# Westerly RI Complete Guide: Beaches, Restaurants, Things to Do
Introduction
Westerly sits at Rhode Island's southwestern corner, combining pristine Atlantic beaches with small-town New England charm. This complete guide covers everything you need to know about Westerly's beaches, dining scene, and activities whether you're visiting or considering making this coastal community your home.
Westerly's Best Beaches
Misquamicut State Beach (257 Atlantic Avenue) is Westerly's largest public beach with a seven-acre oceanfront. Daily parking costs $14 for Rhode Island residents and $20 for out-of-state visitors during summer 2026. The beach features bathhouses, showers, lifeguards, and a pavilion. The adjacent Misquamicut Business District offers mini-golf, arcades, and waterfront restaurants within walking distance.
Watch Hill Beach (Bay Street, Watch Hill) sits in the upscale Watch Hill village area. Beach parking is extremely limited—arrive before 9 AM in summer or use the Watch Hill Shuttle from downtown Westerly ($2 per person). This quieter beach attracts families and offers stunning views of Little Narragansett Bay.
East Beach (East Beach Road) stretches three miles along a barrier beach between the Atlantic Ocean and Ninigret Pond. This state-owned conservation area charges $7 parking for RI residents ($12 non-residents). It's popular with surfers and beachcombers seeking a more natural, less developed shoreline.
Weekapaug Beach is a private beach accessible only to Weekapaug Fire District residents and their guests. The surrounding Weekapaug neighborhood features beautiful summer cottages and the Weekapaug Inn.
Other beaches include Westerly Town Beach (free for residents with beach sticker, $20 daily non-resident fee), Dunes Park Beach, and Atlantic Beach.
Restaurants and Dining in Westerly
The Cooked Goose (92 Watch Hill Road) serves upscale American cuisine with entrees ranging from $28-$48. Known for seafood and steaks in an intimate setting, reservations are essential during summer months.
Olympia Tea Room (74 Bay Street, Watch Hill) has operated since 1916, famous for Avondale Swan ice cream creations ($12-$18) and traditional New England fare. Expect long waits during peak season—arrive at opening (11:30 AM) to avoid hour-plus waits.
Matunuck Oyster Bar may be technically in South Kingstown, but locals drive the 25 minutes for farm-fresh oysters and waterfront dining. Closer to Westerly proper, The Malted Barley (42 High Street) offers gastropub fare with 24 craft beers on tap and entrees from $16-$32.
Paddy's Beach Restaurant & Bar (159 Atlantic Avenue, Misquamicut) provides classic beach dining—lobster rolls ($28), clam cakes, and chowder—with ocean views. Open seasonally May through September.
The Bridge (37 Main Street) downtown serves contemporary American cuisine in a renovated mill building with outdoor riverside seating. Dinner entrees run $24-$38.
For casual dining, Haversham Tavern (1 Canal Street) offers brick-oven pizza ($14-$18) and New England comfort food. Ella's Fine Food and Drink (2 Tower Street) serves breakfast and lunch with creative sandwiches and salads ($12-$16).
Italian food lovers should visit Breezeway Resort's Angelo's Restaurant (70 Winnapaug Road) for traditional Italian-American dishes, or Maria's Seaside Cafe (132 Atlantic Avenue) for beachside Italian fare.
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Things to Do in Westerly
Flying Horse Carousel (Watch Hill Beach, Bay Street) is America's oldest continuously operating carousel, built around 1876. Rides cost $2 per person, cash only. The hand-carved horses are suspended from chains, creating a unique "flying" experience. Open daily in summer, weekends in shoulder season.
Wilcox Park (71 High Street) offers 18 acres of Victorian-era landscaping, walking paths, gardens, and hosts free summer concerts on Thursday evenings (7 PM, June-August). The park features a playground, historic monuments, and serves as downtown Westerly's green centerpiece.
Watch Hill Lighthouse stands at the entrance to Fishers Island Sound. While the lighthouse itself isn't open for tours, the grounds are accessible and offer excellent photography opportunities. The adjacent Watch Hill Coast Guard Station provides historical context.
Napatree Point Conservation Area extends from Watch Hill as a 1.5-mile barrier beach peninsula. This undeveloped area is perfect for birding, fishing, and solitary beach walks. No facilities or parking—walk from Watch Hill village.
Downtown Westerly Shopping centers on High Street and Granite Street, featuring boutiques, antique shops, and local retailers. The United Theatre (4590 Tower Hill Road) shows independent and mainstream films in a restored art deco cinema ($10-$12 tickets).
Kayaking and Paddleboarding opportunities abound in Winnapaug Pond, Quonochontaug Pond, and along the Pawcatuck River. Ocean House (1 Bluff Avenue, Watch Hill) offers kayak rentals to non-guests starting at $40/hour.
Granite Theatre (1 Granite Street) produces professional summer stock theater and year-round performances in an intimate 107-seat venue. Tickets range from $25-$45.
Atlantic Beach Park (321 Atlantic Avenue) provides classic amusement park rides, arcade games, and mini-golf. Individual ride tickets start at $2, with all-day passes around $30.
Living in Westerly Rhode Island
Housing Market: As of 2026, Westerly's median home price is approximately $485,000, with significant variation between inland properties ($350,000-$500,000) and beachfront estates ($1.5M-$5M+). Watch Hill commands the highest prices with many homes exceeding $3 million.
Schools: Westerly Public Schools serves approximately 2,800 students across five elementary schools, one middle school, and Westerly High School. The district consistently ranks in the top tier of Rhode Island public schools. Private options include St. Pius X School (K-8).
Demographics: Westerly's year-round population of about 23,000 swells to over 50,000 during summer months. The median age is 48, with a mix of retirees, families, and young professionals. The town maintains a more year-round community compared to purely seasonal Rhode Island beach towns.
Commuting: Westerly is 45 minutes from Providence, 2.5 hours from Boston, and 3 hours from New York City. Amtrak's Northeast Regional and Acela services stop at Westerly Station (14 Railroad Avenue), providing direct rail connections to Boston (2 hours) and NYC (3 hours). Many residents commute to Providence or work remotely.
Property Taxes: Westerly's tax rate for 2025-2026 is approximately $16.89 per $1,000 of assessed value, lower than many Rhode Island communities. A home assessed at $400,000 would pay roughly $6,756 annually.
Best Time to Visit Westerly
Summer (June-August) brings peak crowds, full beach operations, and all restaurants open. Expect traffic congestion, premium prices, and difficulty finding parking. Average temperatures reach 75-82°F.
Fall (September-October) offers ideal visiting conditions—warm ocean water (through mid-September), smaller crowds, and beautiful foliage. Most beach facilities remain open through Labor Day, with some restaurants shifting to weekend-only hours in October.
Spring (April-May) sees moderate temperatures (55-70°F) and pre-season pricing. Beach facilities may not be fully operational, but downtown shops and restaurants are open. Good for house-hunting or exploring without tourist crowds.
Winter (November-March) is quiet with many seasonal businesses closed. However, locals enjoy uncrowded beach walks, and several year-round restaurants serve residents. Winter rates at accommodations drop significantly.
Where to Stay in Westerly
Ocean House (1 Bluff Avenue, Watch Hill) is Westerly's premier luxury resort with rooms starting at $695/night in peak season. The restored Victorian property features a spa, fine dining, private beach access, and impeccable service.
Weekapaug Inn (25 Spray Rock Road) offers all-inclusive packages ($900-$1,400 per couple per night) including meals, activities, and waterfront access. The historic inn underwent complete renovation in 2012.
Pleasant View Inn (65 Atlantic Avenue) provides budget-friendly beach access with rooms from $189-$329 nightly in summer. Basic accommodations steps from Misquamicut Beach.
The Shelter Harbor Inn (10 Wagner Road) sits two miles from beaches in a converted 1800s farmhouse, offering rooms from $249-$449 with a well-regarded restaurant on-site.
Vacation rentals through VRBO and Airbnb range from $200-$500+ nightly depending on proximity to beaches and property size.
Westerly Events and Festivals
Westerly-Pawcatuck Weekend (early July) features a parade, fireworks over the Pawcatuck River, carnival, and live music celebrating both Westerly, RI and neighboring Pawcatuck, CT.
Chorus of Westerly Summer Concerts (Wilcox Park, Thursday evenings July-August) offer free outdoor performances featuring local and regional musicians.
Columbus Theatre Film Society (270 Broadway) screens independent and foreign films year-round with special summer series ($10 admission).
Watch Hill Road Race (late July) is a challenging 5-mile course attracting competitive runners (entry fees around $35).
Westerly Art Festival (Wilcox Park, August) showcases regional artists, craftspeople, and food vendors.
Blessing of the Fleet (Watch Hill Harbor, July) celebrates fishing heritage with decorated boats, food vendors