Mystic Coastal Accesses

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On the Connecticut shoreline, there are many coastal accesses where you can enjoy the beautiful waterfront views. I love this for those times that I want to be near the water or photograph the shoreline.

Here are some coastal accesses opened to the public to enjoy in Mystic, CT:

  • Central Hall (the building next to Mystic Drawbridge Ice Cream) - The entrance/exit to the coastal access is located between FatFace and The Spice & Tea Exchange stores. You can see Mystic Seaport and S&P Oyster from here.

  • Fort Rachel Marine / Water Street Public Dock / Condos Waterfront Walkway - There are multiple coastal accesses within each other. This is in the area of Daniel Packer Inne. Fort Rachel is an active marine, this path will allow you see a typical boatyard. The Water Street Dock is across from Daniel Packer Inne. You can see the drawbridge from here. There are two more coastal accesses in active marines where there are picnic tables for anyone to enjoy. The brick building (condos) also have a short walkway by the water.

  • Steamboat Inn - there is a boardwalk in front of Steamboat Inn that is accessible from the drawbridge, taking you along the water towards the parking lot behind Sift Bake Shop. You can continue on the Mystic Art Museum coastal access path from the parking lot.

  • Mystic Art Museum - there is a path overlooking the water. There are several benches where people can sit and relax to take in the views. I’ve seen some people picnic there.

  • S&P Oyster - the boardwalk next to the restaurant is another option to watch the drawbridge action!

  • Mystic River Park - probably the most well known coastal access spot! The park is ideal for dogs to play in the grass, MANY benches for people to sit, a lot activity happens in this park especially during summers. Public restrooms are located here as well.

  • Red 36 - There is a path by the restaurant that overlooks Mystic River. Parking is available in the restaurant’s lot.

  • Holmes St Dock - There is a dingy dock off Holmes Street that is opened to the public. From here you can see the Mystic Seaport. Parking would be best in the Schooner Wharf lot.

  • Bay Street - One of the best scenic views of Mystic. There is a small boat launch right next to Mystic Seaport on Bay Street, it’s not much to see unless you have kayaks or small boats to launch. Take a stroll on Bay Street, the views here is worth it! There is on-street parking on Bay Street.

  • Park Place - this is a hidden gem. The best view of Mystic Seaport lighthouse! There is a small bench there. Parking would be best on Gravel St and walk to end of Park Place.

If I did not mention parking for specific coastal accesses - it would be same recommendation as if you were going to Downtown Mystic. Mystic Art Museum has a public parking lot for a daily rate fee. Mystic River Park has free 2-hour parking.

I frequent those coastal accesses for photographing the shoreline landscapes or just to appreciate the views. Please remember to respect the coastal accesses area, as some are near private residences. The locals ppreciate it greatly if you pick up after yourselves too! Stay tuned for more coastal accesses - Groton/Noank is coming up this Friday and will share Stonington next week!