Overview
Westerly is a town on the southwestern shoreline of Washington County, Rhode Island. First settled by Elder John Crandall in 1661 it is believed that John Crandall named the town after his birthplace in Westerleigh, England. Today Westerly has many references to his name. In 2010, this community had a population of 23,000, which covers 30.1 square miles (78 km²) of land and 44.7 square miles (116 km²) of water.
Westerly has a friendly atmosphere. Visitors from all over enjoy the calm beaches and the unique shops that the downtown area has to offer.
6 sights · 17 things to do · 27 places to eat · 5 bars & cafés · 11 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Westerly
Watch Hill Lighthouse
There is parking on the premises and down on Bay Street, a 15-minute walk from the lighthouse. The lighthouse is not open to the public but in July and August, the museum is opened in the oil house on Tuesdays and Thursd…
Granite Theatre
The Granite Theater occupies a historic restored Greek Revival Church in downtown Westerly and offers Broadway productions from March through December. Shows are everyday of the week mainly 2-5PM and 6:30-8PM. Prices ran…
Babcock-Smith House Museum
The Georgian Mansion (circa 1734) is the former home of the Babcocks and Smiths. The mansion is elegantly furnished with pieces reflecting the Colonial Babcock years, the Victorian Smith years, and colonial restoration o…
Wilcox Park
Features 18 acres of a wide variety of trees, flowers and shrubs. Wilcox Park is a Victorian-era walking park that has been the center of Westerly's historic downtown since the late 1800s. The pond is the highlight of th…
Westerly Public Library
In downtown Westerly, the historic library opened in 1894. Their collection includes a wide variety of books, magizines, CDs, DVDs, and videos, altogether totaling about 170,000 items. Computers are available for use of …
The Westerly Post Office
The historic Westerly Post Office was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1971. If you like fascinating sites and architecture, you should make your way to here during your visit to Westerly. The immens…
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 — 2 mi away. Directions
- NPT Newport State Airport, Newport — 30 mi away. Directions
- PVD Rhode Island T. F. Green International Airport, Providence/Warwick — 32 mi away (major hub). Directions
Budget & where to stay
- Places to stay listed here: about $115–$135 a night (typical $135), from 3 listed prices.
- Typical meal: about $7 per person at listed restaurants.
- Estimated daily budget per person (room, two meals, local transport and an activity): budget ~$140, mid-range ~$180, comfortable ~$240.
Options are grouped as Camping in the Sleep guide ↓.
Sample 3-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Granite Theatre, Watch Hill Lighthouse, The Knickerbocker Cafe
- Lunch Christina's Place
- Afternoon Pond View Racquet Club, Misquamicut Beach Jet Ski Rental
- Dinner Amanda's Pantry
- Evening Perks and Corks
Day 2
- Morning Babcock-Smith House Museum, Westerly Public Library, Napatree Point
- Lunch Sandy's Fine Food Emporium
- Afternoon Purple Ape, Alley Katz Bowling Center
- Dinner Reale’s Groceries
- Evening Paddy's Beach Restaurant
Day 3
- Morning Wilcox Park, The Westerly Post Office, Bay Street, Watch Hill
- Lunch Ritacco’s Market
- Afternoon Atlantic Beach Park, Cleat's Sports Club
- Dinner Hilltop Café (Pods)
- Evening The Andrea
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Breakfast
Lunch
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
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Understand
The Pawcatuck River surrounds Westerly on the Western border where it serves a dividing mark for Pawcatuck, Connecticut. Westerly's town crest originates from a special species of Salmon that once resided in the Pawcatuck river. Along Atlantic Avenue by the beachfront lays several salt ponds which serves as an outer wall to the distinct beaches that make this community a large tourist attraction during the summer months (May–September). This community doubles in size during the summer months due to the large attraction of families from all over New England.
Westerly is also known for its textiles and unique type of granite that is quarried from Bradford and Potter Hill regions of Westerly. Griswold Textile Print, Inc. has been family operated since 1937. This plant operates on the Pawcatuck River where they make all their prints in house.
Misquamicut Beach
Misquamicut Beach consists of the 3/4-mile State Beach area, two Westerly Town beaches and a Misquamicut Fire District Beach. Private businesses own their own beaches, and these are generally open to the public. All of the beaches come together to stretch for over 7 mi from the Western tip at Watch Hill, and the Eastern tip at Weekapaug Point. This basin design allows for direct flow of Atlantic waves, and also allows beach-goers to have beautiful sunrises and sunsets. Off to the south from Misquamicut Beach you can see Block Island, Rhode Island some 11 mi away and on clear days to the southwest you can see the northern tip of Long Island, New York. Behind the State Beach there is a saltwater pond that stretches for four miles to the breachway near Weekapaug. Atlantic Avenue is the main thoroughfare that runs parallel to the beach. At each end there are two roads that allow visitors to get to the beach, one Weekapaug Road, near the eastern end, and the other is Winnipaug Road, which is near the western end of the State Beach, and right near all sorts of restaurants, hotels, bars and beaches.
The dunes help to control the wind coming off of the water and prevent erosion of the already diminishing shoreline. A state law restricts any person to go onto the dunes at any time for they are fragile and impossible to replace. Many species of fish inhabit the waters, including tuna, bluefish and striper bass. Seals inhabit the waters in early spring, before heading north to Maine. Sunfish, a large 5-6 ft fish, enter the waters in late July early August to eat jellyfish who are also looking for warmer waters. Many whale sightings have occurred, as well as sharks, however none have come close and none are interested in humans. The largest Great White Shark ever caught was caught off of Block Island.
Climate
Summer temperatures and weather begin in middle May, and the season closes in middle September. Temperatures are usually in the mid to high 70s (°F) until mid-July, when temperatures tend to stay in the 80s. This continues straight through until early September. There is relatively no humidity because of the strong westerly winds that blow from Watch Hill. Water temperatures stay relatively cold until late June, and by August they are very warm yet still refreshing. Strong thunderstorms tend to form North of the beach and move South, however they move fast and rarely effect the coast for long. Wave heights are normally 2-3 feet, however this all depends on weather patterns and the tide. Misquamicut is no stranger to 10-20 foot waves in times of hurricanes and other storms.
Get in
By train
- Amtrak, 14 Railroad Av., +1-800-872-7245. One of Rhode Island's three stations is in Westerly.
By plane
By bus
- Ripta Flex Service. Transit designed to serve suburban and rural communities in Rhode Island. Reservation need to make with 48 hours in advance by calling the toll-free Flex Line at +1-877-906-FLEX (3539) or +1 401 784-9500, ext. 220.
Get around
The simplest way to get around Westerly is by a car. Since Westerly is not a large town it can easily be achievable to drive around all the sites and attractions that the town has to offer. Parking is available everywhere around the town. Downtown parking is free but beach parking is an average of $10.
See
See Granite Theatre
The Granite Theater occupies a historic restored Greek Revival Church in downtown Westerly and offers Broadway productions from March through December. Shows are everyday of the week mainly 2-5PM and 6:30-8PM. Prices range from $11-20 depending on if it's a comedy or musical. Year round, the Granite Theatre will stage various forms of entertainment including Broadway plays, children's plays, lecture programs, and cabaret acts.
See Babcock-Smith House Museum
The Georgian Mansion (circa 1734) is the former home of the Babcocks and Smiths. The mansion is elegantly furnished with pieces reflecting the Colonial Babcock years, the Victorian Smith years, and colonial restoration of 1928. It is open May 30-Oct 31: Sa 2-5PM. Price: $5 adults, $1 children under 12.
See Wilcox Park
Features 18 acres of a wide variety of trees, flowers and shrubs. Wilcox Park is a Victorian-era walking park that has been the center of Westerly's historic downtown since the late 1800s. The pond is the highlight of the park where ducks and birds swim. On the east side of the park there is a World War Memorial dedicated to those who have fallen. This memorial is distinct with its granite and blue stone paving. During the midsummer season, Wilcox Park is the setting for the annual Summer Pops Concert, which draws nearly 20,000 visitors from throughout the area.
See Watch Hill Lighthouse
There is parking on the premises and down on Bay Street, a 15-minute walk from the lighthouse. The lighthouse is not open to the public but in July and August, the museum is opened in the oil house on Tuesdays and Thursdays 1-3PM. In 1808, the first lighthouse was built here to warn the mariners of the rough reef that laid in the surrounding ocean. In time this lighthouse had begun eroding and a new lighthouse was built in the same area, but farther from the shore in 1856. This lighthouse still stands with a granite wall around it. You can go sit on the wall and enjoy watching the waves crash up on the rock. Seeing the lighthouse at sunset is a remarkable sight!
See Westerly Public Library
In downtown Westerly, the historic library opened in 1894. Their collection includes a wide variety of books, magizines, CDs, DVDs, and videos, altogether totaling about 170,000 items. Computers are available for use of anyone, and printers are also accessible. The library is a great place to study, read, and hold meetings. Kids will enjoy the Children’s Room, and events held there such as story time. The staff is very friendly and helpful when it comes to research or finding a book you want.
See The Westerly Post Office
The historic Westerly Post Office was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1971. If you like fascinating sites and architecture, you should make your way to here during your visit to Westerly. The immensity and precise detail that has been put into the building since it was built 1913, is truly stunning. The architect, James Knox Taylor, used his Classical Revival style to show off the huge columns and steps leading up to the front doors. If you go here, remember to bring your camera.
Do
Marinas
- Westerly Marina 41 Margin Street, +1 401 596-1727. A complete array of marina services is offered.
- Watch Hill Boat Yard, 21 Pasadena Avenue, +1 401 348-8148. This traditional boatyard and marina offers 81 slips for boats of up to 50 ft in length, and 27 moorings for sailboats of up to 40 ft in length.
Fun
Do Napatree Point
During the Hurricane of 1938, Napatree was hit hard by the storm surge. The hurricane destroyed all homes and roadways that were on 60 acres of land. Today the land is a great beach spot where it is a 1 mi walk from Watch Hill. This area is widely known for its bird watching spots and surfs spots. The land also holds, Fort Mansfield, an old navy post was only operational for a few years before it was sold to create homes in 1928. Today some of the fortified gun emplacements can be seen and structure of the buildings as well. Low tide reveals some of artifacts during that time. If you are visiting in the spring or summer it is recommended to leave your dog elsewhere because of the endangered Osprey that live there.
Do Bay Street, Watch Hill
Like downtown Westerly, Bay Street offers clothing shops of all kinds, gift shops, and a deli.
Do Pond View Racquet Club
This location offers courts and facilities for tennis indoor and outdoor.
Do Alley Katz Bowling Center
Alley Katz has been the community bowling center of Westerly since it opened in 1960. It has electronic scoring systems and synthetic lanes. Fog machines and lighting systems were also installed. Within the bowling center is Cleats Sports Club, where bowlers can go to get food or refreshments. There is a special event for every night, which includes the most popular, Rock N’ Bowl on Saturday nights from 9PM to midnight. During these events, music is played while music videos are shown behind the lanes via projectors, and the fog machines and lights are put to use. There is also a game room near the entrance. Alley Katz is a family environment.
Do Cleat's Sports Club
Cleats Sports Club was created in 1991. It is a bar and a restaurant, and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. They have appetizers, burgers, sandwiches, grinders, and a wide selection of beverages. Five televisions are placed around the room, so you can view any sports game. There is also a pool table, where you and your friends can play a game for a dollar. Cleat’s is in a great location, where you can eat food while watching sports, or while bowling!
Do Summer Pops
Since 1981, the Chorus of Westerly puts on the Summer Pops every June in Wilcox Park. Now, 25,000 people attend this event to start their summer. The concert features the Chorus of Westerly and the Boston Festival Orchestra, and closes with fireworks by Grucci.
Do Spring Festival
The first annual Spring Festival was held in May 2011. This event lasts for 3 days and includes a variety of food and commercial vendors, festival games, major rides including a Ferris Wheel, a petting zoo, street entertainers, and live music. Fireworks kick-off the first night of the festival.
Do Fall Festival
Similar to the Spring Festival in every way except for the season. The first annual Fall Festival was held in September 2011. This event lasts for 3 days and includes a variety of food and commercial vendors, festival games, major rides including a Ferris Wheel, a petting zoo, street entertainers, and live music. Fireworks kick-off the first night of the festival.
Do Shakespeare Festival
This popular event takes place in Wilcox Park in Westerly. It attracts over 20,000 audience members every year. The festival lasts 18 days, in late July.
Do Annual Virtu Outdoor Arts Festival
This annual festival started in 1997. Every year on Memorial Day weekend, about 180 artists present their works in the festival, where citizens can observe and buy various items such as paintings, sculptures, and jewelry. These works of art include visual and also performing arts. Food is also available, from fried dough to burgers and grinders.
Beaches
Rhode Island Beach entrance fees (2017):
- Residents: weekdays $6 per car, weekends $7 per car.
- Non-residents: weekdays $12 per car, weekends $14 per car.
- Seniors: 50% discount from above rates
See Rhode Island State Parks for up-to-date information.
Do Misquamicut State Beach
Generally considered one of Rhode Island's finest beaches, You can find Misquamicut Beach Parking for $10-30 depending on the day. There are several private lots that are easier to access than the state lot. The water is beautiful. It’s normally too cold in June, but warms up at the end of July and stays nice through the beginning of October. Activities include amusement parks with a carousel, mini-golf, go-carts, batting cages, kiddy rides, water slides, paddle boats and jet skis.
Do East Beach
Open daily. This beautiful beach, hidden from the road, is a great place to spend a gorgeous summer day. There is a sandy path from the road that leads down to the beach where you will find lots of space to sprawl out and read a book for the day or play football on the beach. This beach is hardly ever crowded as there is limited parking, located downtown, so many of the people at the beach are tourists that live within walking distance to the beach. Parking down town on Bay Street is slightly more expensive than the other beaches in town, about $20 on the weekends and $10 during the week, but completely worth it! There are also lots of shops on Bay Street as well as a few restaurants worth checking out.
Buy
Shop Christina's Ltd
Christina's has unique merchandise that includes brands like this summer from Lilly Pulitzer, Free People, Eliza B, and many others.
Shop McQuade’s Marketplace
Located on Main Street in Westerly, and also in Mystic, CT and Jamestown, RI, McQuade’s is a well known grocery store. It is also a pharmacy and catering service. There is a butcher shop, baker shop, floral gift department, and a video rental section. They carry fresh seafood and produce, and pre-made “Heat and Eat” dinner items. They also see to specialty services such as cakes, catering, florist services and fruit and gift baskets.
Shop Island Outfitters
This small shop, located in the village of Watch Hill within Westerly, is a great place to stop by when you are walking around and are "looking for a new look." This store has many brands, ranging from Vineyard Vines, to Peter Millar, to Jack Rogers Sandals for the ladies. They cater to both men and women and have a wide variety of items and price ranges.
Eat
Breakfast
Eat Christina's Place
This small Italian has incredible breakfast meals with large portions. Prices are very reasonable.
Eat Amanda's Pantry
Amanda’s Pantry is one of the best breakfast restaurants in town. They are on Main Street, the staff is friendly and helpful, and the food is excellent. They also serve lunch.
Lunch
Eat Sandy's Fine Food Emporium
(Route 1). Sandy's has a wide selection of the highest quality produce and the areas largest selection of organic products. The deli prepares wonderful fresh foods daily. Sandy's also has a variety of unique sandwiches and wraps made to order: Try a "Misquamicut," (hummus, sprouts, green peppers, choice of cheese on a spinach, wheat or tomato wrap next time you visit.
Eat Reale’s Groceries
One of two old, Italian grinder places in Westerly that are highly regarded. Features soft grinder rolls and they are well known for their meatball grinders. Outside of the meatball this is not the place to go for hot grinders as it is the only one on the menu, and they do not toast their grinders. They also have hard to find Italian meats, such as prosciutto and mortadella, which they feature in their loaded Italian grinder.
Eat Ritacco’s Market
This is the second of the old Italian Westerly grinder places that have almost been around longer than cars (barely kidding). Here, they use very hard bread that they bake themselves every morning. They also sell Italian delicacies such as soupy and wandies. The hot grinders are the specialty here, they have meatball, steak and cheese, sausage and peppers amongst many, many more. They also toast every grinder unless you specify you do not want it toasted.
Eat Hilltop Café (Pods)
Hands-down the best pizza you will find in Westerly. Not exactly a family-friendly atmosphere, but if pizza is what you are looking for Pod’s is head and shoulders above everywhere else. There buffalo wings are also terrific, and they have a full service bar. Also, don’t expect to be waited on hand and foot; the service will leave something to be desired.
Eat The Cooked Goose
One of the best places in Westerly to get a sandwich. The Cooked Goose is a breakfast and lunch restaurant. Their menu consists of a variety of delicious sandwiches, along with baked goods, appetizers, soups, salads, and burgers. It is near the beach. They host parties and other events.
Dinner
Eat Thong Thai Restaurant
A small but very nice (with candle light and soft music) Thai restaurant.
Eat Vetrano's Restaurant
This restaurant will please anyone who loves authentic Italian food. The unique murals on the walls provide for a real Italian experience.
Eat Dunn’s Corners Pizza (DCP)
They offer your average pizza and grinder selection, pastas, sandwiches and burgers. The burgers are a terrific bargain as you can get a good-sized burger for only $5. The grinders are a little bit light on meat, which is a shame because the bread is fresh baked and delicious. The buffalo chicken pizza is awesome; they mix buffalo sauce with pizza sauce for their own mix. DCP has the feel of a local place, and their prices are the cheapest in the beach area.
Eat Venice Restaurant
Venice is a restaurant and banquet facility that is located near the beautiful seaside.
Eat Guytanno’s Café
This restaurant is best described as an intimate atmosphere but at the same time a homely feeling. Dishes here include a little of everything- international influences on pastas, seafood and steaks, make up this menu sure to have a little of everything for anyone.
Eat Olympia Tea Room
Surrounded by many shops, the ocean, and one of the oldest carousels in America, Olympia Tea Room is as beautiful as its surroundings. Closes during the winter; reopens in Spring.
Eat Two Little Fish
Family style seafood restaurant, open since 1997.
Eat 99 Restaurant
A family-like environment, 99 has a wide-ranging menu.
Eat Mario's Northend Pizzaria
Mario’s is one of the many pizza restaurants in the town of Westerly; however it is one of the best. Not only do they have great tasting pizza, but they also serve soups, salads, sandwiches, grinders, seafood, wraps and many Italian dishes. An arcade was put in the restaurant, so your kids will love it! This is a great family environment.
Eat Pizza Place
Since 1998 the Pizza Place has provided the town of Westerly with great pizza. Their focaccia bread is loved around town. They serve salads, appetizers, red pizzas, white pizzas, pasta, and grinders.
Eat The Brazen Hen
This bar and grill allows for walk-ins, big groups, and service inside and outside. When you walk into this restaurant, you get the feeling like you are in an Irish Pub. You feel extremely comfortable in the setting and they have a pub-style lunch menu: many different sandwiches, wraps, Irish dishes, salads, soups and burgers. They seem to be quite well-known for the french fries.
Eat The Haversham Tavern
This restaurant is home of the classic 19th century tavern that makes you feel alive when you stop in. You can stop by for a quick bite to eat, a full meal, or a beer. The bar scene here is quite nice, with plenty of huge flat screen TVs, live music and ice cold drinks on tap.
Ice Cream
Eat St. Clair Annex Ice Cream and Sandwich Shop
In off season be sure to call ahead for hours. This family-owned business was established in 1887 and has been passed down 5 generations. There is inside dining and a pick-up window to order ice cream from. Be sure to try one of their famous lobster rolls and the homemade ice cream in a wide range of flavors.
Eat Downtown Creamery
The Downtown Creamery is in downtown Westerly, on the border of Westerly and Pawcatuck. This is a place where you can eat and enjoy your ice cream in a clean, friendly environment. One of the famous items on the menu is the “Big Kahuna.”
Misquamicut Beach
Eat The Kitchen
Fine dining in Misquamicut.
Eat Maria's Seaside Cafe
Great dining on the main drag in Misquamicut.
Eat Sam's Snack Shack
Beach Side Snack Shack. Excellent food. Breakfast, lunch and afternoon snacks
Eat Salty's Clam Shack
Local seafood stop, order and eat outside. Great food.
Drink
Drink Perks and Corks (Perks)
“Perks” is a coffee house by day, bar by night and has even been recognized by Best of RI Magazine to be the “Best Day to Night Hangout.” On any given night there is live music at Perks whether it be a local band or an open mic night, a crowd is sure to gather. The place is decorated with comfy couches and living room furniture all around.
Drink Paddy's Beach Restaurant (Paddy's)
This restaurant/bar is on the ocean’s shore with three different dining areas and two cocktail areas located outside, one on the beach and one on the deck. Paddy’s has specialty drinks made in souvenir glasses that you can buy once for about $20. There are DJ deck parties most weekend afternoons and nightly entertainment (check the online calendar for dates).
Drink The Andrea
This restaurant/bar/hotel is on the Atlantic with a back deck leading onto the beach. They offer lunch and dinner menus, with a comprehensive seafood menu. At night, there is usually either a DJ or a band, which are listed on their website. Paddy’s can be found just a few doors down, also right on the beach for those that like to move around.
Drink Grey Sail Brewing
Small brewery producing tasty beers that you can try in a comfortable tap room. If you buy the glass, the samples are quite big.
Sleep
Stay Point One Resort
Stay Ocean House
Constructed in 1868, the Ocean House hotel was once a Victorian-style architectural masterpiece which became a must-have summer home to the wealthy of the 1900s. The hotel was deemed unsafe and beyond repairs and was torn down and rebuilt just as beautiful as the original even keeping some of the original architecture. 49 guest rooms. Amenities also include a spa with hair salon, indoor lap pool, state of the art fitness center and only a few steps away are views of the private beach. There is also one fine dining restaurant on the premises and three other places to grab food on the go.
Stay Sandy Shore Hotel
Stay Sand Castle Inn
Stay Sea Shell Motel
Camping
- Burlingame State Park is a large tourist attraction, and they allow camping, hiking, fishing, and biking. Located off of Rt. 1 North, it is about 15 minutes from Misquamicut and makes you feel at one with nature. State fees do apply, check out www.riparks.com for more information about rules and restrictions.
Jim's Trailer Park allows space for around 35 campers. Located directly on Misquamicut Beach within walking distance of bars and restaurants. +1 401-322-0728. Call for availability and rates.
Stay safe
Never mix drinking with swimming, driving or any other activity. This may result in serious injury or death. Call Wright's Taxi at +1 401-596-8294 or Eagle Cab at +1 401-596-7300 if there is any question in your mind about your alcohol level. Westerly Police and Ambulance have a strong presence in Misquamicut.
Go next
- Narragansett is about 20 minutes north on RI 1.
By taxi
Place Wright's Taxi
Also offers flat rates to destinations around Westerly and nearby attractions.
Nearby
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