Mystic Seaport
ORIGINALLY SETTLED IN 1684 on the banks of the Mystic River, our village has retained its charm and history as so few places have in New England. Once a booming 19th century ship building center, our connection to the sea is ongoing and the sailing schooners still pass beneath the Bascule Drawbridge.
Our countryside and shoreline is some of the loveliest in all of Southeastern New England. Whether your interest is sailing, golfing, gambling, or simply a relaxing beach stroll or antique shopping, the Mystic area will charm you.
Mystic, on Connecticut’s easternmost shoreline, and the “quiet corner” of the state, directly north, present a range of imagery for visitors, sailing at Mystic Seaport to the glitz of the two immense casinos: Foxwoods Resort and Casino at Mashantucket and the Mohegan Sun Casino in Uncasville . In addition, the casinos also offer fine and diverse dining as well as musical and stage shows by the top priority band and other national and international headliners. For children and families and anyone else interested in Native American culture, the Mashantucket Pequot Museum and Research Center, near Foxwoods, is a fascinating, multi-media presentation of American Indian life from pre-Columbian times to the present.
Mystic offers children and families a living history museum at Mystic Seaport, consisting of a village, historic ships, and exhibits depicting coastal life in New England in the 19th century. Mystic also offers some excellent dining, and on the edge of town is the Olde Mistick Village, a collection of small shops with unusual and individualized merchandise. Also nearby is the Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration, the latter developed in consultation with Dr. Robert Ballard, the oceanographer who found the sunken Titanic. Boating enthusiasts can step into the 20th century with a tour of the USS Nautilus & Submarine Force Museum in nearby Groton.
Finish your exciting day dining on a dock at waters edge overlooking the beautiful harbor! There are so many restaurants to choose from right in down town Mystic, from fresh seafood or a tender rack of ribs at the harbor pub. Come and explore and make your next vacation in Mystic.