Located in the southwestern part of the state, not far from the state border with Connecticut, Westerly is one of Rhode Island's best resort towns. Founded in 1661, Westerly has a relatively small population of around 22,000 and is quite a sleepy place for large parts of the year but really comes to life in the summer months when the sun starts to shine. The population of the city is twice as large as normal on a typical summer day, with many people flocking to Westerly, RI to check out the area's beautiful beaches. Westerly’s beaches are among the most famous and popular in all of Rhode Island.
Watch Hill
Located on the most southwesterly point in all of Rhode Island, Watch Hill is an iconic natural landmark and a beautiful coastal village in the Westerly area. This is the sort of place that makes you simply stop and stare around in all directions, admiring the stunning natural scenery and the unique, old-fashioned cottages dotted about the landscape. The area has quite an exclusive past, with access to Watch Hill once being reserved to the rich and famous, but has changed over the years to become more of an open, welcoming place and an idyllic summer retreat for all to enjoy. Even if celebrities like Taylor Swift and Hugh Jackman are sometimes spotted in the area, it still retains a family-friendly atmosphere that everybody can appreciate.
Weekapaug Beach, Rhode Island
The name of this beach and the local village comes from a Native American word meaning 'end of pond' due to various large saltwater ponds located just off the beach, looking out onto the Atlantic Ocean. Weekapaug Beach is quite similar to Watch Hill in terms of beauty and atmosphere, but is quieter and calmer in general. If you get here on a good day, you might even be able to have a large part of the beach all to yourself. Huge granite boulders are dotted around the shoreline, creating some fantastic photo taking opportunities and views for sunbathers to admire as they work on their tans, and there are some good swimming areas here, with large pools of water being protected by the various jetties dotted along the beach.
Misquamicut State Beach
Probably the most popular and beloved of all the Westerly beaches, Misquamicut State Beach is exceptionally long and large. It runs for around three miles in total across the length of the Misquamicut barrier island all the way from Watch Hill to Weekapaug. There's a lot of space here for everyone to spread out and have fun in their own ways, so even on busy days, you never have to worry about feeling crowded out at Misquamicut State Beach. One of the best spots to check out here is the James J. Federico, Jr. Beach Pavilion area, which is fitted with restrooms, concessions, gazebos, and more. Special events are held at this beach each year too, so there’s always something new and exciting to look forward to at this Westerly beach.
Westerly Town Beach
Beloved by Westerly locals, Westerly Town Beach offers a simple and thoroughly enjoyable seafront location for people of all ages to enjoy. It's right by Misquamicut State Beach, but tends to be more relaxing and calmer overall. Some gorgeous views of the Atlantic Ocean and Rhode Island coastline can be observed from Westerly Town Beach, and there's a real sense of romance in the air, especially in the evenings, making this a lovely beach for couples or newly-weds to walk along, hand-in-hand, and admire the views.
