Navigate like a local and get the inside scoop on questions like “Where’s the beach?”, “Where can I launch a boat?” and “What are good things to do on a rainy day?”

We love the Mystic area and are excited to share these insider tips with you!
Explore more below…

Travel Tips

Lighthouse Maps Travel Tips for the Mystic, Noank & Stonington, Connecticut area:

  • A drawbridge in the raised position over water, with a boat passing underneath, surrounded by buildings and boats in the background.

    Mystic River Drawbridge

    It’s historic! It’s unique! It’s fascinating to watch it go up and down! Mystic River Park, just south of the bridge, is a great place to watch the bridge rise and boats come and go. From May to Oct, the bridge opens hourly during the day at 40 minutes past the hour and on request to let sailboats & yachts pass under.

  • A person standing on rocks by the ocean with arms outstretched, facing the water and sky.

    See 3 States at Once!

    Go to the tip of Stonington Point, the peninsula at the end of Stonington Village. There’s a little parking lot there with great water views of 3 states, New York (Fisher's Island), Rhode Island, and Connecticut! Where else can you see three states at once?

  • Person kayaking on a calm lake at sunset, wearing a life jacket and cap, holding a paddle.

    Explore from the Water!

    There’s nothing quite like seeing the Mystic River, Seaport, drawbridge, coves and marina areas from the water! Whether on a kayak or paddle board, powerboat, sailboat, private charter or group cruise, check out boat rentals and excursions on our ATTRACTIONS page.

  • A large historic black sailing ship docked at a pier with a blue sky and some greenery in the background, and an American flag in the foreground.

    Step Back in Time

    Mystic is filled with history dating as far back as the 17th century! Explore the fascinating Mystic Seaport for everything nautical, the Mashantucket Pequot Museum for insight into the original native people of the land, and classic Downtown Mystic and Stonington Village for colonial architecture and more!

  • Waves crashing on a sandy beach with a clear blue sky

    Where's the Beach?

    Mystic is really more about the seaport, coves, marinas & town than it is about the beach. If you want big ocean beach, you’ll need to head north about 25-30 min to Misquamicut State Beach in Westerly RI, or the State beach in Watch Hill, RI. With that said, there are two small cove beaches in the area with calm water for wading, and swimming; Esker Point Park in Noank and Williams Beach Park near the YMCA.

  • View from the front of a paddleboard on water, with a life jacket, paddles, and safety gear on board.

    Public Boat Launches

    If you have your own boat, paddleboard, kayak, jet ski, etc., there are a number of places where you can launch your vessel. Just be sure to follow all parking signs and of course have your safety equipment on board. Look for the launch into the Mystic River near the I-95 overpass on River Rd. You’ll also find a launch at the end of Isham St. in Mystic, and off Water st. in Noank.

  • View of a calm river with boats and sailboats docked along the shoreline, green bushes in the foreground, and a clear blue sky.

    River Road Reverie

    Pearl St. and River Road, on the west side of the Mystic River, are low-key and mostly flat, which means this area is great for biking, walking and roller-blading. You’ll also get a nice view of Mystic Seaport from across the river! Also check out the Peace Nature Sanctuary for a woodsy hike up to a ridge that overlooks the Mystic River. Please respect the private property along the river. Thanks!

  • Colorful underwater coral reef with various tropical fish including purple tang, yellow tang, and clownfish swimming amid coral formations.

    Rainy Day Activities

    What to do on a rainy day?
    - The Mystic Aquarium is always a favorite for kids of all ages
    - Explore the unique indoor shops, galleries and more at the Velvet Mill in Stonington.
    - Indulge your senses at Foxwoods Resort & Casino, including shopping, entertainment, dining and of course gambling & games.
    - Get your fill of beauty & wonder at the The Mystic Art Association

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