You might struggle to find South County, RI, on a map for one simple reason: it isn’t a real place.
Yes, you’ll hear people talking about South County anytime you visit Rhode Island, but what they’re referring to is actually a space along the state’s coastline between Providence and the Connecticut border.
It helps to learn that most of South County is actually in a place called Washington County. However, local writer and editor Betty Cotter once claimed that South County isn’t a physical location but rather a state of mind.
The region is a beautiful area to book a vacation rental because it features a nice mix of oceanfront living, secluded forests, and small-town hospitality, giving you all kinds of options when searching for holiday activities.
There are also some distinct towns to explore throughout your visit, each offering unique characteristics that add a bit of variety to your vacation.
Here’s a look at three reasons why you should consider South County, Rhode Island, when booking a beach getaway on the East Coast.
1) Beautiful Beaches
As you might expect from an area directly on the ocean, South County is full of beaches. Some of these facilities are pretty well-known and attract decent crowds in the summer, while others are hidden gems that offer a secluded atmosphere. The type of beach you wish to visit is up to you.
The most prominent beaches in the area are Narrangansett, Roger Wheeler, Misquamicut, Scarborough, Matunuck, and Charlestown. These are the areas where you’ll find a more traditional beach experience, including equipment rentals, pavilions, and dining options. You can expect crowds at these locations, but it’s worth it for many because of the available amenities.
Blue Shutters, East, Watch Hill, South Kingstown, and Salty Brine are medium-sized beaches that get busy but don’t attract the same crowds as the more extensive options. Hidden spots like Plum Beach, North Kingstown Town Beach, and Moonstone Beach provide an escape from the bustle.
You can also do some swimming or fishing in the more controlled environments at Watchaug Pond, Worden Pond, or Larkin Pond, to name a few.
There are beaches everywhere in South County, so you’re sure to find some a short distance from your vacation rental, no matter where you end up booking.
2) Quaint Towns
South County features eight towns, many of which include distinct villages, too. You’ll find different atmospheres in every location, so it’s a good idea to learn about these communities before you book.
First, there’s North Kingstown, including the villages of Wickford and Saunderstown. Wickford is a particularly interesting spot because its historic downtown provides terrific shopping and dining opportunities while overlooking the harbor. North Kingstown is also easily accessible because it’s only about 17 miles from T.F. Green International Airport.
Bordering North Kingstown is South Kingstown, a separate town featuring Wakefield-Peacedale, which acts at the community’s downtown core. Here, you’ll find perhaps South County’s busiest commercial area, along with the marinas of Upper Pond. South Kingstown extends all the way to the ocean and includes East Matunuck State Beach.
Narragansett features three major beaches, a historic downtown, and an outdoor concert venue near the ocean. It’s also home to Point Judith Light and the small fishing villages of Galilee and Jerusalem. You can grab a ferry to Block Island from Galilee if you wish to explore even further.
Charlestown is a small community that occupies a spot in the center of South County. It’s a bit quieter than South Kingstown and Narragansett but has numerous hiking areas like the Ninigret National Wildlife Refuge and Burlingame State Park.
Westerly borders Connecticut and has a historic downtown area featuring the Westerly Library and Wilcox Park. There’s also great dining along the Pawcatuck River. Watch Hill is Westerly’s affluent coastal neighborhood that is home to the famous Watch Hill Merry-Go-Round and a private beach. There’s also hiking at Napatree Point and plenty of boutique shops nearby.
Other towns like Exeter, Hopkinton, and Richmond are technically part of South County, too. While they don’t have the same ocean access as these other communities, they offer a nearby starting point because nothing is ever far away when staying in this part of the country.
3) Tremendous History
Like much of the northeastern United States, South County, Rhode Island has a lengthy history to explore, and you’ll have the opportunity to do so on your vacation.
It all starts back in 1636 when the Narragansett tribe granted land to Roger Williams. Williams and Richard Smith then settled at the northern tip of Narragansett Bay and set up trading posts near present-day Wickford.
A town called Kings Towne was formed in 1674, which included the land that now makes up South Kingstown, North Kingstown, Exeter, and Narragansett. It split into North Kingstown and South Kingstown in 1723, with Exeter and Narragansett breaking away later on.
South County was also an important strategic location during the American Revolution, and George Washington likely spent plenty of time in the area during the country’s early years.
You can still see remnants of these early days in those communities at Stephen Northup House, built sometime around 1660, Smith’s Castle, home of Roger Williams’ trading post, and Old Narragansett Church, the oldest Episcopal church in the northern United States.
There are historic buildings and sites everywhere in South County, so be sure to make a list of places you don’t want to miss so you can check them out during your vacation.
Making the Most of Your South County Vacation
Spending time in South County allows you to make what you wish of your vacation, and this list only scratches the surface of the activities available in the region. You’ll also find wonderful restaurants featuring some of the freshest seafood in the country and plenty of hiking trails that take you through deep sections of wilderness.
South County truly is whatever you make of it, which is perhaps why Betty Cotter claimed that this part of Rhode Island isn’t a specific place but a state of mind.