Mystic Connecticut is the quintessential New England beach town. Home of a beautiful seaport, boardwalk and beaches it is the perfect destination for a weekend getaway or full-blown summer vacation. There is no shortage of things to do, shopping, swimming or even petting ocean creatures, if you are so inclined! Located just a few hours ( 2-3 to be exact) outside the Hudson Valley, it's the perfect drive for any family. We have visited in both the winter and summer months and had no trouble finding things to do in either season.
Let's first talk about Mystic beaches! Our favorite, a few minutes away in New London, is known as
Ocean Beach Park. This 50 acre park is home to a beautiful Atlantic beach, swimming pool, miniature golf, 1/2 mile boardwalk, amusement park, playground and spray park. There are also public bathrooms, locker rooms and plenty of places to grab a bite to eat or drink. The beach and park are open starting Memorial Day and close Labor Day weekend. Parking prices are for a car with 5 guests and include entrance to the spray park and beach. Parking is 17$ a car on weekdays and 23$ on weekends.
If you are interested in a more peaceful coastline and searching for sea creatures then you can visit the
Avery Point Lighthouse located at Avery Point on the UCONN campus. There is visitor parking and the lighthouse and shoreline are a short walk from the parking lot. The shoreline is very rocky so there are lots of tide pools to explore and the lighthouse in the background makes for gorgeous pictures. You cannot swim here but it's a great place for exploring, picnicking and spending a peaceful day away from the crowds.
After you have had your fill of fun in the sun, there are lots of other things to do in the Mystic area. Another one of our favorites is visiting the little
Olde Mistick Village. Modeled after a New England town from the 1700's this little village looks like it's right out of a storybook. It is the perfect place to walk around and peruse local shops and eateries. There are plenty of shaded places to sit and relax, while you nosh on a locally made ice cream or your children run and play in and out of the trees and duck ponds. It is home to some of Mystic's best restaurants as well as a cinema if you find yourself with nothing to do on a rainy or cold day. There are also public bathrooms and the pathways are very stroller friendly.
Right next door to Olde Mistick Village is one of our most favorite places, the
Mystic Aquarium which is home to my daughter's most beloved animal, the beluga whale! You can view this magnificent creature from below or above and it is truly a magical experience. The aquarium has both inside and outside exhibits including a sting ray touch tank, penguins, sea lion show and lots and lots of tanks filled with wondrous sea creatures. They are open daily except for holidays.
Our last stop is the
Mystic Seaport, the Museum of America and the Sea, which is the most incredible museum for both children and adults! The museum is home to vintage boats, mock village, children's activities, planetarium and so much more, you will want to plan on spending a whole day here. Your family can visit an old fashion fishing village from the 19th century staffed with historians, musicians and storytellers who bring the past back to life. You can also board the many boats that the museum has anchored at their port, you will feel as if you have stepped back in time as you explore each vessel. The museum is also home to an amazing collection of exhibits that explore the life and time of fishing and sea life.
A short drive outside the Hudson Valley and full of history, culture and fun Mystic is the perfect weekend road trip or week long vacation, no matter what time of year!
There are plenty of other activities to add to your vacation, here are some suggestions of things nearby:
Other articles by Katie's Hudson Valley Travel Journal