Overview
Charlestown is a seacoast town in South County, Rhode Island.
4 sights · 4 things to do · 9 places to eat · 1 bars & cafés · 10 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Charlestown
East Beach / Ninigret State Beach
A 3-mile barrier beach that buffers the Atlantic and Ninigret Pond. Includes parking facilities as well as some camping areas for those with RV’s capable of driving in the dunes. Ninigret Pond, on the inland side, is wel…
Charlestown Breachway State Beach
Opened in 1958, it buffers the Atlanitc and the other half of Ninigret Pond. A smaller beach that is across the breachway from East Beach. “The Breachway” also has facilities for limited camping, and is one of Charlestow…
Quonochontaug Beach
A private beach that restricts access to those owning or renting a house in the vicinity of East Beach Rd. Locals know that after about 5 PM the parking guard goes off duty, and access is allowed for the public. If you a…
Blue Shutters Public Beach
A small public beach, Blue Shutters features moderate surf. Immediately behind the beach is the Blue Shutters concession stand which includes showering and bathroom facilities. Reduced admission price for seniors.
Big Apple Circus
A great attraction for kids and families, the circus is a Charlestown classic, and truly gives that “going to the circus” feel. Typically held in early July for about a week.
Charlestown Seafood Festival
Renowned local seafood event that features all things seafood related. There is also music, rides, displayed crafts, and many other continuous amusement events. This event also features camping for a flat $75 for 3 days.…
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: May–Oct. Summer highs reach about 83°F; winter lows dip to about 22°F. Cold months (Jan) can bring snow and ice; check road conditions. Wettest: Oct and Mar. (climate data from nearby Narragansett)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- WST Westerly State Airport, Westerly — 9 mi away. Directions
- NPT Newport State Airport, Newport — 21 mi away. Directions
- PVD Rhode Island T. F. Green International Airport, Providence/Warwick — 26 mi away (major hub). Directions
Budget & where to stay
- Places to stay listed here: about $14–$20 a night (typical $20), from 4 listed prices.
- Typical meal: about $38 per person at listed restaurants.
- Estimated daily budget per person (room, two meals, local transport and an activity): budget ~$80, mid-range ~$130, comfortable ~$270.
Options are grouped as Camping, Bed and breakfast in the Sleep guide ↓.
Sample 2-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning East Beach / Ninigret State Beach, Blue Shutters Public Beach
- Lunch Charlestown Famous Pizza
- Afternoon Big Apple Circus, Frosty Drew Observatory
- Dinner Kingston Pizza
- Evening Dave’s Coffee
Day 2
- Morning Charlestown Breachway State Beach, Quonochontaug Beach
- Lunch Jitters Cafe
- Afternoon Charlestown Seafood Festival, Vin Gormley Trail
- Dinner Monahan's by the Cove
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
There is an admittedly limited selection for food within Charlestown due to its size, but there is a wide selection along Route 1 in either direction: Narragansett or Westerly.
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Get in
By plane
- TF Green International Airport located in Warwick (Rhode Island). About half an hour from Charlestown. Parking for TF Green starts at $11.
By car
- From I-95 N take exit 92 for Route 2 towards Route 49 / North Stonington. Merge onto CT-78 East. Take a left at Route 1 and follow into Charlestown.
- From I-95 S take Exit 9 (on the left) in Rhode Island onto Route 4. Follow Route 4 into Route 1, and follow for about 17 miles.
Get around
Many attractions in Charlestown are spread out, so travel by car is usually the best option. If you are renting a house in one of the many beach suburbs, then beach access is almost always easier by foot. Bicycle travel is also the method of transport favored by many locals, and offers a great experience to view the flora and fauna. There are no real means of obtaining (renting, buying, etc.) a bicycle in town, so it is recommended that any visitors bring their own for the best method of transport to a beach. Water Travel is also very popular. Renting a canoe, or other form of boat is a good way to see the true beauty of Rhode Island. These are easily rentable at many bait and tackle places listed below.
See
Charlestown’s real main attraction are its beaches, which have all varying levels of surf, but are all amazingly beautiful and are almost certainly some of Rhode Island’s best beaches.
See East Beach / Ninigret State Beach
A 3-mile barrier beach that buffers the Atlantic and Ninigret Pond. Includes parking facilities as well as some camping areas for those with RV’s capable of driving in the dunes. Ninigret Pond, on the inland side, is well known for its excellent windsurfing qualities in addition to being a great “non-surf” alternative to the beach for kids.
See Charlestown Breachway State Beach
Opened in 1958, it buffers the Atlanitc and the other half of Ninigret Pond. A smaller beach that is across the breachway from East Beach. “The Breachway” also has facilities for limited camping, and is one of Charlestown’s well-known areas for saltwater fishing.
See Blue Shutters Public Beach
A small public beach, Blue Shutters features moderate surf. Immediately behind the beach is the Blue Shutters concession stand which includes showering and bathroom facilities. Reduced admission price for seniors.
See Quonochontaug Beach
A private beach that restricts access to those owning or renting a house in the vicinity of East Beach Rd. Locals know that after about 5 PM the parking guard goes off duty, and access is allowed for the public. If you are within biking or walking distance you can get in at any time, as passes are only required for cars.
Do
Do Charlestown Seafood Festival
Renowned local seafood event that features all things seafood related. There is also music, rides, displayed crafts, and many other continuous amusement events. This event also features camping for a flat $75 for 3 days. If you enjoy seafood, johnny cakes, crafts, or even just a good time with good food at all, this is a must-see event.
Do Vin Gormley Trail
8.28 miles long, it should take 3½-4 hours. The trail takes you around Watchaug Pond. It is a rather easy walking trail. There are many lively little brooks and streams and can be a nice stroll. A recommended starting point is on the east shore of Watchaug pond. You can also swim or have a picnic in this area.
Buy
Bait and tackle
Shop Breachway Bait and Tackle
Sells fishing bait, propane, and canoes/kayaks (which it also rents). A good destination for tourists venturing out onto the ponds or ocean.
Groceries
Shop Charlestown Mini Super
A small-town version of a grocery store. Doesn’t stock as many items as bigger supermarkets, so you may need to leave town to get all of your groceries.
Shop Peaches Fruit and Produce
Kind of like a farmer’s market inside of someone’s garage, this shop has fresh fruit and vegetables, baked goods, and cooled drinks. It’s family owned, so it has a friendly atmosphere and is a great place to find freshly grown food.
Specialty shops
Shop Freewheeler
A little tourist shop, it carries items like t-shirts, beachwear, toys, and other beach specialty items. An ideal location to find souvenirs during the summer.
Shop Galapago Boutique
Galapagos Boutique is a hip, upscale women's boutique offering the hotest fashions. Galapagos caters to clients looking for personal service to create an individual fashion statement. You will find top design labels in clothing, shoes, jewelry & accessories, as well as up-and-coming designers new to the fashion scene.
Shop The Fantastic Umbrella Factory
This "factory" is not actually a factory, but is a serene environment that features a wonderful garden and a number of small shops in converted barns with affordable items, a café, and a number of domesticated animals on the grounds that can be fed with feed purchased from one of the stores for $0.35. It has been open since 1968. The shops feature a variety of local wares including toys to crafts. This is a terrific little local spot, not very well known, but a fabulous and interesting piece of the local culture.
Eat
There is an admittedly limited selection for food within Charlestown due to its size, but there is a wide selection along Route 1 in either direction: Narragansett or Westerly.
Budget
Eat Charlestown Famous Pizza
A definite hangout for local residents, they have some of the best pizza around. A worthwhile stop to quench any hunger pains.
Eat Kingston Pizza
A pizza chain found all around Rhode Island, you can eat in or order out their relatively cheap items. Besides pizza, they have a wide selection of appetizers, calzones, and salads. A favorite on nearby college campuses.
Eat Jitters Cafe
A quaint shop that serves a wide array of delectable treats and other traditional coffeehouse fare. Another option for the caffeine-deprived—they also serve coffee and other drinks.
Mid-range
Eat Monahan's by the Cove
Monahan's is a family-oriented and family-run restaurant in the prime beach area of Rhode Island. Enjoy grilled favorites like burgers, hot dogs, and steak sandwiches, and seafood classics including clamcakes and delicious clear "Rhode Island" clam chowder. Beautiful picnic area outside and cozy dining area inside with air conditioning. Take-out is available. Open seasonally from the first weekend in May through Labor Day.
Eat The Corner Deli
Deli sandwiches are their specialty, but everything is refreshing and excellent especially on a hot summer day.
Eat The Hungry Haven
Open daily 6:30AM-2:30PM and for dinner on Fridays, 4PM-9PM A budget-friendly choice for breakfast or lunch, it’s a crowded local favorite.
Eat Sly Fox Den Too Charlestown
This small breakfast and lunch place is a popular local spot. The food is the attraction to this place. It has reasonable prices, and a cozy atmosphere.
Splurge
Eat The Cove
A classy seafood restaurant, it has been a favorite of visitors for years because of the great food and drinks. Also has live music.
Eat The Nordic Lodge
A well known “all-you-can-eat” buffet, the Nordic Lodge features some of the best buffet dining in all of New England. With food for all types of eaters, the Lodge truly impresses with the lobster included in the buffet and its massive selection.
Drink
Drink Dave’s Coffee
A local coffee and specialty drink shop, they are active with benefit events and bring a cozy charm to the street. Use one of their computers or bring your own while you enjoy the state’s best cappuccinos and baked goods.
Sleep
Stay The General Stanton Inn
The General Stanton Inn has a great history, and is a terrific place to stay if you’re looking for a quaint experience. Late check-in available upon request, and accommodations are very flexible. The inn also earned some fame after being featured on the Ghost Hunters TV show, where reported haunting in the nearby cemetery and the inn both were investigated.
Stay The Place Called Hathaway's
Stay Phil & Ann's Sunset Motel
Stay Surf Side Motor Inn
Stay Willows
Stay The Wind Swept Inn
Camping
Stay Burlingame State Park
Burlingame is a great place to stay if you're looking for a great camping experience. On a 2,100-acre plot of land, the site features 755 camping sites of ranging accommodations, as well as an excellent camping store and even an arcade. Burlingame is on Watchaug pond, and also has many swimming and boating facilities, with lifeguards on duty from 9AM-5PM in season. Campground amenities include: children's activities, grill, picnic area, restroom, telephone, waterfront, attractions of interest to children, park, public beach, firewood, pets allowed, boat ramp, canoeing, freshwater fishing, kayaking, playground, freshwater swimming, wildlife viewing. No alcohol is allowed.
Stay Charlestown State Breachway
A kind of “counterpart” to Ninigret’s camping areas, the Breachway offers some excellent saltwater fishing. It is required to have an RV to camp. The Breachway also offers a boat launch, and some of the best bird watching in the area. Non-resident fee is $20 a night.
Bed and breakfast
Stay Brenda's Bed and Breakfast
Stay safe
Emergency contact numbers
- Emergency Operations Center Phone: +1 401 364-1212
- Fire Phone: +1 401 364-7711
- Police 4901 Old Post Rd Phone: +1 401 364-1214
If you are not sure of these numbers, calling 911 will always work in this town and in its surrounding neighborhoods.
Safety tips
- Pack water—there are plenty of shops in town, but if you’re going to be vacationing on the beach or in the parks for a day or two, you need to make sure you don’t get dehydrated.
- Follow the buddy system—as a tourist beach community, you should be pretty safe walking around by yourself at night, but it’s best to keep a phone with you and go with friends just in case.
- Be careful of ticks-check yourself and family regularly. If you are unfamiliar with ticks, this website can give you some more information. http://www.tickencounter.org/
Go next
Day trips
- Block Island is a small island about a dozen miles off the mainland. Take a ferry there for the day to see the National Wildlife Refuge, take a tour, swim in the ocean, or just wander through the shops.
- The University of Rhode Island is 20 minutes away (follow Route 1 east then connect to 108 north). Sporting events, home shows, and concerts occur often at the Ryan Center and elsewhere on campus, so be sure to check out the school’s website to find out how to get tickets. http://www.uri.edu/.
- Mystic is a 30-minute ride, Route 1 South to 95 South. aquarium, historic sightings, and shopping.
Onward
- Newport is a famous city on another island nearby. To get there, you’ll need to follow Route 138 over the bridge; there is a toll both ways, so bring some change. The main road is tourist-centered, so find a place to park and just walk your way up the strip. There are plenty of budget-friendly motels around, but also some hotels and timeshares; get a room and wake up next to the beach.
- Providence, the state capital, is a fun place to visit for shopping and entertainment. You can drive or take the RIPTA bus.
Nearby
Matunuck
City / town · 14 listings · 5 mi away
East Matunuck
City / town · 12 listings · 5 mi away
South Kingstown
City / town · 34 listings · 7 mi away
Ashaway
City / town · 2 listings · 8 mi away
Richmond
City / town · 31 listings · 8 mi away
Wakefield
City / town · 41 listings · 8 mi away
Hopkinton
City / town · 14 listings · 9 mi away
Westerly
City / town · 73 listings · 10 mi away
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