxury cinemas are open extended hours)

 

Pic 4 Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center
Photo by Johnathan Bied

Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center, Denison Homestead Museum, and Coogan Farm: A Natural Historical Escape

The name Denison goes back to the beginning of colonizing CT~ we are fortunate enough to be stewards of a Denison historic gem in Old Mystic, CT, available for you to reserve. Think beautiful trails, sweeping hilltop views of Mystic River, historic farmland and the 1654 Denison Homestead and colonial garden~ what could be better than an afternoon spent exploring nature, farmland, and history.  Offering miles of hiking trails through diverse habitats, it’s a haven for wildlife, history, and nature lovers alike. Encounter local flora and fauna, and immerse yourself in the peacefulness of the natural beauty of Mystic~ it’s the perfect counterpoint to Mystic’s maritime bustle.

Denison Homestead Museum Hours: Monday – Friday, 10 AM- 4 PM, Saturday Hours 12 PM – 4 PM (June – October)

Denison Pequotepos Nature Center Hours: Monday – Saturday 9 AM – 4 PM, Sunday 10 AM – 4 PM

DPNC and Coogan Farm trails are open without charge seven days a week, from dawn to dusk

 

Please reach out if you have any questions~ I’m delighted to help!

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Deborah Bied

Proprietor

Mystic Vacation Rentals LLC

debbie@mysticvacationrentals.com

860-501-8051 (text is best:)

www.mysticvacationrental.com

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