Things to do in Mystic

No. 1 of Family-friendly Attractions in Connecticut

Mystic Aquarium

Mystic Aquarium is an aquarium home to thousands of marine species, including sea turtles, penguins, seals, sea lions, bottlenose dolphins, sharks, and more.

Mystic Seaport Museum

Mystic Seaport located in Mystic, Connecticut is the largest martime museum in the United States. Most notable for its collection of maritime artifacts, the museum maintains the worlds last whaling ship: the Charles W. Morgan. Guests can explore a 19th Century Village, visit the Henry B. DuPont shipyard- renown for restoring historical ships, and get out on the water for their very own maritime adventure.

Ocean Beach Park

Bluff Point State Park

USS Nautilus

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Statue of Liberty

The Statue of Liberty stands on Liberty Island in New York Harbor, officially named "Liberty Enlightening the World." It was a gift from the people of France to the United States, created to commemorate American independence and completed in 1886. Designed by French sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, its internal steel framework was crafted by Gustave Eiffel, the designer of the Eiffel Tower. She holds a torch aloft in her right hand and a tablet inscribed with "July 4, 1776" in her left, with broken chains at her feet. The seven spikes on her crown symbolize the seven continents and seven seas, while the theme of breaking free from*********and embracing liberty is woven into every detail. Reaching the crown is the signature experience here: ascend via the narrow double-helix staircase inside the statue to overlook New York Harbor and the Manhattan skyline from the crown's observation windows. Crown access has limited availability and requires advance reservations. The staircase is steep and narrow with no elevator, so travelers with acrophobia or limited physical stamina should assess their capabilities. Opting for the pedestal observatory still allows close-up views of the statue and panoramic harbor vistas. The original torch replaced in 1984 is now displayed at the Statue of Liberty Museum on the island, which opened in 2019, fully presenting the statue's construction history and symbolic significance. The adjacent Ellis Island Immigration Museum recounts the stories of millions of immigrants who entered the U.S. here to begin new lives, often combined with a visit to Liberty Island. △Statue of LibertyCrown visit: one of the must-do experiences is climbing up to the statue's crown. Travelers can access the crown via a narrow spiral staircase and enjoy the magnificent views of the city skyline. △: Closely connected, the visit is a fascinating experience. This museum tells the story of millions of immigrants who passed through to start new lives in the United States. △Statue of LibertyPedestal access: Travelers can also enter the pedestal to observe the statue and its intricate details up close. The pedestal also houses a museum showcasing the history and significance of the statue.

2026 Global 100 - Best Things to Do

Empire State Building

• Iconic Landmark – The Empire State Building is one of the most recognized skyscrapers in the world and is ranked #1 top attraction in NYC. Its Art Deco design and cinematic fame make it a true New York icon.​ • Breathtaking Panoramic Views – Enjoy 360° views that stretch up to 80 miles on a clear day. From the open-air 86th Floor Observatory or the glass-enclosed 102nd Floor Observatory, spot Central Park, the Statue of Liberty, Times Square, the Brooklyn Bridge, and neighboring states.​ • Immersive Exhibits – Explore the interactive museum on the second and 80th floors, with immersive galleries that bring the building's story to life from Opening Day in 1931 to its role as a pop culture icon. Meet Kong, snap photos with celebrity moments, and admire the building's innovative construction. • Famous Filming Location – From "King Kong" to "Sleepless in Seattle" and countless others, the Empire State Building has been featured in more than 250 films and TV shows.​ • Art Deco Masterpiece – Marvel at the restored Fifth Avenue Lobby with its iconic gold leaf ceiling mural, bronze finishes, and two-story architectural model.​ Other notes for the listing. △Sustainability Exhibit: The Empire State Building has a sustainability exhibit on the 2nd floor that showcases the building's commitment to energy efficiency and environmental responsibility.

Liberty Island

Liberty Island is located in New York Harbor in the United States. It is an island of great historical significance and a symbol of freedom and friendship. The most striking feature on the island is the Statue of Liberty standing in the center. This statue was a gift from France to the United States, symbolizing the deep friendship between the two nations and embodying people's aspirations for freedom, democracy, and hope. The statue features a copper exterior and has a solemn yet elegant appearance. The goddess holds a torch high, carries a tablet inscribed with the date of American independence in her left hand, and has broken shackles at her feet, symbolizing freedom from bondage. The pedestal of the statue sits on the former site of Fort Wood. The fort is shaped like an eleven-pointed star, preserving the historical traces of early harbor fortifications. The island features expansive lawns where green spaces and coastal views complement each other. Visitors can enjoy a close-up view of the statue and its surroundings, and learn about the connection between this island, American history, and immigrant culture.

2026 Global 100 - Best Things to Do

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

The Metropolitan Museum of Art was founded in 1870, with its main building adjacent to New York Central Park. It is an encyclopedic museum that encapsulates over 5,000 years of global art history under one roof: Egyptian statues and painted sarcophagi, European classical oil paintings, and Asian calligraphy, paintings, and porcelain are displayed together here, making its collection breadth exceptionally rare among similar museums. In addition to the main building, the museum also operates The Cloisters branch in Upper Manhattan, dedicated to medieval art. △The Metropolitan Museum of ArtIt showcases over 5,000 years of art from around the world for everyone to experience and enjoy. The museum is located at two iconic sites in New York City—The Met Fifth Avenue and The Met Cloisters. Millions also engage onlineThe Metropolitan Museum of ArtExperiences. △Since its establishment in 1870,The Metropolitan Museum of ArtIt has always been committed to being a treasure trove of rare and beautiful items. Every day, art comes alive in the museum's galleries and through its exhibitions and activities, revealing new ideas and unexpected connections across time and cultures. △The Metropolitan Museum of ArtTo collect, study, preserve and exhibit significant works of art across time and cultures, connecting all people to creativity, knowledge, ideas and one another. Egypt exhibition hall Located on the first floor, the highlight here is the Temple of Dendur, which was relocated from Egypt in its entirety. Lehman collection gallery Located on the first floor, this independent circular pavilion houses exquisite European paintings and various decorative arts from the 14th to 20th centuries. China exhibition hall Located on the second floor, in addition to porcelain from various periods, a life-size replica of a Suzhou garden makes you feel like you're in Suzhou. European painting exhibition hall Located on the second floor, you might as well sit down and quietly admire the masterpieces after taking photos.

B.F. Clyde's Cider Mill