Matt Damon’s first acting roll in a film took place in the 1988 romantic comedy, Mystic Pizza. The film, starring Julia Roberts and Adam Storke, put the tiny New England village on the global map.
The star of town became Mystic Pizza, the very real local pie and slice shop that opened in 1973 and quickly gained worldwide attention following the release of the film. Donald Petrie drew inspiration from the town’s charm in his directorial feature debut.
Luckily, for Bostonians, a trip to the namesake village is under $20 thanks to Amtrak—and only 90 minutes away.
Traveling from Boston to Mystic, Connecticut
For those Bostonians without a car, Amtrak makes hundreds of charming coastal New England towns accessible, including the village of Mystic. Just 90 minutes from Boston, the train departs Boston South Station and delivers you right at the heart of Downtown Mystic, steps from all of the village’s main attractions! Ticket fares vary by day and time, but right now Amtrak tickets between Boston and Mystic range as low as $15 each way.
Things to do in Mystic, Connecticut
Mystic sits right on the border of Connecticut and Rhode Island. While the movie Mystic Pizza is based off a real place that is worth checking out, especially for fans of the 80s film, there’s a lot more than pizza worth exploring in town!
While you’re at Mystic Pizza, make sure to explore the whole of Downtown Mystic. West Main Street is brimming with dozens of quaint shops and bakeries worth exploring. Two notable bakeries in town are Sift Bake Shop and Nana’s, which is the first thing you’ll encounter when you get off the train at the stop.
For those looking to grab a meal, Port of Call, The Shipwright’s Daughter, or practically anything on the waterfront will do the trick.
As a historic maritime village, Mystic is home to one of New England’s top aquariums, plus the Mystic Seaport Museum—the largest maritime museum in the United States!
After learning all about the coast, explore it!
The Sea View Snack Bar sits right on the water and offers shack-style seafood. Take a sail along the Mystic River with Schooner Argia. A quick ride-share will take you over to Watch Hill. While technically in Rhode Island, this neighboring village is home to the stunning East Beach, where Taylor Swift’s Estate and the famous Ocean House both share waters with a public beach.
Where to stay in Mystic
For those looking to stay the night, Harbor View Landing is an experience not to be missed. Stay in a floating hotel room on the Mystic River for an unforgettable stay. The Whaler’s Inn also ranked number 34 among Yelp’s top 100 hotels in America.
