Mystic

Hidden Gems in and Around Mystic, CT

  • Enders Island: A peaceful retreat with stunning waterfront views, beautiful gardens, and an art-filled chapel.
  • Mystic Museum of Art: A small, vibrant museum showcasing local artists and changing exhibits.
  • Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center: Scenic trails and wildlife exhibits perfect for a nature escape.
  • Olde Mistick Village: A charming shopping area designed like a colonial village, with unique boutiques and eateries.
  • Argia Mystic Cruises: Take a sailing tour on a traditional schooner for breathtaking views of the coastline.
  • Mystic River Bascule Bridge: Watch this historic drawbridge in action and catch beautiful sunset views from the waterfront.
  • Mystic & Noank Library: A cozy, historic library with local charm and lovely architecture.
  • Hoxie House (nearby in Sandwich, MA): One of the oldest houses in the area, offering a peek into early colonial life.
  • Saltwater Farm Vineyard: A serene vineyard set in a converted airplane hangar, offering wine tastings and scenic landscapes.
  • Red 36: A dockside restaurant with a laid-back vibe, perfect for enjoying fresh seafood and waterfront dining.

Off the Beaten Path in Mystic, CT

  • Coogan Farm Nature & Heritage Center: A tranquil spot with walking trails, gardens, and views of the Mystic River.
  • Williams Beach Park: A small, quiet beach perfect for a peaceful waterside picnic.
  • Peace Nature Sanctuary: A serene hiking area with forested trails and scenic overlooks of the river.
  • Mystic Depot Roasters: A cozy coffee shop in a historic train station, perfect for a quiet break.
  • Haley Farm State Park: Great for biking or walking trails with lush landscapes and coastal views.
  • Bluff Point State Park: A bit outside Mystic but worth it for secluded beaches and panoramic vistas.
  • Sift Bake Shop Rooftop: A hidden rooftop patio for enjoying pastries and coffee with a view.
  • Morgan Point Light: A secluded lighthouse accessible by kayak, offering a unique perspective of the shoreline.
  • Noank Village: A tiny fishing village with charming streets and fresh seafood (check out Ford’s Lobsters!).
  • Fields of Fire Adventure Park: For the adventurous, this forest park offers ziplines and aerial courses.

Beaches & Coastal Relaxation

  • Williams Beach Park: Small, quiet beach right in Mystic, perfect for a low-key afternoon by the water.
  • Esker Point Beach: A sandy beach with calm waters, ideal for swimming and picnicking. They often host concerts in the summer!
  • Bluff Point State Park (Groton): A stunning spot for a beach day with hiking trails leading to a secluded beach and panoramic ocean views.
  • Napatree Point (Watch Hill, RI — short drive): A beautiful, uncrowded beach with soft sand and historic ruins of an old fort.

Food & Drink Spots

Breakfast & Coffee:

  • Mystic Depot Roasters: Coffee in a historic train station.
  • Young Buns Doughnuts: Creative, gourmet doughnuts to kick-start your day.
  • Rise Mystic: Cozy breakfast spot with hearty dishes and great coffee.

Lunch:

  • Engine Room: Burgers, smoked meats, and craft beer.
  • Ford’s Lobsters (Noank): Casual waterfront dining with fresh lobster rolls.
  • Pita Spot: Authentic Mediterranean cuisine with lots of flavorful options.

Dinner:

  • Red 36: Seafood and cocktails with harbor views.
  • Oyster Club: Farm-to-table dining with a raw bar and seasonal dishes (don’t miss the Treehouse patio!).
  • Bravo Bravo: Elevated Italian cuisine with fresh pasta and coastal flavors.

Sweet Treats & Drinks:

  • Mystic Drawbridge Ice Cream: Handmade ice cream with a view of the drawbridge.
  • Sift Bake Shop: Beautiful pastries and cakes (plus a rooftop patio!).
  • Port of Call: Creative cocktails and small plates for a stylish nightcap.

History & Culture Stops

  • Mystic Seaport Museum: A living history museum with historic ships, a recreated 19th-century village, and maritime exhibits.
  • Denison Homestead Museum: A historic home from 1717, showcasing early colonial life.
  • Mystic Museum of Art: Small, vibrant museum featuring local and regional artists.
  • Fort Griswold Battlefield State Park (Groton): A Revolutionary War site with a stone fort and sweeping views of the Thames River.

Outdoor Adventures & Nature

  • Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center: Trails through forests and wetlands, plus wildlife exhibits.
  • Coogan Farm Nature & Heritage Center: Peaceful trails with views of the Mystic River.
  • Argia Mystic Cruises: Sail around the coastline on a traditional schooner.
  • Haley Farm State Park: Great for biking or walking along scenic trails.
  • Bluff Point State Park: A mix of hiking, biking, and beach access, with gorgeous sunset views.
  • Fields of Fire Adventure Park: Ziplining and aerial obstacle courses for the adventurous.
  • Kayaking on the Mystic River: Rent a kayak or paddleboard to explore the waterways at your own pace.

Hidden Gem Beaches

  • DuBois Beach (Stonington Borough): A small, quiet beach with calm waters and stunning views of the harbor.
  • Enders Island: Not a beach for swimming, but this peaceful island has rocky shorelines, lush gardens, and breathtaking water views.
  • Barn Island Wildlife Management Area: A mix of marshlands and coastal trails — perfect for a secluded shoreline walk or birdwatching.
  • Seaside Beach (Waterford): A quiet beach near the ruins of Seaside Sanatorium, with a hauntingly beautiful backdrop.

Hidden Gem Food Spots

  • Grass & Bone: A butcher shop and casual eatery with fantastic sandwiches and house-cured meats.
  • Dog Watch Café (Stonington): Waterfront dining with a laid-back vibe and killer seafood.
  • Jealous Monk: A European-style beer hall with a rotating tap list and hearty comfort food.
  • Mango’s Wood-Fired Pizza Co.: Tucked in Olde Mistick Village, this spot serves up delicious, crispy pizzas with creative toppings.
  • Mezza: A tiny, authentic Lebanese spot with fresh, flavorful dishes.

Hidden Gem History Spots

  • Avery Point Lighthouse (Groton): A picturesque lighthouse on the UConn campus, perfect for a peaceful walk with historical charm.
  • Captain Nathaniel Palmer House (Stonington): The home of the sea captain who discovered Antarctica, filled with maritime artifacts.
  • Pequot Chapel (New London): A charming, historic chapel with beautiful architecture and a tranquil atmosphere.
  • Mystic & Noank Library: A cozy, historic library with stunning woodwork and views of the town.
  • Lantern Hill: A short hike with historical significance to the Mashantucket Pequot Tribe and panoramic views of the area.

Hidden Gem Outdoor Adventures

  • Mystic River Kayak Tours: Paddle along quiet coves and under historic bridges with local guides sharing tidbits of history.
  • Whale Rock Trail (Stonington): A short, rugged trail that leads to a massive rock formation with sweeping coastal views.
  • Poquonnock River Walkway (Groton): A peaceful boardwalk through marshlands, perfect for a quiet stroll or birdwatching.
  • Avalonia Land Conservancy Trails: A network of lesser-known trails through forests, wetlands, and meadows.
  • Morgan Point Light (Noank): Best reached by kayak, this secluded lighthouse is a stunning reward for your paddle.

Par 4 Curbside Catering: Gourmet burgers, tacos, and creative comfort food dishes.The Rolling Tomato: Wood-fired pizza on wheels with crispy crusts and fresh toppings.Captain Scott’s Lobster Dock (Groton): Technically a shack, but with food truck vibes — amazing lobster rolls and clam fritters.Munchies Food Truck: A rotating menu with everything from loaded fries to seafood bites.Yolked Food Truck: Delicious breakfast and brunch dishes — perfect for a morning by the beach.Brick & Basil Wood Fired Pizza (North Stonington): A roaming pizza truck with bubbling, crispy pies.Krazy Cones: Sweet treats like ice cream and milkshakes, great for a post-hike reward.Mystic Oysters (Pop-up truck): Fresh oysters and seafood dishes straight from local waters.

Hidden Gem Food Truck

  • Par 4 Curbside Catering: Gourmet burgers, tacos, and creative comfort food dishes.
  • The Rolling Tomato: Wood-fired pizza on wheels with crispy crusts and fresh toppings.
  • Captain Scott’s Lobster Dock (Groton): Technically a shack, but with food truck vibes — amazing lobster rolls and clam fritters.
  • Munchies Food Truck: A rotating menu with everything from loaded fries to seafood bites.
  • Yolked Food Truck: Delicious breakfast and brunch dishes — perfect for a morning by the beach.
  • Brick & Basil Wood Fired Pizza (North Stonington): A roaming pizza truck with bubbling, crispy pies.
  • Krazy Cones: Sweet treats like ice cream and milkshakes, great for a post-hike reward.
  • Mystic Oysters (Pop-up truck): Fresh oysters and seafood dishes straight from local waters.

Breakfast & Morning Adventures

  • Food Truck: Yolked Food Truck — Breakfast sandwiches, burritos, and loaded toasts.
  • Nearby Activity: Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center — Start your day with a peaceful nature walk through scenic trails and wildlife habitats.

Lunch & Midday Exploration

  • Food Truck: The Rolling Tomato — Wood-fired pizza with crispy crusts and creative toppings.
  • Nearby Activity: Mystic Seaport Museum — Wander through this living history museum, exploring historic ships and a recreated 19th-century village.

Seafood by the Water

  • Food Truck: Captain Scott’s Lobster Dock (Groton) — Classic lobster rolls, clam fritters, and seafood platters.
  • Nearby Activity: Bluff Point State Park — Hike or bike the coastal trails, then relax by the water with your seafood feast.

Afternoon Bites & Outdoor Fun

  • Food Truck: Par 4 Curbside Catering — Gourmet burgers, tacos, and comfort food.
  • Nearby Activity: Fields of Fire Adventure Park — Burn off lunch with zip lines, aerial obstacle courses, and climbing challenges.

Oysters & Sunset Paddles

  • Food Truck: Mystic Oysters (Pop-up) — Fresh local oysters and seafood dishes.
  • Nearby Activity: Mystic River Kayak Tours — Paddle along the river, exploring hidden coves and catching sunset views on the water.

Sweet Treats & Evening Strolls

  • Food Truck: Krazy Cones — Ice cream and milkshakes for a sweet ending to the day.
  • Nearby Activity: Mystic River Bascule Bridge & Downtown Stroll — Enjoy your dessert while watching the drawbridge rise and exploring the charming downtown shops.

Nature & Outdoor Adventures

  • Avalonia Land Conservancy Trails: Peaceful, less-traveled trails through forests, meadows, and wetlands.
  • Whale Rock Trail (Stonington): A short, rugged trail leading to dramatic coastal views and massive rock formations.
  • Barn Island Wildlife Management Area: Secluded coastal hiking and birdwatching with marsh views.
  • Morgan Point Light (Noank): Kayak to this quiet lighthouse for a unique adventure on the water.
  • Clyde’s Cider Mill (Seasonal): The oldest steam-powered cider mill in the U.S., offering cider donuts, fresh apple cider, and local treats.

Hidden History & Culture

  • Captain Nathaniel Palmer House (Stonington): Learn about the sea captain who discovered Antarctica in this charming historic home.
  • Lantern Hill: A short hike with panoramic views and historical significance to the Mashantucket Pequot Tribe.
  • Pequot Chapel (New London): A small, historic chapel with intricate woodwork and a tranquil vibe.
  • Old Mystic History Center: A tucked-away spot showcasing local history and artifacts.

Local Shops & Art

  • The Velvet Mill (Stonington): An old textile mill turned creative hub with artist studios, shops, and a brewery.
  • Mystic Knotwork: The oldest knot shop in the U.S., where you can watch artisans craft nautical rope goods.
  • Sea Swirl Antiques: A quirky shop filled with maritime treasures and vintage finds.

Food & Drink Off the Beaten Path

  • Saltwater Farm Vineyard: A vineyard inside a converted airplane hangar with serene views and delicious wine.
  • Beer’d Brewing Co. (Stonington): A small, local brewery with creative craft beers.
  • The Malted Barley: Gourmet pretzels and an extensive beer list in a cozy, laid-back setting.
  • The Cooked Goose (Westerly, RI — short drive): A beloved local brunch spot with hearty, homemade dishes.