Mystic, CT

Travel Guide

Mystic featuring a marina
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
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

Default Image

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 ¥18,657 per night from Feb 26 to Feb 27
¥18,657
¥21,455 total
Feb 26 - Feb 27
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! (1,002 reviews)
Room was clean, lobby was nice. Restaurant was nice. Very loud though. Walls were thin and lots of kids running in the hallways.

Reviewed on Feb 12, 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 ¥11,144 per night from Feb 22 to Feb 23
¥11,144
¥12,816 total
Feb 22 - Feb 23
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! (1,414 reviews)
Nice

Reviewed on Feb 12, 2026

Spark by Hilton Mystic Groton
Hyatt Place Mystic

Hyatt Place Mystic

3 out of 5
224 Greenmanville Ave Mystic CT
The price is ¥16,797 per night from Mar 9 to Mar 10
¥16,797
¥19,317 total
Mar 9 - Mar 10
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! (1,186 reviews)
The staff was excellent.

Reviewed on Feb 10, 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.
Downtown Mystic Home  Private Driveway Fenced in Yard Discounted longer stays

Downtown Mystic Home Private Driveway Fenced in Yard Discounted longer stays

Mystic CT
Stay at this vacation home in Mystic. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Mystic Seaport and Mystic Aquarium and Institute ...
10/10 Exceptional! (118 reviews)
Second time staying.

Reviewed on Jan 6, 2026

Downtown Mystic Home Private Driveway Fenced in Yard Discounted longer stays
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! (151 reviews)
We had a wonderful stay in Mystic. Our hosts were responsive to email, as well as accommodating when it because clear we’d need to leave early to avoid a blizzard. The house is, indeed, charming and very clean, with everything one would need for an extended stay. We appreciated the extra touches, ...

Reviewed on Jan 25, 2026

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! (142 reviews)
Very close to the downtown area. Super clean and well kept space . Perfect for a couple. Complimentary items were a very nice addition. Hosts were super kind and very communicative . Overall 10/10 stay, would definitely book again.

Reviewed on Jan 19, 2026

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

Explore a world of travel with Expedia