Living in Mystic, CT has inspired my passion for photography to make a comeback. I got into photography when I was a teen. I majored it in high school then first year of college before I decided I wanted to keep it as a hobby. I feared that doing it as a job would make me lose the fun I have while photographing.
During the pandemic, I was talking a lot more of walks around different neighborhoods in Mystic that I normally don’t walk through. I wanted to see more of the town and I had that extra time! As Mystic draws many visitors to the town, I thought I’d share my recommendations with photographers who desire to find the best photogenic spots in Mystic.
Mystic is blessed with it all — shoreline views, beautiful historical homes, wildlife, sunsets and more! My recommendations for the best photography spots are:
Downtown Mystic — you can’t go wrong with the historic drawbridge. If you’re visiting between spring-fall, you will be able to capture it in motion. The best views of the bridge would be on the Stonington side (Whaler’s Inn) from Mystic River Park. You also can walk around Downtown, I highly suggest getting up early in the morning (7-9am) before downtown gets busy.
River Road — this is the ideal spot for wildlife photographing. If you drive down near Peace Sanctuary, there will be some parking area off the side of the road. If you walk towards the overpass bridge, you’ll see several nests.
Pearl St x Starr St — the best view of Mystic Seaport lighthouse. I suggest going there for either sunrise or sunset, I always get amazing colors with the lighthouse!
Gravel St — a scenic route right by Mystic River. You can capture a lot from there from boats, birds, water activities and more. If you happen to be in town during full moon, I've captured my best photos of it from this location.
Mystic Seaport Museum — you’ll need an admission fee to get inside but I always get countless photos from there. I’ve photographed the visiting boats (Wooden Boat Show in June!), many close ups of nautical items, the water activity on Mystic River, the sailing classes with the bright colorful sails, the landscape of the historical village, it goes on and on!
Coastal accesses — there are so many of them along Mystic River with beautiful views. I’ve complied a list of them on a separate blog here. I’ve captured photos from all of them.
Holmes St to Bay St — another scenic route by the Mystic River. This is a favorite spot during fall for foliage photographing.
Historical homes — there are many of them around Mystic. I would suggest these following streets because they are very walkable: Willow Street, Gravel Street, Elm Street, Pearl Street, West Mystic Ave.
Hope you enjoy photographing the beautiful coastal town of Mystic! I always love seeing different perspectives from other photographers. It’s amazing how many different ways we all see Mystic!