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There are so many great things to do in Westerly, Rhode Island, where do I even start? I may be biased, as it is my hometown, but this coastal gem holds a massive place in my heart. It’s so easy to see why people choose this beautiful place to call home.
It is the most southern and western town in South County Rhode Island, with an abundance of magnificent beaches, delightful community spirit, and endless opportunities for fun. Plus, there are so many fun things to do in Westerly RI!
The historic downtown scene in Westerly is thriving with fantastic eateries and shops. Whilst most people flock here in the summer months for the vibrant beachfront areas of Watch Hill and Misquamicut, the pristine beaches are only the start of what this fantastic town has to offer to both locals and tourists!
I’ve listed my top things to do in Westerly Rhode Island plus lots of recommendations – I hope you leave loving Westerly just as much as I do!
Top Things to Do in Westerly RI
Breakfast Burrito Anyone?
You’ll find it hard to beat Cooked Goose and their staple dishes. Whether it’s fluffy buttermilk pancakes or traditional eggs benedict, they offer a mixture of both classic and unique breakfast options.
Dine indoors during the winter months in front of their roaring fire or head outside during the summer months for al fresco dining. Its close proximity to Watch Hill means many people head here for grab and go breakfast to eat and enjoy on the beach too!
Have Burgers and Breakfast!
As B&B Dockside likes to say, ‘it’s not bed and breakfast, it’s burgers and breakfast!’ Surrounded by beautiful dockside views, this really is the perfect place to indulge in yummy, traditional comfort food.
You’ll visit this cute Westerly RI restaurant once, and find yourself coming back again and again, just like all the regular customers who visit multiple times a week!
Get Your Caffeine Fix
Regularly refuel for the day at one of the many local coffee shops Westerly has to offer both downtown and in the surrounding neighborhoods. If Junk n Java did membership, I’d be ‘Platinum’ level…
I’m so grateful this cosy, friendly coffee shop is my local! I genuinely think I’ve sampled every item on the menu – it’s that good! I’ve literally walked here on a rainy winter day just to get my hands on their delicious warm apple cider.
When the weather gets hotter, their outdoor patio is a great place to sip on an iced caramel latte whilst watching the world go by! Inside, the staff are super friendly, the menu extra creative and the interior chic and cozy.
Take a Break with a Book
If you find yourself in downtown Westerly, grab a tasty cookie and coffee from Savoy Bookshop & Cafe and ponder over the many books and journals across both floors. My favorite is the special honey bee latte!
They host regular online and in person sessions too with popular authors to discuss their books and answer any questions from readers. Don’t miss out!
Sample A Beer Or Three!
Quench your thirst at some of Westerly’s favorite spots to grab a beer.
Grey Sail Brewery
As we all undoubtedly are, the talented team here are very passionate about beer! They make sure it is brewed to perfection. You can have a tour of the brewery itself or head straight to their outdoor patio to soak up the sun with a variety of beer flights.
‘The Captain’s Daughter’ is a very popular choice! There’s a darts board too as well as live music and food trucks during the summer months.
Malted Barley Brewery
Located right in the heart of downtown, this is your go to place for a beer and their ever so famous pretzels! Pick your pretzel (mozzarella and tomato stuffed for sure!) and then choose some of the 10+ dips to go with it!
They also offer sandwiches and salads as well as breakfast items in the morning. Beer wise, there are over 30+ to choose from including seasonal, pale ales, IPAs, lagers, porters, stouts and many more!
Don’t forget about the Tuesday evening Trivia Night either!
Indulge a Little at a Martini Bar
Perks & Corks
Martini’s. The one word that springs to mind when I think of this delightful place. The 50+ award winning martinis from their signature menu are huge, delicious and go down very easily (you have been warned!).
They also serve coffee too as well as a variety of lunch items – get the grilled cheese!
Sip at a Winery
Langworthy Farm Winery
Kick back and relax on the outdoor decking with a wine or two at the Langworthy Farm Winery. Located less than a mile away from the ocean, this is the ideal spot to enjoy some wine tasting and cheese.
They host special events throughout the year, including their famous ‘Oysters on the Deck’ which is always a hit.
Tapped Apple Cidery and Winery
Located in lovely downtown Westerly, Tapped Apple Cidery and Winery is one of the top cideries in New England! A visit to Tapped Apple Cidery and Winery means a chance to sample goodies like their Brown Sugar Peach Hard Cider… yum!
Make the Restaurant Rounds
Anniversary coming up? Stuck on a first date? Not sure where to celebrate your birthday? Westerly’s food scene is great; there is something to satisfy everyone’s needs. Check out three of my recommendations below.
Ella’s Food & Drink
If you’re after fine dining, look no further than this magical place. One of the most exquisite dining spots in Rhode Island. Having travelled all over the world, the chef uses this experience to culturally bring together a fabulous French technique and Asian influenced menu.
With the talented team’s culinary expertise, it’s no wonder they’ve won award after award and keep customers coming back for more.
The Bridge
Perched very close to the Connecticut border, this lovely restaurant offers nice views of the river and downtown Westerly whilst you indulge in your meal from either the patio or dining room.
If you’re visiting during the winter, the local ice skating rink is just minutes away so this is the perfect place to escape to for some warm soup and a hot chocolate afterwards! My favorite item on the menu is their delicious Buddha Bowl!
Thong
Nope, it’s not what you think! Thong is a Thai restaurant and it was the first place I took my parents when they visited me. It was too late to get a reservation at some of the bigger restaurants so we headed here and I’m so glad we did!
Located opposite Westerly train station, their menu is full of authentic Thai dishes exploding with a variety of flavors. It’s small inside so you might have a wait, but it’s 100% worth it. There is so much choice on their menu, you will not be disappointed!
Discover Downtown Westerly!
I’ve already mentioned a couple of spots downtown for food and drink, but that’s not all downtown Westerly has to offer. Have a read below of some other options on your visit.
Christina’s
My favorite local Westerly shop and my go to for all things cute and thoughtful. I’d love to fill my home with everything in here! The clothes, jewellery and ornaments are beautiful and I’ve bought many of their hilarious cards for friends’ birthdays.
It’s the ideal spot to pick up some cute souvenirs to remind you of your time spent in the Ocean State too!
Artists Cooperative Gallery
Any art lovers? Featuring a new show every month, as well as a variety of workshops and lectures, the Artists Cooperative Gallery is a non-profit organisation run by art volunteers and founded in 1992.
A great place to enjoy the local art scene if you get the chance during your visit!
Westerly Library
Join me as a member! They’re open 60 hours a week and located right in the heart of downtown Westerly. If you’re after some quiet time or just fancy having a mooch around, the library offers books, magazines, CDs, DVDs, as well as quiet study rooms and IT access.
They often host a number of events too such as craft afternoon or yoga in the park!
Wilcox Park
Grab a takeout coffee and head here for a stroll round Westerly’s beautiful park situated right behind the library. It’s free and open to the public for you to explore the gardens and the fish pond!
Locals regularly take a picnic here to enjoy and every summer Wilcox Park is the location for the family fun ‘Summer Pops’ hosted by ‘The Chorus of Westerly’!
Listen to Live Music
The Knickerbocker Music Center is where to go in Westerly RI for some fantastic live music in the evening! It’s the local music club that brings the community together to celebrate some amazing creative artists.
It was built in 1933, just after the end of Prohibition. You can find a list of great Westerly events on their website and they’ve recently been hosting virtual concerts too!
Visit Manfredi Farms
If you’re visiting Westerly during the Fall, make sure you check out Manfredi Farms selection of spooky pumpkins! In the summer months, visit for strawberry picking and take a peek inside their greenhouse!
If you’re a fan of animals, make sure you say hello to their donkeys, sheep and ducks too!
Play a Game at Alley Katz Bowling Center
Grab your bowling shoes! Serving the community of Westerly for over 45 years, Alley Katz is the perfect place to head to for things to do with family in Westerly RI. They have regular weekday and weekend price specials, as well as a restaurant inside for after you’ve worked up an appetite bowling with the fam. This is also great to add to the list of things to do in Westerly RI on a rainy day!
Dig Out Your Sports Wear!
For those that like to keep active or have golf hobbies they wish to continue on vacation, both are easily possible in the Ocean State!
Winnapaug Golf & Country Club is the only public 18 hole golf course in Westerly and it’s definitely worth a visit! Enjoy a fantastic golf experience here for all skill levels with a beautiful backdrop as you play.
Check out their 3D Course Tour online before you book or even reserve a lesson if you’re a beginner and fancy giving it a go!
If you’d rather go for a little stroll, head to Dr John Champlin Glacier Park, an easy 2.1 mile loop located behind Winnapaug Country Club. It’s perfect for all skill levels and is a great walk to stretch your legs with a lovely view of the ocean at the end!
If you’d rather take a slightly longer loop at 2.8 miles just north of downtown Westerly, check out Town Forest Trail! There are multiple loops and side trails you can take but be careful as it can get very overgrown if you detour too much!
Why Not Stay For The Weekend?
Whilst a day trip is great fun, there’s definitely too much to do for you to cram it all into 24 hours. There are lots of hotels and B&B’s available to choose from but some popular choices you should check out are:
Ocean House
You have just arrived at the most luxurious and elegant establishment in Rhode Island. Whether it’s one of their signature rooms or their stunning, secluded cottages, there is plenty of choice here to relax after a busy day exploring Westerly and the surrounding Watch Hill area.
If you’re here for Winter, make sure you make a reservation for ‘Gondola Village’ – an alpine experience you don’t want to miss!
Click Here to Check Prices & Book!
Weekapaug Inn
Overlooking Quonochontaug pond, this tranquil seafront Inn oozes in modern comfort having completed a $20 million renovation.
It boasts a quintessential New England vibe and offers guests a large range of fun activities such as biking, lawn games, boat tours and more! A great place to unwind each evening after your day in Westerly.
Click Here to Check Prices & Book!
Sun, Sea & Sand!
It’s what we’re famous for in Westerly! It might very well be the smallest state in America, but the Ocean State has some of the most amazing beaches in the country. Soft, golden sand and a beautiful coastline. Carry on reading to find out the best beaches to visit!
Watch Hill Beach & Napatree Point
One of the most popular beaches to visit during the summer months! Great for sunbathing and a day with the family. The Watch Hill Lighthouse is minutes away too and if you’re up for a walk in between relaxing, you can follow the coastline round to Napatree Point – see how much wildlife you can spot!
Grab an ice cream from St Clair Annex and don’t forget to have a go on the famous ‘Flying Horse Carousel’ which was built in 1867 and still operates today! All year round, this is my favorite place in Rhode Island to watch the beautiful sunset colors.
East Beach
Another close by beach in the Watch Hill neighborhood that’s a great spot to escape the crowds from Watch Hill Beach. Parking is super competitive so try to get there early.
Lounge here all day enjoying the ocean views and soaking up the hot Rhode Island sun! Depending on your luck, you may even catch a glimpse of Taylor Swift as the back of her summer home overlooks this beach!
Misquamicut Beach
Another popular beach, Misquamicut is a family friendly beach which offers a more action packed day, if desired! There are rental places for jet skis and paddle boards with lots of live music and beach concerts available for all to enjoy.
In the evening, expect bar crawls, impressive firework displays and for those wanting to catch a movie, head over to the Misquamicut drive in movie!
Come Fly With Me!
It’s not for everyone, but whilst it’s lots of fun exploring somewhere new on foot, imagine how great it would be to see the area you’re visiting from a bird’s eye perspective! Introducing….
Heliblock Helicopter Tour
Whether it’s a romantic lighthouse tour, or a trip to Block Island, these guys have you covered. Enjoy the experience of flying through the sky with sensational aerial views of Rhode Island’s beautiful coastline.
All tours include shuttle service from Misquamicut beach to Westerly airport. PS if you visit Westerly in fall, make sure to check out their Foliage Tours to witness the stunning New England Fall colors.
By the way, if you’re looking for things to do in Westerly RI today or things to do in Westerly, RI this weekend, check out this local events calendar to get up to date info on what’s happening in this coastal Rhode Island gem!
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