5 Fun Things To Do in Coastal Rhode Island

Though it's the smallest state in the US, Rhode Island still packs quite a punch of fun things to do along its coastline. Beaches, seafood, coastal walks, breweries and small towns  - it's all there for a weekend, or week long visit. 

Dig Your Toes in the Sand at the Beach

For three months of the year the Ocean State earns its nickname. It is home to 40 miles of coastline with all different kinds of beaches - big surf, small surf, quiet and peaceful and full of entertainment.

Misquamicut State Beach, in Westerly, Rhode Island, is one of the state's most popular beaches. It's, also,  one of the most action packed 7 mile stretches of sand in the state. If you pay the fee to visit this 1/2 mile beach - which includes parking -  you will have access to the bathhouse, concessions, a gift shop and lifeguards on duty. 

There are actually several miles of beach here which includes Misquamicut. The rest of the beaches are along Atlantic Avenue which is lined with amusements - mini golf, waterslides, restaurants, hotels, motels and a restored 1915 carousel. There aren't any high rise resorts but plenty of family activities and beach cottage rentals.

We chose to enjoy lunch at the oceanfront Windjammer Surf Bar which allowed us to take a walk on the beach afterwards and dip our toes in the extremely cold water. A fun afternoon diversion on our way from the Providence airport.

Hang Out In a Classic Small Town

Rhode Island has lots of classic New England towns and villages. One of the best is Watch Hill. Recently it's claim to fame is one of it's residents - Taylor Swift (her residence is located between East Beach and the lighthouse but leave any ideas of hanging out with her behind - there is 24/7 security) Before Taylor's arrival, tourists flocked to Watch Hill to stay at the famed Ocean House Resort. And some still do. 

Opened in 1868 - yes, 1868 - Ocean House has fantastic views of the Atlantic Ocean and white glove service including cabana beach service and a croquet lawn. If you'd like to give it a visit without paying the stay over fees, then you can partake of a meal at one of their restaurants - or sign up for a lobster bake in summer or eat fondue in a ski lift in winter - or enjoy a spa day at their Forbes Five Star rated spa.

If you're just passing through Watch Hill for the day then make sure you check out the Flying Horse Carousel, the oldest continuously operating carousel in the US. Or pop into one of the boutiques or art galleries, enjoy some ice cream or wander out to the Watch Hill Lighthouse and Museum.

Enjoy Traditional Seafood

Aunt Carrie's Restaurant in Narragansett has been frying up seafood since 1920. Now run by the 4th generation of the Cooper family, you can get their famous clam cakes or chowder all summer long. 

Aunt Carrie's is in the Point Judith neighborhood where you can also check out the Point Judith lighthouse, located on Narragansett Bay, and visit several beaches. 

If you'd like a cool place to stay while in the area, you can't beat the surfer vibes at The Break hotel. With its" ultra chic beach house ambience", rooftop bar and year round swimming pool, The Break is on my list of places to stay - someday.

Tour a Historical Turn of the Century "Cottage"

The seaside city of Newport is known as "the sailing capital of the world" and has long been a city for the aristocracy to "summer" in. They built their seaside "cottages" (what we would call ginormous mansions) along the ocean to catch the warm summer breeze and take in the ocean air. Today you can visit those mansions (a fee is charged at each for admission) and take a tour to see how the other half lived. 

The most famous of the mansions would be The Breakers - the summer residence of the elite Vanderbilt family. Also available to tour would be The Marble House, Rosecliff and Chateau Sur Mar which are all examples of the turn of the century gilded age.

 On my most recent visit we toured The Elms - the summer residence of the Berwind family who made their fortune in the coal industry. The Elms was modeled after a French chateau outside of Paris, chateau d Asmieries. Construction was completed in 1901 at a cost of 1.4 million dollars. If you get a chance to visit Newport and it's mansions, I'd do it. They are really something to see.

Take a Drive Along the Ocean

Ocean Drive hugs the southern shoreline of Newport. On this 10 mile, and extremely scenic, drive you will pass several points of interest including Hammersmith Farm - where John and Jackie Kennedy's wedding reception was held in 1953- Fort Adams State Park, two yacht clubs and a statue of General Rochambeau, who helped us defeat the British. 

A worthwhile stop is Castle Hill Inn and Resort. You can enjoy a beverage sitting in adirondack chairs on the lawn and watch sailboats float pass. It's easy to lose track of time here and while away an afternoon.

Many folks wouldn't think of coastal Rhode Island as a vacation spot but whether you live close by or far away, you might want to consider visiting the coastline of our smallest state. I think you'll be glad you did.

How about you? Have you been to coastal Rhode Island?

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