Taking a vacation to South County puts you in one of the country’s most beautiful oceanfront areas. You’ll find all sorts of outdoor activities and a laidback lifestyle, making it an excellent place to relax with the family.
Once you decide to holiday in coastal Rhode Island, the next step is to select the right community for your vacation rental booking. A popular option is Watch Hill, which is part of Westerly and sits on the state’s southwest corner.
Although Watch Hill is relatively small, it’s packed with activity. Here are five reasons to choose Watch Hill as your next vacation destination.
1) Bay Street
Although South County isn’t necessarily known as a shopper’s paradise, Watch Hill’s Bay Street is loaded with boutiques that provide a unique experience. These shops are in close proximity to each other, so you can visit all of them in a single afternoon, as well.
The south end of Bay Street features clothing stores like Rochelle’s, Coco and Lala, Coppola’s, and J. McLaughlin. As you move north, you’ll find Fierce Boutique, Island Outfitters, RI Boutique, and Breezy’s, all of which are worth checking out.
If you get hungry, the Olympia Tea Room is a historic eatery dating back to 1939, while Ten Sandwiches is a local favorite for lunch. You can also wander over to Watch Hill Harbor to see the boats pulling in and out or head to the Watch Hill Gazebo for some relaxation.
2) Watch Hill Beach
At the south end of Bay Street is Watch Hill Beach. This beach is private, so you’ll have to pay to access it, but it’s worth the cost because it’s so accessible from many vacation rentals in Watch Hill.
Once at the beach, you’ll find soft white sand and views over Block Island Sound. There are beach chairs and umbrellas, too, which cost a bit extra to rent. Your kids can also ride on the world-famous Watch Hill Merry-Go-Round, which is the oldest continuously operating carousel in the entire country.
Overall, Watch Hill Beach is a must-visit during your vacation and something you and your family will remember for years to come.
3) The Ocean House
You’ll probably do a lot of your own cooking at your vacation rental, and it makes sense to do so. There are plenty of spots to pick up local ingredients near Watch Hill, and there’s something relaxing about the at-home experience these facilities provide.
However, you’ll also want to try some local cuisine, and the Ocean House has multiple restaurants to check out when you’re looking for a delicious meal.
The Bistro is a classic American restaurant that’s open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The menu changes seasonally, but you can expect a nice mix of seafood, beef, chicken, and pasta accompanied by local produce and award-winning wines.
COAST is recognized as one of the top waterfront restaurants on the planet. This venue has a prix-fixe menu, but you’ll have a few options for each category. There are even vegetarian dishes available. COAST frequently hosts lobster boils and other special events, too, so have a look at their schedule to see if anything is happening while you’re in town.
The Ocean House has a dessert shop and some seasonal outdoor dining venues, as well. Check out their website to see what’s operational during your visit.
4) Napatree Point Conservation Area
To the west of Watch Hill Beach is the Napatree Point Conservation Area. This peninsula jets into the ocean and offers one of South County’s most scenic hikes while taking you out to Napatree Point and the remains of the Fort Mansfield military base.
The best thing about the Napatree Point Conservation Area is the stretches of secluded beach you’ll find on your hike. If you don’t want to pay to visit Watch Hill Beach and you’re okay with walking a short distance, you can find a spot all to yourself in this area, giving you the perfect opportunity to enjoy Rhode Island’s peace and quiet.
5) Taylor Swift
While this isn’t necessarily a reason to book a vacation rental in Watch Hill, you should know that Taylor Swift has a vacation home in the community. As a result, there’s a chance you’ll bump into her and her famous friends if you’re around in the summer, adding a little excitement to your holiday.
It isn’t every day you get to walk by one of the most successful recording artists in history, so keep an eye out while you’re wandering the boutiques on Bay Street.
Book Your Vacation Rental Today
As you might expect, Watch Hill’s vacation rentals get booked up pretty early, so don’t hesitate to make your reservation. Make no mistake; this is one of the top destinations on the East Coast for a luxury vacation because of the first-class amenities you’ll have available.
The sooner you book your rental, the sooner you can begin making plans for your vacation to South County.