Day Trip to Mystic, CT: Hikes, Cafes, Shops & Local Stops!

Let’s go on an adventure to Mystic, Connecticut – one of CT’s most beautiful coastal towns! Here you’ll find scenic hikes and walks, cafes, must-do shopping, and other fun things to do during a day in Mystic.

There’s so much more to do in Mystic than just visit the seaport and downtown area! And after reading here, you’ll have plenty of ideas for how to spend your time in Mystic.

I like to think I’m an expert on day trips to the best towns in Connecticut. I’ve lived here almost all my life and while I work as a teacher – my weekends are filled with local adventures in our state.

And while Mystic is more than an hour from me (it’s in the very south east corner) – I am always glad to do the drive because I keep finding more and more to do in this tiny town.

Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning for another weekend adventure, Mystic is best explored at a relaxed pace. Grab a coffee, wander a scenic trail, browse the historic downtown or seaport, pop into local boutiques, and finish the day with a sweet treat! Or, even a sunset sail on the water.

Get your pen and paper ready, and let’s find discover some of the best things to do in Mystic!

☕️ Day Trip Itinerary for Mystic, CT 🌊

1st Stop: Coffee & Breakfast ☕️🥐

To me, no perfect day trip is complete without finding a local coffee shop and bakery. Nearly every charming town has one, and I love discovering the little details that make each one unique. ✨

Sift Bake Shop

📍Google Maps

If it’s your first visit to Mystic, Sift Bake Shop is a must. It’s the bakery you’ll see in those viral Instagram or TIkTok videos I think, because, it has such an array of perfect and beautiful pastries that compel you to snap a pic!

This French-inspired bakery is known for its flaky croissants, pastries, macarons, artisan breads, and coffee drinks.

Need a heartier breakfast? They’ve got quiches, avocado toast, ham & cheese croissants, and parfaits to go. They also have lunch sandwiches. Get there early, expect a line, and be patient. 🙂

Lis Bake Shop

📍Google Maps

For a quieter, more local feel, Lis Bake Shop is another wonderful choice for your Mystic morning.

This family-owned bakery serves fresh pastries, breakfast sandwiches, muffins, cookies, and coffee in a welcoming atmosphere. It’s one of those places that feels like a neighborhood favorite and makes for a cozy start to your day.

2nd: Choose a Morning Walk or Hike in Mystic

You’d think that being in southeastern CT there wouldn’t be much to choose from in terms of hiking. But that’s where Connecticut always comes through – there’s truly a beautiful trail around every corner and this is true for Mystic as well!

So after your coffee and breakfast, take a stroll and enjoy an old Connecticut farm trail with history and stone walls or an uphill pump to a waterfall!

Avery Farm Nature Preserve

If you’re looking for a peaceful walk through open meadows and quiet woods, Avery Farm is a wonderful option.

The trails are wide and flat and make a great choice if you want a trail that feels like you’re stepping back in time! I love the stone walls and farm property that you walk alongside.

Sheep Farm South

Sheep Farm South is another relaxing walk through beautiful coastal New England scenery. This is an easy and short trail (1.1 miles round trip) where you will find two waterfalls!

I loved the tumbling falls here. The dogs had a ton of fun taking dips in the water.

Haley Farm State Park

Haley Farm State Park is one of my favorite places for a hike near Mystic. You’ll walk through fields and meadows, by massive stone walls, and by a little cove.

Whether you want a long or a short hike, Haley Farm has you covered. Choose from the 2.9-mile loop or 8 mile trail. There’s even an 8.7-mile loop that takes you through neighboring Bluff Point State Park which is all along the water.

3rd: Explore Downtown Mystic (Shops & Scenery)

No visit to Mystic is complete without spending time wandering through its charming historic downtown. The charming shops on Main Street (E and W Main Street) are made even more scenic since they’re right along Mystic River.

One of the highlights is crossing the famous Mystic Drawbridge as boats travel along the Mystic River below. Navigate to Mystic Drawbridge Ice Cream and you’ve found the spot!

If you’re lucky, you may even get to watch the bridge lift for passing sailboats. A must-do classic Mystic experience that’s fun to see no matter how many times you’ve been.

I usually can find parking along Main Street or one of the streets off Main like Pearl St or Water St.

Stroll along the waterfront, browse the locally owned boutiques, stop inside bookstores and specialty shops, admire the historic buildings.

This is about soaking up the relaxed coastal atmosphere that makes Mystic so special!

Warm Up with Mystic’s Famous Hot Chocolate

If you’re visiting on a cool day—or you’re simply in the mood for something sweet—make a stop at Mystic River Chocolate Cafe at 12 Water Street just off Main Street.

It’s one of my favorite hot chocolates – so rich! You’ll also find handmade chocolates and plenty of other delicious desserts if you’re in the mood for something sweet.

Visiting in the Fall? Don’t Miss B.F. Clyde’s Cider Mill

If you’re planning a fall day trip (they open September 1st!) to Mystic, you must add B.F. Clyde’s Cider Mill to your itinerary. I loved driving the winding country roads away from the bustling downtown to get here. You’ll go by lots of historic homes lined with hydrangeas and stonewalls, and then stumble upon this cider mill that feels like a little secret.

Operating since the late 1800s, it’s the oldest steam-powered cider mill in the United States and a beloved Connecticut tradition. During the fall season you can enjoy fresh apple cider, cider donuts, homemade baked goods, and hard cider while experiencing a unique piece of New England history.

⛵️ More Mystic Adventures 🚣🏻

If you have several more hours in Mystic (or even another day!) and want to fit more in – check out these signature Mystic experiences:

Sail Aboard Argia Mystic Cruises

For a truly memorable experience, consider booking a sail aboard the historic schooner Argia. Daytime and sunset cruises offer a beautiful way to experience the Connecticut coastline, and you’re even welcome to bring along a picnic to enjoy while you’re out on the water.

It’s an especially wonderful activity for couples or anyone celebrating a special occasion.

Visit Mystic Seaport Museum

If it’s your first time visiting Mystic, the Mystic Seaport Museum is absolutely worth exploring. The museum recreates a 19th-century seafaring village with historic buildings, tall ships, exhibits, and demonstrations that bring New England’s maritime history to life.

Plan to spend at least a few hours here if you decide to visit.

Browse Olde Mistick Village

Just a few minutes from downtown, Olde Mistick Village is home to dozens of locally owned shops, specialty stores, restaurants, and cafés. It’s a fun place to browse for gifts, home décor, local foods, and unique souvenirs while extending your day in Mystic.

Paddle or Kayak on the Water

Mystic’s waterfront setting makes it a wonderful place to enjoy the river beyond the shoreline. During the warmer months, consider renting a kayak or paddleboard to explore the Mystic River from a different perspective.

🌟 3 Itineraries For Your Perfect Day in Mystic 🌟

🌿 For Adventurers & Nature Lovers

• Coffee at Sift Bake Shop or Lis Bake Shop
• Walk at Haley Farm State Park
• Explore Downtown Mystic
• Hot chocolate from Mystic River Chocolate Cafe

🍂 For Fall Leaf Peepers

• Coffee at Sift Bake Shop or Lis Bake Shop
• Avery Farm Nature Preserve
• B.F. Clyde’s Cider Mill
• Downtown Mystic shopping

❤️ For a Romantic Date

• Coffee at Sift Bake Shop or Lis Bake Shop
• Strolling Downtown Mystic
• Argia Mystic Cruise
• Dinner along the waterfront