Mystic Seaport - The Museum of America and the Sea Tours

Mystic Seaport - The Museum of America and the Sea which includes signage
Mystic Seaport - The Museum of America and the Sea
Mystic Seaport - The Museum of America and the Sea
Photo by Carson Tilley
Photo by michelle jones


Learn about life in a recreated 19th-century seafaring village or climb aboard one of the world’s last wooden whaleboats in this expansive outdoor maritime museum.

Mystic Seaport: The Museum of America and the Sea presents a larger-than-life insight into America’s maritime heritage through immersive experiences, original artifacts and preserved vessels. Explore a vast range of sailing ships and boats or see more than 60 meticulously restored historic waterfront buildings. Make your way around this seafaring village, which has been recreated to depict the world as it was in the 1800s. At Mystic Seaport, you can be the captain of a sailboat and cruise down the Mystic River.

Stroll through the village to see real New England buildings and meet historians, performers and storytellers who will weave a life-like insight into 19th century Mystic. Take a ride on a horse-drawn carriage or watch the shipsmiths working on the rigs. Wander through expertly recreated gardens and listen as the museum’s chanteymen perform traditional songs from the seafarers of long ago.

Don’t miss climbing aboard the Charles W. Morgan, the last of the historic American whaling fleet that launched in the 19th century. Built in 1841, the Morgan sailed the seas until 1921 and is today the treasure of Chubb’s Wharf. Walk the decks of this historic vessel to learn about the whaling industry. See more nationally significant historic vessels moored in the wharf, such as an 1866 fishing boat and a 1908 steamer.

Visit the museum’s Preservation Shipyard, where you can watch restorers working on the historic vessels. Check out a collection of carved ships’ figureheads and see fascinating nautical instruments on display. Head to the museum’s planetarium to see the constellations soaring above as you learn about how sailors would use the stars to navigate the seas.

Take the chance to cruise around Mystic Seaport in a historic vessel and learn about the different ships as you sail by. You can also rent a rowboat or a sailboat and make your own voyage around the port.

Mystic Seaport: The Museum of America and the Sea is located on Mystic’s historic waterfront. Discounted admission is available to seniors and children. The museum is open daily, except for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Check the museum’s daily activity schedule to plan your visit to this exciting hands-on attraction.

Plan a trip to see Mystic Seaport - The Museum of America and the Sea

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Wayfinder Newport
Club Wyndham Inn on the Harbor
Club Wyndham Long Wharf

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Best Lodging Options Near Mystic Seaport - The Museum of America and the Sea

Best Western Mystic Hotel

Best Western Mystic Hotel

2.5 out of 5
48 Whitehall Ave, Mystic, CT
Best Western Mystic Hotel
Howard Johnson by Wyndham Mystic

Howard Johnson by Wyndham Mystic

2 out of 5
253 Greenmanville Ave, Mystic, CT
Howard Johnson by Wyndham Mystic
Hilton Mystic

Hilton Mystic

3.5 out of 5
20 Coogan Blvd, Mystic, CT
Hilton Mystic
Spark by Hilton Mystic Groton

Spark by Hilton Mystic Groton

3 out of 5
55 Whitehall Avenue, I-95 and Rte 27 at Exit 90, Mystic, CT
Spark by Hilton Mystic Groton
DELAMAR MYSTIC

DELAMAR MYSTIC

3.5 out of 5
105 Greenmanville Ave, Mystic, CT
DELAMAR MYSTIC
Hyatt Place Mystic

Hyatt Place Mystic

3 out of 5
224 Greenmanville Ave, Mystic, CT
Hyatt Place Mystic
Holiday Inn Express Mystic by IHG

Holiday Inn Express Mystic by IHG

2.5 out of 5
6 Coogan Blvd, Mystic, CT
Holiday Inn Express Mystic by IHG
The Whaler's Inn

The Whaler's Inn

3 out of 5
20 E Main St, Mystic, CT
The Whaler's Inn
Modern Cape Downtown Mystic

Modern Cape Downtown Mystic

Mystic
Modern Cape Downtown Mystic
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Mystic Seaport - The Museum of America and the Sea

At Mystic Seaport - The Museum of America and the Sea, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities including boating, sailing, and exploring nearby attractions. Perfect for weekend outings, the seaport offers a rich experience of maritime history and culture. Don't miss the chance to discover the unique charm of Mystic and its surrounding area, making it an ideal destination for a memorable vacation.

Food and drinks

For seafood lovers, Mystic Seaport offers local delights. Saltwater Farm Vineyard, 4 miles away, provides a romantic winery experience, while Stonington Vineyard, 5 miles away, also offers a charming atmosphere. Don't miss Buttonwood Farm & Ice Cream, 14 miles away, perfect for family-friendly sweet treats.

Shopping

The nearest shopping destination is Olde Mistick Village, located 0.9 miles from Mystic Seaport, offering a variety of shops and entertainment. If you're up for a drive, visit The Book Barn and Norwichtown Mall, both around 13 and 14 miles away, respectively, featuring more diverse shopping options.

Recreation

Ocean Beach Park, located 8 miles away, offers a family-friendly pool environment perfect for relaxation and outdoor activities. Shady Oaks Park, just 2 miles away, provides a peaceful retreat for wellness and tranquility. For golf enthusiasts, Lake of Isles, also 8 miles away, combines sports with beautiful outdoor scenery.

Adventure

Explore the Lantern Hill Trailhead, a scenic hiking trail located 7 miles from Mystic Seaport, offering stunning views and a true adventure experience. For thrill-seekers, the Waterford Speedbowl, situated 11 miles away, provides an exhilarating atmosphere for motor racing enthusiasts and sports lovers alike.

Nightlife

For an exciting nightlife in Mystic, head to Mohegan Sun Casino for romance and city vibes, or catch a show at the Grand Theater at Foxwoods Resort Casino for a cultural experience. For family-friendly fun, enjoy the enchanting atmosphere of The Flying Horse Carousel.

Find the best attractions near Mystic Seaport - The Museum of America and the Sea

During your visit to Mystic Seaport - The Museum of America and the Sea, explore a variety of attractions including the Mystic Aquarium and the historic Mystic Seaport Museum. Enjoy the beautiful Misquamicut Beach for some relaxation, or venture into nearby state parks for outdoor activities. Don't miss the chance to visit local lighthouses, which add to the area's rich maritime culture and history.

  • Mystic Seaport - The Museum of America and the Sea: Immerse yourself in maritime history at this iconic museum, featuring historic ships, interactive exhibits, and charming village streets that reflect America's seafaring past. It's a cultural treasure trove that showcases the art of shipbuilding and the stories of the sea.
  • Mystic Downtown Marina: Experience adventure and outdoor fun at this beautiful marina, where you can enjoy boat rentals, kayaking, and scenic walks along the waterfront. The beach vibes are perfect for relaxing or engaging in water sports, making it a fantastic spot for families and thrill-seekers alike.
  • Mohegan Sun Arena: Just a short drive away, this premier entertainment venue offers a variety of concerts, shows, and family-friendly events. With its vibrant atmosphere and diverse lineup, it promises an exciting night out for anyone looking for entertainment in the Mystic area.

Best time to go to Mystic Seaport - The Museum of America and the Sea

The best time to visit Mystic Seaport - The Museum of America and the Sea can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Mystic Seaport - The Museum of America and the Sea falls in July, when visitor numbers are moderately high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Mystic Seaport - The Museum of America and the Sea falls in January, visitor numbers are moderately low and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January32.0°F (0.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately LowSlightly Low
February33.1°F (0.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
March38.7°F (3.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
April47.8°F (8.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May57.0°F (13.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June65.5°F (18.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighSlightly High
July72.9°F (22.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighSlightly High
August72.1°F (22.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighSlightly High
September66.0°F (18.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
October56.7°F (13.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
November46.0°F (7.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately LowSlightly Low
December38.5°F (3.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Mystic Seaport - The Museum of America and the Sea

To save money on your trip to Mystic Seaport, consider visiting between November and January for lower accommodation rates. Book your hotel about a month in advance, preferably on a Wednesday for the best prices. Utilize Expedia for package deals that combine flights and hotels, and explore last-minute deals for spontaneous travel. Don't miss free attractions like Olde Mistick Village and Misquamicut State Beach. Lastly, join Expedia's One Key program for exclusive discounts and cash rewards on future bookings.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Mystic Seaport - The Museum of America and the Sea are November to January, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Book your hotel around Mystic Seaport - The Museum of America and the Sea about 1 month out to secure some of the cheapest prices. If you're the spontaneous type, Expedia's last minute deals and discounts are indicated via the green label below the price.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Mystic Seaport - The Museum of America and the Sea is Wednesday. The most expensive day to stay around Mystic Seaport - The Museum of America and the Sea is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and the type of hotel you’re looking for. For instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" option will show you sustainable and eco-friendly hotels that are currently available. To find the best prices and deals, be sure to sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel reservation for Mystic Seaport - The Museum of America and the Sea with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.