Classic New England, coastal beauty, and outdoor adventure—Narragansett is on the confluence of two waterways of Narragansett Bay and Block Island Sound—and in New England largest estuary and natural harbor which include many islands and inlets—it's stunning and a perfect getaway with beautiful beaches, gorgeous lighthouses and countless outdoor adventures.
Point Judith Light
The gorgeous natural setting is what makes Narragansett truly unique—the scenic views of the dark-blue cool sea colliding with the harbor, pebble-covered shoreline and rugged coastline overshadows much of the charming New England town.
The architecture of Narragansett is best described New England shingle style and coastal farmhouse—which combines Eastlake style Queen Ann with Colonial American architecture. The two most permanent buildings are The Towers and Point Judith Light. Point Judith Light—built in 1857 the half white, half brown tower with black lantern is constructed with granite blocks and serves in an area that historically had many shipwrecks. The lighthouse is at Rose Nulman Park—and best enjoyed from a distance at Fisherman’s Memorial with a sunset walk on along the shoreline or Point Judith Pier.
The Towers
The iconic Towers and remanence of the 1883 Narragansett Pier Casino and Coast Guard House captivates beachgoers in the center of town. And a good example of Victorian shingle style architecture with highly ornamented patterns and plain shingled surfaces emphasizing horizontal continuity. The Towers is now an event hall—and the Coast Guard House is one of the best spots for gathering with family and friends for cocktails overlooking the Narragansett Bay.
Narragansett Beaches
As New England's largest estuary to the Rhode Island Sound and the Atlantic Ocean—Narragansett combines beautifully cultivated beaches with the natural rugged shoreline. And with four main beaches—Narragansett has something for everyone no matter where you stay.
Narragansett Town Beach a few blocks from The Towers is perfect walking distance from the downtown cafes, restaurants, and specialty shops. The narrow stretch of beach provides an active community experience and is popular with surfers. Scarborough State Beach is the most popular for those staying away from the town center and encompasses Olivo’s and Lido’s beach areas with a small observation tower and boardwalk. The ruins of the Windswept estate are on the northern end of the beach. Rodger Wheeler State Beach is the largest and most secluded beach—its relaxing family vibe and large sandy shores offer a more intimate and quieter stretch of sand to enjoy the deep blue ocean. Lastly dedicated to Rhode Island’s radio personality, Salty Brime—Salty Brine State Beach is near Galilee Salt Pond Harbor and walkable from Great Island and Block Island Ferry. Its most notable feature is a windmill that powers the beach facilities.
Black Point
Narragansett's natural coastal forest, inlet rivers, and bay offer plenty of opportunities for hiking, paddleboarding, and great kayaking. Enjoy 2-miles of nature trails and a scenic oceanfront with stunning views to Point Judith Lighthouse and James Island—Black Point is a great getaway from the beach crowds with the rocky coastline, ocean wilderness, and old carriage house ruins. The dramatic shoreline, rocky forms, dense wilderness, painterly sky, and royal blue waters captivate explorers—especially nature lovers and landscape photographers. It is also popular for fishing, clamming, and bird watching.
The Narrows
The Pettaquamscutt River more commonly known as The Narrows is popular for kayaking and paddleboarding—the naturally beautiful narrow stretch of rivers begins at Car Pond Dam in North Kingstown and flows through the John H. Chaff National Wildlife Refuge to Pettaquamscutt Cove into Narragansett Bay. Sprague Bridge and Middle Bridge have launch points and stunning stretches of the narrowest sections of the river to Cormorant Point—a beautiful journey slowly paddling down the river surrounded by lush wilderness and pristine countryside.
The wildlife refuge consists of forest wetlands, salt marches, and the home of the largest American black duck population in Rhode Island. The refuge is a bird watchers paradise with Waterfowl, Canada Goose, Willets, Lesser Yellowlegs, Sandpipers, Yellow Throat, Belted Kingfisher, and dozens of migratory birds.
Beavertail State Park, Jamestown
Beavertail Lighthouse seen from Narragansett Pier is on the southern end of Conanicut Island and provides navigation to Narragansett Bay between Newport and Aquidneck Island. This gorgeous natural setting with scenic views of the harbor, open dark-blue cold sea, and rouged coastline overshadows the historic lighthouse.
The original tower is known as Newport Light and burned by retreating British forces during the American Revolutionary War. In 1856 the lighthouse was rebuilt and operated today by the U.S. Coast Guard. Besides the breathtaking views, Beavertail Lighthouse has public tours and a museum featuring Beehive Fresnel Lens. Whale Rock Lighthouse and Point Judith Light are visible from the grounds. The island of Conanicut is also beautiful to explore with its peaceful countryside, art galleries, parks, and coastal farms.
Beavertail State Park is great for saltwater fishing and coastal hiking trails—the tidal pools also make it the premier site for marine education, allowing ecologists and biologists to closely study marine plant and animal life. And geological history can also be explored in the fault line trail and rocky coastline. Looking to take a road trip further up the coast—here is a list of 21 New England Lighthouses to explore.
Beach House BBQ
Enjoy refreshing sounds of breaking waves, fresh coastal air and gather at the beach house for summer coastal cuisine. Narragansett's fresh organic farms and seafood markets make it a great place to BBQ—so bring family and friends together for a delicious farm-to-table meal.
Sunset Farm
The iconic Sunset Farm is the last working cattle farm in the area—and the place to go for organic produce, Black Angus beef, and their famous pies. Sunset Farm has everything for a summer BBQ with the freshest tomatoes, squash, corn, signature beef patties, New York Strip, and classic Rib-Eye. And finish it with dessert, classic pies, and baked goods—including classic apple, strawberry rhubarb, peach, blueberry, and raspberry shortbread cookies.
Aunt Carrie's
Situated in Point Judith and specializing in Rhode Island seafood and homemade ice cream for over 100-years—Aunt Carrie's has been serving award-winning Clam Cakes the same way since 1920 and featured on Food Network's Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives. Be sure to try one of its many creative ice cream flavors—such as Coffee Oreo, Sea Salt Carmel, Coconut Chocolate Almond, Purple Cow, or Dinosaur Crunch.
Monahan's Clam Shack
Popular clam shack on Ocean Drive Seawall at Pier No.5 with a wonderful view to Narragansett Bay. Monahan's is more than a great location with Famous Hot Lobster Roll—a lightly sauteed chuck of tender lobster drawn in butter and seasoning. So enjoy the view and one of its many seafood dishes.
Casey Farm, Saunderstown
Casey Farm is a 300-acre farm between the Narrow River and Narragansett Bay and the historic home of General Silas Casey who fought in the Civil War. The 1725 farmhouse was built by his father-in-law Daniel Coggeshall where 6 generations of Casey’s lived. Today the farm offers educational school and summer programs—and grows organic vegetables, herbs, and flowers available at their market and Community Supported Agriculture program.
Narragansett is a casual seaside resort in a gorgeous natural setting—its stunning rugged coastline, inlet rivers, and beautiful cultivated beaches are a perfect getaway for those looking to relax or an outdoor adventure—so get out and explore. Return for future posts on Skaneateles, Adirondack Mountains, and New York States' best waterfalls.
Sources: Wikipedia & local business websites.
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