This state-of-the-art aquarium boasts more than 6000 species of sea creatures, as well as an outdoor viewing area for watching seals and sea lions below the waterline and a penguin pavilion. The aquarium's most famous (and controversial) residents are the three beluga whales, who reside in the Arctic Coast exhibit. Animal-welfare groups claim it is debilitating to keep whales in enclosed containers.
Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration
Southeastern Connecticut
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
1.03 MILES
More than a museum, Mystic Seaport is a re-creation of an entire New England whaling village spread over 17 acres of the former George Greenman & Co…
6.75 MILES
A 5-mile drive southwest of Westerly town center, you'll come to the cloistered community known as Watch Hill, where New York's rich and/or famous have…
3.51 MILES
Housed in a striking 1930s aluminum airport hangar, Saltwater Farm is one of the newest vineyards in Connecticut. Surrounded by tidal marshes and cooled…
25.91 MILES
You'll likely recognize the red-brick lighthouse known as the Southeast Light from postcards of the island. Set dramatically atop 200ft-high red-clay…
3.78 MILES
This community arts center hosts a weekend farmers market (10am to 1pm Saturday, October to May) and an artisan/vendor market (10am to 4pm Saturday and…
Ninigret State Conservation Area
14.08 MILES
One of Rhode Island's most delightful swimming holes can be found in this conservation area, which features a massive lagoon bounded by barrier beaches…
8.51 MILES
With good surf and close proximity to the Connecticut state line, Misquamicut draws huge crowds. It offers families low prices and convenient facilities…
21.45 MILES
Visitors to the Montauk Lighthouse may not immediately notice a smaller 15ft structure at the eastern end of the park, where the 60ft cliffs fall off into…
Nearby Southeastern Connecticut attractions
0.63 MILES
Opened in September 2014, this public-access, 45-acre historic farm and nature center affords sweeping views of the Mystic River. Maintained by volunteers…
2. Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center
0.84 MILES
Linked by walking trails to Coogan Farm, this nature center and natural history museum has more than 10 miles of walking trails and an animal…
1.03 MILES
More than a museum, Mystic Seaport is a re-creation of an entire New England whaling village spread over 17 acres of the former George Greenman & Co…
2.87 MILES
This vineyard, the state's third-oldest, is open year-round and offers tastings and tours through the picturesque facility, which on occasion has food…
5. Captain Nathaniel Palmer House
3.19 MILES
The 16-room Captain Nathaniel Palmer House is one of the finest houses in town and the former home of the first American to see the continent of…
3.51 MILES
Housed in a striking 1930s aluminum airport hangar, Saltwater Farm is one of the newest vineyards in Connecticut. Surrounded by tidal marshes and cooled…
3.78 MILES
This community arts center hosts a weekend farmers market (10am to 1pm Saturday, October to May) and an artisan/vendor market (10am to 4pm Saturday and…
8. Portuguese Holy Ghost Society Building
3.79 MILES
Built in 1836, the club building of the Portuguese Holy Ghost Society is a reminder of the contributions Portuguese whalers have made to Stonington since…