Misquamicut/Watch Hill

Misquamicut, Rhode Island

Indian for 'Red Salmon at this place,' the Misquamicut Beach is seven miles of sand and surf. The beach offers moderate surf and a little undertow, and has areas for body and board surfing with lifeguards on duty throughout the season. The sand varies from white fine powder for those of you who like a soft spot to suntan, to colored gravel - perfect for those seeking to add to their rock collections!

When the sun sets, Misquamicut's nightlife comes alive, offering fine dining, from gourmet Italian to native seafood, and activities that will keep both the kids and the young at heart entertained throughout the evening. The perfect end to a day at Misquamicut beach, is a moonlit stroll along the shore. 

Parking at Misquamicut Beach is plentiful, with a capacity in upwards of 500 vehicles for a small daily fee.  Arrive early to avoid long lines of traffic to the beach.

Watch Hill

Watch Hill is a beautiful seaside village nestled on a peninsular point of land that is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, providing a spectacular view of the most beautiful sunsets in all of Rhode Island.

Watch Hill was originally settled by the Niantic Indians in the 1600s, whose Chief Ninigret is honored with a statue of his likeness that gazes out into the harbor. Colonists later moved in and the point earned it's current name for serving as a strategic lookout point during the French and Revolutionary Wars. This strategic importance continued, as in the early 1900's, the tip of Watch Hill's Napatree Point served as a military fortification, whose ruins still stand to this day.

Watch Hill now serves as home to fine shopping and dining, as well as hotel accomodations for those who wish to spend their vacation a stone's throw from the gentle shores of Napatree Point, which offers smaller waves and fine shore fishing.

Be sure to visit the historic Watch Hill Lighthouse (est 1806), as well as The Flying Horses Carousel which is touted as the oldest operating carousel in the United States. Explore the wonderfully unique shops that line this timeless snapshot of history and you too will realize why so many return here year after year.
      

Over the years, many notable celebrites have visited Watch Hill as it provides a perfect retreat from the fast-pace glitz of Hollywood life.  Westerly's most famous resident is pop star Tylor Swift who purchased a 17.5 million dollar home, in cash, in 2012.  Located just a few doors down from the world class Ocean House resort, Ms. Swift's expansive seaside residence abuts East Beach and is in plain view to the public and her adoring fans.  Security officers guard the property 24/7.  Despite these necessary security precautions, Ms. Swift can be seen regularly at local restaurants and ice cream parlors. She has consistently bend described as 'sweet' and 'gracious' in her interatctions with locals and fans in our community.