I'm going to be honest...we went for the hand. I heard there…read morewas a place in CT that had a mummified hand of a Saint and we made plans to go! We aren't a religious family but we do like history and that's not something you see everyday! There were four of us and we made a day of it as some UrbEx kids version. The drive to Mystic for us is about an hour and a half. Weather was perfect! You have to go thru Mystic, then Mason's Island then over a skinny bridge to get to Ender's. It's very well kept and run by the Catholic Church as a recovery program and retreat. But you can visit as a day trip. Lots of flower gardens, statues of Mary, a scenic view of the ocean. The Seaside Chapel is literally next to the water; we were wondering how it can be so close and not flood. The hand is in a glass case inside of the church that they use for Mass. It tells St.Edmund's story and has some trinkets in a case under the hand. I THINK they were from other Saints, like a special belonging. There are several picnic tables around the little island and we had come prepared. We brought out our food, sat seaside, and enjoyed a delightful lunch with the kids. It wasn't crowded and no one was loud, which was a nice change. I didn't take a lot of pics out of respect but here are a few. I would recommend it if you're interested in doing a little exploring.

A little disappointed. It's not bad by any means but it was very underwhelming. I will say I'm not…read morereligious by any means, so those that are may feel different, but for me it was a 'meh' experience. Maybe I built it up in my head too much, as I had never even heard of it until a video came up on my fb feed. That said, getting there is a little tricky. There is a guard/checkpoint you have to pass through. The first time I didn't know that and wasn't expecting it and turned around. Today I when I came the checkpoint was unmanned. Apparently if you tell them you're going to enders they'll let you through, but I've heard of people getting turned away.

Don't know if these people were entitled Stonington residents or out of town visitors, but I got…read morehit in the head with a ball even though I sat on the Adult area down near the water! I ended up woth a lump on my head and a migraine!!! No apology and I asked them ahead of time when they arrived that I didn't want to get hit!! They laughed out loud! A father and his college age sons!! Rude!!! Also the adult swim area was invaded at 1:00 pm with parents small kids!! They are supposed to be swimming in the kids section!! Very rude and disrespectful!! I don't recommend going there if you are a YMCA member and plan on sitting there alone without your husband! RUDE people! Not safe!!!

We were looking for a beach or park close by, to catch some afternoon rays after our busy day in…read moreMystic, This scrubby little park was close and has a small pebbly beach on a bay. There are some positives: + Playground + Free Parking + Picnic Area + Open Field + Easy Access + Shallow, protected water good for children + Lifeguard on duty in summer There are some negatives: - Very small beach - Small swimming area - Beach has pebbles and the sand isn't comfortable to walk on - Limited shade - Not very attractive - A modest view - Porta Potty's for rest rooms - No other services A go to place for beach goers? I don't think so, but likley not a bad spot for locals with kids.

Great programs for adults and kiddos! Beautiful trails and friendly staff. We've love it here.read more

Great place for kids and hikers. Educational and great summer camp activities. Wonderful preschoolread more

The most beautiful, relaxing walk I've had in quite some time. A perfect trail spot for pets, very…read morepet friendly. The homeowner of the house facing the parking lot was very kind while working in his front yard, the whole area was a great experience.

I had a pretty decent experience at this park, but the weather was a factor in perhaps a lower…read morereview than it could be. This park is located off of a residential neighborhood in Groton, close to the coast and with hiking and cycling trails. One of the issues with this park is that none of the trails are really blazed, so although there's a trail map, there are a lot of deer paths and twisty trails that make navigation difficult. Rain makes this a little more tricky. We were there to see the Canopy Rock, which is a historical landmark, the site of a religious revival. Sadly, the rock is covered in graffiti, which was really disappointing. I plan on coming back to give this park another chance, because what we saw was interesting, but the rain really forced us to cut our visit short.

Stonington Point is one of those rare places that reminds you just how lucky we are to live in New…read moreEngland. Approaching it by boat is hands‑down the best way to experience it--the harbor opens up into a postcard‑perfect view, with calm water, historic homes, and that unmistakable coastal charm that feels both timeless and effortless. The natural beauty here is stunning. On a clear day, the water glows, the sky stretches wide, and the shoreline looks like something out of a painting. Whether you're cruising in, dropping anchor nearby, or just drifting past, it's the kind of spot that instantly slows you down and makes you appreciate where you are. There's a peacefulness to Stonington Point that's hard to describe until you've seen it from the water. It's serene, scenic, and uniquely New England in all the best ways. For locals, it's a reminder of how spoiled we truly are. For visitors, it's a must‑see glimpse into the coastal beauty we get to enjoy every day. A 5‑star destination for anyone who loves the ocean, the shoreline, and those perfect quiet moments that make this corner of the world so special. Enjoy

This little peninsula juts out into the ocean: If you look to your left (SSE) you may be able to…read moresee the tip of Watch Hill, RI (or due east, all the way right, Sandy Point Island, CT) and if you look kind of straight out (SSW), slightly right, you'll see the tip of Fisher Island, NY. Big, open, lovely views of the water. It is often windy here. Basically, Stonington Point is a sandy lot where you can park your car. There is a sea wall around the point to prevent further erosion (light house used to be closer to this location), a flag pole with memorial and a cute little beach area with stone jetties on either side to the west side of the point. This is where we park when visiting the Stonington Light house which is just past the beach on the right hand side (walking north). Water Street is the only access to Stonington Point, and although a two-way thoroughfare, cars are allowed to park along the curb, making it one-car wide in many places. Be prepared to 'pull over' temporarily where possible to allow cars to pass. There is not too much traffic this far away from the main town areas but enough to use caution. If you are a walker, Cannon Square is a five minute walk north (0.3miles). There you will find two cannons and memorials to the soldiers who defended Stonington from the British in 1814. This area is mostly homes, no little shops or cafes and the sidewalks are not shaded. Enjoy!

Completed in 1922, it was designed by Thomas Ellis Brown, a former chief engineer at Otis Elevator…read moreCompany, and built by the J. E. FitzGerald Construction Company of New London. What sets it apart is its rare implementation of the Brown Balance Beam Bascule, a patented design that was revolutionary for its time. Brown's design makes use of a multi-link counterweight system, in contrast to conventional bascule bridges, which pivot on permanent axles. This enables the bridge's enormous concrete counterweights to rotate only 69 degrees, but its 85-foot movable span spins a full 90 degrees. The key to a smoother, quieter functioning is a double-pivot hanger linkage that moves the effective lever arm while in motion. The bridge uses a self-locking worm gear system and its own imbalanced mass to maintain position instead of toe locks. The bridge's architecture is simple yet attractive. The bridge is framed like bookends by squat concrete towers that hold its exposed mechanical components, which include driving motors, bull wheels, and counterweights. Even though these towers aren't decorative, they have an air of industrial elegance, particularly when the bridge raises to allow sailboats to pass across. There was way too much traffic and zero parking nearby so we were not able to stick around to see the bridge open today. [Review 1069 of 2025 - 122 in Connecticut - 24623 overall]

This is a moveable bridge that goes over the Mystic River. It opens for the boats to float on by; I…read morewas lucky enough to see it in action while waiting in line for ice cream. It opened in 1922 and serves pedestrians as well as vehicles. This bridge was built to replace the 1866 bridge that used to be there. I am a fan of bridges and historic landmarks, so of course I had to review it! I enjoyed walking on it, driving on it, and seeing it open/close. It's definitely an iconic landmark in Mystic, you can't miss it!

This is exactly what the name applies, a scenic overlook. Located off 95N, like me you've probably…read morepassed by this hundreds of times. Today I finally checked it out. Nothing fancy, just a small view of the mystic waterfront. No binoculars, no vending machines, no picnic tables, no restrooms or porta potties, no information, and only 6-8 spaces to park. It's as simple as it gets. Yet it serves its purpose. There's no landmark or oddity in the sitelines, but it is a calming oasis off the highway. Would I make a trip to see this? Heck no. If you're traveling 95N in the area is this worth a 2-5 minute stop ti check it out? I'd lean towards yes. It's not going to blow your mind, but happiness comes in small doses and this does the trick.

Perched atop a modest rise off I-95, the Hoxie Scenic Overlook offers panoramic vistas of Long…read moreIsland Sound and Mystic Harbor. Historically, the overlook's name traces back to the Hoxie family, whose legacy is woven into the fabric of Mystic and the greater New London area. Benjamin Franklin Hoxie, a prominent 19th-century businessman and civic leader, helped shape Mystic's development through shipbuilding, commerce, and public service. He founded the downtown fire department and built several notable structures, including the original Hoxie House in 1861. Though the overlook itself wasn't part of his holdings, its name honors the family's enduring imprint on the region. On a clear day, it's the kind of view you would expect to see painted and hanging in a museum. And since it's free, I'm a fan. One tip - be aware of your surroundings and question anyone walking towards you. [Review 1067 of 2025 - 120 in Connecticut - 24621 overall]

This is a must stop for the holidays. The 30 foot high tree is made from lobster traps that are…read morewrapped with colorful lights and hand painted buoys of all creations that are wonderful to see. you can even go inside the tree. Very simple and fun to see what the artists created on the round buoys

We went after Christmas and it was a nice way to enjoy without the crowds. The buoys are…read morebeautifully painted and each very different and unique in its own way. Definitely a must if you are in the area.

A bit more aged in the nine years since Dan was here but the marker still stands proudly, telling…read moreall who pass about the history of this coastal Connecticut town. There is a small wide spot where you can pull over to read and appreciate the story here. The marker reads, "This coastline of Pequot Indian country was first mapped by Adriaen Block from Holland in 1614. The first settlers in 1649 were William and Anna Chesebrough at Wequetequock Cove. The next year Thomas Stanton built a trading post on the Pawcatuck River. Two years later came Walter Palmer, Thomas Miner, and Captain George Denison. John Gallup and Robert Park settled in the Mystic area soon afterwards." "In 1658 Massachusetts claimed the town, naming it Southerton. Governor John Winthrop, Jr. obtained the Connecticut Charter from England in 1662, which set the boundaries of the town. It was renamed Mystic in 1665 and Stonington in 1666. Men of Stonington repulsed a British naval attack on the town, both in 1775 and in 1814. The old trades of shipbuilding, whaling, sealing, and the railroad-steamboat terminal have been replaced by light manufacturing and commercial fishing. Today, Stonington's past maritime glory is reflected in the relics of her Mystic Seaport and Old Lighthouse Museum." It was Erected by the Town of Stonington, the Stonington Historical Society and the Connecticut Historical Commission in 1978. [Review 18663 overall - 80 in Connecticut - 2185 of 2022.]

Don't blink or you'll miss it, which would be a shame. . It's located on a strip of grass about…read moreten feet from traffic on a routine stretch of Route 1, not far from Elm Street. Unless you're looking for it, you'll never see it. This is a 2-sided marker from the CT Historical Commission in the familiar white lettering on a blue background. The lettering is the same on both sides The marker is in good condition with easy to read lettering. It summarizes the history of the town- its heritage as Pequot Indian land, visit from Dutch explorer Adriaen Block in 1614 (Damn -that's a long time ago !), its earliest settlements in the 17th century, its colonial history (The men of Stonington repulsed a British attack in 1775 and repeated the act in the War of 1812!), and its distinguished maritime culture. It's a pretty wonderful history, even if it's in a place where few will ever read it. The marker reads: "This coastline of Pequot Indian country was first mapped by Adriaen Block from Holland in 1614. The first settlers in 1649 were William and Anna Chesebrough at Wequetoquock Cove. The next year Thomas Stanton built a trading post on the Pawcatuck River. Two years later came Walter Plamer, Thomas Minor, and Captain George Denison. John Gallup and Robert Park settled in the Mystic area soon afterwards. In 1658 Massachusetts claimed the town, naming it Southertown. Governor John Winthrop, Jr. obtained the Connecticut Charter from England in 1662, which set the boundaries of the town. It was renamed Mystic in 1665 and Stonington in 1666. Men of Stonington repulsed a British naval attack on the town, both in 1775 and in 1814. The old trades of shipbuilding, whaling, sealing, and the railroad-steamboat terminal have been replaced by light manufacturing and commercial fishing. Today, Stonington's past maritime glory is reflected in the relics of her Mystic Seaport and Old Lighthouse Museum." Erected by the Town of Stonington the Stonington Historical Society and the Connecticut Historical Commission 1976

The town's historical memory is subtly anchored by this green space. The square, which is about…read more50 feet by 50 feet, is surrounded by a basic wood-post-and-chain fence and is raised slightly above the nearby streets by a granite curb. It has an entry at the south end. A brownstone monument with a square shaft and a three-tiered base, capped by an iron shell that was most likely recovered during the bombardment in 1814, stands in the center. Two rebuilt 18-cannon, cast in the 1780s, flank the monument. Locals are renowned for using them to fend off a British naval attack by the Ramillies and its fleet. Surrounding the square are well-preserved 19th-century homes and the stately Ocean Bank building, a Greek Revival structure from 1850 with Doric columns and granite detailing. The square itself is modest, but its presence is powerful--a quiet tribute to civic courage and community resilience, nestled just a short walk from the harbor and lighthouse. It is a powerful space and a reminder of the conflict and how far we've come since then. [Review 1074 of 2025 - 127 in Connecticut - 24628 overall]

Two against many…read more Cannon Square is a small park in the middle of the small and very historical borough of Stonington, Ct. A small place with a long nautical history that was also the location of a famous battle in 1814 that had four large and powerful British gunships armed with a huge number of powerful guns against only two eighteen pound cannon of the Americans. The battle started wih Sir Thomas Hardy of the British demanding the immediately surrender of the town. The defiant Americans were not intimidated and replied to Sir Hardy this now famous quote, "We shall defend the place to the last extremity, should it be destroyed, we shall perish in it's ruins." Apparently Sir Thomas thought this was going to be a quick and easy victory and was shocked by the brash and recalcitrant civilians. As he unloaded with all the might of his four gunships the Americans responded with their two cannon. The battle and shelling raged back and forth from Aug 9 to Aug 12 with over 50 tons of shell expended by the British. Some of the shells hit the town but the fires were quickly extinguish by the people, but many other shells landed in the swamps. At one point the Brits even tried landing but were repelled by a hail of gunfire from the crack Americans gunners. Finally after taking damage to his ships and casualties to his men from the two American cannon Sir Hardy thought better of the invasion and turned his tail and fled the area. A bitter and humiliating defeat by a group of common folks that just wouldn't give up their town. Fortunately the two cannon were saved and placed in a small square in the center of the borough. Throughout the town people still proudly display cannon balls and shot , some taken from their own houses, on pedestals on the streets. The two cannon were recently restored and now shine like new. The people in town even put Xmas light on them and hold various celebrations in their honor. The American poet, Philip Freneau, wrote a great poem about the battle. Some rather humorous prose making fun at the British and their crappy shooting. http://www.readbookonline.net/readOnLine/11930/ Of course one account of the battle tries to glorify Hardy's defeat by saying that he intentionally missed with most of his fire because he didn't want to hurt the Innocent civilians. As with most history who knows what the real truth is. But the two guns that still stand defiantly in the square shows that on occasion, a few common people can stand against many, and that fortitude and bravery is more important than just power and might.