Mystic holidays
A popular day trip from New York City and Boston, this seaside town in southern Connecticut has the feel of a 19th-century maritime village. The charms of seafaring life will be on full display during your holiday in Mystic, from the fabled port and drawbridge to one of the country’s leading maritime museums. Once you’ve had your fill of nautical life, grab a slice from the pizza parlour made famous by Julia Roberts.
Mystic holiday highlights
Silver screen slice
When Mystic Pizza opened in 1973, the family-run parlour impressed locals with crispy crust and a secret sauce known for its zesty kick. But when screenwriter Amy Jones wrote her 1988 film about a trio of girls who worked there — including then-unknown actress Julia Roberts — it became an institution. Now every holiday to Mystic requires a bite of its ‘Slice of Heaven’.
An iconic drawbridge
Spanning the Mystic River where it flows into Long Island Sound is the town’s most recognisable landmark, a historic drawbridge. An unofficial symbol of Mystic, the movable section of the structure dating back to 1920 is 66 metres long and 26 metres wide. Stroll over the bridge on your way to the pubs, cafes and knickknack stores of Main Street.
Where to stay
The nautical-themed inns centred around the historic district give you easy access to downtown’s attractions and restaurants. Most people opt to stay here to soak up the full maritime experience. For more budget-friendly options, head toward the cluster of chain hotels near Interstate 95, Olde Mistick Village and Mystic Aquarium.
Mystic: Know before you go
Language
English
Currency
United States dollar ($)
Time zone
UTC-5 (EST) and UTC-4 (EDT)
High season
July – August
Low season
January – February
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Things to do in Mystic
Places to eat
In the true fashion of a New England town, Mystic’s cafes and bakeries serve breakfast with a heavy dose of charm. Come lunch and dinner, seafood is the star with everything from snack shacks to fine dining and loads of lobster rolls and steaming cups of cod chowder in between. And of course, you can’t go home without a cheesy slice from famous Mystic Pizza.
Beaches
Within the village of Mystic, there’s a short stretch of shoreline at Williams Beach Park with a playground and sports fields. But if you’re willing to drive a few miles, the nearby town of Groton offers more variety. Check out Esker Point Beach for a swim and game of volleyball. Bluff Point State Park has rocky tidepools and a trail that follows the coastline.
Shopping
You could spend hours browsing the dozens of indie boutiques in the waterfront district, where you’ll find everything from sweets and jewellery to pewter and olive oil. Olde Mistick Village is a retro outdoor shopping mall that dials up the kitsch with souvenirs and locally made fudge sold out of small cottages.
FAQs about Mystic holidays
The village’s compact nature means that a holiday in Mystic can be done in a relaxed day trip, paired with a visit to surrounding areas. But to truly soak in the atmosphere, slow down the pace with an overnight stay so you can hike trails, take boat rides or try paddleboarding.
Flights and hotels in Mystic are priced similarly to most American towns, with options for every budget. Accommodation ranges from luxury boutique hotels near the waterfront district to budget brand name hotels built for families.
Historic Downtown Mystic and Dubois Beach are only the tip of the iceberg of what's waiting for you here. Look up all the things to do in Mystic and find out why it should be your next stop.
Summer is prime time for a holiday in Mystic, when all the shops and attractions are in full swing. Though the crowds thin out and some spots have scaled back hours in the winter, the village’s old-timey feel kicks up a notch when draped in holiday lights.
English is the language you'll encounter most while on a city break in Mystic.
January is the coolest time of year to visit. Take your Mystic holiday then and you can anticipate lows of -6ºC (21ºF).
During your trip to Mystic, you'll be using the United States dollar (USD) for all your purchases. It may be helpful to carry a mix of cash and cards to avoid any payment issues.
July is the warmest month in Mystic, with temperatures reaching highs of 28ºC (82ºF).
Mystic is generally safe to visit, but it's always good to take some commonsense precautions wherever you go. Be aware of your surroundings, especially in busy areas, and keep your valuables secure and out of sight. Also choose official transport services whenever you can during your holiday to Mystic.
With around 14 cm of rainfall, October is the wettest month. If you're taking your Mystic holiday then, you might want to plan for some indoor activities. Grab a bite at one of the city's best restaurants, head to an art gallery, or indulge in some retail therapy.
