Whaling Museum in Nantucket - Nantucket is the original whaling town in New England. Whaling ships would come in and out of the harbor regularly to hunt for whales in the 19th century. At one point, nearly 88 whaling ships were housed in the harbor. Nantucket is home to the Whaling Museum—an enlightening peek into the world of 18th and 19th century whaling and life on board a whaling ship. After touring the museum, step outside and wander through the streets lined with homes built by the wealthy whaling folk of yore. Check rooftops for historic widow’s walks, typical atop historic Nantucket houses, where wives scanned the horizon in the hopes of seeing the masts of the ship bringing their husbands home.
Mystic Aquarium and Oceanography Institute in Mystic, Connecticut - An absolute gem, the Mystic Aquarium and Oceanography Institute in Mystic, Connecticut is one of the most important aquariums in the United States. It is one of three aquariums in the country to house sea lions and has one of the largest outdoor Beluga Whale exhibits. Other amazing exhibits include a ray and shark touch pool, a huge “jellies” (jellyfish) gallery, and a special penguin habitat—which has a 24/7 live feed. The main gallery houses thousands of unique and colorful fish that range from eels, pufferfish, and sea slugs. Check out the Weird and Wonderful exhibit while you’re here to see some of nature’s most bizarre and fascinating creatures, such as the Giant Pacific Octopus, Giant Japanese Spider Crabs, and a live coral reef ecosystem.
Old Mystic Seaport - Your private charter yacht can sail right into Old Mystic Seaport and dock for a front row view of this active living museum. Old Mystic Seaport is a living maritime museum with a recreated port town of 19th century New England. The museum is filled with exhibits of maritime history and live exhibits of a typical port town in the 19th century that include candle making, casket making, and printing. Historic ships line the dock as well. There is so much to see and do in this port—it would be easy to spend more than a day docked here!
Yachting Museum in Newport
A yachting or boating enthusiast would most certainly enjoy the Yachting Museum in Newport. Located on Lower Thames Street within the International Yacht Restoration School, the museum showcases Newport’s international role in yachting history. The museum houses an impressive display of exhibits, artifacts, and a collection of yachts. Find information and displays on yacht restoration as well, perfect for those wanting to deep dive into all things yachting.