City Guides: Things to do While Boating in Mystic, Connecticut

You can’t beat Mystic, Connecticut for that authentic New England vibe. With its quaint waterfront, lighthouses and seafaring ambiance, it remains a popular destination for fans of maritime history, watersports, vintage sailing vessels and coastal scenery. The historic seaport was a major shipbuilding site from the 1700s to the early 1900s.

Located along the Mystic River, near Long Island Sound and Block Island Sound, Mystic sits between Stamford, CT and Narragansett, Rhode Island on the Southern shores of the Constitution State. Not surprisingly, the area provides access to watersports like kayak and SUP rentals, river cruises and boat rentals. Local marinas along the riverfront offer service, gas docks and ship stores, which is convenient for trailering a boat or staying at a private boat slip for rent.

You may know the name Mystic from the 1988 film Mystic Pizza (starring Julia Roberts, Annabeth Gish and Lili Taylor). While the characters might not necessarily be real, the writer based the film on an actual pizza parlor open since 1973 (named … Mystic Pizza). The movie was also filmed there.

You’ll want to wander, shop and dine (maybe at the aforementioned pizza place) along Main Street in the historic district. Main Street crosses the historic Mystic River Bascule Bridge, which was built in 1922 and connects the Stonington side of Mystic with the Groton side. Don’t miss Mystic Knotwork, the only shop of its kind where you can learn to tie nautical knots. Watch expert demonstrations and purchase the shop’s famous sailor’s knot bracelets (made from custom cord and rope) and other home décor items.

Mystic Aquarium

Photo: Public Domain

We love visiting local aquariums, and the Mystic Aquarium is one of the best to check out from a private boat lift for rent. You’ll find beluga whales, jellyfish, shark and ray touch tanks, African penguins and a Jurassic Giants dinosaur exhibit. The museum is one of only two aquariums with Stellar sea lions. The kids will enjoy watching Ice Age Dawn of the Dinosaurs in 4-D. Take part in behind-the-scenes tours and trainer-for-a-day programs.

Mystic Seaport Museum

Photo: Wikimedia

The Mystic Seaport Museum, located in the historic Mystic Seaport, gives a look into 19th-century coastal life. Established in 1929, it’s the largest maritime museum in the U.S. The museum complex is made up of more than 60 structures with artifacts, exhibits and a variety of vintage schooners, sloops, draggers, tenders and re-created vessels.

Four National Historic Landmark vessels that can be seen at the museum include the 1866 well smack fishing boat (Emma C. Berry), a 1921 fishing schooner (L.A. Dunton), an 1841 whaler (Charles W. Morgan) and a 1908 island steamer (Sabino).

While you’re in the area, go by the Mystic Seaport Lighthouse. Constructed in 1966 (as a replica of Nantucket’s Brant Point Light), it can also be seen along the seaport.

Stonington Lighthouse Museum

Photo: Wikimedia

The Stonington Lighthouse Museum is situated on Water Street on the harbor. Built in 1840, it features a stone conical tower with unique brickwork. Climb 29 steps to the top where you’ll be able to see three states (Connecticut, Rhode Island and New York, we’re guessing). Visit museum exhibits that include cannonballs, locally made stoneware and 18th and 19th-century portraits. It makes a terrific excursion from a private boat dock for rent.

Mystic Museum of Art

Photo: Mystic Museum of Art (Facebook)

Located on the Mystic River and convenient to private boat slip rentals, the Mystic Museum of Art features exhibits more than 250 works of art in its permanent collection, including paintings by artists such as Herbert Morton Stoops, Earl Kenneth Bates and Beatrice Lavis Cuming. Visit exhibits on topics such as the historic bascule bridge and the Mystic River in art. Take part in special events and arts and crafts studio classes for kids and adults.

B.F. Clyde’s Cider Mill

Photo: B.F. Clyde's Cider Mill (Facebook)

For the perfect autumn excursion, hop off that private boat dock rental and head to B.F. Clyde’s Cider Mill for a day of old-fashioned fun and delicious-ness. Family-owned and operated since 1881, it’s the oldest steam-powered cider mill in the U.S. and a National Historic Landmark. They make and sell cider (sweet, hard and in doughnut form) as well as wine and local products.

Check out cider-making demonstrations and tastings or purchase apples, honey, jams, jellies and maple sugar products. You can pick up apple turnovers, apple dumplings, brownies, muffins and more from the bakery. Buy cider by the gallon, half-gallon or growler to take home or enjoy on the boat deck at a private boat dock rental.

Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center

Photo: Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center (Facebook)

Walk more than 10 miles of trails, including a peaceful meditation path, at Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center. Open since 1946, you can view natural history exhibits at the Nature Center or go hiking, birdwatching and nature viewing to find bluebirds, turtles, hawks and other plants and animals. Take part in events like campfire cooking, birdwatching and nature talks.

The center has an outdoor enclosure that’s home to unreleasable birds such as a peregrine falcon, an American kestrel and red-tailed hawks. The center is also home to injured and sick birds that are rehabilitated to be released.

Whether you’re spending a weekend, staying at a private boat slip rental or just passing through, we hope you’ve found some new sites to add to your Mystic itinerary. Share your favorites!