Should You Visit Mystic?

Are you thinking about visiting Mystic, Connecticut? Here's what you need to know before planning your trip.


Is Mystic worth visiting?

This town is a good place to visit for two to three days. Mystic Connecticut is a historic seaport that today is popular for its shopping and waterfront setting. Visitors enjoy exploring the museums, enjoying a waterfront meal, and visiting one of the local museums. There are many activities in the area that make this a nice beach destination.

Mystic, Connecticut Mystic, Connecticut

Reasons to Visit Mystic

Museums
There's a decent selection of museums around town with some of the favorites being the Mystic Seaport Museum, the Mystic Museum of Art, the Denison Homestead Museum, and the Old Lighthouse Museum, The Mystic Aquarium is also a popular destination.

Beaches
The beaches are accessible from town and offer a laid back setting that's not overly developed. Families will like Ocean Beach Park but Williams Beach Park is one of the easiest beaches to access. If you're willing to drive a bit out of town, you should check out Misquamicut State Beach.

Shopping
Head downtown for scenic shopping streets with boutiques, artisan craft shops, and jewelry stores.

Food
As a coastal town, you'll find no shortage of seafood at many restaurants. Popular dishes include oysters, shrimp, or fish. There are also many casual restaurants that serve comfort food for classic American favorites like mac and cheese, pasta, or burgers.

Nightlife
Head downtown for the most interesting bars and breweries. You can sip wine or enjoy a cocktail at a laid back pub with friends or family.




Is Mystic worth visiting in the Summer?

The high season for travel in Mystic is the summer, so expect to see more tourists than usual. This destination is quite touristy, so in the high season it's busier than usual. You'll see larger crowds and longer lines, as well as higher prices. On the other hand, there's plenty to see and do at this time of year because everything is open.

The warm weather in summer is one of the reasons people visit at this time of year. Temperatures average around 23°C (73°F) with daily high temperatures often more than 28°C (82°F).

Visiting the nearby beaches is one of the most popular things to do this time of year, so give yourself some time to enjoy the waves and sand. During this season it's fun to experience the beaches, the museums and landmarks, and the nightlife.


Summer Weather in Mystic
Avg Temp
(°C/°F)
Avg Rain
(mm/inches)
July 23°C (73°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
August 22°C (72°F) 99 mm (3.9 in)
September 18°C (64°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)

Is Mystic worth visiting in the Autumn?

You'll find the weather to be very nice here during autumn with average temperatures around 12°C (53°F).

Autumn is the shoulder season for travel in Mystic, which means slightly less visitors than in the peak season. This destination is quite touristy, so in the shoulder season you'll still come across plenty of touriss. However, the prices tend to be a little cheaper.

Autumn is a great time of year to explore the numerous museums and landmarks around town. They are fun for the whole family as well great for couples. This is a great time of year to wander through the museums.


Autumn Weather in Mystic
Avg Temp
(°C/°F)
Avg Rain
(mm/inches)
October 12°C (53°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
November 7°C (44°F) 115 mm (4.5 in)
December 0°C (33°F) 105 mm (4.1 in)

Is Mystic worth visiting in the Winter?

Winter is the low season for travel in Mystic. This destination is quite touristy, but in the low season you'll see fewer crowds and much better prices.

The weather in Mystic can be quite cold during winter, and averages around -2°C (28°F). But be prepared for much lower temperatures, too.

You'll find plenty to do during winter, as you'll be able to browse through museums, enjoy a meal at a restaurant, and grab some drinks at a bar.


Winter Weather in Mystic
Avg Temp
(°C/°F)
Avg Rain
(mm/inches)
January -2°C (28°F) 89 mm (3.5 in)
February -1°C (30°F) 88 mm (3.5 in)
March 3°C (38°F) 101 mm (4 in)

Is Mystic worth visiting in the Spring?

This is the shoulder season for travel in Mystic. This destination is quite touristy, so in the shoulder season you'll still come across plenty of touriss. However, the prices tend to be a little cheaper.

The weather in Mystic can be quite cold during spring, and averages around 9°C (48°F). But be prepared for much lower temperatures, too.

During this season it's fun to experience shopping, the famous sights and museums, and the nightlife scene.


Spring Weather in Mystic
Avg Temp
(°C/°F)
Avg Rain
(mm/inches)
April 9°C (48°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
May 15°C (58°F) 89 mm (3.5 in)
June 20°C (67°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)

Things to Consider Before Visiting Mystic

Getting Around
The area is not very walkable, and public transit is not great here, so it might be difficult to get around without arranging your own transportation.

The Cost
Depending on your budget, schedule, and travel style, Mystic might be an expensive destination for you. You can find out the travel costs for Mystic here or see if Mystic is expensive here.

Related

What is Mystic most famous for?

Mystic is most famous for its New England charm and local character. People visit this impressive town for its great museums, beaches, and shopping. It is also known for its great food and nightlife. It is often described as charming, quaint, and laid back.

What is the most famous sight in Mystic?

The most popular sight in Mystic is the Mystic Seaport Museum. You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in Mystic on our travel costs page.

Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for the Mystic Seaport Museum and other attractions here.

How touristy is Mystic? Is it a popular town to visit?

Mystic is a popular town for tourists and travelers. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)

  • Mystic Moonlit Graveyard Ghost Tour: $30
  • Downtown Mystic Ghost Tour: $30
  • Mystic Seaport Museum Adventure: $31
  • Ghosts of Christmas Past Downtown Walking Tour: $30
  • Moonlit Mystic Graveyard Ghost Tour: $35
  • Guided Ghost Tour of Downtown Mystic at Night: $35

How long should I spend in Mystic?

The ideal length of time for a trip to Mystic is two to three days. Since Mystic has activities such as museums, beaches, and shopping, many visit for up to three days.

If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Mystic?, Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Mystic?, and Should I spend 1 or 2 weeks in Mystic?.