Need a cozy coastal town with charm, beaches, and a walkable downtown? Head to Wakefield! Nestled in South Kingstown, Wakefield blends seaside character with boutique shopping, riverside trails, and easy access to Rhode Island’s best beaches. Whether you’re kayaking the Saugatucket River or relaxing with local seafood, Wakefield is a breezy New England escape.
When I like to visit
The best time to visit Wakefield is during the late spring through early fall (May–October). Enjoy warm beach days, seasonal events, and outdoor dining along Main Street or by the shore.
Tips for getting There
- If you are traveling by car: Wakefield is off U.S. Route 1, about 45 minutes south of Providence and 1.5 hours from Boston.
- By Train: Amtrak and MBTA service nearby Kingston Station (15 minutes away), with taxis and rideshares available.
- By Air: T.F. Green Airport (PVD) in Providence is the nearest major airport, about 40 minutes from Wakefield.
Where I like to stay
- Hampton Inn South Kingstown - Newport Area – Comfortable, central location with free breakfast and an indoor pool.
- Sheppard’s Place B&B (nearby in Narragansett) – Quaint, cozy inn with garden views and a welcoming atmosphere.
- The Break Hotel (Narragansett, 10 min) – Stylish boutique hotel with ocean views, rooftop lounge, and a short drive to Wakefield.
Top Attractions
1. Enjoy Broadway-Style Performances at the Historic Theatre by the Sea
The Theatre by the Sea in Wakefield, Rhode Island is a historic and popular summer theater surrounded by gardens. Broadway-style, professional performances are presented at the theater every year between the months of May and September. There’s also a post-theatre cabaret and a restaurant. Over the years, the Theatre by the Sea has seen several different incarnations, changing hands many times after being saved from demolition back in 1967 by Tommy Brent. It was operated by FourQuest Entertainment from 1988 to 2003 and purchased by Bill Hanney in 2007. Today, the theater continues to produce four-musical subscriptions seasons each year.
364 Cards Pond Rd, Wakefield, RI 02879, Phone: 401-782-8587
2. Catch Innovative Local Productions at the Contemporary Theater Company
A part of the village since 2005, the Contemporary Theater Company is a non-profit local theater that produces entertainment throughout the entire year for the community of Wakefield and the surrounding region. The theater company features talented Rhode Island performers to tell a variety of stories that delight and engage the community. Along with both its improvised and scripted shows, the Contemporary Theater Company also hosts theater classes, improv classes, youth camps, and more. One of the state’s highest performance producing theaters, Contemporary Theater has produced over seventy full-length productions, as well as numerous small events, since it opened.
327 Main St, Wakefield, RI 02879, Phone: 401-218-0282
3. Bowl, Dine, and Have a Blast at Old Mountain Lanes
First opened in the village of Wakefield, Rhode Island by Bernard Toth back in 1960, Old Mountain Lanes is a modernized, 24-lane bowling center. Bernard’s son, Robert Toth, purchased the center in 1995. Since then, several changes have been made to Old Mountain Lanes over the years, transforming it into a family entertainment complex for people of all ages. The facility now features 24 lanes of bowling, Cosmic Bowling, LCD scoring monitors, live DJ’s, billiards, video games, a pub, two restaurants, and more. Robert Toth also owns and operates the Walnut Hill Bowl in Woonsocket, which he purchased in 2006.
756 Kingstown Rd, South Kingstown, RI 02879, Phone: 401-783-5511
Must-see if you are a first-time visitor:
- South County Commons – Shopping, dining, and movies in a walkable outdoor plaza just minutes from downtown.
- Saugatucket River Walk – Peaceful path for walking or biking with river views through the heart of town.
- Whale Rock Trail – A scenic coastal hike offering panoramic views near Point Judith.
- South County History Center – Explore regional heritage inside a historic jailhouse turned museum.
- Wakefield Farmer’s Market (Saturdays, summer) – Fresh produce, baked goods, and local crafts by the river.
Where I Like to Eat
- Mews Tavern – Legendary local favorite with 60+ beers on tap, pub eats, and a quirky, fun atmosphere.
- Phil’s Main Street Grille – Cozy breakfast and lunch spot in a converted historic bank building.
- Trio Restaurant (Narragansett, 10 min) – Upscale coastal cuisine with fresh seafood, pasta, and cocktails.
My favorite local events:
- South County Balloon Festival (July) – Hot air balloons, food vendors, and family fun in nearby Kingston.
- Wakefield RiverFire (Summer Fridays) – Bonfires on the river, live music, and local vendors in downtown Wakefield.
- Rhode Island Seafood Festival (September, nearby) – Celebrate the coast with fresh catches, live music, and ocean views.
My favorite day trips within 30 Minutes of Wakefield, Rhode Island:
- Narragansett Town Beach (10–15 min) – Surf, sunbathe, or stroll the scenic seawall in this classic beach town.
- Block Island Ferry (Point Judith) (15 min) – Catch the ferry for a day of bike riding, beachcombing, and lighthouse tours.
- Green Hill Park & Beach (20 min) – Quieter beach escape with grassy picnic areas and dunes.
- Kingston Village (15 min) – Visit URI’s beautiful campus and historic colonial streets.
- Beavertail State Park (30 min) – Dramatic cliffs and panoramic ocean views at this stunning coastal park in Jamestown.
Plan Your Trip