Beaches in Mystic, CT

Location: Westerly, Rhode Island (15-minute drive from Mystic, CT)

Recommended For: Families, beachgoers, water sports lovers, and fishing enthusiasts..

What we Love: "A beach that really delivers—wide, sandy, and buzzing with energy. Between the soft shoreline, carousel rides, and jet ski rentals, it’s the kind of place where everyone finds their slice of summer."

• Relax on a massive stretch of soft white sand, perfect for sunbathing and beach lounging.
• Play with family on the on-site carousel or explore water sports like jet skiing from nearby rental vendors.
• Fish in the saltwater surf or charter a boat from local operators near the beach’s launch site.

Cost: Day-use parking fees apply; prices vary by season and residency.

Best time to visit: Late spring through early fall for warm weather, peak activities, and fully staffed amenities.

Local tips: Arrive early on weekends—parking fills fast. Walk to nearby restaurants for casual seafood or post-beach cocktails.

Distance: About 15 minutes from Mystic, CT; 1 hour from Providence, RI.

How to Get to Misquamicut State Beach: From CT-2E or US-1, follow signs toward Westerly. Continue to Atlantic Avenue and follow to the beach entrance near the Misquamicut Beach Pavilion.

Address: 257 Atlantic Ave, Westerly, RI 02891
Phone: 401-596-9097

Location: New London, CT (10–15 minutes from Mystic)

Recommended For: Families, beachgoers, amusement park fans, nature lovers, and day-trippers looking for variety.

What we Love: "Ocean Beach Park isn’t just a beach—it’s a full-blown family escape. From boardwalk strolls to mini golf and nature trails, there’s something joyful around every corner."

• Swim in the Olympic-sized freshwater pool or splash in the waves of a long, sandy shoreline.
• Play arcade games, ride amusements, or challenge friends at mini golf—all on-site and walkable.
• Wander along the scenic boardwalk or take a break in tree-shaded picnic areas with Atlantic views.

Cost: Parking fees apply; additional fees for rides, pool access, and amusements.

Best time to visit: Summer for full attraction access and warm-weather activities; late spring and early fall for quieter walks and views.

Local tips: Bring water shoes for the boardwalk and extra cash for the arcade. Arrive early to find the best picnic tables!

Distance: About 15 minutes south of Mystic, CT.

How to Get to Ocean Beach Park: From I-95, take exit 83 toward New London. Follow signs to Ocean Avenue, then head south to the entrance at Neptune Avenue.

Address: 98 Neptune Ave, New London, CT 06320
Phone: 860-447-3031

Family Beaches in Mystic, CT:

Location: Mystic, CT (end of Harry Austin Drive)

Recommended For: Walkable beach access in Mystic, families with kids, picnickers, and those looking for low-key shoreline relaxation.

What we Love: "It’s small, it’s local, and it’s yours without a car. Perfect for spontaneous shoreline strolls, kid-friendly play, and quiet moments by the water—right in town."

• Relax at Mystic’s only in-town beach, ideal for casual sunbathing and shoreline lounging.
• Play on grassy fields, at the children's playground, or with friends on community sport courts and benches.
• Picnic in shady areas with tables, perfect for lunch breaks and local afternoon meetups.

Cost: Free to access; parking may be limited during peak times.

Best time to visit: Spring through early fall for warm weather and walkable outdoor fun.

Local tips: No lifeguards—supervise children closely. Bring your own towels, chairs, and shade gear, as rentals are not available.

Distance: Located within Mystic—walkable from downtown and most nearby accommodations.

How to Get to Williams Beach Park: From downtown Mystic, walk or drive south on Pequot Ave, then turn onto Harry Austin Drive. The park is at the end of the road.

Address: Harry Austin Dr, Mystic, CT 06355

Location: Watch Hill, Westerly, RI (short drive from Mystic, CT)

Recommended For: Hikers, birdwatchers, conservationists, beachcombers, and travelers seeking scenic, uncrowded shorelines.

What we Love: "It’s not just a beach—it’s an untouched sweep of sand with soul. With wind-swept dunes, stunning views, and the occasional deer or fox in sight, Napatree makes you feel like you've stepped into a nature documentary."

• Walk along the pristine, half-mile sandy spit known as Half-Mile Beach, a quiet haven with coastal dunes and protected wildlife zones.
• Observe seabirds, foxes, and deer in this designated conservation area maintained by The Watch Hill Conservancy.
• Soak in expansive views of the Atlantic, especially at sunset—this is one of the most scenic coastal spots in southern New England.

Cost: Free to access; limited free parking in Watch Hill, with paid lots nearby during peak season.

Best time to visit: Late spring through fall for warm walks, wildlife sightings, and coastal breezes without the summer crowds.

Local tips: There are no facilities on-site—bring water, sunscreen, and walking shoes. Parking fills up early in summer.

Distance: About 25 minutes from Mystic, CT by car.

How to Get to Napatree Point: From Mystic, take US-1 East to RI-1A South into Westerly. Follow signs into Watch Hill, then park and walk through the village to the beach entrance.

Address: Fort Rd, Westerly, RI 02891 (Watch Hill)

The beaches of Connecticut have a lot of stories to tell and some awe-inspiring views to admire. The village of Mystic, CT is a great place to start your Connecticut beach trip, being located on the Mystic River, which flows out into the Long Island Sound. Mystic is one of the top tourist hotspots in New England, home to several unique attractions and landmarks like the Mystic Seaport and Mystic Museum of Art.