Looking to spend the weekend in Rhode Island’s low-key beach town Narragansett? Narragansett is a great day trip from Boston, only around ninety minutes from the city. Narragansett is one of the best beach towns in New England and is more affordable than the nearby Newport or Block Island. I loved discovering the hidden ocean views you can find from the beautiful Ocean Road, keep reading for the location. If you want to spend just the night or an entire weekend, here are the best things to do in Narragansett Rhode Island!
Best Things to Do in Narragansett Rhode Island
Narragansett Beach: A list of the Best Beaches
Narragansett is one of the best beach towns in New England. If you’re looking for things to do in Narragansett Rhode Island your first thought should be to head to the beach! Here are some of the best beaches in the area.
Roger Wheeler and Scarborough Beach
There are two large state beaches in Narragansett- Roger Wheeler and Scarborough. The main road through Narragansett is Ocean Road, and both these state beaches are right off this road. These beaches provide plenty of space as well as facilities and ample amounts of paid parking. Roger Wheeler is popular for families as it also has a large playground.
Salty Brine Beach
This is a much smaller beach with a small paid parking lot. If you get here early and can claim a spot, it has beautiful views of Narragansett’s beach houses along the water. This beach stretches for quite a while and connects with Roger Wheeler Beach! There are a few restaurants right on Salty Brine Beach with large outdoor dining options. These restaurants provide additional parking if you’ve only come to dine with an oceanfront view. If you can’t find parking for the beach, eat at one of the restaurants and enjoy the view with a drink in hand. In my opinion, this is one of the best things to do in Narragansett Rhode Island!
Narragansett Town Beach
Also known as Narragansett Beach, this beach has the best view of the Narragansett Towers. This is one of the best beaches for surfing! This beach does charge per person per day. You can buy a beach pass for the season, however this is for residents and taxpayers only.
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Hotels in Narragansett Beach
The Shore House: (formerly The Ocean Rose Inn): The best part about The Shore House is its location right across from the Narragansett Sea Wall. This hotel has 31 rooms but not necessarily all in the main, historical Victorian building with ocean views. If you want an ocean view at a more reasonable price, they have a large building directly behind the main building with modern rooms that feature a large outdoor space with ocean views. Wake up and enjoy your coffee on the balcony, it won’t disappoint!
The Break Hotel: This is one of the highest-rated hotels in Narragansett. It’s located right across the street from Punk Rock Beach Point and about a mile from Scarborough Beach. It’s very close to one of the best restaurants in Narragansett Aunt Carrie’s!
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott: A bit more towards Newport, this Fairfield Inn you can use your points if you’re a Marriott member!
The Sea Breeze Inn: Another location a little closer to Newport, this hotel has fabulous reviews!
Sheperd’s Run: This is an absolute gem of a hotel. This spot has an outdoor swimming pool, hot tub, and fitness center. It is also close to the International Tennis Hall of Fame and Rosecliff Mansion. They also have a free summer market! Check out how to book your stay here.
Looking for other recommendations for the best towns and where to stay? Here’s a comprehensive guide for 28 of the best beach towns in New England.
Other Activities in Narragansett Rhode Island
Bike along Ocean Road
When you’re booking accommodations, inquire about bike rentals. The Shore House does include bicycle rentals with your stay. One of the best places to bike in Narragansett is along Ocean Road. This bike path goes straight through Narragansett with views of the ocean and incredible coastal homes. We also found the hidden, public roads that lead to the rocky ocean coast you can explore. There are only a few parking spots at the entrance to this area so plan accordingly. The two roads that will get you along the coast are Bass Rock Road and Newton Avenue.
Have a picnic at Point Judith Lighthouse
As Ocean Road continues through Narragansett, it will also lead to Judith Point Lighthouse. This is still an operating lighthouse and they didn’t offer tours at the time we visited. There is a fabulous view of the lighthouse from a nearby, hidden beach. Want to know how to get there? Put Point Judith Lighthouse in your GPS, it will be at the end of Ocean Road. Just before you reach the end there is a small, hidden road on the right. Turn onto that road and park your car in a decent sized lot. If you’re spending a weekend in Narraganett you may even see fishermen! This is one of the best things to do in Narragansett Rhode Island.
See the iconic Narragansett Towers
Used mainly for events, these Towers are a Narragansett icon. Check out their website for details for booking your next event!
Take the Ferry to Block Island
Board a high speed ferry at Point Judith and spend some time on Block Island. This island is relatively small, and you could spend a half day or a full day here. Some of the best things to do on Block Island are visiting the Mohegan Bluffs and the popular beaches like Mansion or Ballard Beach. Similar to Martha’s Vineyard or Nantucket you can easily get around the island with a bike. There are also plenty of moped rental companies very close to the Block Island ferry drop off point.
If you’re interested in visiting other New England islands, here’s a comprehensive guide to Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard.
Charter a Fishing boat
Here’s a great website that goes into detail on all the different fishing charter companies offered not just in Narragansett but Newport, Rhode Island as well.
Take a boat tour to Castle Hill Lighthouse
Gansett Cruises offers a great range of different options. You can choose a morning mimosa cruise or an afternoon grand tour. They even offer sunset cruises that tour Fort Adams, Castle Hill Lighthouse, the famous House on the Rock and many others! Bring your favorite drink and enjoy the ride!
Kayak the Pettaquamscutt Cove
Kayak the Narrow River and this wildlife refuge. Narrow River Kayaks offers full or half day rentals and even sells used kayaks as well. Check out their website for more details. This is such a hidden gem and one of the best things to do in Narragansett Rhode Island!
Visit Newport Rhode Island
Newport is one of my favorite coastal towns in New England and offers the perfect day trip from Boston. It doesn’t offer as many beaches as Narragansett does, but it offers more things to do and see. The gilded mansions are one of the best things to see in Newport Rhode Island, at Christmas they are a dream! I also highly recommend a walk along the Cliff Walk, it offers such beautiful views! Here’s how the New York Times would spend a day here.
Enjoy dinner by candlelight at the Coast Guard House
Book a reservation when the sun is setting and enjoy a candlelight at the Coast Guard House. For an appetizer recommendation try the stuffies, a Narragansett staple which is a mixture of clam, bread crumbs, and spices served in a clam shell. We also tried the fresh cod, which was delicious.
Best Restaurants in Narragansett
Aunt Carrie’s
A Narragansett staple that sells famous and award winning seafood with a fourth generation corn fritter recipe; these clam fritters are a must for the full experience. Their website describes that they’re also ‘great for dunking in chowder or as an appetizer’. Located across from Point Judith Lighthouse, you have to try as it’s one of the best restaurants in Narragansett.
Del’s Lemonade
This is another Rhode Island staple. This recipe for frozen lemonade came from Naples, Italy to the States in 1840. There are different flavors to choose from, but it tastes just as good as it does in Italy!
George’s of Galilee
Another iconic Rhode Island spot with such an interesting story! This restaurant has a reputation for ‘unique and quirky foods’ like Rhode Island clam chowder, clam cakes, and stuffies. They even serve a custom coffee milk. This is one of the best restaurants in Narragansett and not to be missed when visiting!
Crazy Burger
This burger spot was recently recognized by Guy Fieri. It serves not only vegan burgers but breakfast until 4 pm. It’s even BYOB and stays open late for dinner too.
Matunuck Oyster Bar
If you love oysters this is the place for you. This beautiful restaurant offers waterside dining and even oyster farm tours! See their website for details.
Here are a few other posts you may enjoy:
Best Day Trips from Boston: A Summer in New England
28 Best Beach Towns in New England: A Guide from a Local!
10 Best Things to Do in Providence Rhode Island
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I wish I could go. You make it so inviting
Feel free to come anytime!