Frequently Asked Questions when Planning Your Visit to Mystic Seaport
Below are just a few of the most frequently asked questions asked when planning your visit to Mystic Seaport. If you can't find the answer below or elsewhere on our site, please feel free to contact us via email or call 860.572.5315
Q: Is there a charge for parking?
A: Parking at Mystic Seaport is FREE! For Tour Bus parking information, <click here>.
Q: Are dogs allowed at Mystic Seaport?
A: Leashed dogs are allowed on the Museum grounds. However, they may not enter any of the exhibit buildings or go onto any of the vessels. They must be attended to at all times. Service animals are the only exception to this rule.
Q: How do I get to Mystic from the ferry/train/bus station in New London?
A: You can get to Mystic Seaport from the New London Ferry landing and/or train/bus station by either taking a short Amtrak train to the Mystic train station or hailing a cab. The Mystic train station is about a 10-minute walk from Mystic Seaport. Cabs are usually available just outside both the New London and Mystic stations as well. Depending on the length of your visit, renting a car may be another option.
*For those visitors taking Metro North to Connecticut:
The Metro North New Haven line only goes as far as New Haven,Connecticut. There is an Amtrak train that leaves from New Haven and stops in Mystic. Visit www.amtrak.com for rates and schedules.
Q: Do you have wheelchairs for rent?
A: Mystic Seaport offers wheelchairs free of charge to Museum visitors. You will be asked to leave a drivers license or a photo ID behind in exchange for the wheelchair. As there are only a limited number of wheelchairs, availability cannot be guaranteed and is on a first come first serve basis.
Q: Is Mystic Seaport handicapped/wheelchair accessible?
A: Mystic Seaport is a 17-acre indoor/outdoor 19th-century maritime museum. While many of the exhibits and viewing areas are accessible by wheelchair, due to their authentic mid-1800's construction, others have narrow doorways, multiple steps and/or difficult walkways that prevent access by some visitors. This also includes access to the Museum's three vessels - Charles W. Morgan, L.A. Dunton, Joseph Conrad. Because we understand our disabled visitors are unable to experience all the Museum has to offer, a special rate of half the general admission price is available. The tickets are still valid for two days.
Q: Do you offer a discount for AAA members? Any other discounts?
A: Yes! When you show your valid AAA card at the gate, you will receive $3.00 off each general admission ticket for up to 4 people in your party. We offer a military discount of $2.00 off for the person who is actively serving in the military. College students with a valid college ID can also receive $2.00 their admission ticket. These offers cannot be combined with any other discount or promotion.
Q: I just purchased tickets online and I cannot print them. What do I do now?
A: You must have Adobe Reader installed on your computer in order to print your tickets. <Click here to download Adobe.> If you do not have Adobe, please print your confirmation e-mail and bring that with you. If you do not have access to a printer or cannot print, simply write down the confirmation/order number contained within your email confirmation and present that to the gate attendant upon arrival. Your tickets can be referenced based on that number and printed when you arrive.
Q: Where do you recommend we stay when visiting Mystic Seaport?
A: There are over a dozen hotels, inns, and bed and breakfasts in the Mystic area, but choosing the right one is all about your particular tastes and preferences. The easiest way to get information about accommodations in the area is to contact the local tourism office at 860-536-1641 or visit mystic.org to see the variety of options available.
Reminder: Several area accommodations participate in the Mystic Pass Card program. You'll receive additional discounts from these particular locations when you purchase the Mystic Pass Card and present this card at check-in.
Q: What are the times of your sea lion/beluga whale/dolphin/penguin shows?
A: While we all love to see these animals perform, unfortunately, Mystic Seaport is not the place to do so. Mistakenly, you have contacted the wrong place. Mystic Seaport: The Museum of America and the Sea is a 17-acre indoor/outdoor 19th-century maritime museum. If you are looking for the aquarium, please contact the Mystic Aquarium and Institute for Exploration at www.mysticaquarium.org or call 860-572-5955.
Q: I noticed that you can have your ticket stamped to return again within 7 days. Does this hold true for the Mystic Pass Card?
A: One of the benefits you receive from buying the Mystic Pass Card, over regular general admission, is a 3rd day of admission to both Mystic Seaport and Mystic Aquarium. The Mystic Pass Card is good for 3 consecutive days' admission to Mystic Seaport and Mystic Aquarium. As partners in the Mystic Pass Card, both institutions have the same admission policy.
Mystic Seaport general admission tickets (when purchased separately from the Mystic Pass Card) are good for 2 days. The 2nd return visit must be within 7 days of the original visit date. This is something only Mystic Seaport offers for general admission.
Q: Can you send me information about Mystic?
A: We will be more than happy to send you information about Mystic Seaport: The Museum of America and the Sea. For the most up to date information, we recommend you continue to explore our site www.mysticseaport.org If you are just looking for general information regarding things to do in Mystic and the surrounding area, you can visit www.mystic.org or call tourist information at 860-536-1641.
Q: I have a group who wants to visit Mystic Seaport. Do you have a group rate?
A: Mystic Seaport does offer special rates for groups of 10 or more who make advanced reservations. Please read our Group Admission page for all details.
We look forward to seeing you soon and sharing all that Mystic Seaport: The Museum of America and the Sea has to offer.