Charlestown is Rhode Island’s best-kept secret. There’s a good reason for this distinction, as this town with about 7,800 residents doesn’t have a central business district to attract crowds.
Instead, Charlestown is full of quiet residential neighborhoods, secluded forests, and beautiful beaches, making it the perfect place to spend your vacation away from it all.
When searching through the available vacation rentals in Charlestown, RI, you can choose between the oceanfront areas near Charlestown Beach, the Ninigret National Wildlife Refuge’s secluded forests, and the serenity of Watchaug Pond.
The choice is up to you, as there’s something for everyone in this hidden gem on the Rhode Island shoreline.
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Areas to Stay in Charlestown
Although Charlestown is relatively small, you can book a vacation rental in a few different areas.
Central Charlestown is the area around Post Road, just north of the beaches. It also encompasses places like the Ninigret National Wildlife Refuge and Burlingame State Park, home of Watchaug Pond. This downtown area is tranquil once you venture off the highway. However, there are a few restaurants nearby, and downtown Westerly and Wakefield are easily accessible via Route 1.
South of downtown is the Charlestown Beach area. This neighborhood is right on the water, and there are two sections where you can spend some time: Charlestown Town Beach and the Charlestown Breachway. Both spaces have parking lots, and there are secluded sections of the beach where you can wander, too. If you reserve a vacation rental in this area, you might also end up overlooking Ninigret Pond or Green Hill Pond.
Southwest of downtown is where you’ll find Quonochontaug, a village that feels separate from the rest of town. Staying in Quonochontaug, or Quonnie, puts you close to Blue Shutters Town Beach, which is a little more accessible than Charlestown Town Beach, and the secluded East Beach. Quonnie also overlooks both Quonochontaug Pond and Ninigret Pond.
North Charlestown is mostly forests and farmland. However, it’s worth a visit if you’re interested in hiking and enjoying nature on your Rhode Island vacation.
Beaches and Outdoor Activities
A vacation in Charlestown, Rhode Island, is sure to include time outdoors. The town’s beaches provide plenty of opportunities to enjoy the sun for hours at a time.
It’s important to note that only Charlestown residents can park at Charlestown Town Beach. Therefore, this beach might be inaccessible unless you have a vacation rental within walking distance. If you make it to this location, you’ll find an indoor pavilion with change rooms and lifeguards on-duty, but not much else for amenities.
The Charlestown Breachway is west of Charlestown Town Beach, on the same stretch of road. This beach is rustic but has washrooms and a parking area. Since this is a state park, visitors can go to this beach, but keep in mind that there is a daily parking fee.
Blue Shutters Beach is, much like Charlestown Town Beach, owned and operated by the town. However, it has different rules, as visitors are permitted to park there for a fee. There’s a pavilion with washrooms and change rooms at this beach, and it’s also a popular surfing location.
East Beach sits just east of Blue Shutters Beach, along a dirt road. It’s an incredibly scenic location and secluded enough that you can often find an expanse of sand to yourself. Keep in mind that the beach doesn’t have any facilities, so you’re on your own for washrooms and changing.
More outdoor activities are available at Watchaug Pond. Here, you’ll find various hiking trails, including Vin Gormley Trail, which meanders through Burlingame State Park. The pond has a beach and a boat launch, making it a nice place to spend a few hours away from the ocean.
The Ninigret National Wildlife Refuge is a 900-acre conservation area on the shores of Ninigret Pond. There’s plenty of hiking here, and the trails offer excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. Sections of the park sit on an old Air Force base, adding some historical elements to your day. The Frosty Drew Observatory and Science Center and the Ninigret Park Disc Golf Course are also in this area.
Historical and Cultural Venues
When seeking some history and culture, Fort Ninigret is a must-see. This venue is the site of a former trading post first established by settlers in the 1600s, and archaeologists have found evidence of people living in the area for centuries before that. All that’s left today is a boulder monument and the remnants of a rock wall that once protected the fort, but the site is still worth checking out if you’re interested in early American history.
For some historic architecture, the Shannock Historic District, which sits in North Charlestown where the town borders neighboring Richmond, is a must-visit. There are some great examples of Greek Revival and Late Victorian houses here, all of which belonged to wealthy mill owners in the mid-1850s.
Sheffield House, in Quonochontaug, is one of the oldest homes in Rhode Island and is believed to be the oldest in Charlestown. It was constructed sometime between 1685 and 1713 and is in excellent shape to this day. The home is still occupied, so you can’t get too close during your visit.
Restaurants and Bars
Although Charlestown isn’t known for its dining experiences, there are a few places you can head for a meal or a quick pint.
Up in North Charlestown, The Nordic and The Charlestown Rathskeller offer good food and excellent beer and wine selections.
The Nordic is an all-you-can-eat buffet featuring items like lobster, prime rib, and steak. This venue also enjoys a pond-side location, creating an outdoor waiting area with a full bar and live music.
The Charlestown Rathskeller, on the other hand, is a gastropub with a diverse menu featuring seafood, steak, pasta, sandwiches, and kids’ options for those 12 and under
Closer to the center of town, The Breachway Grill and The Hungry Haven have you covered. The Breachway Grill offers classic seafood dishes and New York-style pizza in a relaxed atmosphere, while The Hungry Haven cooks home-style breakfasts and is also open for lunch and dinner.
Although Charlestown isn’t a dining Mecca, you’ll find enough options to keep yourself satisfied throughout your Rhode Island vacation.
A Vacation in Charlestown, Rhode Island
Charlestown will never overtake Westerly or Narragansett as a vacation destination because it doesn’t have a bustling downtown area. However, those who visit this small town tend to return annually because it offers something a little different.
Here, you can escape to a quiet section of a secluded beach or wander the woods without seeing another person for hours. It’s small things like these that make Charlestown Rhode Island’s hidden gem and a location that is worth exploring on your South County vacation.
Vacation Rental Offices
Charlestown 4009 Old Post Road Charlestown, RI 02813 401-552-7856
Watch Hill 124 Bay Street Watch Hill, RI 02891 401-552-7848
S. Kingstown 235 Main Street South Kingstown, RI 02879 401-552-7844
Westerly 241 Post Road Westerly, RI 02891 401-552-7864