Rhode Island's Gorgeous Coastal Neighborhood Is A New England Gem With Panoramic Beaches

Newport, with its Gilded Age mansions, scenic Cliff Walk, and old-world International Hall of Fame, may get more attention and hype, but there's a small town on the southern coast of the Ocean State that gives the Sailing Capital of the World a run for its money. Watch Hill, Rhode Island, located about 3 miles east of the Connecticut line as the crow flies, is a quieter, but equally inviting destination. It's an idyllic community with some of the best beaches in Rhode Island. It's also more accessible than Block Island. Little Rhody's other well-known coastal getaway destination — one of the most picturesque places to visit on the East Coast — is about 5 miles offshore, requiring a 30-minute fast-ferry transfer from Point Judith on the mainland.

With a landmass of less than 1 square mile, Watch Hill an intimate destination where the small-town vibe, it's actually a village in the town of Westerly, is particularly conducive to rest and relaxation. Surrounded on three sides by water, Watch Hill is first and foremost a beach community. Of the three main public beaches, East Beach is the best choice for surfers. The 3-mile long stretch of beach runs east to west from Ninigret Pond to Quonochontaug Neck, offering a view of Montauck, Long Island — an East Coast must for surfers — on the horizon. One of the least developed beaches on the Rhode Island coast, it's especially appealing to surfers during hurricane season when, hopefully, off-shore storms crank up the swells. Although body surfing is okay anytime of year, board surfing is restricted between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. during the summer season. The beach has two 10-site camping areas. Four-wheel drive and a beach barrier pass are required for both.

Continue west along the shore, passing by Lighthouse Road, to reach Watch Hill Beach. Also known as Carousel Beach, it's a family-friendly stretch of sand with warm, shallow water and a gentle tide. And, of course, there's a carousel, but it's not just any old merry-go-round. The Watch Hill Carousel is a local landmark. Dating to 1867, Watch Hill Carousel is believed to be the oldest operating carousel in the United States. Although its history is murky, the prevailing opinion credits New York's Charles W.F. Dare Co., a 19th-century pioneer in carousel design, with creating the whimsical ride. Historians believe it was featured in a traveling carnival until around 1883 when, for reasons unknown, the roaming troupe passed through Watch Hill and left the carousel behind. Also known as the Flying Horse Carousel, it's vintage all the way. A total of 20 brightly painted horses, all with authentic leather saddles, swing from chains connected to the ceiling. Centrifugal force causes the individual horses to swing out, enticing riders on the outside to reach for a brass ring to claim a free ride. Other family-friendly amenities include lifeguards, lockers, and restrooms.

Another beach with gentle surf, Napatree Point is Watch Hill's westernmost beach. Situated on a peninsula that extends into Little Narragansett Bay it's popular among daytrippers who arrive by boat. It's also part of the Napatree Point Conservation Area, an 86-acre protected habitat for endangered species including piping plovers, least terns, osprey, and American oystercatchers. A 3.1-mile trail loops through the conservation area with plenty of opportunities for birdwatching, fishing, or just whiling an afternoon in a tranquil setting. There are no lifeguards on duty, but there is parking — with a short walk to the sand, so pack light — at the east end of the beach.

Watch Hill business district is a fun-to-explore historic village on the shores of Little Narragansett Bay. It's not a shopping mecca, but a few well-known brands represent — think Lily Pulitzer and Island Outfitters — alongside local shops and eateries. Open seasonally, Watch Hill General Store at Harbour House Inn is the go-to place for beach gear, light provisions, and souvenirs. Expect the unexpected at Olympia Tea Room — the Bay Street eatery isn't a tea room. The family-owned restaurant has been operating in the same location since 1916 and serves dinner in a cozy setting with antique mahogany booths. Seasonal sidewalk seating offers a prime position to watch the sun set over Little Narragansett Bay. A few steps down Bay Street, St. Clair Annex is another family-owned Watch Hill landmark. The traditional New England clam shack is the go-to place for ice cream made on site in small batches. Pick up a cone or lunch-to-go and head for the bluff trail to Watch Hill Lighthouse & Museum. Getting to the lighthouse requires a ¼-mile walk, but the view is worth the effort.

From the lighthouse, take a look back over your shoulder to the east to see the oceanfront Ocean House. Considered Watch Hill's grandest lodging establishment, the 49-room waterfront hotel offers expansive water views and a private beach. Ocean House's two main restaurants, Verandah Raw Bar (a seasonal porch-front venue) and Coast (fine-dining in an elegant setting) are open to the public. Coast also hosts Sunday jazz brunch. Watch Hill, Rhode Island is less than 50 miles southwest of Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport (PVD). Located about 10 miles south of Providence, it's an easy-to-navigate airport that ranks among the country's best.