In addition to the fun stuff we have planned for the weekend, you may enjoy exploring the area on your own!

The following is a list of some fun things to do in Narragansett and the surrounding areas:

NARRAGANSETT

A great way to explore Narragansett is by bike! Gansett Rides rents ’em, as well as scooters & jet skis!!

If you do rent (or bring) a bike, the William C. O’Neill Bike Path is a great ride. It’s 8 miles long, and goes from Narragansett to the West Kingston train station. It’s relatively flat, and quite scenic!

If lounging on the beach is more your speed, you’re in luck! Narragansett has four of the best beaches in Rhode Island:

• Narragansett Town Beach
• Scarborough State Beach
• Captain Roger Wheeler State Beach
• Salty Brine State Beach

Read all about them here!

Another hidden gem of a beach exists down in Point Judith. Camp Cronin is very unassuming from the road, and it almost looks like you shouldn’t be driving into the long dirt driveway. Camp Cronin is more of an anything-goes kind of beach, with no lifeguards, and dogs by the dozen jumping in the water to fetch all sorts of thrown objects. There are no fees at this beach, and no amenities to speak of, but it is certainly the right beach for some folks, especially those with dogs, those who like to fish, or those who aren’t big fans of lots of rules.

NEWPORT

The Newport Harbor Shuttle, is an awesome and cheap way to get out on the water, and cruise around the harbor!

Shopping & Dining- There’s a ton of cute shops, restaurants, and bars in Newport! Check out Bowen’s Wharf, Bannister’s Wharf, Thames Street and Bellevue Avenue! (Don’t worry, they’re all within walking distance of each other!)

Mansions – Newport is home to amazing mansions from the Gilded Age, and 9 of them are open for tours. Tickets are available from the Preservation Society of Newport County.

Cliff Walk – A breathtaking 3.5 mile walkway that runs along the shore and behind the great mansions of Newport, and best of all, it’s FREE! That’s right, FREE! Just make sure to wear some good walking/hiking shoes, as only part of it is paved, and parts of the walk include some pretty rugged terrain. Bring some sunscreen and water!

Brenton Point State Park – Beautiful park overlooking the Atlantic, also home to the Newport Kite Festival!

Fort Adam’s State Park – Grab a Del’s Frozen Lemonade and meander the grounds of this 19th century fort surrounded on three sides by Newport Harbor. The annual Newport Folk Festival is held on the grounds here, and it also plays host to lots of large sailing events. They also offer guided and self guided “tunnel rat” tours, a 2.2 mile Bay Walk, and even laser tag. The park is accessible by car and the Newport Harbor Shuttle.

Easton’s Beach – Located on Memorial Boulevard at the start of the Cliff Walk, Easton’s Beach is a 3/4 mile long surf beach with a board walk and a 1950’s Carousel. Paid parking, snack bar, umbrella and beach chair rental are available.

MIDDLETOWN

Bird’s Eye View Helicopter Tours – An awesome way to see Newport and the surrounding areas! They offer a variety of tours, including the Lighthouse Tour which Jer surprised me with last summer!

Newport Storm Brewery – Newport’s very own beer is brewed here, and they’ve also started distilling their own rum. They offer guided tours and tastings!

Newport Vineyards – If you’re not into beer check out Newport Vineyards. While their wines aren’t the best, the grounds are lovely, the cafe has great food, and they usually have a live band on the weekends!

WESTERLY

Grey Sail Brewing is a small brewery and a good stop on the way in or out of Rhode Island from/to points West. Just on the Connecticut border, it’s about 10 minutes from I-95. Grey Sail has a tasting room where you can try their beers and buy a limited amount of 6-packs or large format beers, and get your growlers filled. Housed in an old brick macaroni factory with a large glass facade, it’s a very charming place to visit, with a friendly staff (and patrons) and an open view of the brewing floor.