3-Day Itinerary for Exploring Mystic, CT
Mystic, CT is one of my absolute favorite New England towns to visit and there is so much to do in all seasons. I especially love visiting during the off-season when you can easily score a last minute dinner reservation, enjoy a quiet morning stroll along the Mystic drawbridge, and find a parking spot with ease!
Looking to visit Mystic? I have you covered with a full itinerary that can be done anytime of the year!
Day 1 - Arrive in Mystic
Start your visit to Mystic with a stop at the largest maritime museum in the United States! The Mystic Seaport Museum includes more than 60 historic buildings, ships and nautical structures. You can easily spend a couple hours here. Step aboard a historic whaling ship and experience what it would be like as a crew member as you walk through the vessel and sleeping quarters. You will also find unique exhibits on display, which change regularly. Note that if you are visiting during the off-season, only a portion of the outdoor grounds are open. Many of the outdoor structures, including the Brant Point Lighthouse replica, are not able to be visited unless you obtain advanced permission. There is a $19 entrance fee for adults but in my opinion it is definitely worth it, especially in summer months when the museum is fully open.
After getting your steps in at the Mystic Seaport Museum, enjoy lunch at The Engine Room nearby, where you will find “a menu of locally sourced, creative American comfort food.” They are best known for their burgers and bourbon but I opted for a lighter option with a lot of exploring ahead. I chose their Kale Salad and added on pulled rotisserie chicken which was amazing! I also loved the decor of this restaurant, which is located in a restored marine engine building. And they have a great selection of both indoor and outdoor seating options.
Next up, walk Main Street in historic downtown Mystic. The Mystic drawbridge, located in the heart of Main Street, is one of my favorite features of the area. It connects the Groton and Stonington sides of Mystic. You get a beautiful view of the Mystic River from this spot as well. Visit some of the many local shops in downtown. I loved visiting Mystic Knotwork for a custom bracelet, picking up a Mystic puzzle at Hang the Moon, and looking for a good book at Bank Square Books. I also loved exploring Tidal River Clothing which has some great outdoor brands like Patagonia and a variety of Mystic branded clothing. Just Mystic was closed on this visit (as they were in the process of relocating) but I can’t wait to visit their store next time for a Mystic sweatshirt.
Time for ice cream! If you love ice cream as much as I do, be sure to make a stop into Mystic Drawbridge Ice Cream on Main Street. There are so many flavors to choose from and it was delish!
Check-in to Captain's Mansion which will be your home base for your stay. The inn is located just a short walk away from the main street. Take some time to explore the historic rooms at the inn, grab a glass of wine from their wine fridge, and relax in one of the many comfy chairs. See my post on Captain’s Mansion for all the details on my stay.
After some relaxation, walk back to Main Street for dinner at Via Emilia for some incredible Italian cuisine. There are two floors in the restaurant and both are lovely. I recommend making a reservation and asking for a second floor window view if available. I had a beautiful table looking directly out to Main Street. I ordered an espresso martini (one of their specialties and hands down the best I have ever had), an insalata to start, and the Cappelletti which are buffalo mozzarella filled ravioli with a roasted tomato and basil sauce. AMAZING!
Following dinner, grab a night-cap at The Port of Call before heading back to the inn. The menu is inspired by recipes from around the globe. I loved the “Apple Drink” inspired by the Quebec City Port of Call. This drink had almond apple shrub and matcha. Fancy mocktail options are also available.
Day 2
If you are an early riser like me, I highly recommend experiencing sunrise in Mystic. You can catch a glimpse of sunrise from the belvedere at Captain’s Mansion or take a short walk (or drive) to Main Street to catch the sunrise along the Mystic River.
After taking in sunrise views, stop at Sift Bake Shop for an amazing croissant and latte. I also recommend picking up some of their macaroons for later (they are so good)!
After fueling up for the day, head out to explore Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center where you will find miles of trails which you can explore for free. They also offer a nature center in the building with wildlife learning opportunities for a $10 fee.
Next up is Olde Mistick Village which offers some of the most unique shops I have visited and lots of options for lunch. Be sure to stop into Alice in the Village Tea House for a huge selection of hot and cold teas and Alice’s Haunted Little Bookstore next door. For Harry Potter fans, Cloak and Wand is a must! There is broom parking outside the entrance, tons of Harry Potter themed items inside, and a Potion bar where you can pick a beverage of your choice. I ordered the "Wizard Beer.” For lunch, there are many options to choose from here including Mango’s Wood-Fired Pizza, Jealous Monk, Trattoria Amalfi, and Toast and Tonic.
Time to explore some of the Connecticut Wine Trail with a visit to Stonington Vineyards. They have a beautiful tasting room where you can enjoy a wine tasting or a glass of wine. There is also a great outdoor patio with vineyard views. (Alternate Itinerary Option to the winery: Explore the Mystic Aquarium next door to Olde Mistick Village).
To close out the day you have a few choices:
Make your way over to Stonington Borough nearby for shops and restaurants.
Head to Napatree Point Conservation Area in Watch Hill, RI for a walk along the beach and sunset views.
Head back to downtown Mystic for dinner. There are so many options to choose from including Shipwrights Daughter (which is on my list for next time) or a more casual option like Bank & Bridge Brewery which is located in an old bank building and even has its very own vault. I absolutely love their Truffle Shuffle chicken sandwich which includes truffle honey, goat cheese, and mixed berry jam. They also have a great selection of craft brews.
Day 3 - Goodbye for Now Mystic
After enjoying some time relaxing at Captain’s Mansion (and perhaps some yogurt and fresh fruit from their continental breakfast) it’s time to check-out.
Make one last stop to Main Street to try some of the best donuts in town from Young Buns Doughnuts. I had the chocolate glazed and it was incredible!
Head to the Mystic Museum of Art just down the street, where you will find beautiful paintings and rotating art on display. The museum is free to visit.
Next up, drive less than 15 minutes to Groton to explore Bluff Point State Park. When I asked locals which outdoor spot I needed to stop at, this one always came up in the recommendations. It’s the perfect spot for hiking or biking and you get both wooded views and coastline trails. It’s also a great spot for wildlife viewing. Dogs are also welcome here on leash.
After spending time on the trails it is time for your last stop and one of my favorites - Mystic Cheese Company! I highly recommend picking up grilled cheese for lunch and some cheese to go as well. There are spots to sit and enjoy your cheese in the store or you can opt to bring your items into Beer’d Brewery next door like I did.
