Narragansett is one of Rhode Island’s best-known vacation destinations and for a good reason, as the town is full of history, beaches, dining, and entertainment options.
Visitors also appreciate Narragansett’s proximity to Providence, Jamestown, and Newport, making it possible to explore other popular sections of Rhode Island from your vacation rental.
When booking a vacation rental in South County, Narragansett will likely be at the top of your list, and you won’t be disappointed if you can secure a property in this idyllic location overlooking Narragansett Bay and Block Island Sound.
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Where to Stay in South Kingstown
Before booking your South Kingstown vacation rental, it’s a good idea to look at what’s going on in each neighborhood.
Wakefield and Peace Dale come together to form South Kingstown’s downtown area. Here, you’ll find an outstanding selection of restaurants and much of the town’s nightlife. This community is also the most populated section of town, so there’s a good chance you’ll find a vacation rental nearby. It’s worth noting that these villages don’t have beaches, but you’re only a few minutes from the waters of Matanuck and Narragansett.
Kingston and West Kingston sit on the north end of town, away from much of Wakefield-Peace Dale’s bustle. This area is home to the University of Rhode Island, along with some residential neighborhoods and farmland. While this section of town isn’t necessary a happening place for visitors, it’s close enough to the action to make it worth considering.
The south end of town on the ocean is home to East Matunuck, Matunuck, and Green Hill. East Matunuck is the largest of these communities and features an expansive state beach. The other two neighborhoods are mostly residential, although there is a bit of nightlife near the water in Matunuck. It’s possible to walk on the beach from Green Hill to Charlestown Town Beach, as well.
Smaller communities in South Kingstown include Usquepaug, Snug Harbor, Tuckertown, and Perryville.
Beaches and the Outdoors
Despite some of its neighborhoods sitting right on the ocean, South Kingstown isn’t necessarily known as a beach community. Neighboring Narragansett’s beaches are more popular, but that isn’t a bad thing when staying here.
East Matunuck State Beach is perhaps the busiest beach in South Kingstown. This area is massive, so you can likely track down a quiet stretch of sand, and it features picnic tables, an indoor pavilion, and a large parking lot.
Matunuck Beach sits just west of East Matunuck State Beach. Parking here is reserved for locals, so you’ll have to walk to the sand if you are coming in from outside of South Kingstown. Keep in mind that the water gets pretty choppy.
South Kingstown Town Beach has amenities like washrooms and a playground, making it an excellent place to visit as a family. There’s a decent-sized parking lot at the beach, along with a pavilion and a nearby coffee shop. The beach isn’t the largest, but it’s a nice place to spend the day because of its position away from the downtown area’s bustle.
The Trustom Pond National Wildlife Refuge sits on the west side of South Kingstown and features 787 acres of various wildlife habitats. As you hike through the area, you’ll find fields, shrublands, woodlands, and fresh and saltwater ponds. There are even some sandy beaches to explore during your visit.
The Great Swamp Management Area sits on a large parcel of land around Worden Pond in West Kingston. This space is great for hiking, with the main trailhead beginning just south of the Amtrak station. Remember that the woods in this area are dense, so don’t wander too far off the paths.
Culture and History
Settlers have resided in present-day South Kingstown for centuries, so there’s a fair amount of history to explore on your visit.
You can begin by checking out the South County History Center, a museum featuring exhibits and artifacts from the region’s earliest days. The facility is located in the Old Washington County Jail – constructed in 1858 – and provides unparalleled insight into South County’s history.
The Kingston Village Historic District is home to numerous Greek Revival, Late Victorian, Colonial, and Federal buildings, providing a good cross-section of the town’s history. As you wander through this village, you’ll see signs denoting the historic sites, including the old Kings County Court House.
The Great Swamp Fight was a battle between New England’s militia and the Narragansett tribe during King Philip’s War in 1675. There’s a sign marking the fight’s location along Route 2 in West Kingston and a full monument in the Great Swamp State Management Area.
For a bit of culture, Theatre By The Sea offers world-class theater presentations in a rustic building near South Kingstown Town Beach. The venue is small, allowing it to provide an intimate experience that you won’t find replicated anywhere else.
Bars and Restaurants
The dining scene in South Kingstown is outstanding, as the community features a nice mix of high-end restaurants and local clam shacks.
In the Matunuck area, Ocean Mist and the Matunuck Oyster Bar are worth a visit. Ocean Mist is a typical beach bar, featuring great views, a good selection of beer, and live music. The Matunuck Oyster Bar sources many of its oysters on-site, giving you access to the freshest seafood around.
Up in Wakefield-Peacedale, TwoTen Oyster Bar & Grill offers upscale seafood dishes in the Marina Park. At the same time, Main Street is home to local favorites like El Fuego Mexican Grill, Tavern on Main, and Mews Tavern. For a night on the town, this is the district to explore.
Kington Village and West Kingston have some restaurants near the university, including Caliente Mexican Grill, Tilly’s Cheesesteaks, and TLC Coffee Roasters. For a beer, you’ll find Shaidzon Beer Company in this area, too.
South County Vacation Rentals
South Kingstown is a dream spot for a vacation because there’s so much diversity. Few places in the country offer access to dozens of scenic beaches within minutes of your vacation rental and even fewer do so while also providing world-class dining, a one-of-a-kind theater, and unequaled access to history.
Booking a vacation rental in South Kingstown puts you in the heart of South County’s action and is sure to become your go-to destination whenever you take a trip in the summer.
Vacation Rental Offices
Charlestown 4009 Old Post Road Charlestown, RI 02813 401-552-7856
Watch Hill 124 Bay Street Watch Hill, RI 02891 401-552-7848
S. Kingstown 235 Main Street South Kingstown, RI 02879 401-552-7844
Westerly 241 Post Road Westerly, RI 02891 401-552-7864