Vacation Or Play For The Day At Watch Hill Beach RI

By Nita McKinney


This exclusive little town of summer mansions is also an affordable destination for day trips and summer vacations. Watch Hill Beach RI is a delightful shoreline for water sports of all kinds including swimming, fishing, boating, surfing, and sailing. There are popular swimming areas, and quiet, less well traveled seaside areas frequented by hikers and bird watchers.

While most homes are summer mansions, Watch Hill Beach RI is also an affordable summer tourist destination. Located between New York City and Boston, it's an ideal spot for a day trip. There are Inns, hotels, vacation cottages and condos to rent for longer stays. This enchanting resort community is also a popular boating destination with ample anchorage for yachts.

Napatree Point Conservation area is a 1 1/2 mile long peninsula where the Atlantic Ocean and Long Island Sound come together. This official conservation area protecting endangered species is a major migratory route for several species of birds. Part of the shore is closed in the spring so Piping Plover bird nests are not disturbed. Napatree is popular with boaters, anglers, water skiers, knee boarders, hikers, joggers, and bird watchers. Walk through the dunes on foot paths for views of the village, ocean, mansions along the coastline, and Fishers Island, New York. Fishing and swimming can be enjoyed from the shore.

East Beach is on the Atlantic Ocean. Take the public right of way from Bluff Road to this coastline that stretches from the lighthouse past the Ocean House Hotel. Portions on either side are private. The free public areas are quiet, clean, and spacious, but there's no amenities or lifeguards. This shoreline is popular with sunbathers, swimmers, and surfers.

The Flying Horse Carousel is the 2nd oldest carousel in the United States. The 20 horses are suspended on chains from the center frame so they swing out or "fly". From the carousel take a left and walk up the hill. Carousel Beach, at the end of Bay Street, is favored by families with small children. It offers lockers, showers, and a lifeguard.

The Misquamicut shoreline is 7 miles long stretching between Watch Hill and Westerly. The State Park in the middle of that stretch has picnic tables, pavilions for shade, concessions, lifeguards and ample parking. A section is reserved for surfers. Other sections of the shoreline are town owned with rentals of paddle boats, jet skis, and kayaks. Many shops offer surfing gear for sale and surfing lessons.

Head toward Westerly to discover the family friendly Atlantic Beach Park. Kids will love the children's amusement park with a ferris wheel and antique carousel. Continue the fun at the neighboring Bayview Fun Park with miniature golf, go-carts, batting cages, and water slides. Walk to the public shoreline for swimming or rent a kayak, jet ski, or paddle board.

The shoreline is a fisherman's delight with surf fishing available on East Beach and the Napatree peninsula. This is a yachting community with fishing boats, charters, moorings, and dock facilities available during the busy season, Memorial Day through Labor Day. There are hotels, cottages, and condos to rent for extended stays. Once there, everything is in walking distance. Enjoy hiking and bird watching as well as boating, swimming, and surfing at Watch Hill Beach RI.




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