Mystic, CT

Travel Guide

Mystic featuring a marina
Mystic featuring a city
Mystic featuring music and performance art as well as a small group of people
Mystic featuring food
Mystic featuring music as well as a small group of people
River cruises, a world-class aquarium and quaint shops and eateries make this historic 19th-century village an ideal New England getaway.

Once Connecticut’s busiest seaport, Mystic retains its historic, old-town charm. Today it is one of New England’s most popular destinations.

Located on the banks of the Mystic River, just a few miles from the Atlantic Ocean, Mystic offers attractions centered on its proximity to the waterfront. Watch the sea lion show and see beluga whales play at Mystic Aquarium. A notable oceanic research institution, the aquarium offers hands-on exhibits ideal for adults and children alike. Participate in interactive exhibits, the 4-D theater and learning programs at this popular destination.

Mystic's past centers on a maritime history, which you can experience at Mystic Seaport. Walk aboard historic sailboats and tall ships and through streets of a reconstructed 19th-century seafaring village.

Continue the nautical adventure aboard Schooner Argia with a cruise down the Mystic River on a replica of a historic sailboat. Enjoy glimpses of seals and other nautical creatures as you learn about the region’s history.

Experience New England of the 1700s at Olde Mistick Village. More than 50 stores, restaurants and boutiques line the streets. Historic architecture provides a perfect visual accompaniment to your shopping or dining adventures. Use the iconic Mystic River Bascule Bridge to travel between both sides of the village which straddles the Mystic River.

Mystic offers a low-key atmosphere, with bars and cozy eateries providing nighttime entertainment. For a more energetic nightlife, head to Mohegan Sun or Foxwoods. These gaming resorts are among the largest in the region, offering casinos, restaurants and spas. Each destination is under 30 minutes by car from Mystic.

Mystic is located 130 miles (209.2 kilometers) from New York City and 100 miles (160.9 kilometers) from Boston. It is most easily accessible by car, though a limited bus service runs from both metropolitan areas to the village.

Visit Mystic during autumn to experience its colorful fall foliage or plan a trip during summer, for warm, balmy weather. Enjoy the historic ambiance, picturesque location and wealth of attractions at one of Connecticut's premier destinations.

Where to stay in Mystic

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West Mystic

5/5(37 area reviews)

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in West Mystic and surrounding area, you can visit Mystic Downtown Marina and Mystic River Bascule Bridge.

West Mystic
Hilton Mystic

Hilton Mystic

3.5 out of 5
20 Coogan Blvd Mystic CT
The price is ¥18,614 per night from Jan 8 to Jan 9
¥18,614
¥21,406 total
Jan 8 - Jan 9
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Mystic. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,020 reviews)
The hotel was nice, loved the outdoor fireplace.. One mishap… the cleaning staff came to clean the room after breakfast but my husband was in the shower I asked her if she could back in an hour but it seem that my request made her upset by the way that she looked at me and she never came back to ...

Reviewed on Jan 6, 2026

Hilton Mystic
Spark by Hilton Mystic Groton

Spark by Hilton Mystic Groton

3 out of 5
55 Whitehall Avenue Mystic CT
The price is ¥13,937 per night from Jan 7 to Jan 8
¥13,937
¥16,028 total
Jan 7 - Jan 8
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Mystic. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,378 reviews)
First time staying at Spark by Hilton. It was a good experience, friendly staff.

Reviewed on Jan 3, 2026

Spark by Hilton Mystic Groton
Hyatt Place Mystic

Hyatt Place Mystic

3 out of 5
224 Greenmanville Ave Mystic CT
The price is ¥14,776 per night from Jan 20 to Jan 21
¥14,776
¥16,992 total
Jan 20 - Jan 21
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Mystic. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,172 reviews)
The room was spacious and clean. The staff was very helpful. The location was great and overall, I felt like it was a really good value.

Reviewed on Jan 5, 2026

Hyatt Place Mystic
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Charming 1845 Home in the Heart of Mystic – Walk to Everything!

Charming 1845 Home in the Heart of Mystic – Walk to Everything!

Mystic CT
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Mystic. Enjoy free WiFi, patios, and cable/satellite TV service. Our guests praise the property condition ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (123 reviews)
Its an older place so there are a lot of creaks and squeaks. The only bathroom is on the second floor. We didnt even bother bringing our luggage up the stairs as it was just too heavy and too cumbersome. Love the mini splits but I dont know if there is a way to turn off the display as it lights up ...

Reviewed on Oct 27, 2025

Charming 1845 Home in the Heart of Mystic – Walk to Everything!
Charming Historic House in Downtown Mystic

Charming Historic House in Downtown Mystic

Mystic CT
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Mystic. Enjoy free WiFi, a water park, and a garden. Popular attractions Mystic Seaport and Mystic Aquarium ...
10/10 Exceptional! (148 reviews)
This home has it all. Walking distance to downtown, clean and cozy accommodations and wonderful owners. I will book again in the future.

Reviewed on Dec 22, 2025

Charming Historic House in Downtown Mystic
The Hemingway Carriage House - Romantic & Private Downtown Mystic Getaway

The Hemingway Carriage House - Romantic & Private Downtown Mystic Getaway

Mystic CT
Stay at this apartment in Mystic. Enjoy a garden, patios, and cable/satellite TV service. Popular attractions Mystic Seaport and Mystic Aquarium and Institute ...
10/10 Exceptional! (140 reviews)
Great location a little off the strip. Perfect for a weekend getaway for a couple.

Reviewed on Nov 16, 2025

The Hemingway Carriage House - Romantic & Private Downtown Mystic Getaway
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Mystic

4.4
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
457
5 - Excellent 52%
4 - Good
349
4 - Good 40%
3 - Okay
50
3 - Okay 6%
2 - Disappointing
6
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
10
1 - Terrible 1%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

We couldn't go no where.was rain.but next time, we will.thanks.

5/5 - Excellent

CSmith

great happy hours, wonderful people, one of our favorite places

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Excellent overall

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

The aquarium and seaport tickets are valid for essentially 3 consecutive days or at least they were in February. Huge selling point that’s not openly advertised.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Quaint

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

The front desk manager. Jacob

Cities near Mystic

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