2 days of ships, sea life and a castle on the river

Built from the plan’s must-sees, grouped so each day stays close together and ordered by time of day.

1. 1
   Morning

   Mystic Seaport Museum

   A maritime museum on the river with a collection of ships and boats and a re-created 19th century seaport village of more than 60 historic buildings. The whaling ship Charles W. Morgan, built in 1841, is part of the collection. Plan on most of the morning, wear shoes for old wooden decks, and check ahead on which ships, workshops and demonstrations are open.

   Go when Morning, as a full outing with a lunch break.

   Local tip Pick two or three things rather than all of it, such as a ship, a workshop and the waterfront. Wear shoes for wooden decks, take a jacket for the wind off the water, and check ahead on what is open.

   

   About 21 min walk1.0 mi
2. 2
   MorningBook aheadIndoor

   Mystic Aquarium

   A marine aquarium in Mystic. Its Wikipedia article lists Steller sea lions, belugas, a ray and shark touch pool, African penguins and a jelly gallery. Check ahead on timed entry, on which exhibits and shows are open, and arrive early with children.

   Go when Morning, as soon as you can get in.

   Local tip Go to the animals first and the shops last. Children often want the touch pool and the sea lions again, so keep a little time at the end. Check ahead on timed entry and on which shows are on.

   

3. Lunch

   A lobster roll, warm with butter

   Lobster meat warmed in melted butter and piled into a toasted split roll, the Connecticut way. Some places also serve it cold with mayonnaise, so ask which you are getting.

   Local tip Ask for a side of chips, and wipe your hands well before you touch the ropes on the ships.

   About 10 min by car or transit1.5 mi
4. 3
   Morning

   Mystic River Bascule Bridge

   A bascule bridge over the Mystic River that carries cars and people on foot into the middle of the village. A bascule bridge lifts to let boats through, so stop and look if you see it rise. Children tend to like this stop, and a few minutes is enough.

   Go when Morning, before the village fills.

   Local tip Stand on the sidewalk and look down the river. If the bridge starts to rise, stay back from the edge and let children watch the boats pass through. Hold small hands near the road.

   

   About 22 min by car or transit5.8 mi
5. 4
   Midday

   Fort Griswold Battlefield

   A former fort in Groton above the Thames River, named for Deputy Governor Matthew Griswold, now a state park. It is the site of the Battle of Groton Heights on 6 September 1781, where a small Connecticut militia force met a larger British force, and many defenders died. A monument built in the 1820s stands in the park. Treat it as a memorial, and talk to older children about what happened here.

   Go when Midday, with the whole family.

   Local tip Walk the grounds and read the markers, then look at the monument. It marks a battle where many men died, so keep voices low and talk with older children about it. Wear shoes for grass and slopes.

   

   About 30 min by car or transit9.1 mi
6. 5
   Afternoon

   Stonington Borough

   A small harbor town on a point of land that reaches into Little Narragansett Bay, with two main streets, old colonial, Federal and Greek Revival houses, and a working fishing and lobster fleet. Walk the streets, look at the boats and keep your pace slow.

   Go when Afternoon, then a slow walk to the point (about 6:57 PM).

   Local tip It is a small place for walking rather than a long list of sights. Look at the old houses on the two main streets, then watch the fishing boats. Check ahead on parking, and walk once you park.

   

7. Dinner

   Clam chowder

   The creamy New England kind, thick with potato and chopped clams and eaten with small round crackers. Rhode Island, just next door, also makes a clear version, so ask which one is on the menu.

   Local tip Order a cup to share before the main plate, since chowder is filling.

   

Built from the plan’s must-sees, grouped so each day stays close together and ordered by time of day.

1. Drive from Stonington BoroughAbout 53 min by car27.8 mi

   Where Day 1 ended.
2. 1
   Morning

   Gillette Castle

   A castle high above the Connecticut River, designed and built by the actor William Gillette, known for playing Sherlock Holmes on stage. He built it between 1914 and 1919 and lived here until 1937, and it is now a state park with a visitor center, a museum, hiking trails and a picnic area. Check ahead on tours of the house and on the trails.

   Go when Morning, before the lot fills.

   Local tip Walk the grounds first for the river views, then decide about a tour of the house. There are steps and uneven paths, so check ahead on the opening and the trails.

   

3. Dinner

   White clam pizza

   A thin crust topped with chopped clams, olive oil, garlic, grated cheese and oregano, with no tomato sauce. It was first made in New Haven, a short way along the shoreline, and is found around Connecticut.

   Local tip It is salty and garlicky, so order a side salad and share a pie.