7 Reasons to Drive to Mystic, Connecticut Explore museums, a historic downtown district, and famed pizza spot at this maritime town. By Kemi Ibeh Published on 8/23/2021
Mystic Seaport Museum Connecticut is famous for many things—Yale, pizza, stately Greenwich homes of Wolf of Wall Street type executives—and is the northern sibling to New York and New Jersey in the tri-state area. But what many don’t know is that Connecticut also boasts picturesque coastal towns like Bridgeport, upscale Westport, and Old Saybrook with fascinating histories and gorgeous landscapes. However, not many incorporate nautical history, coastal village vibes, and a living museum along with a historic downtown like the town of Mystic. Widely known as the locale for the Julia Roberts film, Mystic Pizza, Mystic derives its name from Missituk, meaning “great tidal river” in a Native American language most likely thought to be from the indigenous Pequot people who once populated this area. Located approximately 134 miles from NYC and about 2.5 hours by car, Mystic is an ideal getaway for day trippers and weekenders looking to shop, eat, and explore culture with a maritime theme. If all that driving doesn’t spark joy in your soul, Amtrak has direct service from Penn Station to Mystic for $90 one-way. But if you’re ready to get behind the wheel and hit the road, here are seven of our favorite reasons to drive to Mystic, CT.