The Mystic Seaport Museum and Mystic Aquarium are two of the biggest attractions in downtown Mystic. You could easily visit these two facilities in one day—hit one in the morning, grab lunch, and then hit the other in the afternoon. At the Mystic Seaport Museum, your visit will be filled with interesting historical facts about the past of this seafaring village, boat building tutorials, interactive exhibits, and maybe even sailing aboard one of the ancient sailing vessels. At the Mystic Aquarium, you’ll come full circle and learn more about what lies under the water and how to protect our precious marine life better.
As you plan your next getaway to Mystic, CT, you’ll want to consider your lodging options, and our historic Bed and Breakfast in Connecticut is the ideal choice. Not only will you be just a quick drive from downtown Mystic, but you’ll be set back in the idyllic New England countryside. Our 6.5-acre garden grounds surround our two buildings that comprise the ten guest rooms of the Inn—the restored 1807 house and the converted Yellow Barn.
Head to The Mystic Seaport Museum
A visit to the Mystic Seaport Museum holds the number one spot for best things to do in Mystic on TripAdvisor, with more than 2,000 five-star reviews. The notable standouts not to miss are the sailor-made works of art, the old ships docked in the harbor, and the planetarium.
Here’s what to expect on a visit to the Mystic Seaport Museum:
- Explore the Seaport Village & Shipyard: You’ll want to stroll through the recreation of the 19th-century maritime village at the Mystic Seaport Museum. The old buildings you’ll see here aren’t replicas; they’re actual trade shops and businesses from the 1800s, transported here from other historical places in New England.
- Sail Away: There are many opportunities to get out on the water with the Mystic Seaport Museum. Whether by river cruise, Cape Cod catboat, or antique private charters, you’ll get to feel the sea salt spray and the Mystic wind in your hair aboard one of these vessels.
- Indoor Exhibits & Workshops: Inside the beautiful ship-like Thompson Exhibition Building, you’ll find hands-on exhibits, gallery spaces, and educational opportunities. Along with the permanent installations, there’s a host of rotating exhibitions year-round.
- Grab Lunch at Greenmans’ Landing: This recently renovated Mystic restaurant at the Mystic Seaport Museum is the perfect spot for a midday meal. The modern menu reflects the bounty of the sea and seasonal ingredients in classic New American fare. Enjoy the salty breeze on the patio or grab a table inside the bright white space resembling a deluxe galley.
Check out the Mystic Aquarium:
The Mystic Aquarium is also downtown, just about five minutes from the Mystic Seaport Museum, and it has a lovely collection of marine life, hands-on exhibits, and educational activities. In fact, the Mystic Aquarium is one of two facilities in the U.S. to hold Steller sea lions and the only Beluga whales in New England. It was also voted the fourth best aquarium in the country by USA Today. The motto at this Aquarium is “where conservation meets commitment, education meets inspiration, research meets passion.” This dedication and love for the marine creatures will be apparent in the trained and welcoming staff members, and clean and well-maintained space during your visit.
The Mystic Aquarium is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm; get your tickets in advance here.
Historical Lodging at our Connecticut Bed and Breakfast
Whether you’re coming to Mystic to relax and unwind or explore the nearby attractions like the Mystic Seaport Museum or the Aquarium, you’ll love having our Mystic Bed and Breakfast as your home away from home. Our property is as quiet and serene as it gets! Wake in the morning refreshed in your beautifully appointed guest room and join us in the dining room for freshly brewed coffee, home-baked goods, and creative morning entrees (breakfast is included in the room rate for every guest.) We can’t wait to host you in Mystic!
Head over to our booking calendar and reserve your room today!
