Mystic Aquarium

Southeastern Connecticut sports one of the finest Aquariums you'll find anywhere.

Mystic Aquarium, one of America’s leading aquariums, showcases the living collections, science and conservation work of Sea Research through exhibits, demonstrations and educational programs, emphasizing hands-on, interactive, live animal contact experiences for all ages.

Hosting more than 750,000 visitors annually, the Aquarium is open year-round and is Connecticut’s largest non-casino attraction. Mystic Aquarium is one of the few in North America housing Beluga whales and other rare and remarkable sea creatures.

The Institute for Exploration at Mystic Aquarium is a base for famed oceanographer and explorer Dr. Robert Ballard, widely known for his rediscovery and preservation of Titanic, Bismarck, PT-109 and many others. Dr. Ballard’s advancements in deep sea technology have made it possible to uncover secrets of the world’s oceans and bring them in real time to young people across America. These discoveries are featured in Dr. Ballard’s ever-changing Challenge of the Deep exhibition at Mystic Aquarium.

Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration is open daily, except for Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.

March 1st thru November 30th : Sunday-Saturday 9:00 am to 5:00 pm (once inside guests may visit until 6:00 pm)

December 1st thru February 29th : Monday - Friday 10:00 am to 4:00 pm (once inside guests may visit until 5:00 pm)

Saturday, Sunday, Holidays 9:00 am to 5:00 pm (once inside guests may visit until 6:00 pm)

Hours are subject to change without notice.

A visit to Mystic Acquarium wouldn't be complete without a stop at the Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration Store. Located next to the Ocean Planet Pavilion, you'll find a great selection of gifts, books, videos, apparel and much more, so be sure to leave plenty of time to browse.

The Penguins Cafe, adjacent to the Ocean Planet Pavilion, has a great menu with a variety of foods sure to satisfy guests of all ages. If you prefer, there's also a picnic area near the east end of the parking lot.

The Aquarium has plenty of free parking and handicapped parking on the premises.

Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express are accepted for admission, membership and store purchases. The Penguins Café and Gift Shop at Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration accepts cash and credit cards.

Visit Mystic Acquarium website for tickets and pricing, membership, events, shows and seasonal programs, group reservations, driving directions, functions and parties, and show information.

Harkness Memorial State Park

Enjoy a day of sun, picnicing, flying kites, or just walking through the fabulous gardens of Harkness Memorial State Park in Southeastern Connecticut. Relax and take in the panoramic views of Long Island Sound. Harkness Memorial State Park is the magnificent summer estate of the late Edward S. Harkness family. Explore the magnificent summer mansion set on over 230 seaside acres of sweeping lawns, with stately trees and spectacular gardens.

Over three acres of formal gardens were designed in the early twentieth century by famed landscape architect Beatrix Jones Farrand and have recently been restored to the point of being deemed "The Best Formal Public Garden in New England" by the editors of Yankee Magazine.

Whether you go during the peak season or off-season, Harkness Park has a great deal to offer. There are horse and carriage rides and an antique car display. Visitors can enjoy tours of the mansion in-season (Memorial Day through Labor Day) on Saturdays and Sundays between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. The gift shop is also open in-season on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The park truly offers something for everyone with excellent saltwater fishing, picnicking opportunities amid the breathtaking scenery, and a variety of events and activities such as art shows, car shows and kite festivals.

The 200+ acres were a working farm and the mansion served as the Harkness’ summer home. The Roman Renaissance Classical Revival-style mansion has 42 rooms and includes a pergola (tearoom) and carriage house (support complex). Lush gardens flank the mansion on both the east and west lawns, and an Alpine Rock Garden adds to the beauty and splendor of the seaside panorama.

Harkness Park is also a favorite spot of the ConnectiKITERS Kite Club. Subtle rolling hills and shoreline winds make it an ideal spot to launch a kite. Your children will be able to see kites of all shapes and sizes and can even join the fun by bringing along a kite of their own.

Mansion Hours:
The mansion is open for tours weekends and holidays from Memorial Day Weekend to Labor Day. The first tour of the day starts at 10:00 a.m. and the last at 2:15 p.m.

Rental Information:
The Harkness Mansion is available for weddings, private parties, seminars, conferences, luncheons and teas from March 1 to December 23.

There are separate weekend/holiday and weekday parking fees (in effect daily from Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day from 8:00 a.m to 6:30 p.m.) at Harkness Memorial State Park.

Located at 275 Great Neck Road in Waterford, Connecticut, the park is open from 8:00 a.m. to Sunset. Call (860) 443-5725 for more information or visit the Harkness State Park website.

Fort Trumbull State Park

Whether you're a first time visitor to Southeastern Connecticut or an area resident be sure to visit the Fort Trumbull State Park located at 90 Walbach Street in New London. Get an interactive history lesson at the visitor's center, or just walk the Fort and ramparts for a view of the Thames River, a visit to Fort Trumbull has something for everyone including a boardwalk and fishing pier.

Spectacular fishing opportunities abound with a one-of-a-kind fishing pier boasting over 500' of shore-based access to the major game fish of Long Island Sound. Saltwater anglers will find a unique combination of sport fish including striped bass, bluefish, weakfish and tautog as they feed on the variety of bait fish found at the mouth of the Thames River. In addition to 24-hour access, the pier offers bright lighting and individual pole holders for angler comfort; year-round restrooms and fresh running water.

Bathrooms, Conference Center, Fishing Pier, Onsite & On-street Parking, Visitor Center, Waterfront Walk.

The Visitors Center contains state of the art multimedia theaters, computer touch screen interactive exhibits, 3-D models, and extensive graphics and text panels. This one of a kind center depicts over 225 years of military history and technological advances from the Revolutionary War to the Cold War. Some of the main themes of the Visitor Center are the September 6, 1781 attack by the British under the command of Benedict Arnold, the U-boat menace during World War II, and the anti-submarine efforts during the Cold War.

The park's grounds are open to the public year round from 8:00 a.m. until sunset.

Visitor Center Hours:

The Visitor Center is open Wednesday through Sunday from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm from Memorial Day Weekend through Columbus Day. There are no fees for parking or visiting the park grounds. A per person charge applies for the Visitor Center exhibit area and Fort Tours.

For more information visit the Fort Trumbull State Park website or call (860) 444-7591

O! Brasil

You'll find some wonderful places to shop in Southeastern Connecticut. Located at 165 State Street, New London in the historic Harris Place Building O! Brasil is an American business with a Brazilian mission. The rare craft and art carried by O! Brasil comes in the form of pottery, furniture, stonework, paintings, carvings, jewelry, and functional furnishings. Each piece is fashioned by hand, each unique, most bearing the name of the person who created it. Some pieces are distinctly Brazilian. Others are simply beautiful.

O! Brasil brings these pieces from the countryside of Brazil to the center of New London, Connecticut. Its display of unique, handmade products resonates in contrast to the commercialized sameness of chain stores in malls. People who come in to O! Brasil feel that they have come across a treasure of rare beauty.

For more information contact O! Brasil at (860) 437-1646
Open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Muddy Waters Cafe

After a morning of sightseeing in Southeastern Connecticut relax at this inviting cafe on the Thames River in New London. Enjoy the cozy atmosphere by the fireplace or the waterfront deck. Muddy Waters Cafe features specialty coffees, cappuccino, cafe latte, cafe mocha, espresso, macchiato, Oregon chai tea, hot cider, hot cocoa, iced drinks and more. Enjoy a delicious homemade sandwich, soup, or salad, then indulge in a fabulous gourmet dessert or Italian ice. For the early riser, enjoy freshly baked goods, bagels, assorted fresh fruit, yogurt, or a breakfast sandwich.

Located at 42 Bank Street in New London. Open 7 days a week - Monday through Friday 7:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m - Saturday 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Sunday 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

For more information call 860-444-2232.

Muddy Waters is available for private functions.

MC, Visa accepted. ATM available.

Sailing Adventures on the Mystic Whaler

Sail away on the Tall Ship Mystic Whaler for a one of a kind adventure!

Mystic Whaler Cruises offers daysails, lobster dinner cruises, overnight vacations sails and private sailing events from the New London harbor in Southeastern Connecticut.

Hosting groups as large as 65 during the day and more intimate groups of up to 34 overnight, Mystic Whaler Cruises can offer you a piece of that old-world charm of tall ship sailing, with modern comforts and fabulous meals.

Their crew of professionals are always at hand to enhance your experience whether you want to participate in raising sail, learn navigation, take a turn at the helm or are looking for a great adventure in one of our many ports of call.

Expect an Adventure!

Begin each voyage with an underway tour of the Thames River, with Fort Trumbull and Fort Griswold overlooking the river and Avery Point and Ledge Light Lighthouses protecting its entrance.

Learn the history of many islands and lighthouses. Haul a line, take a turn at the wheel, or plot your course. Finish that book you've been meaning to read or just kick back and relax.

Experience Delicious Meals!

The wonderful taste of New England cooking while underway is the perfect recipe for relaxation.

Whether it's over an amazing cup of clam chowder or a decadent dessert, you're bound to remember these meals as mouth-watering.

Visit the Mystic Whaler 2008 Sailing Schedule


Day Sails - 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m - June, July and August
Reservations suggested. Payment in full due at booking.

Sail aboard the Tall Ship Mystic Whaler for a 5-hour daysail. Explore the scenic waters, lighthouses, and coastlines of Fisher’s Island Sound. Delight in the musical offerings of our onboard musicians.

Enjoy a hearty lunch under sail.

Clam Chowder
Grilled Chicken or Vegetarian Entrée
Vegetarian Entree must be requested in advance
Fresh Bread
3 Side Salads
Dessert

Beverages include: coffee, tea, hot cocoa, lemonade & water.
You are welcome to bring you own alcoholic beverages

Children ages 5 and older are invited onboard for Daysails.

Lobster Dinner Cruises - 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm - June, July and August
Reservations suggested. Payment in full due at booking.

Sail aboard the Tall Ship Mystic Whaler for a 3-Hour Lobster Dinner Cruise.

Explore the scenic waters, lighthouses, and coastlines of Fisher’s Island Sound as the sun sets.

Enjoy a hearty New England Dinner.

Clam Chowder
1 1/4 lb Lobster
Chicken or Vegetarian Entrée
must be requested in advance
Cole Slaw
Dinner Rolls
Dessert

Beverages include: coffee, tea, hot cocoa, lemonade & water.
You are welcome to bring you own alcoholic beverages
Children ages 5 and older are invited onboard for Lobster Dinner Cruises


Overnight Cruises

Reservations required. Payments are due in full at time of booking.

Children ages 10 and older are welcome on overnight cruises.

Please visit Mystic Whaler Overnight Cruises for cabin classes, rates and other information about overnight cruises.

Visit the Mystic Whaler 2008 Sailing Schedule for a schedule of overnight cruises.

Mystic Whaler Cruises, PO Box 189, Mystic, CT 06355
Summer Location: City Pier, New London - Near the New London Train Station

Call: 1-800-697-8420 (Local Phone: 860-535-1556) or visit the Mystic Whaler website for information on prices, methods of payment, cancellations, gift certificates, weather, directions and more.

Rocky Neck State Park

On Long Island Sound in the Southeastern Connecticut town of Niantic is the popular 710-acre Rocky Neck State Park. Located at 244 West Main Street (Route 156), Rocky Neck State Park offers clear waters and a stone-free beach with expanses of white sand as well as a campground, hiking trails, picnic areas and a large cobblestone pavilion where events may be held. Bathrooms, a food concession and picnic tables are available for visitors to Rocky Neck State Park.


Diverse trails within the park provide easy and interesting walks to the scenic salt marsh and to such points of interest as Baker's Cave, Tony's Nose and Shipyard. Bounded on the west by a tidal river and to the east by a broad salt marsh, Rocky Neck was known to both Indians and colonists as a place of abundant fish and wildlife. Today, high spring tides allow schools of alewives (herring) to swim into Bride Brook toward inland spawning grounds. The osprey, or fish hawk, is a frequent early summer visitor. In the fall, cranes, herons and mute swans wade among cattails and rose mallow. Seasonal changes provide opportunities to fish for mackerel, striped bass, blackfish and flounder.

The park is open from 8 a.m. until Sunset.

Pets on a leash are permitted in picnic areas and on hiking trails. Pets are not allowed in the campground or on the beach.

From Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day there are separate weekend/holiday and weekday parking fees. On weekends from April 19 through May 18 and again from September 6 through September 21, the weekday rate for parking will be in effect.

See The Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection State Parks and Forests Fees for a schedule of fees to Rocky Neck and other State of Connecticut Parks and Forests.

Exit 72 off I-95: Follow the turnpike connector south to Route 156. Turn left and take Route 156 east for 1/4 mile to the park. The park street address is 244 West Main Street (Route 156).

Visit Rocky Neck State Park website for a Camping Map and Hiking Map as well as other information on Rocky Neck State Park.

The Campground

Rocky Neck Campground offers 160 sites in both open and wooded settings. The camping season begins in May and ends September 30. Rocky Neck Campground offers a concession, dumping station, bathrooms, and showers.

Salt water fishing and swimming are available. No pets. For more information on campsite fees, facilities or Campsite Reservations call the Campground Office at (860)739-1339.

The Pavilion

Sited atop a rocky bluff with views to Long Island Sound, the Rocky Neck Pavilion is an impressive cobblestone structure with working fireplaces and native wood pillars. The second floor of the Pavilion is now available for receptions, private parties, seminars and conferences. The capacity is 425 people.


The Pavilion is available Memorial Day Weekend through Columbus Day.

From Memorial Day to Labor Day on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, functions may begin at 5:00 p.m. Weekdays and after Labor Day, functions may begin at 10:00 a.m.
There is a midnight curfew for all events.

For an event of 250 people or less, the rental fee is $2,400 and includes exclusive use of the second floor of the pavilion for 7 1/2 hours (up to five hours for the event and two and 1/2 hours for set up and breakdown). Events exceeding 5 hours will be charged $575 per hour to the midnight curfew.

For an event of over 250 people, the rental fee is $3,800 and includes exclusive use of the second floor of the pavillion for 7 1/2 hours (up to five hours for the event and two and 1/2 hours for set up and breakdown). Events exceeding 5 hours will be charged $675 per hour to the midnight curfew.

The renter may select the caterer of their choice.

For Pavilion reservations and additional information contact Rocky Neck State Park at (860) 739-5471.