About Mystic, Connecticut
Shop 'Til You Drop!
Olde Mistick Village - Enjoy a unique shopping experience at this Early American Village. There are over 60 galleries, restaurants and shops with items from around the world! Delight in the picturesque setting, the duck pond and live entertainment in the Gazebo. Open Monday - Saturday, 10:00 am - 6:00 pm; Sunday, 11:00 am - 5:00 pm. Open until 8:00 pm during the summer. Located in Mystic.
Mystic - Mystic was originally a whaling and fishing center and is still active in the fishing industry. It lies at the mouth of Mystic River, a salt water estuary fed by fresh water streams. You'll enjoy the unique shops, restaurants, galleries and lively waterfront.
Go On a Boat Ride!!
Connecticut Ferries - You can ride a ferry to get somewhere or you can ride a ferry to enjoy the fresh air and scenery. The Chester-Hadlyme Ferry carries vehicles and passengers across the Connecticut River from April 1 through November 30. Call 860-443-3856 for schedules. The Cross Sound Ferry carries vehicles and passengers from New London to Long Island year round. Call 860-443-5281 for schedules. The New London - Montauk Ferry is a passenger and bicycle only ride. Call 631-668-5700 for schedules.
Essex Steam Train & Riverboat - Ride a coal-fired steam locomotive through spectacular scenery as you hear the clack of the tracks and the whistle blow! The 12-mile round-trip lasts about an hour. Or enjoy a two and a half hour train ride - with a four-course dinner! Cruise up the Connecticut River on an old-fashioned three-story riverboat and listen to the history and legends of the area. Call 860-767-0103 for schedules. Admission is charged. Located in Essex, 30 miles west of North Stonington.
Live and Learn!
Connecticut College Arboretum - Wander this living laboratory; 750 acres of gardens, forests, meadows and wetlands. Enjoy the Campus Landscape with its trees and shrubs from around the world; the Native Plan Collection with its pond and walking trail; the Wildflower Garden and much more. Open every day from sunrise to sunset. Free guided tours Sundays at 2:00 pm from May - October. Admission is charged. Located in New London, 15 miles west of North Stonington.
Children's Museum of Southeastern Connecticut - Your kids will love this interactive, hands-on museum! Explore the arts and sciences, safety and health, and culture and history through the Clubhouse, Fishing Boat, Global Village, Toddler Land and more! Open Tuesday - Saturday, 9:30 am - 4:30 pm; Friday, 9:30 am - 8:00 pm; Sunday, 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm. Admission is charged. Wheelchair accessible. Located in Niantic, 20 miles southwest of North Stonington.
Mashantucket Pequot Museum - Walk through life-size dioramas of Mashantucket Pequot life and learn about 18,000 years of Native and natural history! See films, art and artifacts as well as interactive exhibits. Open daily, 10:00 am - 4:00 pm. Admission is charged. Located in Mashantucket, seven miles west of North Stonington.
Mystic Aquarium - "Where deep sea exploration comes to life." This aquarium will amaze you! Discover the creatures of the Hidden Amazon, explore the Titanic, touch cownose rays, watch penguins at play and sea lions put on a show. Open daily, 9:00 am - 6:00 pm from March - November; Monday - Friday, 10:00 am - 5:00 pm; Saturday - Sunday, 9:00 am - 6:00 pm from December - February. Admission is charged. Wheelchair accessible. Located in Mystic.
Waterfront Life is Wondrous!
Misquamicut Beach - Sun, sand and surf! The seven miles of unspoiled beaches here are a great place for the whole family to play. The amusement park has an old-fashioned carousel, rides, go-carts and more! Eat the best seafood in area restaurants and take in the nightlife after the sun goes down. Located five miles southeast of North Stonington.
Project Oceanology - Get a hands-on education in marine science at this beautiful waterfront location. Go on a lighthouse expedition, an oceanographic research cruise or a seal watch! You'll have so much fun, you'll forget you're learning. Call 860-445-9007 for schedules and reservations. Admission is charged. Located at the University of Connecticut Avery Point Campus in Groton, ten miles southwest of North Stonington.
Ocean Beach Park - Fun in the sun! This beautiful sugar sand beach has it all - a long boardwalk, waterslide, outdoor pool, playground, arcade, nature walk and a very wide beach to play on. Plus there are restaurants and live entertainment for you to enjoy. There are lifeguards on duty and a fee to access the beach. Located in New London, 15 miles west of North Stonington.
