Westerly & Watch Hill, RI
Rhode Island South County
A 150-year-old carousel, a long sandy beach and a shady downtown park
Watch Hill is the old summer-resort end of Westerly, with a small village, a classic carousel and a long list of beach options. Misquamicut State Beach is the big public beach nearby, and Wilcox Park gives you a calm downtown stop. This is a beach-and-carousel trip, best in summer.
About 1.75 hrs from Stamford · about 1 hr from New Haven (estimates, confirm with your map app)
Why Grandparents Love It
The carousel is a short stop that grandchildren of almost any age enjoy and grandparents remember fondly
Misquamicut has a playground and pavilions on site, so the beach day has built-in options for little ones
Wilcox Park offers a quieter, shaded alternative when the beach gets too much
The Flying Horse Carousel (1876) is the oldest operating carousel in the US where the horses hang from chains
Misquamicut State Beach has two miles of sand, a playground, picnic tables, pavilions and bathhouses
Wilcox Park is a 14-acre Victorian park in downtown Westerly
Napatree Point Conservation Area is a sandy peninsula with views of Block Island
Top Free Pick
Wilcox Park, Westerly
A 14-acre Victorian park in the middle of downtown Westerly, with bronze monuments and a large fountain. A calm place to sit and let the grandchildren run.
Top Activities (4)
Flying Horse Carousel (Watch Hill)
Ages 2 to 10Built in 1876 and a National Historic Landmark, it is the oldest operating carousel in the US with horses suspended from chains. It stands at 151 Bay Street at the end of the village's main street.
Grandparent note: Check for current operating details before you visit, since seasonal schedules vary.
Misquamicut State Beach
All agesThe largest public beach in Westerly, with two miles of sand and consistent waves. Facilities include a playground, picnic tables, pavilions, bathhouses, a gift shop and lifeguard towers.
Grandparent note: The state beaches website covers seasons, lifeguard coverage and any fees. Check it before you pack the car.
Napatree Point Conservation Area
Ages 5+A sandy spit about a mile and a half long that extends west from Watch Hill. It separates calm harbor water from the ocean surf, with views of Block Island and the ruins of Fort Mansfield.
Grandparent note: The walk is fully exposed to sun and wind, so bring water and sun protection. Part of the area is protected bird-nesting habitat, so follow posted signs.
Wilcox Park
All agesA Victorian park in the center of downtown Westerly, with walking paths, monuments and a large fountain.
Grandparent note: A good rest stop between the beach and a meal downtown.
Where to Stay
Ocean House (Watch Hill)
Historic oceanfront hotel · Check the website for current rates
A rebuilt version of an 1868 grand hotel on 13 oceanfront acres, overlooking a private beach
Hotel Watch Hill
All-suite hotel · Check the website for current rates
Suites with kitchens, a sister property to Ocean House, useful if you want room for the whole family
Where to Eat
Olympia Tea Room (Watch Hill)
Check the restaurant website for the current menuClassic restaurant
Dates to 1916, with antique mahogany booths. It does not take reservations, so expect a wait at busy times
St. Clair Annex (Watch Hill)
Check the restaurant website for the current menuIce cream and sandwiches
A family-run ice cream and sandwich shop with a long local history, an easy stop after the carousel
Grandparent Tips
Do the carousel early in the visit while the youngest are fresh
Look up Misquamicut's state beach details on the official site first, rather than relying on this guide
Napatree is a real walk with no shade, so treat it as optional for little legs and slow walkers
Olympia Tea Room takes no reservations, so go with a flexible schedule
Sample Itinerary
Day 1 — Carousel and Beach
Morning: Flying Horse Carousel in Watch Hill, then an ice cream stop
Midday: Misquamicut State Beach
Afternoon: Wilcox Park in downtown Westerly, then dinner
Printable PDF Guide
A 2–5 page travel guide for Westerly & Watch Hill — formatted for printing or saving to your phone.
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