Weekend Family Travel Guide to Mystic, Connecticut
Several years ago I was planning a fall Florida vacation for my family when our plans fell through. After some thought, we decided to take a trip to Mystic, Connecticut instead and had a full fall week of fun in the seaport town! My son was four at the time and while we weren’t sure how he would enjoy a more low-key vacation, he had a blast and enjoyed every minute of our time in New England. The itinerary below packs a lot into a weekend trip to Mystic so feel free to adjust and take things slower if you’re staying for more than a few days.
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WHERE TO STAY
Hilton Mystic
Located directly across the street from the Mystic Aquarium and a short walk to Olde Mistick Village, Hilton Mystic is the ultimate family-friendly hotel for convenience and comfort. The rooms are modern, the indoor pool is great for kids, and there’s an on-site restaurant for easy breakfasts or quick dinners. Free parking and reliable Wi-Fi make it a stress-free choice for families.
The Whaler’s Inn
If you prefer to stay in the heart of downtown, The Whaler’s Inn offers a boutique experience steps from the Mystic drawbridge and restaurant scene. Rooms blend coastal New England charm with modern touches, and there’s a popular on-site restaurant, The Shipwright’s Daughter, that serves a great weekend brunch.
Mystic Marriott Hotel & Spa (Groton)
Just a short drive from downtown Mystic, the Mystic Marriott is a great option if you’re looking for a bit more space.. The indoor pool and spa make it feel a touch more resort-like, and it’s a solid location for exploring both Mystic and other nearby coastal towns.
DAY ONE ITINERARY: Mystic Seaport & Downtown
Mystic Seaport - Indoor Museum & Exhibits
The Seaport is split into two distinct areas and is rather large. We actually visited the seaport over two days but it can be easily toured if split into a morning and afternoon. As you arrive, you will enter the Thompson Exhibit Building. Inside, you will get to witness ships being repaired along with learning the history of the seaport area in Mystic. This indoor portion of the Seaport is expansive, so plan to spend at least 2 hours wandering through the exhibits.
Lunch - Anchor Cafe
Right outside the seaport is the Anchor Cafe. We found it a nice spot to grab a quick bite to eat and relax a bit before exploring he rest of the Seaport. They have both pre-made and made-to-order items and have great views of the seaport.
Mystic Seaport - Shipyard & Historic Village
The outdoor shipyard of Mystic Seaport is a unique experience and one to save time to explore! Several retired ships are anchored in the seaport, allowing you to board and walk on living history. Further down the shipyard area is the Historic Village section. This is a recreation of what the town of Mystic would have looked like when it was first established. It was fun walking into all of the old-timey buildings and seeing how the Mystic villagers would have lived their lives in the past.
Dinner & Downtown
After a day of exploring the seaport area, return to your hotel to finish checking in and relax before heading out to dinner.
Mystic Pizza is a well-known spot in-town thanks to the movie associated with the location! We grabbed a large pizza and a few sides on our first night in Mystic and it was fun to delve into the nostalgia of the place! The food was great as well!
While you are downtown, walk along the main street to explore the many shops and other food options within the main strip. There is also the Mystic Drawbridge, which is fun to watch raise and lower if you happen to be there while a ship is passing through! Don’t forget to take a walk up Water Street as well for more fun shops and restaurants like Jeremiah’s, Friar Tuck’s Tavern, and the Mystic River Chocolate Cafe!
DAY TWO ITINERARY: Mystic Aquarium & Olde Mistick Village
Breakfast - Sift Bakery
Return downtown for the morning of your second day in Mystic to enjoy one of my family's favorite bakeries we’ve ever visited at Sift Bakery. We still talk about the pastries from this bakery and continue to find ways to try and visit Mystic again sometime soon, just to enjoy their baked goods. I highly recommend getting here early, as they are super popular with locals and visitors.
Mystic Aquarium
Spend your morning at the Mystic Aquarium - home to beluga whales, sea lions, penguins, and touch-tank zones. This place delivers hands-on experiences for the whole family and a lot of educational yet interesting things to do. You can easily spend a few hours roaming the exhibits, watching an interactive show and exploring both indoor and outdoor sections.
Olde Mistick Village
Across from the aquarium is a unique village-style shopping area with plenty of shopping and eating options to appease any interest. We enjoyed roaming around the themed stores and spending time in some of the unique offerings below.
toast + tonic creative kitchen
For lunch , toast + tonic creative kitchen offers clever dishes in a comfortable, family-friendly setting. You’ll appreciate the modern vibe and the fact that everyone from your travel group can find something great to eat without any fuss.
The Cloak and Wand
As you work your way into the afternoon, head to The Cloak and Wand—a magical stop that feels like stepping into the wizarding world. Packed with potions, wands, themed treats, and photo-worthy décor, it’s a fun experience, especially if your kids love Harry Potter or other magical themes. Make sure to also visit their “potion” drink bar as well!
Deviant Donuts
Need a pick-me-up or a treat before the drive home? Deviant Donuts serves up rotating, creative donut flavors that make for a sweet detour—think indulgent, playful, and seriously delicious.
Bank Square Books
When you’re ready to head out of the village, make sure to make one final stop at Bank Square Books. This independent bookstore centers around local charm and kid-friendly titles, making it an ideal way to wind down before your long trip home.
This guide packs in a lot of fun during a quick trip to Mystic, Connecticut. My family spent a whole week in the area and found a lot of fun and interesting things to do, so this itinerary could easily be spread out and over several days and expanded to include other surrounding areas like Stonington.
However long you plan to visit the great city of Mystic, you will surely learn a lot about the seafaring history of the country and enjoy your time in this small yet bustling town.