Things to do in Mystic

Our Original Ghost Walk takes travelers through the historic downtown Mystic landscape crossing the bascule bridge between both sides of the Mystic River, guests will become immersed in the dark, sordid and supernatural history of New England’s famous seafaring village. From 17th century strife of colonial life amidst the Pequot Wars and the King Phillip’s war to mysterious turn of the century murders, Mystic’s history was founded in darkness. As the centuries grew, lost seafarers, creepy cryptids, and scandalous happenings took place in our quaint seaside community. At the same time, people of importance and resilience made Mystic a safe harbor for generations to come. Hear tales of Revolutionary heroes, industrial revolution hot spots, and Union soldiers of the Civil War still seen in their spectral form all on our Downtown Mystic tour. Our Downtown Mystic tour takes guests from the 17th through 20th centuries in old Mystic with true terrifying tales from our hidden archives and remarkable history amid legends and lore. From curses to paranormal activity, there’s no shortage of the supernatural in downtown Mystic. This is a 2-hour walking tour encompassing about one mile and taking off Liberty Pole Square. This just in front of the S&P Oyster Club and we meet at the big anchor that marks the spot. This tour is a blend of history and mystery.

Spend the day exploring historic vessels, original 19th-century storefronts and dwellings, and engaging with friendly shipwrights at the seaport museum in Mystic. Visit a unique living historical setting, dedicated to preserving American maritime heritage. Explore the 19-acre museum campus, walk through a working shipyard where carpenters combine traditional skills and modern techniques to preserve the craft of wooden shipbuilding. See the Charles W. Morgan, the world’s last remaining wooden whale ship and learn how America transformed from a nation of whale hunters to watchers. Take a stroll around the recreated village, gardens, and waterfront while learning what it was like to earn one’s living from the sea. At the museum guests are welcome to add on activities such as sailing, cruises, and a daily planetarium shows exploring celestial navigation and other themes. Pack a picnic to enjoy, or dine at one of 3 seasonally-operated eateries.

There’s nothing more intimately haunting than a colonial burial ground and Mystic boasts some of the most fascinating and haunted burial grounds around. The Graveyard Ghost tour takes place at Whitehall Burial Ground just off Hendel Drive in Mystic. Whitehall Burial Ground established in the 1660’s was one of the common burial places of Mystic until the rural landscape movement arrived in Mystic in 1854. Our Graveyard Ghost Tour tells tales of some of Mystic’s most famous residents. From Captains of King Philip’s War who saw unspeakable horrors to tales of true vampires amid epidemic scares; from Patriot defenders who met bloody ends to abolitionists and freed enslaved people, making their mark on the Mystic community – there’s no shortage of notable or frightening accounts. The graveyard tour walks visitors through early American history in New England through times of fear, sickness, and war. The trials and tribulations left behind several hauntings and the graveyard has had activity of footsteps, voices, and full-bodied apparitions for years – many of which guests experience on our tour. The Graveyard tour ends with a special spooky surprise – perfect for history and ghost lovers alike. The graveyard tour walks guests through time amid the graves of the people who made Mystic, Mystic. Learn about colonial burial practices and graves on this guided tour. This is a 2-hour walking tour taking off from the gates of Whitehall Burial Ground. This tour is a blend of history and mystery.

Embark on a journey through Mystic and delve into the ancient holiday tradition of ghost stories, rooted in Solstice celebrations. Join a guided walk to hear tales of the scariest Christmas creatures, spine-chilling Christmas games, and spirits that reveal the true meaning of the Christmas spirit. From indigenous traditions to Dickensian tales, immerse yourself in a magical realm that will change the way you view Christmas and the mystical. Beyond Saint Nicholas flying through the sky, discover a plethora of other beings and spirits, from the benevolent to the potentially nefarious.

A Paranormal Pub Crawl with Seaside Shadows 3 local pubs/breweries -- Bank & Bridge Brew Pub with thematic local beers, Friar Tucks Tavern, with boards of beer choices and Captain Daniel Packer Inne -- a historic haunt with the DPIPA. Join Seaside Shadows guides for a walk through Mystic's Water Street featuring true ghostly tales and dark history of this bustling region of downtown Mystic and hear about the haunting tales of your favorite local pubs and taverns. This tour will feature stops at some of your favorite local pubs featuring local brews allowing you to sample a different flavor at each stop along the way. The tour includes a total of three beers! (tax and gratuity included)

A Cocktail Pub Crawl with Seaside Shadows featuring locally cultivated cocktails -- some with spooky themes! - Join Seaside Shadows guides for a walk through some of Mystic's famous pubs featuring true ghostly tales and dark history of this bustling region of downtown Mystic and hear about the haunting tales of your favorite local pubs and taverns. This tour will feature stops at three local pubs/taverns allowing you to sample a different spirit at each stop along the way. The tour includes three drinks. (Tax and Gratuity included)