Fresh spring air means it’s time to highlight where to walk in Mystic this season. It’s the perfect time to trade your flannel for comfy shorts, lace up your walking shoes, and hit the scenic trails around Mystic. Get ready for warm sunshine, gentle breezes, and the chance to explore the beauty of the blooming season.
Feeling lost on where to start? We’ve curated a list of must-try spring and summer walks. These vibrant locations are sure to brighten up your social media feed! So ditch the car and get your spring and summer adventures rolling with us at The Whaler’s Inn!
Where to Walk in Mystic on Your Getaway
Haley Farm State Park- Groton, CT
Start your journey with a trip to the Haley Farm State Park trail. This Connecticut gem preserves Colonial-era farmland and allows visitors to explore open fields bursting with wildflowers, woodlands teeming with life, and babbling brooks perfect for a refreshing listen. The park’s serenity, beauty, and history make it an excellent destination for anyone seeking a nature-filled day.
Bluff Point State Park-Groton, Ct
If you’re looking for a coastal escape this spring or summer, check out the Bluff Point State Park Coastal Reserve in nearby Groton.
This 806-acre park offers miles of hiking trails, a picturesque coastline with crashing waves, and stunning vistas that will leave you breathless. Enjoy a picnic on the beach or search for seashells – the possibilities are endless!
Harkness State Park- Waterford, CT 
Harkness State Park offers a scenic peninsula escape with dramatic coastal bluffs, rolling meadows, and a historic mansion. Hike along the water’s edge on the Waterford Bluffs Trail, or take in the expansive views from atop the rocky cliffs.
Explore the formal gardens surrounding the Harkness Mansion, a stunning example of early 20th-century Georgian Revival architecture.
The park also offers swimming, fishing, and picnicking opportunities, making it a perfect spot for a relaxing day trip. Keep in mind that the mansion itself is not open to the public.
Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center-Mystic, Ct
The Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center is a woodland sanctuary featuring forest, wetland, and meadow displays showcasing southeastern Connecticut’s unique habitats and wildlife.
Visitors can also see several species of rehabilitated hawks and owls housed in outdoor flight enclosures. It’s a great place to learn about the local ecosystem and see some amazing animals.
Mystic River Park and Downtown Mystic
Downtown Mystic offers a delightful walking experience along the Mystic River. Here’s where to go for captivating views:
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Start your journey on Holmes Street: Stroll along this charming lane lined with colorful clapboard houses and overflowing flower pots. Admire the architectural details of these 18th and 19th-century homes, many believed to be former residences of sea captains.
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Head down to Water Street: As the name suggests, Water Street runs parallel to the Mystic River, offering stunning waterfront views. Here, you’ll be greeted by a vibrant atmosphere with bustling shops, galleries, and restaurants lining the street. Continue down Water Street until you reach the historic Mystic Seaport Museum.
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Meander through side streets like Gravel Street: After soaking up the sights at the seaport, weave your way through the maze of charming side streets like Gravel Street. These quiet, less-traveled lanes offer a glimpse into the town’s residential areas. Keep an eye out for more beautifully preserved captains’ homes tucked away amongst the more modern houses. The contrast between old and new adds to the unique character of Mystic.
- River Road: This scenic route winds along the riverbank, offering a tranquil escape from the bustle of downtown. Gaze across the water at the historic Mystic Seaport Museum and its collection of impressive tall ships. Keep an eye out for nesting birds in the wetlands and wooded bluffs.
This walk combines captivating historical sites with scenic water views and the quintessential charm of Mystic’s architecture, making it a perfect way to experience the town’s allure. Remember, comfortable shoes are recommended, as some streets may have uneven sidewalks.
Stonington Borough- Stonington, CT
Stonington Borough, a charming coastal town, comes alive during the spring and summer. Take a walk around town and admire the vibrant flower displays and historic architecture.
Start your walk at Stonington Point: This scenic peninsula offers panoramic views of Long Island Sound, Block Island, and Fishers Island. Stroll along the Stonington Point Lighthouse Museum for a glimpse into the area’s rich maritime history.
Walk down Water Street: The heart of Stonington Borough, Water Street, is lined with historic homes, art galleries, antique shops, and restaurants. Be sure to stop by the Stonington Historical Society for a fascinating look at the borough’s past.
Explore the Stonington Harbor: Take a walk along the pier and watch the fishing boats and yachts bobbing in the water. Several boat tours are also available, offering a unique perspective of the harbor and its surroundings.
Visit the Stonington Free Library: This beautiful Romanesque Revival building was built in 1884 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The library offers a variety of programs and events throughout the year and is a great place to relax and enjoy a good book.
Coogan Farm-Mystic, CT
- Step Back in Time: Explore 400 years of Mystic history at Coogan Farm Nature and Heritage Center Trails.
- Seasonal Splendor: Immerse yourself in spring and summer’s vibrant sights and sounds with blooming wildflowers and singing birds.
- Year-Round Access: Enjoy the trails any time, from sunrise to sunset, 365 days a year.
- Expanded Exploration: For an extended adventure, you can easily connect to the trails of the Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center and Avalonia Land Conservancy.
Niantic Bay Boardwalk- Niantic, CT
Take a stroll down the Niantic Bay Boardwalk for a unique perspective of the Long Island Sound. Enjoy the gentle summer breeze and watch the waves lap against the shore.
- Niantic Bay Boardwalk offers a 1.1-mile scenic walk along Niantic Bay.
- The eastern half features classic boardwalk vibes with beach views, while the west transitions to a natural path with dramatic rock formations.
- Enjoy year-round access, ocean breezes, and beautiful vistas of the bay and Long Island Sound.
Napatree Point in our Neighboring State of Rhode Island 
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Untamed Coastal Escape: Hike along sandy beaches, scramble over rocky outcrops, and breathe in the fresh ocean air. Napatree Point offers a chance to commune with nature and witness the raw power of the Atlantic Ocean.
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A Birder’s Paradise: Designated a Globally Important Bird Area, Napatree Point is a haven for birdwatchers. Keep an eye out for osprey, piping plovers, least terns, and a variety of migrating species.
- Rich History: Explore the remnants of Fort Mansfield, a military fortification built in the late 19th century to protect the entrance to Little Narragansett Bay. Learn about the area’s transformation from a densely forested landmass to its sandy point today.
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Being in another state may seem far, but Napatree Point is about a half an hour drive away.
Barn Island: Pawcatuck, CT
Barn Island Wildlife Management Area is a 1,013-acre wildlife conservation site. It is located 7 miles from The Whaler’s Inn and should take approximately 12 minutes to reach by car.
Here’s what Barn Island Wildlife Management Area has to offer:
Hike Diverse Habitats: Explore over 1,000 acres of varied landscapes, including hilly uplands, open fields, hardwood forests, and a whopping 540 acres of salt marsh teeming with life.
A Birder’s Paradise: With over 200 bird species calling Barn Island home, it’s a haven for birdwatchers. Spot everything from herons and ducks to migrating raptors and elusive sparrows.
Year-Round Activities: Enjoy hiking, wildlife observation, and even hunting in designated areas throughout the year.
Now that You Know Where to Walk in Mystic, It’s time to Book Your Stay
Mystic and the surrounding areas are bursting with life during the spring and summer months. Book your stay with us today and get ready to explore this beautiful region!
