If you’ve followed me for a while, you know that Mystic is one of my favorite places in Connecticut and part of what made me fall in love with this area. I love a coastal small town and Mystic is full of historic charm, small businesses, and fabulous restaurants. I first came to Mystic in 2011 when I was on the way up to my freshman year at Syracuse. My parents wanted to take my sister and I as they loved the movie Mystic Pizza (which I now also love!). Since then, I’ve visited Mystic hundreds of times over the years, watched it change and grow, and found my tried and true spots from places to stay, to restaurants, activities, coffee shops, and everything in between.

I’ve put together this guide to help you make the most of your trip to Mystic - in any season!

Where to Stay

The Whaler’s Inn

A boutique hotel in the heart of town and one of my favorite places to stay in the state. The Whaler’s Inn is a special place to me as it was where I stayed on one of my first trips to Mystic. The location can’t be beat and the hospitality is amazing. You’re steps from the shops, galleries, and restaurants that give Mystic its charm, with beautiful views of the Mystic River and the iconic Bascule Drawbridge right outside your door. It’s an easy, scenic walk to the Mystic Seaport Museum, and just a quick drive to Mystic Aquarium and Olde Mistick Village making it an ideal home base.

The inn itself is made up of several different buildings, each with its own personality, which makes it easy to find a place that fits your vibe. The Hoxie House is my personal favorite with river views, soaking tubs, and gas fireplaces that feel especially magical in the cooler months. If you’re looking for something quieter, the Stonington House offers a tucked-away feel, while the historic Main Inn and 1865 House bring classic New England character right on East Main Street. There’s also the newly opened Stanton House, which are larger suites and have incredible views from the Penthouse.

The Whaler’s Inn also has a fantastic on-site restaurant, The Shipwright’s Daughter. Led by James Beard Award–winning chef David Standridge, the restaurant has earned national recognition, including being named one of the New York Times’ Top 50 Restaurants in America. I would describe the food as New American with a seafood focus. One thing I love about the restaurant is they are very focused on the community and supporting local by working with local growers, farmers and fisherman ensuring that dishes are responsibly sourced. More on this restaurant down in dining section!

Captain’s Mansion

Another great option for an overnight stay in Mystic is Captain’s Mansion, located just up the hill from Mystic Pizza. It’s close enough to town that you’re never far from the water, shops, and restaurants, but far enough removed that it feels noticeably quieter. The setting is more residential and low-key, which makes it a good choice if you want to enjoy Mystic without being right in the middle of town.

The Captain’s Mansion reopened a few years ago, and was a former sea captain’s house. It has that classic New England bed-and-breakfast charm, with an emphasis on comfort and character. The rooms are individually styled, many featuring cozy fireplaces, soaking tubs, or views overlooking the neighborhood and water beyond. It’s the kind of place that feels warm and lived-in, not overly polished or uniform like your standard hotel, which adds to its appeal.

On my first stay at Captain’s Mansion, I stayed in the Captain’s Suite, which was roomy and inviting. My favorite part of that room was the sunroom, which was full of natural light and perfect for reading and relaxing. The bathroom was another highlight, with a clawfoot tub and heated floors. On my most recent trip, I stayed in the Bascule Bridge Suite, which was also lovely and had a balcony overlooking the grounds, and beautiful during the fall.

One of my favorite features of the property are all the cozy common areas where you can read, play cards or chat with other guests staying there. The terrace is also a great place to sit around golden hour with a glass of wine, and there’s a self-serve wine dispenser stocked with local selections from Jonathan Edwards Winery. Artwork from local artists is also featured throughout the property.

In the morning, you can also enjoy a complimentary breakfast before heading out to explore Mystic. Overall, it’s comfortable, full of character, and a well-located option that makes for an easy and enjoyable stay in town, especially if you’re looking for something quieter but still close to everything.

Seanic Views - Airbnb

If you’re looking for a bigger space to go with friends and family, Seanic Views is an Airbnb just a short drive or walk from town. This updated harbor-view home is beautiful and spacious with sweeping views of the Mystic River from nearly every level, it’s just a short walk to downtown Mystic and an easy bike ride to charming Noank Village.

The home is designed for gathering. There’s an open main level that connects a comfortable living room with a gourmet kitchen that has generous counter space and an island that’s perfect for cooking. A dining table sits right between it all, making meals feel relaxed and communal. You can also head out onto the deck to grill, cozy up around the fire table, or simply take in the harbor views.

With four levels of living space, there’s room for everyone. There’s a recreation room on the lower level that offers a TV, pull-out sofa, foosball table, and even ping pong in the garage. A queen bedroom with a full bath sits on the main floor, while the second level features two private ensuite bedrooms, including a primary suite with its own deck overlooking the harbor. The third floor is a wide-open sleep space with eight twin beds and a full bathroom, making it ideal for families or group getaways.

This home is truly stunning!

Where to Eat

Mystic has become a major culinary destination in Connecticut. There are several incredible award-winning restaurants and you really can’t go wrong with any of them, but I’ve categorized my personal favorites by Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. There are new spots popping up all the time, so I’ll keep updating this list as new places come to town.

Breakfast / Coffee

Sift Bakeshop - Considered one of the best bakeries in Connecticut. Their Mystic location is the original and serves up incredible pastries, cookies, breads and more. My personal favorites are the ham and cheese croissant and chocolate chip walnut cookie. They also have great coffee and make many of their syrups in-house. I typically opt for an iced caramel latte, or one of their seasonal drinks when available. Sift is a fantastic way to start (or end!) your day in Mystic! They also have a rooftop above the restaurant, Mix at Sift, which is great for after dinner drinks or dessert. I’ve also heard it’s great for brunch, but haven’t been yet!
Nana’s - Right on the water in Mystic, Nana’s is an organic bakery and pizza shop that really cares about how things are made, from naturally leavened dough using regional, sustainably grown grains to breads and pastries baked fresh each day after a long, slow overnight fermentation that brings out incredible flavor. They even use koji grown by their sister company, Moromi Shoyu, to add depth and umami to their pizzas, baked goods, and drinks. They use organic espresso from Canyon Coffee and I love their LA latte with coconut miso caramel and oat milk. You can grab a pastry for breakfast or a breakfast sandwich, and they have incredible savory donuts - the cacio pepe is not to be missed!
Popover - A newer spot in Mystic but with great vibes and breakfast food. The menu is built around high-quality ingredients, with plenty of gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options that don’t feel like afterthoughts. They also have really creative coffee drinks and cocktails. On my last visit, I ordered the honeycomb latte and protein popover that came with scrambled eggs, bacon, caramelized onions and cheese all within a popover. Both were excellent!

Lunch

Red 36 - One of my go-to spots in Mystic for both the atmosphere and the location right on the water. It’s especially fun in the summer and early fall when you can sit outside and enjoy the views. The food is solid and consistent, and the overall experience is what keeps me coming back. I usually order the cold lobster roll and a Painkiller, which they do really well. I’ve also had the street tacos and enjoyed them.
S&P Oyster - While this is a lunch or dinner restaurant, I prefer coming for lunch so you can sit outside and enjoy the view! This is a Mystic classic, and the menu leans seafood-heavy and feels elevated without being overly formal. I like their shrimp scampi risotto!
Engine Room - This spot is a bit nostalgic for me as I came here on one of my first trips to Mystic! It works well for lunch and dinner, but I enjoy coming for lunch as it’s a bit more casual. The food is mostly classic comfort food, and I typically opt for one of the burgers. If you like mushrooms, the Mushroom Mae burger is great. We also enjoy their hush puppies and my boyfriend likes their wings!
Haring’s Noank - Technically in Noank Village, but a short drive from Mystic. Haring’s overtook the old Ford’s Lobster location (which I miss dearly!) and serves classic seafood in a relaxed setting. Coming here in the summer is awesome as you can sit right on the water and enjoy the beautiful views of the Mystic River and watch the boats go by. They usually have some great specials and I ordered a cold lobster roll (are you sensing a theme?) last time I was there. Their hot lobster is really delicious as well.
Captain Daniel Packer Inne - A long time Mystic staple set inside a historic building downtown. It’s a good option if you’re looking for traditional New England dishes and a more classic dining experience. It’s a very cozy spot and fun to visit in the winter!
Trattoria Amalfi - Located at Olde Mistick Village, this Italian restaurant is the sister restaurant to Via Emilia. They’ve done a great job of decorating the space so it truly feels like you’re on the Amafli coast. A great option if you’re wandering around Olde Mistick Village looking to have a nice lunch. Their garlic bread is unreal and they use bread from Nana’s.

Dinner

Shipwright’s Daughter - I mentioned Shipwrights Daughter briefly earlier in this blog post, as it’s located at the Whaler’s Inn and serves breakfast and dinner. The Chef David Standridge is a James Beard award winner and is incredibly talented. He was also recently announced as a semifinalist for another James Beard Award for Outstanding Chef. The menu changes daily and really focuses on seasonality and sustainability. I’ve eaten here several times and every dish is always creative, flavorful and so delicious. Funny enough, I first visited Shipwright’s Daughter for Happy Hour. I was in town and wanted something light so it was the perfect opportunity to try it. They have a great HH menu, and I had some fish chowder that I still think about. Their roasted oysters are unbelievable for an appetizer and for dinner, I love their mushroom bucatini.
Via Emilia - One of the best restaurants in Mystic and one of my favorite Italian restaurants in the state. I always feel that it gets overshadowed by some of the other wildly popular restaurants in the area, but the food is incredible. It sits right on Main Street and the vibe is cozy and relaxing. Everything I’ve had here has been good but my go-to is the Mezzaluna (the filling changes seasonally) and the Cappelletti is also a family favorite of ours. I also love their charcuterie board as an appetizer. Their wine selection is excellent and you can’t skip out on their espresso martini!
Oyster Club - Another award winning restaurant in Mystic led by talented chef Renee Touponce. This is a really special restaurant with a great atmosphere, excellent staff and service, and a creative menu that is constantly changing with the seasons. Every meal I’ve had here has been fantastic and in the summer months, they open up the Treehouse where you can dine outside. Since the menu changes, I typically order something different each time but the empanadas, oysters, and any of their fish dishes are fantastic! Last time, I ordered a monkfish katsu dish that was unreal.

What to Do

Mystic Seaport Museum

The Mystic Seaport Museum is one of my favorite activities in Mystic. Set right on the waterfront, the museum is more like a living village than a traditional museum, with historic ships, working boats, and a recreated 19th-century seafaring town you can wander through at your own pace. You’ll see craftsmen at work, step inside old homes and shops, and get up close to the maritime history that shaped Mystic. You can spend a few hours here and it’s a great option for families.

Mystic Aquarium

I couldn’t put together a guide to Mystic without including the aquarium. It’s famous for a reason. That being said, it’s not something I typically do when visiting Mystic. I’ve been once and after that, I haven’t felt the need to go back. If it’s your first time to Mystic, it’s worth visiting especially if you have kids but it can get expensive. Although they are a non-profit and do a lot in the community with animal rescue and conservation, which is very important to me.

Downtown Shops

Downtown Mystic has changed over the years and I’ve watched many shops come and go. Below is a list of my current favorites in town.

Just Mystic - Just Mystic is hands down my favorite place for Mystic-branded gear. In a lot of tourist towns, that kind of merch can feel cheap or overly kitschy, but this shop is the complete opposite. The owners are wonderful, the space is beautifully designed, and the quality is impressive. I’ve bought several sweatshirts here over the years and they’ve held up incredibly well. They also have a fun photo booth, which makes it an easy stop even if you’re just popping in.
Tidal River - Tidal River feels very on-brand for Mystic. The shop leans coastal and classic, with a mix of high quality name-brand clothing like Patagonia, accessories, and gifts. It’s a good spot to find pieces you’ll actually wear long after your visit. They focus a lot on sustainable brands too, which I love!
Spencer & Lynn - A fantastic wine shop right on Main Street. They have a really curated selection and will help select something for you based on what you like. I picked up a Chianti last time I was there that was incredible! The owner is awesome and very knowledgable. They also have fun store events and tastings.
Trove - A really unique men’s provisions shop that has clothing, accessories, barware, grooming items and gifts. Everything feels well made and carefully chosen. I love coming here if I’m looking for a gift for my dad!
Manufaktura - A beautiful polish pottery shop that has the most incredible dishes, mugs, and more. They have some really fun coastal designs and the quality is just incredible. I’ve bought two different mugs from them and use them almost everyday. They also have a location in Olde Mistick Village.
Hang the Moon - A cute gifty shop for the girls! If you need a gift for a friend, mom, girlfriend, etc., this is your spot. I’ve bought fun candles here over the years, seasonal decorations/gifts, mugs, and more. They lean a lot into pop culture so it’s fun to browse and see items from Gilmore Girls, Taylor Swift, etc.
Bank Square Books - While Bank Square Books is no longer located downtown, it’s still absolutely worth including. I was bummed when they moved, but it remains one of the best independent bookstores in the area. They have a strong selection of bestsellers and local authors, and it’s an easy stop just a short drive away going towards Stonington.
RI Boutique - A really cute clothing boutique with classic pieces and some coastal/New England inspired items.
Finer Line Gallery - A charming art gallery where you can browse original artwork, prints, local scenes and coastal inspired pieces from local artists. Last time I was here, I bought the cutest Mystic Pizza watercolor print.

Sail Argia

A sail aboard Sail Argia is something I always associate with Mystic, and I’m pretty sure I have thousands of photos of this boat from over the years. If you’ve spent any time downtown, you’ve definitely seen it docked by the bridge, and it’s one of those instantly recognizable Mystic sights. What a lot of people don’t realize is that you can actually get out on the water aboard the schooner and sail along the Mystic River and out toward Fishers Island Sound. Whether you go during the day or at sunset, it’s absolutely worth doing if the weather cooperates, especially if you’ve visited Mystic before and want to experience it in a new way.

Olde Mistick Village

A visit to Mystic isn’t complete without a stop at Olde Mistick Village. Designed like a small New England village, this open-air shopping area is home to a mix of local boutiques, unique shops, bookstores, and plenty of spots to eat or grab a coffee. My favorite shops are:

Franklin’s General Store - I love a good general store! It’s my dream to open one someday but in the meantime, I will continue visiting them across Connecticut. This is a really cute one with nuts, honey, syrup, fudge, jams, jellies, books, candles and so much more! It’s fun to browse in here.
Kitch - A fantastic kitchen store. They have really high quality products and brands.
Bestemors - This is a really unique Scandinavian shop with traditional European gifts, food, toys, and housewares. It’s such a unique shop to wander around in!
Mystic River Trading Co - This shop used to be called Una and rebranded and downsized recently, but they have great quality women’s clothes. I bought a sweater recently that I wear all the time.
Munson’s Chocolates - If you need a sweet treat while you’re shopping, this is a great place to stop!
Becca Rose - A really cute shop with crystals, handmade soaps, skincare, books, and more. I love buying handmade soaps whenever I pop in.

Local Wineries

Spending an afternoon at a winery is one of my favorite easy add-ons to a Mystic trip, and there are a few really good options just a short drive away. Stonington Vineyards is a classic for a reason with wide open views, a beautiful setting, and a tasting room that feels especially nice on a sunny afternoon. Saltwater Farm Vineyard is another really beautiful option, it’s very unique sitting on a former airport. They have a ton of fun events during the summer as well. If you’re looking for something quieter and a bit more low-key, Kingdom of the Hawk Vineyard is more tucked away, with rolling hills and a relaxed, countryside feel. Each one has its own vibe, but all are a great way to see a different side of the Mystic area beyond the harbor. Recently, I’ve been really loving Kingdom of the Hawk as their tasting room is really cozy especially during the winter.

Daniel Pequotsepos Nature Center

This is one of Mystic’s best year-round outdoor activities, especially in the spring when the landscape really comes alive. Daniel Pequotsepos Nature Center is a 350-acre nature center and has a ton of easy, well-marked trails that wind through woods, wetlands, meadows, and along ponds, making it a great spot for a peaceful walk, light hike, or family outing. In early spring, a visit pairs perfectly with the nearby daffodil fields at Denison Homestead, where thousands of bright yellow blooms blanket the grounds just across the street.

Stonington Borough

While there is so much to do in Mystic, it is absolutely worth taking a short drive over to Stonington Borough. It is one of those places I never get tired of visiting, and honestly I could dedicate an entire post to it alone (which I will do at some point). For now, it is perfect for a slow wander through the shops, a drive out to Stonington Point, or an afternoon at Velvet Mill, especially if you can catch their weekend farmers market. When it comes to food, Dog Watch Cafe is one of my go to lunch spots and a true local hangout, with great food and waterfront seating in the summer. Stone Acres Farm Stand is another favorite and in the warmer months, their summer dinner series out on the lawn are such a fun experience and a great way to spend an evening.

Seasonal

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B.F. Clyde’s Cider Mill

A fall staple, B.F. Clyde’s Cider Mill is more than just a stop for apple cider, it’s a piece of Connecticut history. Established in 1881 and still family-run today, it’s the oldest steam-powered cider mill in the United States and one of the few places where you can see the old equipment in action.

Each year from early September through late fall, Clyde’s opens its doors for the season, drawing locals and visitors to sample fresh-pressed sweet cider, hard ciders, and apple wines straight from the historic press. In the general store, you can find classic fall treats like cider donuts, jams, and apple pies alongside bottles to take home.

Over the years, with the help of social media, I’ve watched Clyde’s become busier and busier, but it’s still one of my favorite fall traditions. I typically pick up a gallon of cider, a bottle of spider cider (their apple wine), and a dozen cider donuts.

Pro tip: Going on a weekday morning in the fall is your best bet for less crowds and don’t forget to take a picture in front of the cider mill!

Seaside Shadows Ghost Tours

These tours are available year-round but they’re especially fun during spooky season! Seaside Shadows Ghost Tours is a grounded, story-driven way to experience Mystic after dark, blending local history with folklore. The walking tours move through downtown Mystic and the surrounding historic areas, sharing well-researched stories about the town’s maritime past, historic homes, and the people who once lived and worked there. It’s less about trying to scare you and more about adding depth to places you’ve probably walked past during the day, making it a unique evening activity for anyone curious about Mystic’s haunted history.

Lantern Light Village

One of my favorite holiday activities is the Lantern Light Village at the Mystic Seaport Museum. On select evenings in December, the historic village is lit by lanterns and holiday lights, with costumed interpreters bringing the 19th-century seafaring community to life through storytelling, re-enactments, and music. There’s hot cider or cocoa to warm your hands, carriage rides, glimpses inside historic homes and shops, and all the festive atmosphere. It’s calm, immersive, and thoughtfully done and such a fantastic way to experience Mystic during the holiday season.