When visiting South County, you’ll surely want to spend as much time as possible near the water. You might even bring your boat with you, allowing you to head into Block Island Sound whenever you wish.
Some of the area’s salt ponds have marinas that make it easy to hit the ocean in a matter of minutes. You can rent transient slips at these marinas for the length of your vacation, too, so you won’t have to worry about launching your boat day after day or storing it at your vacation rental.
Marina Park in Wakefield is a bustling area with multiple marinas offering transient dockage. Here’s a look at the park, its facilities, and the surrounding area.
Marina Park
Marina Park is the name given to the area at the north end of Upper Pond in South Kingstown’s Wakefield Village. Upper Pond connects to Point Judith Pond, which empties directly into Block Island Sound.
The area features a green space with plenty of room for picnics and activities. You’ll frequently see children running in the park while their parents relax in the grass and watch the ships pull in and out of the harbor.
There’s on-site parking at this venue, too, and it’s easy to access because it sits just off the Commodore Perry Highway.
The On-Site Marinas
Of course, the main reason you’d stop by Marina Park is because of the marinas. There are four of them at this location, in addition to the private Point Judith Yacht Club. The Yacht Club is looking for new members, so it might be worth a look if you’re spending multiple weeks in South County over the summer because membership comes with clubhouse access.
The westernmost marina is called Safe Harbor Silver Spring. Unfortunately, this facility isn’t accessible on foot from Marina Park, as it’s on the other side of the bay.
Still, Safe Harbor Silver Spring is worth looking into because its transient slips come with free Wi-Fi, on-site parking, and power and water hookups.
When you rent transient dockage, you can also use the marina’s amenities like the bathhouses, BBQ grills, clubhouse, swimming pool, and kitchenette.
Across the bay from Safe Harbor Silver Spring is Ram Point Marina, a small facility that sometimes has a limited number of transient slips available. You’ll have to call ahead to check on availability, but if you can secure a spot, you’ll have access to their pumps outs and outdoor viewing area. The marina also has a fuel dock.
Next to Ram Point Marina is Marina Bay Docking, another small facility offering transient slips. Much like Ram Point, Marina Bay’s transient dockage is limited, so you’ll need to call before arrival to inquire.
If you can secure a spot, Marina Bay has plenty of parking, a security gate, showers, a picnic area with grills, and electrical and water hookups.
The eastern section of the bay is home to Stone Cove Marina. This facility offers transient dockage for vessels up to 50 feet long with daily, weekly, and monthly rates available. Your rate is calculated per foot, and there’s both 30 AMP and 50 AMP electrical service.
Stove Cove Marina has been a local institution since the late 1800s and has been owned by the same family since 1973. It’s home to Java Madness coffee shop, too, so you can head in for a quick cup of coffee before boarding your vessel in the morning.
Nearby Dining and Shopping
The only restaurant at Marina Park is Two Ten Oyster Bar & Grill, a high-end seafood establishment at Marina Bay Docking. It’s a popular spot that’s open for lunch and dinner, making it a great place to enjoy a meal after your day on the water.
However, Marina Park’s central location means you’re never far from other dining and shopping options.
For instance, Salt Pond Shopping Center is about a three-minute drive from the marinas, and it’s home to Colvitto’s Pizza & Bakery and T’s Restaurant Narragansett. The mall also has a dollar store, pharmacy, clothing shop, pottery store, and grocery store, making it incredibly convenient.
The area directly across from the mall features restaurants like Gansett Wraps, New Dragon, and the Mariner Grille. You’ll even find the Adventureland Family Fun Park, a family-friendly amusement venue, right there if you’re searching for some late afternoon activities.
In short, you’ll never have to look far for places to eat or shop after docking your boat at Marina Park.
Making the Most of Your Time in South County
Fun in the sun is the name of the game when booking a vacation rental in South County. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to enjoy the weather and water in this beautiful part of the country, and Marina Park makes it possible to keep your boat in the harbor throughout your vacation.
Marina Park is easily accessible from vacation rentals in South Kingstown, Narragansett, and Charlestown, so visitors can look into booking a slip at one of these marinas when planning their time in South County.