South County, Rhode Island, is full of small villages and communities that are part of larger towns. Green Hill Beach, for instance, is a village in South Kingstown that’s separate from the rest of the town, allowing it to offer a unique vacation experience.
This community sits comfortably between Green Hill Pond and Trustom Pond, about 3.5 miles from the Commodore Perry Highway. In fact, Green Hill Beach is closer to Charlestown than the rest of South Kingstown, so you could find yourself using Charlestown’s amenities while enjoying the area.
Booking a vacation rental in Green Hill Beach puts you in an isolated location that’s close to nature, yet never far from restaurants, shops, and other services you might need while on vacation.
Here’s a look at what you can expect when spending your vacation in Green Hill Beach, Rhode Island.
The Beaches
As you might expect based on its name, Green Hill Beach has plenty of sand for you to enjoy while on holiday. All of these oceanfront areas are rustic, as there aren’t any parking lots, lifeguards, or washrooms, but they’re also some of Rhode Island’s most scenic spots.
The beach at the end of Green Hill Beach Road is perhaps the community’s best-known. This site sits beside the private Green Hill Beach Club. While you can’t access the club’s facilities without a membership, you can use the beach next to it while enjoying the views.
There’s limited street parking on Green Hill Beach Road, but the beach is within walking distance of some vacation rentals. Either way, you’re sure to love your time at this beautiful spot on the ocean.
If you’re interested in finding a remote stretch of beach to call your own, heading to the end of Green Hill Avenue and exploring the coast should be on your list of activities. This strip of sand sits between Trustom Pond and Block Island Sound, providing one of South County’s most memorable environments.
You can do some birdwatching, go for a hike, head for a swim, or lounge in the sand while spending time at this beach, and it’s even possible to walk to Moonstone Beach in the Matunuck area.
There isn’t any parking near this beach, but, fortunately, you can walk there from some of Green Hill Beach’s vacation rentals.
It’s also worth noting that South Kingstown Town Beach and Charlestown Town Beach are a short drive from Green Hill Beach village for visitors looking for on-site amenities like change rooms and concessions.
Trustom Pond National Wildlife Refuge
The Trustom Pond National Wildlife Refuge is a 787-acre habitat with ponds, woodlands, fields, and beaches. The refuge, which borders Green Hill Beach village, is also one of Rhode Island’s best wildlife-watching areas with 300 bird species, over 40 mammal species, and 20 different types of reptiles and amphibians. The park also has four viewing platforms to maximize your experience.
You can hike the trails at the Trustom Pond National Wildlife Refuge, as there are three paths through the woods ranging from 0.5 to 0.8 miles in length. All three routes are well maintained and are in outstanding condition, making them easy to walk while vacationing in the area.
You can access the Trustom Pond National Wildlife Refuge via the beach at the end of Green Hill Avenue or drive to the trailhead and visitor center on Matunuck Schoolhouse Road in South Kingstown.
Green Hill Park
No residential neighborhood is complete without a park, and Green Hill Beach is no different.
Green Hill Park sits off Green Hill Beach Road and features all sorts of activities for the entire family.
The park has a modern playground, a basketball court, two tennis courts, picnic tables, grills, and a large field. There’s on-site parking, as well, but it’s limited and can fill up on weekends in the summer when the facility is at its busiest.
Dining Options
There aren’t any restaurants in Green Hill Beach, but that doesn’t mean you’re out of luck when looking to eat out.
Charlestown restaurants like The Breachway Grill, The Cove, and Kingston Pizza are less than ten minutes from Green Hill Beach with a vehicle, and all three are open for lunch and dinner.
Over in Matunuck, Matunuck Pizza Pie Co., The Pub at Matunuck, and Ocean Mist take a little more than ten minutes to reach but remain excellent options. Ocean Mist is a remarkably energetic venue with live music on weekends.
The Hungry Haven is a popular breakfast spot in Charlestown, as well.
Grocery Stores
Green Hill Beach is entirely residential, so there aren’t any grocery stores in the village. However, you’re never far from amenities when booking a vacation rental in the community because larger centers are always accessible.
Peaches Fruit & Produce and Happy Acres Peddler Market sit near Matunuck Schoolhouse Road in Charlestown and are mere minutes from Green Hill Beach. Charlestown Mini Super is another nearby option.
Or, you can head to Matunuck, also just a few minutes drive from Green Hill Beach, and visit Seaview Marketplace. In addition to groceries, Seaview Marketplace has a deli with pre-made sandwiches and is a popular spot for lunch.
A Quiet Spot For Your Vacation
If you’re looking to stay in the heart of the action, other South County neighborhoods could be better options. However, those seeking peace and quiet while enjoying beautiful beaches near their vacation rentals should consider Green Hill Beach and everything it has to offer.