Great outdoors, Westerly-style

August 30, 2023 11:29 am • Last Updated: August 30, 2023 11:29 am

By Rick Koster
Day Arts/Features writer

Given that it’s the smallest state in the republic, Rhode Island doesn’t scrimp on the beaches. In fact, there are over 400 miles of coastline in Rhody. If you live in the Westerly area, that translates to Misquamicut State Beach and the beaches at Watch Hill. Those include Carousel Beach, East Beach and Napatree Point — the latter of which is also a nature conservatory.

People brave the blustery and cooler weather for a walk on Misquamicut State Beach in Westerly.

All of these are ideal for outdoor exploration, relaxation and sundry fun.

Napatree wave: The south shore at Napatree Point faces Block Island Sound, with a view of the Watch Hill Lighthouse in the distance. (Betsy Graham)

And, no, Taylor Swifts’s waterfront does NOT count as a public beach.

Misquamicut State Beach, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday-Sunday; free, $10 state beach parking residents weekdays, $15 weekends, $12 daily nonresidents weekdays, $14 weekends; https://riparks.ri.gov/beaches/misquamicut-state-beach.

Watch Hill Beach, 151 Bay Street, Watch Hill; free; parking fees vary; westerlyri.gov/329/Westerly-Beaches.

Napatree Point, extending west from Watch Hill Beach; free, parking fees vary; westerlyri.gov/329/Westerly-Beaches.

East Beach, from Watch Hill Lighthouse extending past Ocean House resort; free, parking fees vary; westerlyri.gov/329/Westerly-Beaches.

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