Easy day trips from Mystic, CT
 

We're at a conference in Mystic this month and have a few extra days. What are some good daytrips from Mystic? We'll be staying at the conference hotel for the extra days so need places that we can drive to and back for the day. Thanks.

Assuming you will have "done" the Mystic Seaport itself, you are in an enviable position to get to Newport RI and the Cape without having to pony up for the expensive (and probably unavailable) lodging, as well as poking around Providence - a "hidden gem" of a city. Distances there aren't long, even over to the Cape, and the drive across the Narragansett Bay area is scenic itself.

1. Providence -- great Italian (and other) restaurants, walk along the river (and see River Fire if it's scheduled during your stay), putter around the Brown area.

2. Newport -- even if you don't want to shell out and take the time to tour the mansions (which I would), the walk along the shore is an amazing thing. Again, good restaurants and interesting drive around the area.

3. Cape Cod -- you'll have to decide how far out the Cape you want to drive before you want to turn around but think about poking around Sandwich, Brewster, Chatham, Orleans, Truro... get off Rte. 6 and with the help of a good map get yourselves out to the water, check out Highland Light, Nauset Beach, etc. -- the further out you go, the easier to get to the ocean and the less congested. Some people don't love Provincetown (and some do), but you go through the Nat'l Seashore to get there. If I had a full day (NOT a Fri., Sat., or Sun.), I'd meander the length of the Cape and back.

I agree with HKP.........Newport being my first choice....
Ocean Drive, The Cliff Walk, Brick Market Place, Fort Adams........sooo much to see and do in a day.....
and terrific restaurants, especially Puerinis Italian Rest on Memorial Blvd

Absolutely go to Newport. Or if you are looking for a day at the beach, go to Watch Hill in Westerly Rhode Island or Narragansett RI.

Yes NEWPORT,RI is the way to go. The cliff walk is beautiful. You can also go on many of the old mansion tours. Ocean Drive is great to see as well. You can drive by Hammersmith farm, old family home of Jackie Kennedy. Enjoy your trip!

The native American Museum at Foxwoods is very interesting. Exploring RI is fun, visit towns like Tiverton.