Westerly, Rhode Island has beautiful beaches, gorgeous restaurants, exciting nightlife, and wonderful shopping experiences. The historic downtown is full of shops, art galleries, public parks, historic restaurants, and the famous Victorian strolling park, while the breathtaking shoreline and the nature escape of Napatree Point are less than a 10-minute drive from downtown. Though it is not one of the leading vacation destinations in the region, it is a favorite weekend and family getaway owing to the number of fun opportunities it has - both indoors and outdoors. Read below to learn about some of the things to do in Westerly, Rhode Island.
1. Soak in the tranquility of Dr. John Champlin Glacier Park
One of the best places worth visiting in Westerly if all you want is soak in the peace and tranquility of nature is Dr. John Champlin Glacier Park. It is a heavily wooded park covering about 173 acres (70 hectares) of land. The fresh air, the beautiful views, and the various soothing sounds of nature emanating from the quiet woods will be more than relaxing. Additionally, through the informative signage along the trails, you will learn about the glacial recession that took place in the park thousands of years ago, as well as the kind of impact the last ice age had on the land.
Dr. John Champlin Glacier Park
Address: 5 Kettle Cl, Westerly, RI 02891, United States
Opening hours: 6am - 6pm (daily)
2. Treat your eyes to the views from Watch Hill Lighthouse
Watch Hill Lighthouse has been gracing the Westerly landscapes since 1807 after it was constructed on the orders of President Thomas Jefferson. It is listed in the National Registry of Historic Places and a visit will treat you to the most amazing views of Westerly and the ocean. You will be excited to learn how it feels to have a vantage view of the surrounding, including the ability to spot ships when they are still hundreds of miles from the shores.
Watch Hill Lighthouse
Address: 14 Lighthouse Rd, Westerly, RI 02891, United States
Website: Watch Hill Lighthouse
3. Spend an eventful day at Atlantic Beach Park
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
FREE Carousel rides from 1pm-5pm today. Last chance for 2017.
Posted by Atlantic Beach Park on Saturday, October 28, 2017
Whether alone, as a couple, or a family, and if you are looking for that one place where everyone will be guaranteed of immense fun, a trip to Atlantic Beach Park will be worth every second of your time. The park has been in operation since 1921. Think of it as a small amusement park with several rides, a beautiful carousel, a dragon roller coaster, and direct access to the beach. This implies that you have the option of getting to the beach for a myriad of water sport activities, then ending with the thrilling rides at the park. The park is highly recommended if you are looking for a great family hangout with all the fun and entertainment under one roof.
Atlantic Beach Park
Address: 321 Atlantic Ave, Westerly, RI 02891, United States
Website: Atlantic Beach Park
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
You might be interested in these Airbnbs!
4. Unwind yourself at Wilcox Park
Wilcox Park is another little jewel worth exploring in Westerly. The library is already popular but the serene park is an overlooked gem. It is a picturesque Victorian strolling park designed by a protégé of Frederick Law Olmstead – the guy responsible for designing Central Park in New York. With plenty of shaded pathways, grassy basin, a duck pond complete with a water jet, and several picnic sites, the park has everything you need for unwinding and quiet sessions of relaxation. It is also a popular venue for most of Westerly’s public events, and you will always find something going on – flower sales, art shows, musical events, and much more.
Wilcox Park
Address: 44 Broad St, Westerly, RI 02891, United States
Opening hours: 6am - 10pm (daily)
5. Go bird-watching at Napatree Point Conservation Area
Napatree Point Conservation Area should be your destination of choice if you fancy grabbing a pair of binoculars and spotting different kinds of birds. The conservation area is a slender peninsula that touches the Block Island Sound. To the north, it has magnificent views of Little Narragansett Bay, while it opens up to the beautiful Fishers Island on the south. The ideal time to come bird-watching here is during spring when the island is full of migrating shorebirds.
Napatree Point Conservation Area
Address: Westerly, RI 02891, United States
Website: Napatree Point Conservation Area
6. Explore a plethora of games at Gingerella Sports Complex
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Gingerella Sports Complex is where you head to when you want to explore a variety of games – either as a player or a spectator, in Westerly. The complex is primarily suited for the youth but there are occasions when adults will also take to the many playgrounds for fun. The complex has playing grounds for soccer, a skate park, and courts for basketball, tennis, and baseball among other facilities for other types of sports.
Gingerella Sports Complex
Address: White Rock Rd, Westerly, RI 02891, United States
Opening hours: 6am - 9pm (daily)
7. Let the kids enjoy at Flying Horse Carousel
Flying Horse Carousel is at Watch Hill Beach and having commenced operations in 1883, it is one of the oldest operating carousels in the country. It is a fun destination that every kid will love coming to. The highlight of the carousel is the way the kids get suspended from the center frame, and once the rides begin, they start to fly up and down, mimicking the movement on a horseback. The rides are completely free and kids are free to enjoy as much as they want.
Flying Horse Carousel
Address: Westerly, RI 02891, United States
Website: Flying Horse Carousel
Price: 2 USD
8. Sample good beer at Grey Sail Brewing
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
If you appreciate great beers, then you have every reason to check out Grey Sail Brewing and sample a few of their beer products. The brewery provides year-round beers, though a visit to the tasting rooms might see you sample a few of the seasonal brews as well as a couple of one-time releases. The crew is not only super-friendly but also super-knowledgeable and are sure to impress you with their knowledge on beer-making process and the history of the brewery.
Grey Sail Brewing
Address: 63 Canal St, Westerly, RI 02891, United States
Website: Grey Sail Brewing
Opening hours: Wed - Fri: 3pm - 8pm; Sat - Sun: 12pm - 8pm (closed on Mon & Tue)
9. Sunbathe in the relaxing Misquamicut State Beach
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Misquamicut State Beach is clean and beautiful, and a must-visit if you need the best spots for sunbathing in Westerly. In addition to enjoying the sun, you are free to take a dip in the chilly water - an activity that will be exceedingly refreshing in the hot summer afternoons. Or, you can simply go for a romantic stroll in the company of a loved one while you enjoy the views and listen to the sounds of the gentle waves as they crash into the shore.
Misquamicut State Beach
Address: 257 Atlantic Ave, Misquamicut, Westerly, RI 02891-4300
Opening hours: 6am - 10pm (daily)
Price: Free
10. Hike through the scenic Town Forest Trail
Rarely do you find scenic trails close to towns but Westerly Town Forest Trail is one such rare find. The trail is about 2.8 miles (4.5 kilometers) long. It is not heavily crowded and ideal for all skill levels. It is primarily used for running, walking, and hiking. Its beauty, however, comes from the various beautiful sceneries it has. You can see it all throughout the trail, including when you pass through a river section.
Town Forest Trail
Address: Laurel Ave Westerly, Rhode Island 02891
Opening hours: 6am - 6pm (daily)
11. Have a good time at Alley Katz Bowling Center
Hey all you bowling fans....Tonight we will have no open lanes from 6pm-8:30pm do to our normal league play plus a large...
Posted by Alley Katz Bowling Center on Tuesday, 30 July 2019
If you are a sociable being and you love bowling and you won’t mind meeting new people, then you should check out Alley Katz Bowling Center. The center has been a favorite for most residents in Westerly for nearly five decades. It is currently one of the top places in town to enjoy bowling, make new friends, and simply relax. Since it is a family-oriented establishment, don’t shy away from coming with your entire family and having great fun.
Alley Katz Bowling Center
Address: 116 Granite St, Westerly, RI 02891, United States
Website: Alley Katz Bowling Center
Opening hours: Sun - Thu:9am - 11pm; Fri - Sat: 9am - 12pm
12. Visit the quaint Langworthy Farm Winery
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Langworthy Farm Winery on Saturday, July 12, 2014
Langworthy Farm winery is a very quaint and small winery in Westerly, but let that not betray the quality of wines they have on offer. They specialize in producing white wine, and you can easily spot the white wine grapes varietals on site, though they also produce red wine whose grapes are purchased in Long Island, New York. For only 10 USD, you will get a chance to taste up to five varieties and you also get to keep the glass.
Langworthy Farm Winery
Address: 308 Shore Rd, Westerly, RI 02891, United States
Website: Langworthy Farm Winery
Opening hours: 12am - 5pm (daily)
13. Discover Living Sharks Museums
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Living Sharks Museum, America’s First Shark History Museum, is OPEN TODAY 10-6PM during downtown Westerly’s VirtuArt...
Posted by Living Sharks Museum on Saturday, July 17, 2021
Immerse yourself in the world of sharks at Living Sharks Museum. The museum is curated by Keith Cowley and it primarily contains his collection on nearly everything to do with sharks. These range from shark film memorabilia, pre-historic shark fossils, and a variety of shark exhibits that tell the story of encounters between shark and humans, and sometimes the not-so-pleasant results of such encounters. If you would love to dive deep in the world of sharks and discover so many things you might have never even imagined about the animals, then you must include this visit in your itinerary.
Living Sharks Museums
Address: 53 High St, Westerly, RI 02891, United States
Website: Living Sharks Museums
Opening hours: Sat: 10am - 6pm; Sun - Tue: 5pm - 8m (closed from Wed - Fri)
Price: Free admission
14. Watch cultural performances at The Granite Theatre
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
The beauty of traveling is that you get a chance to discover, interact, and appreciate a myriad of cultures. The Granite Theatre is one such place worth checking out to sample the cultural diversity in Westerly. The theatre is housed in a restored Greek Revival church and it is normally the venue for quality shows and cultural displays ideal for learning more about the region’s cultural heritage.
The Granite Theatre
Address: 1 Granite St, Westerly, RI 02891, United States
Website: The Granite Theatre
15. Reignite your love for history at Westerly Armory
The state of Rhode Island has 18 historic armories–one of which is Westerly Armory. It was erected in 1901 and it currently houses a variety of both military and community artifacts. Most of the military collections you will find in the museum focuses on the artifacts as well as the military uniforms of the members of the community who served the nation. The armory also has a library with over 2,000 collections and books in three main categories: Westerly, Rhode Island, and Military. Whether for leisure or research, you can access these books here.
Westerly Armory
Address: B#614, Railroad Ave, Westerly, RI 02891, United States
Website: Westerly Armory
Opening hours: Mon, Thu: 9am - 4pm (closed from Tue - Wed & Fri - Sun)
16. Feed the animals at Manfredi Farms
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Manfredi Farms on Monday, June 20, 2022
Experience being a farmer for a day by visiting Manfredi Farms for a variety of interesting farming activities. Learn about the diverse crops and animals on the farm. Once you are done with the exploration of the gardens, head over to the petting zoo where you will find plenty of barnyard animals that you will not only pet but also have a chance to feed. If you have never interacted closely with domestic animals, then consider this as your chance to do so.
Manfredi Farms
Address: 59 Dunns Corners Bradford Road, Westerly, RI 02891, United States
Website: Manfredi Farms
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 7pm; Sun: 10am - 6pm
17. Browse through the collection at Artists Cooperative Gallery
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Artists Cooperative Gallery is a not-for-profit organization run by volunteers. The gallery offers workshops, classes, lectures, and exhibits that touch on various forms and aspects of art. Every month, the gallery usually has exhibits from members as well as visiting artists who join in to showcase their recent works to fellow artists and members of the public. They have a variety of art in their collection including beautiful canvas paintings and pencil drawings.
Artists Cooperative Gallery
Address: 405 S 11th St, Omaha, NE 68102, United States
Website: Artists Cooperative Gallery
Opening hours: Tue - Thu: 12pm - 6pm; Fri - Sat: 11am - 10pm; Sun: 12pm - 6pm (closed on Mon)
18. Relish seafood delicacies at Guytanno’s International Restaurant
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Guytanno's RI on Monday, August 15, 2022
If you think of yourself as a foodie, with a bias towards seafood and Italian delicacies, then you will be delighted that you visited this hidden gem. Guytanno’s International Restaurant is one of the leading restaurants in Westerly and this is purely because it offers the perfect blend between quality seafood, service, and ambiance. Though they specialize in seafood and Italian cuisines, they have an incredibly rich menu that will meet the dining needs of many people. Additionally, they also offer good portions – great value for your money and stomach!
Guytanno’s International Restaurant
Address: 62 Franklin St, Westerly, RI 02891, United States
Website: Guytanno’s International Restaurant
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 11am - 9pm; Sun: 4pm - 9pm
19. Make the most of nighttime at The Knickerbocker Music Center
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Tonight at the Knick - Roomful of Blues will be heading SWING INTO SUMMER a fundraiser for The WARM Center ! There will...
Posted by The Knickerbocker Music Center on Friday, June 3, 2022
A nice way to spend your nights in Westerly if you love music is to congregate with other music lovers at The Knickerbocker Music Center. Though not a night club, spending a few hours of the night at this center will give you a brief of the nightlife in Westerly–which tends to be a bit reserved, more organized, and deeply immersing compared to what you would find in other typical American cities. The center’s mission is to teach, celebrate, preserve, and cultivate Westerly tunes and blues. Additionally, the center usually hosts renowned musicians for a variety of thrilling performances.
The Knickerbocker Music Center
Address: 35 Railroad Ave, Westerly, RI 02891, United States
Website: The Knickerbocker Music Center
Opening hours: Sun - Wed: 6:30pm - 10pm; Thu - Sat: 7pm - 12am
20. Go back in time at Babcock-Smith House Museum
The Babcock-Smith House Museum is a historic house believed to have been constructed around 1734 by Dr. Joshua Babcock. It is not just one of the town’s architectural landmarks–it also holds vital pieces of the country’s history, given that both Benjamin Franklin and General George Washington were once hosted in the house. If you love history or you are an antique collector, this museum has lots of interesting artifacts you will enjoy learning about.
Babcock-Smith House Museum
Address: 124 Granite St, Westerly, RI 02891, United States
Website: Babcock-Smith House Museum
Opening hours: Thu - Sun: 2pm - 5pm (closed from Mon -Wed)
Enjoy the beauty, culture, and rich history in Westerly
Westerly has the kind of attractions you will need to avoid boring days during your trip. It may not be full of lots of thrilling outdoor adventures, but the available options will suffice the needs of the majority, especially those visiting with families. Use our list of the things to do in Westerly, Rhode Island to enjoy the beauty, culture, and rich history of the region.
History
Get Trip101 in your inbox
Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data
Create an account to