9 Best Things to Do in Narragansett, Rhode Island

By VacationIdea Staff on January 24, 2023 - Updated

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The Eastern United States is home to many of the most beautiful places across the entire country. Whether you are on vacation or new to the area, you can have some serious fun by visiting all the great attractions in Rhode Island. You can expect to learn hundreds of years of Rhode Island history, swim at some beaches, catch some massive fish while camping in gorgeous state parks, visit museums, and dine at some of the best restaurants and eateries in the East Coast.

We recommend that you call the attractions and restaurants ahead of your visit to confirm current opening times.

1.Scarborough State Beach

This beautiful, sandy beach has plenty of parking and a charging station for electric vehicles. The beach has been expanded and now includes an entire south complex that has a viewing tower that overlooks some of the land and the water below. After doing some swimming, sun-bathing, or making huge sandcastles, you can head over to one of the two pavilions for an outdoor picnic. Don’t worry, if those are full, there are over 75 picnic tables to have lunch at. A lifeguard is on duty during certain hours. Once you are done with all the great activities for the day, everyone can wash off the sand and saltwater in the hot/cold showers located near the beach.

970 Ocean Road Narragansett, Rhode Island 02882, Phone: 401-789-2324

2.Roger W. Wheeler State Beach

This gorgeous state beach is named after the man who designed the entire system in which Rhode Island keeps all the beaches and waters safe by employing trained lifeguards stationed strategically around the state. You can rest assured that there are lifeguards on duty at this beach from 9am – 6pm daily. Visitors of the beach may take part in fun sand activities and swimming. When it is time for lunch, there are over 60 picnic tables to eat at. If the kids need a break from building sand castles and swimming, they can go and play on the large playground located next to the beach. There is a large, paved parking lot to accommodate any vehicle.

100 Sand Hill Cove Road Narragansett, Rhode Island 02882, Phone: 401-789-3563

3.Galilee, Narragansett, Rhode Island

This place is a small village built for fishing and tourism. It is located within Point Judith within the town of Narragansett. Galilee is considered to be small, but still is the home of the biggest fleet of fishing boats in the entire state. Visitors spend their time at the beaches nearby, doing some fishing at the docks, and hanging out at the various beach clubs. If you want to do some sea fishing or whale watching, you can charter a fishing vessel or tourist boat to take you out on the sea. There are plenty of places to eat fresh seafood in Galilee. You can also travel to Block Island via the Block Island Ferry to continue your Rhode Island journey.

Galilee - Narragansett, RI 02882

4.Point Judith Lighthouse, Narragansett, Rhode Island

Since 1810, this lighthouse has been remodeled and rebuilt because it serves as an important beacon for ships and boats to travel the waters west of Narragansett and the north part of the Block Island Sound safely. This particular waterway has a great deal of traffic and serves all the fishing vessels, tourist boats, and private vessels to navigate the often-foggy conditions surrounding the area. The tower itself is made of solid granite and is a beautiful sight from the sea. Its light can be seen for up to 18 miles. Visitors can take a tour of the lighthouse during normal business hours. People learn about its history and all the good a simple lighthouse does for the area.

1460 Ocean Rd, Narragansett, RI 02882, Phone: 401-789-0444

5.The Towers, Narragansett, Rhode Island

This elegant structure has been standing since 1886 and was originally a part of the Narragansett Pier Casino. Since then, the casino itself had burned down in a devastating fire, but the towers stood still. The structure was renovated time and again after it had survived many nor-Easters, hurricanes, and another fire. Today, The Towers are used as a social gathering and event place for visitors and residents. The Towers are right next to the Town Beach and many eateries and restaurants including everything else in downtown Narragansett. The Towers offers weddings, dinners, dancing, and other social events.

35 Ocean Road, Narragansett, Rhode Island, Phone: 401-782-2597

6.Salty Brine State Beach, Narragansett, Rhode Island

This beach is one of the most visited places in Narragansett because of the beautiful location and the newly built 2800 sq. ft. pavilion. The pavilion has all the visitor information, restrooms, a concession stand, hot/cold showers, a platform to view the beach, and provides a place to have lunch. Parking is always free and will hold up to 96 vehicles, which includes an electric charging station for electric vehicles. The entire facility on the Salty Brine State Beach is powered by a singular wind turbine located on the property.

254 Great Road Narragansett, Rhode Island, Phone: 401-789-3563

7.Fishermen’s Memorial State Park and Campground, Narragansett, RI

The campground provides a village type atmosphere with neatly cut grass, well-maintained trails and roads, and fun activities for kids and adults. People are welcome to book a campsite for tent camping or rent an RV campsite with plumbing and water hookups available. The grounds have tennis and basketball courts and playgrounds for the kids. And, of course, there are plenty of docks and maintained spots along the trees for fishing. The campground and state park is also within just one mile of other popular destinations like the Salty Brine State Beach, Scarborough State Beach, Roger Wheeler State Beach, and the Block Island Ferry.

Route 108 1011 Point Judith Road Narragansett, Rhode Island 02882, Phone: 401-789-8374

8.South County Museum, Narragansett, Rhode Island

Since 1933, this museum has been the sole collector of Narragansett’s history and memorabilia, and serves as a place of remembrance, history, and knowledge. The museum has over 20,000 unique items and offers tours almost daily. The building is housed on the Canonchet Farm, a 174-acre plot of land owned by the town of Narragansett. Today, the museum offers a wide array of events and accommodations, including wedding events, social events like carpentry and blacksmithing workshops, family outings and gatherings, workshops and classes in the Print Shop, pier walking tours, and many more programs for both adults and kids.

115 Strathmore Street Narragansett, RI 02882, Phone: 401-783-5400

9.Aunt Carrie’s, Narragansett, Rhode Island

Dating all the way back to around 1920, Carrie Cooper and her husband Ulysses Cooper, along with their six children, began making cold lemonade and simple dishes like clambake and chowder for the local fishers and tourists. After word spread of the incredible food and cold drinks, Aunt Carrie’s became a hotspot when they built the restaurant. Today, you will be served homemade food, fresh seafood, homemade pies, and delicious ice cream made in-house by the fourth generation of the original Carrie Cooper family. The restaurant includes lunch and dinner menus along with an ice cream shop that serves many ice cream treats.

1240 Ocean Road Narragansett, RI 02882, Phone: 401-783-7930