As you look at vacation rentals in South County, Rhode Island, narrowing in on where to book can be challenging. After all, the region is full of charming small towns and villages, and deciding where to spend the majority of your time isn’t easy.
You’ll probably want a spot near the water with enough activities to keep you busy while limiting the time you’ll spend in a vehicle. Areas with historic sites, shopping, and dining are bonuses, too.
One option worth considering is Watch Hill, a charming seaside village offering a blend of natural beauty, historical sites, and luxurious accommodations. These elements come together to create one of the area’s top vacation destinations. Here’s everything you should know when planning a trip to Watch Hill, RI.
Watch Hill Beaches
First and foremost, you should probably learn about Watch Hill’s beaches. The community overlooks Block Island Sound and has access to the Pawcatuck River, so there’s plenty of water nearby.
The village’s most popular oceanfront spot is Watch Hill Beach, which is known for its gentle surf and soft sand. It’s an excellent spot for families because of the calm water, and beach chairs and umbrellas are available to rent. You should know, though, that there’s a $15 per person fee to access this beach, which can add up if you visit with a large family or group.
East Beach is a rustic oceanfront spot that’s free to visit, although you’ll have to pay for parking if you aren’t within walking distance. It’s about three miles long, so you can spread out and find an area all to yourself, although the beach doesn’t have facilities for guests.
The Napatree Point Conservation Area is a hidden gem in Watch Hill that you’ll surely want to check out at least once. It’s a peninsula you can hike on, with beaches on both sides and some of South County’s most scenic views, making it a great place to spend an afternoon.
No matter which of Watch Hill’s beaches you visit, you won’t be disappointed because they all have features that make them stand out from the crowd.
Activities and Events
Watch Hill is full of outstanding activities and events for the entire family. No matter what you’re into, there’s a good chance Watch Hill will have something to keep you occupied.
One option is renting a kayak or paddleboard. Paddle Surf RI has kayaks and paddleboards for rent, which you can take off-site with you. They also offer surfing lessons if you want to try your hand at riding some waves.
Live music lovers are covered in Watch Hill, too, thanks to the Watch Hill Sunset Concerts. These free concerts take place every second Tuesday between June 25 and August 20, so you’ll have plenty of chances to check them out. The shows are held on the Green on Bay Street starting at 6:00 PM and are open to all ages.
When you visit Watch Hill Beach, you’ll also see the historic Flying Horse Carousel. This ride is the oldest continuously operating carousel in the entire country and is a significant part of the Watch Hill experience.
The Watch Hill Lighthouse is another historic site you can check out during your visit. While you can’t access the lighthouse due to its age, you can spend time on the grounds, which have hosted nautical beacons since 1745, and enjoy scenic views of the Atlantic Ocean.
You’ll love getting to know Watch Hill and its attractions, as the community’s small-town charm and surprising bustle make it one of the state’s top summertime destinations.
Shopping and Dining Options
Perhaps the first thing you’ll see when you wander Watch Hill’s Bay Street area is the abundance of boutiques lining the road. Watch Hill has outstanding shopping, so whether you’re looking for clothes, jewelry, or souvenirs, the village has a store for you.
Watch Hill also has a wonderful dining scene, highlighted by the Olympia Tea Room. This historic eatery serves American cuisine, has a full bar, and features views of the bay, creating a memorable ambiance for your lunch or dinner.
You’ll quickly notice that restaurants tend to fill up on weekends in the summer in Watch Hill, and places like the Olympia Tea Room don’t accept reservations, so getting a table takes a little luck and a whole lot of perseverance.
Book Your Vacation Rental
Since Watch Hill is an affluent community, it makes sense that it would have plenty of luxury accommodations. If you’re booking a vacation rental in this village, it’ll have all the comforts of home and ensure you can enjoy your getaway in style.
Book your vacation rental early to guarantee you end up with the ideal property for you and your family as you spend time in Watch Hill, Rhode Island.