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Best of Mystic
Best Local Water Access

Best Local Water Access

Beaches, boat launches, public docks and shoreline access points where locals actually get to the water

Mystic on the Water

Mystic CT drawbridge and park for walking and outdoor activities

Start your walk at the drawbridge — benches line the riverfront

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10 of 10
#1
Top Pick
#1 · Best of Mystic

Williams Beach Park

4.7
Local Guide Verdict

Public swimming, picnic tables and a calm cove — the family favorite.

Mystic Community Center, Harry Austin DrSwimFamilyFree
Walk-in only · No reservations
#2
#2 · Best of Mystic

Esker Point Beach

4.8
Local Guide Verdict

Local-favorite swim beach with sunset views and a kayak launch.

Marsh Rd, GrotonSwimSunsetKayak Launch
Walk-in only · No reservations
#3
#3 · Best of Mystic

Mystic River Park & Boardwalk

4.7
Local Guide Verdict

Downtown river access — sit on the boardwalk and watch the boats roll in.

Cottrell St, MysticWalkDowntownBoat Watching
Walk-in only · No reservations
#4
#4 · Best of Mystic

Williams Park Boat Launch

4.5
Local Guide Verdict

Public ramp and dinghy access right downtown — the best paddle put-in.

Williams Park, MysticBoat LaunchKayakPaddleboard
Walk-in only · No reservations
#5
#5 · Best of Mystic

DuBois Beach

4.6
Local Guide Verdict

Tiny historic beach in Stonington Borough with breakwater views.

Water St, StoningtonSwimHistoricWalk-up
Walk-in only · No reservations
#6
#6 · Best of Mystic

Noank Town Dock

4.7
Local Guide Verdict

Public dock for crabbing, fishing and a stunning Fishers Island Sound view.

Pearl St, NoankFishingCrabbingView
Walk-in only · No reservations
#7
#7 · Best of Mystic

Bluff Point Shoreline

4.9
Local Guide Verdict

Walk-in only — coastal access along a state park peninsula.

Depot Rd, GrotonWalk-inHikeWild
Walk-in only · No reservations
#8
#8 · Best of Mystic

Stonington Town Beach

4.5
Local Guide Verdict

Wide sandy stretch on Long Island Sound — a 10-minute drive from downtown.

Wamphassuc Rd, StoningtonSwimSandFamily
Walk-in only · No reservations
#9
#9 · Best of Mystic

Quiambaug Cove Access

4.4
Local Guide Verdict

Quiet salt marsh paddle launch — locals' kayak secret.

Old Stonington Rd, MysticKayakSalt MarshQuiet
Walk-in only · No reservations
#10
#10 · Best of Mystic

Fort Rachel Park

4.3
Local Guide Verdict

Small riverside spot with benches and Mystic River views.

Bay St, MysticWalkBenchView
Walk-in only · No reservations
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Water Access Map

Every public beach, boat launch, and shoreline access point on this list — pinned.

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