Charlestown, Rhode Island, is South County’s most centrally located town, making it easy for visitors to explore the rest of the region when vacationing there. Charlestown has high-end attractions of its own, though, ensuring you can always find a great meal or worthwhile activity when spending time in the community.
Much of Charlestown’s downtown area sits off Post Road, also known as U.S. Highway Route 1. You can access most of the town’s attractions from Post Road, and booking a vacation rental nearby makes everything accessible.
Staying on the south side of Post Road puts you close to the town’s beaches and restaurants, while the north side offers secluded spots and plenty of tree cover.
Here’s a closer look at some smaller neighborhoods that make up Charlestown’s downtown core.
Ninigret Pond
The area around Ninigret Pond, south of Post Road, doesn’t have many residences because Ninigret Park and the Ninigret National Wildlife Refuge take up a lot of space. That’s good news for visitors, though, because you can easily access these facilities when staying nearby.
Ninigret Park is home to the Frosty Drew Observatory and Science Center, which offers stargazing nights with its telescopes, while the rest of the park has fields, tennis courts, and a disc golf course.
The Ninigret National Wildlife Refuge is one of South County’s top bird-watching destinations and features hiking and biking trails through its woods. Fishing and kayaking are popular activities in the refuge, as well.
Tautog Cove sits at the northern end of Ninigret Pond and is home to Fort Ninigret. This fort is recognized as the East Coast’s oldest military post and was a Niantic settlement in the 1600s. The remains of Fort Ninigret are worth checking out if you have an interest in the region’s immense history.
This neighborhood is also home to The Fantastic Umbrella Factory, a local landmark and international bazaar that you’ll have to see to believe. There’s an on-site cafe, too, so you can grab a quick bite while you shop.
You’ll undoubtedly want to visit Ninigret Park while staying in Charlestown, and booking a nearby vacation rental makes it incredibly easy.
Watchaug Pond
Booking a vacation rental near Watchaug Pond, on the north side of Post Road, gives you direct access to one of South County’s best freshwater beaches. Locals love this spot because of its calm, warm waters and because it doesn’t get overly busy.
The pond also has a picnic area, boat launch, and multiple hiking trails through the Burlingame State Park, making it easy to spend your holiday outdoors.
There aren’t any restaurants or shops near Watchaug Pond, but the area is only a few blocks from Post Road, so you’re never far from those amenities.
Green Hill Pond
Green Hill Pond is south of Post Road and connects to Ningret Pond through a channel near Charlestown Town Beach. Booking a vacation rental in that area puts you in Charlestown’s most densely populated neighborhood and close to numerous amenities.
First, there are a couple of restaurants within walking distance of many homes in this area: The Breachway Grill and The Bakery. There’s also a gift shop called The Freewheeler, and you can grab groceries at Peaches Fruit & Produce market and the Happy Acres Peddler Market.
While you never mistake the area around Green Hill Pond as a major metropolitan area, the available options might make your life easier when spending a week or more in this scenic neighborhood.
Post Road
Post Road runs right through the middle of Charlestown. Therefore, you’re never far from this main street, no matter where you book a vacation rental.
Booking a rental on the east end of Post Road puts you close to dining options like The Cove, Charlestown Famous Pizza, and The Hungry Haven. There are a few nearby shops, as well, and you’re never more than a few minutes drive away from more shopping in Wakefield-Peacedale and Westerly.
The west end of Post Road is home to local favorites like Dave’s Coffee, the Wilcox Tavern, and the Hitching Post Restaurant. It’s also a short distance from Watch Hill and downtown Westerly.
Choosing Where to Stay
You really can’t go wrong when booking a vacation rental in downtown Charlestown because everything in South County is accessible from this community.
Staying close to some of the town’s bars and restaurants makes it easier to get around at night while booking close to the beach can save you from the hassle of parking.
Ultimately, the choice is up to you when spending your vacation in Charlestown, RI, or anywhere else in South County.