A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Mystic vs. Newport for Couples, Attractions, Food, and Beaches

Should you visit Mystic or Newport?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Mystic and Newport. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Mystic

Mystic is a laid back, charming, and quaint town. It's also popular because of the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Mystic travel costs.

Newport

Newport is a seaside, historical, and charming town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. Newport is a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include food, beaches, and shopping. See Newport travel costs.

Mystic and Newport: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Mystic or Newport?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Newport than Mystic, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Mystic is well known for its New England charm and local character. Newport is well known for its sailing regattas, its mansions along Bellevue Avenue, and its maritime history. Also, Newport is famous for Thames Street.

How is Mystic different from Newport?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Newport and Mystic. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Mystic or Newport?

Spend time exploring the high quality sights and museums in either Mystic or Newport.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Mystic. There's a decent selection of museums around town with some of the favorites being the Mystic Seaport Museum, the Mystic Museum of Art, the Denison Homestead Museum, and the Old Lighthouse Museum, The Mystic Aquarium is also a popular destination.

Newport offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The historic mansions and local museums educate visitors on the town's maritime past and colonial roots. Some of the more popular places to visit include The Breakers, The Elms Mansion, The Marble House, and Chateau-sur-mer Mansion.

Is the Food Better in Mystic or Newport? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Newport is an excellent place to visit for its restaurants. Also, Mystic is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Newport. Find a waterfront restaurant and enjoy fresh seafood and a charming atmosphere. Many restaurants are influenced by the town's Portuguese and Irish roots. You'll find classic pubs as well as brunch cafes and traditional taverns.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Mystic. As a coastal town, you'll find no shortage of seafood at many restaurants. Popular dishes include oysters, shrimp, or fish. There are also many casual restaurants that serve comfort food for classic American favorites like mac and cheese, pasta, or burgers.

Is Mystic or Newport Better for Nightlife?

Both Mystic and Newport have notable vibes after the sun sets.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Mystic. Head downtown for the most interesting bars and breweries. You can sip wine or enjoy a cocktail at a laid back pub with friends or family.

Newport has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There's a lively atmosphere in the evening with many pubs, taverns, and bars that keep the energy high.

Is Mystic or Newport Better for Beaches?

Mystic and Newport both offer high quality beaches.

Many people visit Mystic for it's beautiful beaches. The beaches are accessible from town and offer a laid back setting that's not overly developed. Families will like Ocean Beach Park but Williams Beach Park is one of the easiest beaches to access. If you're willing to drive a bit out of town, you should check out Misquamicut State Beach.

Newport is considered a top beach destination. Tucked in along the rocky coastline are many beautiful sandy beaches. You'll find popular and active beaches where you can lounge in a chair and people watch, as well as more secluded spots where you can enjoy a more peaceful setting. The largest beach is Easton's Beach (also known as First Beach). Surfers and boaters enjoy Sachuest Beach (or Second Beach), and a less popular, but very rewarding beach is also King Park Beach.

Is Mystic or Newport Better for its Old Town?

Newport is an excellent place to visit for its historic old town. However, Mystic does not have a historic old town.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Newport. The Historic District is filled with colonial buildings and impressive mansions. There are cobblestone streets and a charming loop through the town's Old Quarter.

Mystic does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Mystic or Newport?

Shoppers can find a variety of high quality stores in both Mystic and Newport.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Mystic. Head downtown for scenic shopping streets with boutiques, artisan craft shops, and jewelry stores.

Newport is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Walk along the charming cobblestone streets and pop in the many local boutiques and shops.

Is Mystic or Newport More Beautiful?

Newport is a good destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Mystic is not a destination known for its beauty.

Newport is a gorgeous place to visit. The coastal setting and charming architecture give it a lot of character.

Mystic is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Mystic or Newport Better for Families?

Both Mystic and Newport are high quality family-friendly destinations.

Mystic is a very family-friendly destination. Animal lovers will enjoy wandering around the many trails at Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center or visiting the famous Mystic Aquarium. You can also visit the shops around Olde Mistick Village or dine at one of the many kid-friendly restaurants.

Newport is a very kid-friendly town. For an educational and interactive experience, head to Save The Bay Exploration Center & Aquarium. The Norman Bird Sanctuary also has a lot of land and places to explore. Kids will enjoy a visit to the beach or running around Breton Point State Park as well. On a rainy day, Ryans Family Amusements is the perfect way to pass some time.

Is Mystic or Newport Better for Couples?

Newport is an amazing town to visit for romance. Also, Mystic is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Newport is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. It's a coastal town with a lot of charm that makes for a perfect romantic escape. Enjoy dining and shopping along Thames Street or take a walk along the coast. There are many local restaurants and evening activities for couples as well.

Mystic makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Check out Mystic Seaport or drive down the coastline and visit the lighthouses. You'll also find breweries around town as well as many fun or romantic restaurants.

Is Mystic or Newport Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Newport is a good destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Mystic is lacking in options for its public transit.

Newport has some public transit options. There are buses operated by RIPTA. You can visit most of the attractions in the downtown area by catching a ride on one of the classic green and gold hybrid trolley buses.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Mystic. There is a bus but it has limited stops and only runs on weekdays.

Is Mystic or Newport a more walkable city?

Newport is an excellent place to visit for its walkability. However, Mystic is lacking in options for its high level of walkability.

Newport is very walkable. The town's downtown are compact and fun to explore on foot. There is a nice concentration of shops, restaurants, hotels and sights.

Mystic is generally not very walkable. While parts of town are very walkable, you'll need a car if you want to see the sights that are a bit further away.

For even more information, also check out Is Mystic Worth Visiting? and Is Newport Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Newport or Mystic?

How long in Mystic or Newport?

In either Mystic or Newport, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Newport than Mystic because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Mystic, and 2-5 days is enough time in Newport.

Families should spend more time in Newport than Mystic. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Newport, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Newport than Mystic. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Newport that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Newport than Mystic if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Newport.

One day in Mystic or Newport?

In Mystic, you'll find nightlife and food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Newport. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Mystic or Newport?

In Mystic, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Most people come for the beaches. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Mystic has to offer.

Newport is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Mystic or Newport?

Mystic is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Newport. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Mystic or Newport?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Mystic. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Mystic. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the coastal destination of Newport. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Mystic and Newport, we can see that Mystic is more expensive. And not only is Newport much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Newport would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Newport and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Mystic would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Mystic than you might in Newport.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Mystic Expensive? and Is Newport Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Mystic or Newport?

Newport has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Mystic. When comparing the sizes of Mystic and Newport, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Mystic or Newport?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Mystic or Newport in the Summer?

Both Newport and Mystic are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Mystic for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Newport in the summer for the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Mystic is generally around the same temperature as Newport. Daily temperatures in Mystic average around 73°F (23°C), and Newport fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

It's quite sunny in Newport. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Mystic. Mystic usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Newport during summer. Mystic gets 293 hours of sunny skies, while Newport receives 293 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Mystic usually receives around the same amount of rain as Newport. Mystic gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Newport receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Mystic or Newport in the Autumn?

Both Newport and Mystic during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Mystic in the autumn for the shopping scene. Furthermore, most visitors come to Newport for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Mystic is around the same temperature as Newport in the autumn. The daily temperature in Mystic averages around 53°F (12°C) in October, and Newport fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

In Newport, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Mystic. In the autumn, Mystic often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Newport. Mystic gets 211 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Newport receives 211 hours of full sun.

Mystic usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Newport. Mystic gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Newport receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Mystic or Newport in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Mystic and Newport. Most visitors come to Mystic for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Newport because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Newport can be very cold. Mystic can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Mystic is around the same temperature as Newport. Typically, the winter temperatures in Mystic in January average around 28°F (-2°C), and Newport averages at about 28°F (-2°C).

Mystic usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Newport during winter. Mystic gets 170 hours of sunny skies, while Newport receives 170 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Mystic usually receives around the same amount of rain as Newport. Mystic gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Newport receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Mystic or Newport in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Mystic as well as Newport. The spring months attract visitors to Mystic because of the beaches. Additionally, the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Newport this time of year.

In April, Mystic is generally around the same temperature as Newport. Daily temperatures in Mystic average around 48°F (9°C), and Newport fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Newport. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Mystic this time of the year. In the spring, Mystic often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Newport. Mystic gets 225 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Newport receives 225 hours of full sun.

Mystic usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Newport. Mystic gets 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain, while Newport receives 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Newport and Mystic