If you’re looking for the very best of coastal Rhode Island, look no further than Westerly!
Located right on the Connecticut/Rhode Island border in the most southeastern corner of the state, the charming town of Westerly is home to absolutely stunning beaches, quaint downtowns, awesome restaurants and luxury hotels. For all these things and more, it’s impossible to not fall in love with it.
This post is my round of the absolute best things to do in Westerly, RI (including the cute little Watch Hill area), so you can plan the perfect coastal getaway in the Ocean State. Let’s get started!
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Best Things To Do In Westerly, RI
1. Hit The Beaches, Of Course!
One of the biggest draws of Westerly is the beaches, so let’s talk about those first, shall we?
I mean – they’re gorgeous 😍 The sand is super soft and powdery, and the water is really clear and beautiful. While they can get pretty wavy, this makes for awesome boogie boarding, and lots of fun jumping into the swells.
The most popular public beach that’s easy for visitors to explore is Misquamicut State Beach. While Misquamicut is part of a 7-mile long stretch of shoreline in Westerly, the public beach area is about 1/2 mile long, offering lots of room to enjoy a beach day in the busy summer season. It’s also got some of the best beach facilities in town, including concession stands, outdoor showers, bathrooms and a playground.
The other beaches in Westerly that are open to the public are:
- Wuskenau Beach
- East Beach (limited paid parking on Larkin Street)*
- Watch Hill Beach (limited parking, often with a 2-hour limit)*
- Dunes Park Beach
All other beaches in Westerly will require a town resident sticker to park.
*These beaches are located in Watch Hill, and I go into more detail on these beaches in the Watch Hill section 🙂
Pro Tip: Daily parking rates will apply in the summer season to visit town beaches, so be sure to plan accordingly!
2. Feel Like A Kid At Atlantic Beach Park
Right next to Misquamicut Beach, you’ll find the very fun Atlantic Beach Park, which is a great place for the kids, or to get back in touch with your inner child.
At this beachfront park, you’ll find a carousel, arcade, ice cream stand and a beach bar that serves up from pretty great food! There are also wonderful views of the beach from there, as well as public bathrooms.
This park is pretty small, but it’s a big part of Westerly’s history, and has been entertaining visitors since 1921.
3. Experience The Westerly Beach Bar Scene
Along Atlantic Avenue, where most of the beaches are located, you’ll find lots of options for beach bars. These are really fun places to visit when you need a break from the sun, and they all offer up great food, fun drinks and often, live music. Basically, they live up to their name 🙂
You’ll usually find awesome beach views from these bars, too, making them perfect for those who aren’t spending the day at the beach, but want to soak up the sound of the waves, and salty air breezes.
Some of the most fun beach bars in Westerly to check out are:
- Windjammer Surf Bar (located right at Atlantic Beach Park!)
- The Andrea Seaside Restaurant & Beach Bar
- Paddy’s Beach Club
4. Taste The Local Brews
Westerly has its own brewery, and guess what? It’s actually pretty awesome! During your visit, you’ll definitely want to plan to visit Grey Sail Brewing, and they have both a retail store, and a tap room with an awesome outdoor seating area.
Offering both flights and pints, their tap room is a lot of fun to visit. While the outdoor beer garden is the best place to sip on your brews, the inside is also a treat to experience. Housed inside an old macaroni factory from the 1920s, the interior character has been maintained, and the sitting areas and bar inside are all Instagram-worthy.
If it’s your first time visiting, I recommend doing a flight to sample a few of their brews. However, if you go for a pint, I really loved Captain’s Daughter (Double IPA) and Kegnog Milkshake (IPA).
5. Stroll Westerly’s Charming Downtown
While the beaches are a must-see, so is Westerly’s downtown. It’s packed with beautiful boutiques, amazing restaurants and even a winery (but more on that later in the post 😉). You’ll also find the Pawcatuck River flowing through downtown with some scenic overlooks, and it’s also walkable to the lovely Wilcox Park, which is next on the list.
Here are a few of my favorite stores and restaurants in downtown Westerly:
- Savoy Bookshop and Cafe
- Christina Ltd.
- Woodees a Boutique
- Pompelmo Gelato
- Mia’s Café
- Cinder Restaurant
- STICK + FIN coffee shop
6. Enjoy Wilcox Park
As mentioned above, Wilcox Park is right in downtown Westerly, making this is a really lovely little place for a peaceful stroll. This park is beautifully landscaped, and at times, can make you feel transported to a storybook land.
Between the beautiful fountain, the whimsical sculptures, impressive gardens and scenic walking paths, there’s actually plenty to see, so definitely have it on your list.
7. Find Your Favorite Lobster Roll In Westerly
No guide to a coastal New England town is complete without a lobster roll, and Westerly is no exception! During your visit, you’ll definitely want to find your favorite lobster roll, and there are plenty of places around town that have them on their menu.
Here are some places to check out with a great lobster roll:
- Two Little Fish
- Windjammer Surf Bar
- The Cooked Goose
- Bridge Restaurant & River Patio
- The Andrea Seaside Restaurant & Beach Bar
Try one, or try them all! I won’t judge 😉
8. Then, Get A Cone At The Original Dusty’s Dairy Bar
Located at Atlantic Beach Park, Dusty’s Dairy Bar is an ice cream staple in Westerly. And since it’s overlooking the beach, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a sweet treat with a better view.
Dusty’s has everything you could possibly want, including soft serve, hard ice cream, sundaes, milkshakes, banana splits, ice cream cookie sandwiches, brownie sundaes, lemonade and even pup cups for your furry friends!
9. Take A Sailing Tour Around The Coast
If you’re looking for an extra special excursion during your trip to Westerly, you’ll want to consider booking a private sailing tour around the coast with Sail Trim Again. This company only offers private tours, so it’ll just be and your group aboard, which makes for the perfect romantic activity, or memorable family experience.
If you’re staying at the Ocean House (which I’ll get into below in the Watch Hill section!), they’ll pick you up right at the hotel. And if you’re hoping to plan a perfect, memorable evening, they’ll even let you send a play list along ahead of time to enjoy during your cruise.
With options varying from romantic charters for proposals and anniversaries, to sunset cruises, and even seal tours, they have a little something for everyone.
10. Catch A Movie On The Beach (Or Head To A Drive In!)
Westerly offers some really great seasonal movie nights that you can enjoy during your visit, so this is something you’ll definitely want to have on your radar while you plan your itinerary.
The first one to check out is Movies On The Beach nights, which is held right on Misquamicut Beach, near the Windjammer Surf Bar. These movie nights take place every Tuesday in July and August, and are completely free to attend.
You can also opt for the Misquamicut Drive In Theater for a unique movie-watching experience. There’s a per-car fee to enter, and they show a great mix of classic and modern movies. There’s also a concession stand available to purchase all the movie-watching essentials like popcorn and candy.
11. Take A Spooky Ghost Tour
With the entire New England region deeply rooted in fascinating history, there’s ghost tours in almost every destination you visit, and Westerly in no exception! One of the more unique things to do in Westerly is to join a spooky ghost tour to learn all the darker side of the town’s local lore and spine-chilling history.
This walking tour is about 2 hours long, and led by a local expert with a lantern to guide you through downtown’s streets and haunted locations. You’ll hear stories of paranormal activities, legends of a deadly shipwreck, and so much more!
Click here to check rates & availability for the Westerly ghost tour!
Fun Things To Do In Watch Hill, RI
Watch Hill is a village in the town of Westerly, and is only about a 10-15 minute drive from downtown Westerly. During your visit, this is an absolute must because you’ll find some pretty amazing beaches here, another charming downtown and the very famous Ocean House resort – not to mention the incredible houses 😍
12. Splurge On A Stay At Ocean House
Okay guys, Watch Hill is famous for the Ocean House resort, and splurging on a luxury stay here is one of the best things to do in town! Located right on the beach with private beach access and cabanas, this resort has everything you need for the most amazing getaway.
Not only is the property beautiful, it’s also home to incredible dining options, and also offers complimentary use of their Mercedes-Benz convertibles to cruise around the coast!
13. Splurge On One Of The World’s Best Waterfront Restaurants
Located at the Ocean House is COAST restaurant, which has been named one of the World’s Best Waterfront Restaurants by CNN Traveler! This fine dining experience is open to the public, too, so you don’t have to be a guest at the hotel to book a table.
Reservations include prix fixe menus, with options to add on wine pairings. They also always have a vegetarian menu, so everyone in your group should be able to enjoy the experience.
Pro Tip: Guests dining at the Ocean House will be required to use the valet parking service, which is only $5 of of 2023.
14. Explore The Napatree Point Conservation Area
One of the most beautiful areas of Watch Hill is the Napatree Point Conservation Area, which is walkable from downtown Watch Hill, and features some of the most scenic parts of the town.
Napatree stretches over 80 acres, and includes scenic walking trails along the coast, as well as one of the best beaches in Westerly. It’s also been designated as a “globally important bird area” by the National Audubon Society, and is home to endangered bird species that are protected by this parcel of land.
And as mentioned, this is the most scenic beach in Westerly! The sand here is incredibly soft and powdery, and makes for amazing walks on the shore.
15. Enjoy The Views From Watch Hill Lighthouse
Also walkable from town is Watch Hill Lighthouse, which is a really fun thing to do when visiting. Built in 1807, this lighthouse has an interesting history (which you can learn about at the on-site museum!), and offers amazing views of the coastline.
If you’d like to visit the museum on the grounds, keep in mind that it’s only open on certain days through the summer season, so it’s best to check before making a special trip. The lighthouse grounds, however, are open year-round from 8am until sunset every day.
Pro Tip: Parking at the lighthouse is reserved for those with handicap placards and town residents. The best thing to do is park downtown, and walk. It’s an easy walk that only takes about 15 minutes or so each way, depending on your pace.
16. Visit The Watch Hill Beaches
I honestly think that Watch Hill’s beaches are a little nicer than the Westerly beaches, but honestly, you can’t go wrong with any of them. As mentioned above, the beach at Napatree is my personal favorite, and I think it’s the most scenic in Watch Hill.
However, East Beach is another gorgeous option. From East Beach, you can see the beautiful Ocean House resort, and the sand here is so soft, with beautiful, clear water that’s perfect for a swim.
There is some metered parking on Larkin Street near East Beach, but there could be 2-hour time limits. Scroll down to my FAQ section to read about parking in Watch Hill, which you’ll definitely want to familiarize yourself with before visiting.
17. Browse The Cute Watch Hill Downtown
Watch Hill has it’s own quaint and charming downtown area with some lovely boutiques and a few great restaurants! It’s a good idea to plan some time to wander around the shops here. This area is small, but I found the boutiques to be really fun to explore.
Some great places to check out in downtown Watch Hill are:
- Sift Bake Shop for pastries and coffee (awesome croissants and cookies here!)
- Coppola’s Boutique
- WH20
- Manufaktura Company Store
18. Stroll Along The Watch Hill Waterfront
As you drive into Watch Hill, there’s a cute little waterfront area with a gazebo and walking path along the harbor that’s just begging for you to lay down a blanket and enjoy a picnic. It’s a small area, but you’re likely to find some parking spots along the street here, so why not stop and admire the views before you head into downtown?
During the summer, this park is also filled with beautiful hydrangeas, which makes for awesome photos.
Things To Do In Westerly, RI When It Rains
19. Sample The Local Wines And Ciders
Westerly also has a cidery and winery! Located downtown, Tapped Apple Cidery & Winery is one of the best stops you can make because they’ve been perfecting the art of craft wines since 2003. Using local apples in lieu of grapes in their wines, a tasting here a truly unique experience.
In addition to their wines, they also make their own hard ciders, and offer specialty drinks, small plates like charcuterie boards, and even local chocolate truffles.
20. Get Cozy At Savoy Bookshop and Cafe
One of my favorite things to do in Westerly, RI is pay a visit to Savoy Bookshop and Cafe, which is easily found downtown. This is such an incredible bookstore that also has a wonderful in-house cafe that serves coffee and tea.
Not only is the interior of the store beautiful, but it’s sprinkled with cozy seating areas in all the nooks and crannies, making this a wonderful place to take shelter on a rainy day. I think it’s definitely worth a visit on a sunny day, too, but it’s especially inviting when it’s raining outside.
Pro Tip: While you browse around for the perfect book to buy, be sure to look for their poster boards on the shelves with questions! Visitors are encouraged to write your answer on the provided post-its, and even if you don’t feel like participating, reading everyone else’s answers is always such a fun way to kill some time.
21. Explore The Living Sharks Museum & Research Center
If the weather isn’t cooperating, another very fun thing to do in Westerly, RI is hop inside the Living Sharks Museum, which is the U.S.’s very first Shark History Museum! And the best part? This museum is completely free, making it a great budget-friendly activity to do with the kids.
Inside the museum, there are a number of exhibits that give visitors insight into the history and biology of the shark, as well as the importance of shark conversation. Shark fossils are on display, and there’s also a great exhibit on how scientists use technology to tag sharks to study their migration and movement patterns.
For fans of the movie Jaws, there’s also an exhibit dedicated to the movie, including Jaws memorabilia from the 70s for the ultimate flashback.
22. Take In A Show At The Knickerbocker Music Center
The Knickerbocker is a historic music club that’s been around since the 1930s, and this is such a fun thing to do in Westerly when it rains. But even when it’s not a rainy night, I highly suggest you swing by for an evening of music and dining.
The Knickerbocker hosts music events throughout the spring and summer seasons, and also provides food service, making it a one-stop shop for a night out. Some events are even free, and some require a cover charge, so be sure to check their website for information on events taking place during your visit.
Fun Things To Do Near Westerly, RI
Westerly is an incredible destination to plan a getaway, but if you’re visiting for more than a few days, there are some great places nearby that are more than worth your time. Here are my suggestions on things to do near Westerly!
23. Explore Mystic, CT
One of my favorite little towns in Connecticut is Mystic, which is only about 15-20 minutes from Westerly. This charming little destination was made famous by the movie Mystic Pizza, but has so much to offer including a wonderful Main Street with shops, awesome restaurants, scenic views of the river, wineries and vineyards, and boat tours. For an excursion that’s not far from Westerly, Mystic is the perfect option.
24. Spend The Day In Newport
You can get to Newport from Westerly in an hour or less, and since Newport is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Rhode Island, this is a great option for a day trip.
Newport is packed with things to do, and also has an incredible culinary scene. Definitely come hungry, explore the shops in Bowen’s Wharf and Thames Street, tour the Gilded Age mansions, and plan to walk the Cliff Walk!
25. Take The Ferry To Block Island
Even though you’re likely visiting Westerly for the beautiful beaches, I still think Block Island is a great day trip to take during your stay. Known for gorgeous beaches as well, Block Island is such a charming little destination to explore, and can easily be done in a day.
Block Island’s beaches are all free to visit, and it also has stunning beach bluffs to admire, lighthouses, a charming downtown with great shops and dining, and so much more. For such a small island, it really offers lots to do.
The ferry terminal is about 45 minutes from Westerly, and from there, it’s 30 minutes on the fast ferry to the island, or 60 minutes on the traditional ferry.
Here are some posts on these destinations to help you plan:
- Best Things To Do In Mystic, CT
- Ultimate Guide For A Newport, RI Day Trip
- Ultimate Guide For A Block Island Day Trip
Where To Stay In Westerly
I’m going to give it to ya straight – Westerly is expensive. It’s pretty hard to do on a tight budget, and it’s home to a lot of luxury resorts and vacation rentals. That said, there are definitely some options for everyone, and I’ve broken it down for you here:
Hotels In Westerly & Watch Hill
Luxury: Ocean House in Watch Hill
- Gorgeous, ocean-front property
- Incredible dining options, many of which are totally instagram-worthy
- Private beach access with beach cabanas
- Luxurious rooms
- Lawn games
- Complimentary use of the hotel’s Mercedes-Benz convertibles
- Tennis courts
- Seasonal resort activities and events
- Tons more!
Click here to check rates & availability for the Ocean House
Splurge: Weekapaug Inn
- Casual atmosphere, with luxury amenities
- Beautiful New England-style rooms
- Variety of restaurants on-site
- Access to the Ocean House’s spa
- Private beach access
- Outdoor pool and sun-deck jacuzzi
- Croquet and squash on-site
- Complimentary activities like yoga and more
Click here to check rates & availability for the Weekapaug Inn
Moderate: The Hotel Maria
- Beautiful, beachfront boutique hotel
- Modern, beachy rooms that still feel homey
- Private beach access
- Café on-site, serving breakfast, cocktails and dinner
- Complimentary use of bicycles
- Complimentary guest pantry with snacks
Click here to check rates & availability at The Hotel Maria
Budget-ish: Pleasant View Inn
- Beachfront hotel on Misquamicut Beach
- On-site dining available
- Heated outdoor swimming pool
- Room available with ocean views and balconies
Click here to check rates & availability for the Pleasant View Inn
Vacation Rentals In Westerly & Watch Hill
- Ocean and sunset views
- Walkable to everything in Watch Hill
- 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, sleeps up to 4 people
- Updated and modern
- Balcony
- Includes beach passes
Click here to check rates & availability at this Watch Hill Condo
- 2 bedrooms, sleeps up to 6, 1 full bath
- Perfectly decorated with modern furnishings and cozy vibe
- Fairly priced for the area
- Nice outdoor space with a fire pit
- Summer beach passes included
- Only 2 miles from beaches
Click here to check rates & available for this cozy Westerly beach cottage
Westerly, RI FAQ
How To Get To Westerly, RI
For those flying in, the closest major international airport for the cheapest flights will be Boston Logan, but T. F. Green International Airport in Providence is a bit closer, and may also have some convenient and affordable options for you.
Once you arrive at the airport, the best way to get to Westerly is to drive, so you’ll want to plan to rent a car for your trip.
How Far Is Westerly, RI From Newport?
Westerly is just under 1 hour from Newport. In the summer months, especially on weekends, you’ll want to add some extra time, as traffic is common going in and out of Newport.
How Far Is Westerly, RI From Providence?
Providence is about 45 minutes from Westerly. And same as mentioned above – it’s a good idea to allow some extra time if driving this route in the summer season.
Best Time To Visit Westerly, RI
Summer is the best time to visit Westerly, as the biggest attraction is the beach. Also, Westerly and Watch Hill are highly seasonal, and not everything will be open if you visit outside of the summer season. Memorial Day through Labor Day, however, all shops and restaurants will be open and ready for you to enjoy!
If you’re looking to visit outside of peak season, early June or just after Labor Day are nice options that will also save you a bit when it comes to accommodations.
I’ve also been in early May, and found a good amount of shops and restaurants that were open, and no parking fees were required to visit the beaches. The water is still very cold at this time, but beach bars were also open, and it made for a relaxing getaway with long walks on the shore.
Is Watch Hill In Westerly?
Yes, Watch Hill is a small village in the town Westerly, and you can easily visit both during your trip. In fact, I highly suggest that you do 🙂
Parking In Watch Hill
If you plan to head over to the cute little village of Watch Hill during your visit, one thing to be aware of is parking. It’s, well … tough. Most of the parking is street parking, and has a 2-hour limit, which makes visiting a beach and the lovely shops a challenge in that timeframe.
However, there is a work-around! Click this link here to be taken to Watch Hill’s website to read about reserved parking spots, which you can arrange ahead of time. These parking spots will likely cost a bit more, but you’ll be able to park for the day. Once you know when you plan to visit Watch Hill (and if you’re not staying right in the village), you’ll want to call them ASAP, as these spots can fill up fast in the summer season.
Another workaround is to stay right in Watch Hill, at either the Ocean House, Watch Hill Inn, or a vacation rental.
Should You Stay In Westerly Or Watch Hill?
Great question! The biggest different between the two is size. Westerly is bigger, and has a larger downtown, more shops and restaurants, and the beaches are much easier to park at with large, on-site lots.
Watch Hill, in my opinion, is a bit more charming with stunning houses to admire and a very quaint downtown, but is more exclusive and harder to get around unless you’re a resident because of the strict parking rules. I also think the beaches are a bit nicer in Watch Hill, so it may be worth it to stay here just to be able to walk to the beaches.
However, both are lovely, and you honestly can’t go wrong with either!
What Is Westerly, RI Known For?
Westerly is known for its stunning beaches, and high-end hotels like Ocean House and Weekapaug Inn. It was also recently made famous when Taylor Swift purchased a vacation home in Watch Hill.
More posts you may find helpful:
- Summer In New England: The Best Things To Do & Places To Visit!
- Best Day Trips From Providence, RI
- Fun Things To Do In Newport, RI In The Winter
That’s A Wrap On Things To Do In Westerly, RI
And there you have it – all my tips and suggestions for the best things to do in Westerly, RI to help you plan the perfect vacation. Between the charming downtown, incredible dining options, amazing hotels and of course, the beautiful coastline, it has everything you’re looking for when planning the perfect coastal New England getaway.