Mystic, Connecticut: A Pizza-Fueled Road Trip That Turned Into an Unforgettable Weekend

Not all great trips are planned months in advance. This Mystic Connecticut weekend getaway started in 2018 with a simple craving for pizza—and turned into one of our favorite spontaneous adventures.

Did I call Domino’s? Not a chance. Instead, we got in the car and drove six hours to Connecticut shortly after watching Mystic Pizza, the classic 80’s movie starring Julia Roberts. In the film, they claim to have the best pizza ever, and after years of eating some pretty great pizza, we had to see if it was true.

Mystic Pizza: The Reason for Our Mystic Connecticut Weekend Getaway

We arrived in Mystic with exactly one plan: eat pizza.

We parked in a municipal lot and walked straight to Mystic Pizza for lunch. Afterward, with no reservations and no itinerary, we searched for a hotel, checked in, and started looking for things to do.

That’s when we discovered there was a seaport in town—and that’s when the trip truly began.

Exploring Mystic Seaport Museum

The Mystic Seaport Museum was built specifically for tall ships. Every building in the seaport once served an important purpose: one for repairing fishing nets, another for rope making, a bank, and more.

They even have a working carpentry shop that is still in operation today for repairing ships.

Seeing the Mayflower II in Restoration

While we were there, the Mayflower II was in port for repairs. Each section of the ship had been X-rayed, and any damaged wood was carefully removed and replaced. Watching that level of craftsmanship and historical preservation was fascinating.

A Lighthouse With a Story

The lighthouse at the seaport was never used for navigation. It is actually a replica of the Brant Point Lighthouse in Nantucket and was built in 1966. It may not guide ships, but it certainly adds to the charm of the harbor.

Mike’s Famous Harley-Davidson in New London, Connecticut

While exploring the area, we came across Mike’s Famous Harley-Davidson in New London, CT. Even if motorcycles aren’t your thing, the place is impressive—the showroom is huge and well worth a quick stop.

USS Nautilus Submarine Tour in Groton, Connecticut

The next day, we headed home, but not before making a few memorable stops.

Our first was the Groton Naval Submarine Base, home to the USS Nautilus—the world’s first nuclear-powered submarine and the first vessel to cross the North Pole.

The Nautilus made its final voyage to Groton in 1979 and is now open for public tours. Walking through it was an incredible experience, although I quickly learned that I am not built to be a submariner.

Sleepy Hollow, New York: A Bonus Stop

Before heading home, we stopped in Sleepy Hollow, NY for a short walk around town. We found a restaurant for lunch and visited the Sleepy Hollow Lighthouse.

It wasn’t open to enter, but the walk around the grounds was peaceful and a perfect way to end the trip.

Why Mystic, Connecticut Is Perfect for a Weekend Getaway

What started as a pizza craving turned into a weekend full of maritime history, charming towns, and unexpected discoveries. This Mystic Connecticut weekend getaway reminded us that sometimes the best trips are the ones you don’t plan at all.

If you’re looking for a walkable coastal town, rich history, and something a little different, Mystic, CT is an excellent choice.

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Travel Tips for Visiting Mystic, Connecticut

Tip: Leave room in your schedule for spontaneous stops

Best time to visit: Late spring through early fall

Parking: Municipal parking is easy and close to downtown