Make Memories in Mystic Country & Greater New London

Start your trip off right — with the perfect place to stay. In Mystic Country and Greater New London/Norwich, wow-worthy accommodations are part of the adventure. From seaside charm to casino-ready suites, your stay can be as memorable as the destination. Here are a few standout spots to help you find your match.

Looking for nonstop excitement? Greater New London/Norwich is home to not one, but two, of America’s top-rated gaming resorts: Foxwoods Resort Casino and Mohegan Sun. In fact, USA Today has ranked both among the top 10 casinos in the country! Both are world-class destinations — coupling extensive gaming options with exceptional dining, shopping, nightlife, spas, live entertainment and hotels.

Owned and operated by the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation, Foxwoods Resort Casino offers all kinds of gaming across seven casinos, AAA Four-Diamond hotels, restaurants, spas, state-of-the-art theaters, exclusive retailers and the #1-rated golf course in CT. Here are just a few of the many offerings that make Foxwoods the largest resort casino in North America.

Created by the Mohegan Tribe of Connecticut, Mohegan Sun is one of the country’s top resort casinos. And for so many reasons! In addition to two distinctive casinos, it offers exceptional dining, top-rated hotel accommodations, retail shopping, electric nightlife, three live entertainment venues, great retail shopping, a family entertainment facility, two luxurious spas — plus Mohegan Sun’s very own WNBA team, the Connecticut Sun.

Seafood is a staple in these regions. The waterfront location of Mystic Country and Greater New London/Norwich makes it the perfect spot to grab a lobster roll, fried clam strips, or an upscale sea-to-table dish — it’s truly a can’t-miss. Ready to dig in? Check out our top recommendations below.

Looking to enjoy nature with a side of fun? Mystic Country and Greater New London deliver nonstop outdoor adventure — especially for those who love the water. Kayak through scenic coves, hike trails with sweeping views, or set sail on the Sound. Whether you’re casting a line, biking, ziplining, or just catching a waterfront sunset, you'll find endless options. Start with the suggestions below.

Want to find big fun for little explorers? From touch tanks at Mystic Aquarium to climbing aboard historic ships at Mystic Seaport this region is packed with kid-approved adventures. You'll even discover plenty of family fun at the casinos! See more recommendations below for unbeatable memories.

Creativity thrives on the coast. Explore rich arts and culture in the heart of the New London Cultural District, where murals, music, and galleries bring the streets to life. Discover local talent at the Hygienic Art Gallery or stroll through the Lyme Arts District — home to one of the country’s most historic art colonies. Inspiration is everywhere! 

Tucked along the Connecticut shoreline are two historic theaters offering unforgettable cultural experiences. In Old Saybrook, the Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center — lovingly known as “The Kate” — brings a mix of live music, theater, dance, film, and comedy to its state-of-the-art, 285-seat space. Housed in a restored 1911 town hall and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it also features the only museum dedicated to Katharine Hepburn, showcasing her personal items, costumes, and memorabilia.

Just up the coast, the Garde Arts Center in New London invites audiences into a stunning 1926 former vaudeville and movie theater. Honored as an Outstanding Historic Theatre, the Garde features ornate Moroccan-style interiors and rich architectural details. It pairs historic grandeur with modern technology to present Broadway tours, concerts, film festivals, and more — all in a truly atmospheric setting. 

Find even more arts and culture spots below.

Downtown Mystic is packed with charm and one-of-a-kind finds. Pop into Hang the Moon for quirky gifts, Rochelle’s for chic fashion, or Mystic Knotwork for nautical flair. The Bee’s Knees offers cozy apparel and home décor. Just a short drive away, Olde Mistick Village brings the magic with spots like Alice in the Village, The Cloak and Wand, and foodie favorite Franklin’s General Store.

If you're looking for sweets, you simply must stop at award-winning Sift Bake Shop, where you can taste creations by Adam Young: past winner of Food Network's Best Baker in America. Stroll, shop, and treat yourself!

Another charming spot, Chester is a lovely little town on the west bank of the Connecticut River, surrounded by valley hills and with a center of town that’s right out of central casting. You’ll find yourself charmed by places like the rustic antique chestnut restaurant Brushmill by the Waterfall or new American River Tavern, galleries such as Lori Warner Studio and you will find a list of all the merchants here. And be sure to make a river crossing on the Chester/Hadlyme Ferry. Chester offers an array of lodging options, along with the Griswold Inn in nearby Essex, or The Copper Beech Inn in Ivoryton, are all great options to extend your visit to an overnight stay. While you're there, don't miss the award-winning pasta at Grano Arso!

Mystic is steeped in rich history, and it shows. At the Mystic Seaport Museum, step aboard historic ships, explore a recreated 19th-century seafaring village, and dive into America’s maritime past. Just a short drive away in Mashantucket is the Mashantucket Pequot Museum offers a powerful journey through Indigenous history, with immersive exhibits, life-size dioramas, and a deep look at the heritage of the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation. Find more historic destinations below.

Mystic and Greater New London/Norwich know how to celebrate. The Mystic Outdoor Art Festival transforms downtown into a vibrant open-air gallery each summer. Mystic River Jam brings live music and waterfront vibes for a weekend of local bands and laid-back fun. And foodies flock to the Sun Wine & Food Fest at Mohegan Sun, where celebrity chefs, fine wines, and bold flavors take center stage. The festival scene is always buzzing — and great to plan a trip around!

Want to soak up the scenery in a new way? Step back in time at the historic 1892 Essex Steam Train and climb aboard a vintage steam train for an unforgettable 2.5-hour ride through the beauty of the Connecticut River Valley. Sit back as the locomotive chugs past classic New England scenes in Deep River and Chester — all narrated for the full experience.