Labor Day weekend in Mystic, Connecticut turned out to be the perfect short escape for our family - easy to reach, rich in coastal charm, and wonderfully accommodating for traveling with a toddler. We chose Mystic for its walkable waterfront, classic New England feel, and variety of activities that work just as well for adults as they do for young children. Our stay at Delamar Mystic truly anchored the experience and exceeded expectations from start to finish.
Why Mystic (and Delamar Mystic) Stands Out
Mystic strikes a rare balance: it feels like a true getaway without requiring extensive travel from NYC, making it ideal for long weekends and young families. The town offers maritime history, excellent seafood, and a relaxed pace that never feels sleepy. Delamar Mystic, a newer addition to the area’s hotel scene, elevates the destination with a refined yet approachable sense of luxury. The property manages to feel upscale while remaining genuinely welcoming to families.
As a base, Delamar Mystic is especially well suited for couples looking for a coastal escape, families with young children who want comfort and convenience, and travelers who appreciate thoughtful design and strong food and beverage offerings without needing a massive resort footprint.
The Hotel Experience
Delamar Mystic features a chic nautical design that feels modern but still grounded in its surroundings. One of the highlights of the property is its outdoor deck overlooking the Mystic River, where you can watch boats pass by and take in views of the nearby maritime museum and historic ships.
We stayed in a Superior King Room, which felt generously size - an important detail when traveling with a toddler. Our room had beautiful river views and was set up with thoughtful family-friendly touches, including a crib and a child-sized robe for our two-year-old. Even though the hotel was fully booked for a wedding weekend, the atmosphere never felt chaotic or crowded, and service remained attentive throughout our stay.
An added perk: complimentary breakfast, which is always a win when traveling as a family and makes mornings much more relaxed.
Dining at La Plage
The hotel’s restaurant, La Plage, was a standout and easily one of the best dining experiences we had all weekend. The menu leans heavily into New England coastal cuisine, with a strong emphasis on fresh seafood and seasonal ingredients.
Favorites included:
A classic yet perfectly executed lobster roll
A creative white clam pizza that felt indulgent but balanced
A crispy calamari salad that was far more memorable than your typical calamari dish
As an expectant mother at the time, I also appreciated the well-thought-out mocktail menu, which went far beyond the usual token offerings. The wine list was equally strong, making La Plage a destination in its own right, not just a convenient hotel restaurant.
Exploring Mystic with a Toddler
Mystic is incredibly family-friendly, and everything feels close and manageable, even with a stroller. A visit to Mystic Aquarium was a highlight of the trip and a must for families. It’s engaging, educational, and well laid out; it does sell out quickly during holiday weekends, so advance tickets are essential.
Downtown Mystic is charming and easy to explore, with a mix of shops, casual eateries, and waterfront views. We crossed the iconic drawbridge and made a stop at Mystic Pizza, which is fun for the nostalgia factor alone.
On our drive home, we detoured through local farms and orchards that were already decorated for fall, which added a cozy, seasonal note to the end of the trip and made the weekend feel longer than it actually was.
Final Thoughts
While our Labor Day getaway to Mystic was short, it was incredibly well-rounded. Between the walkable town, family-friendly attractions, excellent food, and the elevated comfort of Delamar Mystic, it’s a destination I would absolutely recommend—especially for families or couples looking for a polished yet relaxed New England escape.
If you’re planning a trip to Mystic and want the best combination of location, design, service, and dining, Delamar Mystic is, in my opinion, the top hotel choice in the area.
Need to Know Before You Go
Book Mystic Aquarium tickets in advance, especially for holiday weekends
Delamar Mystic is an excellent option for families, even during peak travel periods
Complimentary breakfast is a valuable perk that simplifies mornings
