Your South County vacation could take you to many different locations. You could spend time lounging on beaches, exploring some hiking trails, boating on the ocean, dining in high-end restaurants, or relaxing at your vacation rental.
One thing for sure, though, is each day will come to an end and bring a scenic sunset. Fortunately, these sunsets create another opportunity to enjoy the beauty South County has to offer, especially if you know where to go to truly take them in.
Here’s a look at some of the most scenic yet accessible spots to watch a sunset during your South County vacation.
The Napatree Point Conservation Area
Watch Hill is known for its high-end boutiques and massive houses, but it also has a secluded conservation area southwest of downtown that jets into Block Island Sound and provides the perfect place to enjoy a sunset.
The Napatree Point Conservation Area is home to a former military fort and also features dunes, remote beaches, and unparalleled views of the ocean. You don’t have to finish the 2.5-mile hike to the point to enjoy the sunset, as you can stop anywhere along the way and settle in to experience the sun setting in the west.
There’s parking available in downtown Watch Hill, too, so driving to town and walking out to the peninsula is possible. After returning from your walk, you can also grab a dessert or a drink at one of Watch Hill’s many restaurants.
Roger Wheeler State Beach
Roger Wheeler State Beach in Narragansett’s Galilee village provides a near-perfect vantage point for enjoying a sunset because nothing is obstructing your views over Block Island Sound. The beach is ideally located just south of downtown Narragansett and features a large parking lot if you’re driving in for the experience.
Many visitors will pack their chairs and set up in the sand at Roger Wheeler State Beach, relishing the sunset before wandering or driving to Galilee for a cold drink or appetizers at Buster Krab’s to finish their evening.
Point Judith Lighthouse
Just down the road from Roger Wheeler State Beach is the Point Judith Lighthouse, a more secluded yet equally scenic spot to take in a sunset.
You’ll have a few different options on the grounds, depending on where you want to sit when the sun goes down for the evening, as well.
For starters, you can head to the Point Judith Fisherman’s Memorial, which has a large parking lot, some beach, and a rock jetty. Wandering to the end of the jetty takes a bit of work, but the view it offers is tough to beat anywhere in New England.
Another option is the lighthouse grounds itself, although you should note that access to the actual lighthouse is restricted because it’s an active Coast Guard Station. As a result, you can’t get all the way to the point and will have to settle for the oceanfront areas surrounding the base.
Misquamicut State Beach
No matter when you visit South County, Misquamicut State Beach should be on your list of places to check out. After all, this is perhaps the region’s liveliest oceanfront area and has plenty of amenities the entire family can enjoy.
When heading to Misquamicut for a sunset, you’ll find ample parking and tons of sandy spots to set up shop for the evening. You can also wander to the Windjammer Surf Bar for a beer on their patio or take the kids to Dusty’s Dairy Bar for dessert after the sun goes down.
Misquamicut is beautiful, accessible, and enjoyable, so it checks all the boxes when searching for the perfect place to watch the sunset.
Blue Shutters Beach
Blue Shutters Beach is similar to Misquamicut in many ways, as it enjoys a similar vantage point over Block Island Sound. However, Blue Shutters is probably a better option if your vacation rental is in Charlestown because it’s easier to reach and might even be walkable if you’re staying near the beach.
If you do end up driving to Blue Shutters, you’ll find a decent-sized parking lot and plenty of sand. It’s a great spot to watch a sunset and is also the only beach in Charlestown that allows parking with non-resident stickers.
Ending Your South County Days in Style
There’s something special about South County’s sunsets, as the sun seems to take forever to disappear over the horizon. This experience gives you plenty of time to head to one of these locations with some chairs or beach blankets and make an evening of it.
From there, many of these popular sunset-watching locations have nearby restaurants or bars, so your day in South County doesn’t have to end just because the sun has gone down for the evening.