Westerly, Rhode Island, is a southern coastal town full of fun for families. It has great hotels and tasty local food. People here know each other well, and visitors come back to enjoy the beautiful beaches, historic spots, and New England charm.
This guide will show you the best things to do in Westerly, Rhode Island. You can explore beautiful beaches, go on outdoor adventures, and dive into the local culture and food.
Key Takeaways
- Westerly, RI is a charming coastal town with a diverse range of activities and attractions
- Visitors can enjoy stunning beaches, outdoor recreation, local cuisine, and historic sites
- The town offers a mix of luxury resorts and casual accommodations to suit all preferences
- Westerly hosts a variety of events and festivals throughout the year, catering to different interests
- Exploring the local culture and businesses is a highlight of a Westerly visit
Explore the Stunning Beaches of Westerly
Westerly, Rhode Island, is famous for its beautiful Westerly beaches. They offer a calm coastal spot for visitors. The East Beach is a favorite spot with 2 miles of soft sand and clear Atlantic waters. It’s open to everyone, but some areas are just for guests at nearby luxury hotels.
Bring your beach gear for swimming, sunbathing, and making sandcastles. If you’re just visiting for the day, park in Watch Hill Village and walk to the beach.
Misquamicut State Beach is another great place to visit in Westerly. It has a half-mile of soft sand, places to buy food, restrooms, showers, and a playground. It’s perfect for families, with lots of activities like swimming and beach games. Arrive early in the summer because parking fills up fast.
East Beach
East Beach stretches 2 miles and has soft sand and clear waters. It’s a favorite spot for swimming, sunbathing, or just walking by the ocean. It’s peaceful and serene.
Misquamicut State Beach
Misquamicut State Beach is great for families and beach lovers. It has a half-mile of soft sand, places to buy food, restrooms, showers, and a playground. It’s a top choice for fun in the sun with its family-friendly vibe and easy access.
Embark on a Quonnie Queen Cruise
The Weekapaug Inn is by the calm waters of Quonochontaug Pond. It offers a special chance to see the local waterways on the Quonnie Queen. This 30-minute cruise lets you enjoy the area’s beauty and see local birds and wildlife.
Guests at the Weekapaug Inn, Ocean House, or Watch Hill Inn get the cruise for free. If you’re not staying there, you can book it for $20 per adult. It’s a great way to see the peaceful Quonochontaug Pond and enjoy the beautiful views.
If you love nature, photography, or just want a calm break, don’t miss the Quonnie Queen cruise. Sit back, relax, and let the pond’s gentle waters take you to a peaceful world.
Explore Watch Hill Village
Just a short drive from Westerly, Rhode Island, you’ll find Watch Hill Village. It’s a charming place with lots of shops and places to eat. The village is set in a beautiful area.
Shopping and Dining in Watch Hill
Walk down Main Street to see many shops. They have unique items like home goods and beachware. For a great meal, try the Olympia Tea Room. It has outdoor seating with beautiful harbor views.
Other great places to eat are Sift Bakery and Ten Sandwiches. Watch Hill Village is perfect for shopping or eating out. It’s a charming spot with lots to see and do.
The Ocean House, Weekapaug Inn, and Watch Hill Inn offer luxury stays. Rochelle’s, a women’s clothing store, has five locations here. WH2O, run by Eric and Georgia Jones, sells nautical-themed decor and accessories.
Ride the Flying Horse Carousel
Experience the timeless charm of the Flying Horse Carousel, the oldest carousel in the U.S. It’s been around since 1883. It’s a nostalgic ride for kids and adults. Each ride costs $2 for the outside horses, which include a brass ring game. Or, it’s $1 for the inside horses without the game.
The Flying Horse Carousel is a special treasure. It’s the only “flying” carousel left in the country. There are twenty wooden horses, big and small. The brass ring game is fun, and catching the ring gets you a free ride.
It’s near the beautiful Watch Hill Beach. The Flying Horse Carousel is open when the season is right. Check the website for when it’s open. The St. Claire Annex has yummy ice cream and sandwiches nearby, perfect for after your ride.
- The Flying Horse Carousel is the oldest carousel in the U.S., dating back to 1867.
- Riders over 5 feet tall or 100 pounds should not ride because of its age and design.
- The carousel has a brass ring game. Riders can try to catch the brass ring for a free ride.
- The area around the carousel is great for strollers. There are shops and restaurants nearby with tasty treats.
- You need cash for most things, but there’s an ATM on-site.
Step into the timeless charm of the Flying Horse Carousel in Westerly, Rhode Island. It’s the oldest carousel in the country. It offers a unique and memorable experience for all ages.
Watch Stunning Sunsets
Westerly, Rhode Island, is famous for its stunning sunsets over Narragansett Bay. People go to the waterfront to see the sky turn colorful as the sun goes down.
For the best views, go to the Watch Hill Inn. It faces the bay and has a special spot called the “Eagle’s Nest” on the top floor. Afterward, get ice cream at St. Clair’s and enjoy the sunset.
Don’t miss the sunsets at Napatree Point Conservation Area. It has a 2.5-mile hike by the shore. Roger Wheeler State Beach and Misquamicut State Beach also have parking and sandy spots for watching the sunset.
In Charlestown, Blue Shutters Beach is a great place for sunset watching. Weekapaug Lookout has limited parking but is easy to get to. East Beach in Watch Hill has parking issues, but Westerly taxpayers can get one of 13 spots with a Larkin Road pass.
Wherever you watch the Westerly sunsets, you’ll be amazed by the colors and calm. This makes your visit to Rhode Island unforgettable.
Visit Napatree Point Beach
Napatree Point Beach is a hidden gem in Westerly, RI. It’s perfect for a peaceful escape. You can enjoy a quiet walk on the beach or watch the beautiful sunsets.
During the day, Napatree Point Beach is great for dog-walkers. It’s not too crowded, so you can enjoy the quiet. The beach is long and wide, perfect for a relaxing walk by the sea.
When the sun starts to set, Napatree Point Beach is the best spot for sunset viewing. It’s quiet and away from the crowds. The view of the sky changing colors is amazing.
Napatree Point Beach is peaceful and beautiful. But, it doesn’t have any shops or restrooms. Still, its beauty and quiet make it a place you must see in Westerly.
Things to do in Westerly RI
Manfredi Farms
Just a short drive from Watch Hill village, Manfredi Farms is a great spot for families in Westerly, RI. It’s a local favorite with a busy farmers market and a fun petting zoo.
At Manfredi Farms, you’ll find a lively farmers market full of fresh produce and homemade goods. There are stalls with everything from local fruits and veggies to homemade jams and sauces. The sights and smells will make your mouth water and your taste buds excited.
The petting zoo at Manfredi Farms is a big hit. Kids love feeding the animals with corn feed. You’ll see cute goats and playful rabbits up close. It’s a special way to connect with nature and make memories with your family.
Looking for fresh food, homemade treats, or a nature experience? Manfredi Farms is the place to go in Westerly, RI. It’s a charming farm that lets you dive into the area’s farming history. Spend an afternoon here and make memories that last.
Relax at the Weekapaug Inn Pool
For those looking for a luxury spot in Westerly, RI, the Weekapaug Inn is perfect. It’s a Forbes five-star Relais & Châteaux place with a beautiful outdoor pool. Here, guests can enjoy the sun and the view of Weekapaug Beach.
The Weekapaug Inn‘s pool area has a warm sundeck, an outdoor kitchen, and a peaceful pond. It’s a place for relaxation and luxury. Guests can lounge by the pool, enjoy farm-to-table meals, and try out various activities.
Looking for a quiet break or a fun family trip? The Weekapaug Inn has it all. It’s all about sustainability and keeping the beauty of Weekapaug Beach alive. This famous luxury resort makes visits unforgettable.
- Weekapaug Inn is a Forbes five-star Relais & Châteaux property
- The Inn offers farm-to-table dining
- The activities at Weekapaug Inn cater to all ages
- The property features unique outdoor offerings
- The Inn provides sustainability efforts for Weekapaug’s natural surroundings
The Weekapaug Inn has a long history, starting in 1899. It was rebuilt after the 1938 hurricane. Now, it offers guests a unique mix of history and modern comfort.
Visit the Watch Hill Lighthouse
In the charming town of Westerly, Rhode Island, the Watch Hill Lighthouse is a historic gem. It has been a favorite spot for visitors for over 300 years. Built in the 1700s, it helped colonial ships navigate safely. Now, it’s a key spot for those who love the Westerly coast.
At the Watch Hill Lighthouse, you can dive into the area’s history at the museum. It’s open on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. You’ll learn about the lighthouse’s important role in maritime history.
The real magic of the Watch Hill Lighthouse is its stunning views. You can see the Taylor Swift mansion from there. It’s a sight you won’t forget.
Whether you love history, nature, or just want a quiet place to think, the Watch Hill Lighthouse is perfect. Make sure to visit this historic spot in Westerly. It’s a place that will touch your heart.
Taste Local Delights
No visit to Westerly, Rhode Island, is complete without trying Del’s famous frozen lemonade. This treat has been a favorite for generations. It quenches the thirst of both locals and visitors.
For adventure, rent kayaks from Watch Hill Outfitters. Explore the calm Pawcatuck River. You’ll see beautiful views and wildlife. It’s a peaceful break from the busy beaches.
- Fenway Beach and Dunes Park Beach are smaller and more community-focused. They offer a close and local beach feel.
- The Cooked Goose is loved for its homemade chicken sausage breakfast sandwich and cinnamon roll pancakes. It’s a great place to start your day in Westerly.
- Bridge Restaurant has been a local favorite for over a decade. It offers fresh, locally sourced fish and shellfish every day.
Westerly has something for everyone. Whether you want a cool treat, an active adventure, or to connect with the local community, you’ll find it here.
Conclusion
Westerly, Rhode Island, is a top spot for a classic coastal New England trip. It has beautiful beaches, historic sites, and a lively culture. You’ll find something fun for everyone here.
With over 300 years of history, Westerly is full of historic spots. You can visit the famous Watch Hill Lighthouse, the old Babcock-Smith House, and the big Wilcox Park. Families will enjoy the colonial history at the Crandall House Museum and the varied exhibits at the Westerly Armory Museum.
For outdoor lovers, Westerly has a lot to offer. You can paddle on the calm Pawcatuck River or fly kites at the lovely Weekapaug Beach. With its beautiful coastal New England beaches, tasty local food, and quaint shops, Westerly is ideal for a calm and refreshing family vacation. Start planning your Westerly trip now!
