Blue skies, sandy beaches, fresh seafood, smores by the bonfire…Rhode Island is my home away from home come summertime. I grew up vacationing with my family as a kid in Rhode Island and twenty-five years later the tradition continues as we always build some of our best memories here. I hope this post will help give you some recommendations for a few of my favorite places in Narragansett.
Places To Stay in Narragansett
It’s super popular to rent a house within walking distance to many of the Rhode Island beaches and that’s what my family has always done. Of course, some of these popular rentals can be found of websites and apps such as VRBO and AIRBNB but it’s also popular to look at local realtors who specialize in weekly summer rentals. (Plan ahead as many families repeat their bookings yearly.)
Favorite Beaches in Narragansett
Scarborough State Beach is a public beach located on Ocean Road in Narragansett offering a variety of beach amenities. Public parking has a fee and is located next to the pavilion. The pavilion offers restrooms, outdoor shower facilities, concessions, a gift shop and grassy picnic area for grilling. Lifeguards can be found on duty for the beach located closer to the pavilion or considered the “south beach” whereas the north beach does not have beach patrol. This beach definitely gets great waves for boogey boarding and body surfing! Beach house rentals are in all the neighborhoods opposite of the beach which make its easily accessible for those who like to walk. I grew up going to this beach and continue to do so. At the “north beach” there is a rocky/cliff area that is great for crabbing!!
Narragansett Town Beach is a public beach located on Boston Neck Road in Narragansett and is often very popular! The beach is classic New England coastal beach with some of the best conditions in the state and is located near the center of town making it great for eating or shopping after a day of sun and fun!
Roger Wheeler State Beach is a public beach located on Sand Hill Cove Road in Narragansett and is popular for families with children! Roger Wheeler is protected from the Block Island Sound thus making for a gentle surf or calm waters…great for young children to swim and play. The beach offers an array of amenities including a shaded pavilion, outdoor showers, restrooms, concessions, a gift shop, picnic area, lifeguard towers and playground.
Things To Do in Narragansett
Clamming/Crabbing at Bluff Hill Cove/Aguntang Brook. While driving to get to the Block Island Ferry, you will cross a two-lane overpass and to the right you will see the cove/brook which is great for clamming or crabbing. Simply pull over for street parking and take your clamming fork or string and bait for crabbing and head into the water! Be sure to check the tides before so you aren’t waist deep making it harder on yourself.
Biking Around Great Island. Great Island is a neighborhood of Narragansett located near Point Judith and Galilee. The Island as you can guess…is surrounded by water, has hilly terrain and is home to beautiful houses and views. If you like being active, it is great to bike around the streets as they are quiet, and the views are breathtaking!
Take the Block Island Ferry located at Point Judith for a quick and easy day trip to Block Island! The schedule and tickets can be purchased online ahead of time for both the regular ferry as well as the hi-speed ferry.
Take a Day Trip to Newport! Newport is a bustling seaside town with shopping, great eats, beaches, the cliff walk, mansions and boat tours. As you can imagine it is a very popular summer destination and staying in Narragansett allows for a great day trip to sea this beautiful town and experience some of the fun without having to pay the hefty summer prices on accommodations.
Best Places to Eat in Narragansett
Breakfast
Cool Beans Café located in the center of town, is a great option for breakfast whether to grab and go or to eat at one of the outdoor tables. The menu is pretty extensive with coffees, teas, juices, smoothies, pastries, bagels, breakfast sandwiches, acai bowls, oatmeal’s, avocado toast and other healthy options. They basically have something for everyone’s tastes!
Bagelz located in the neighboring town of Wakefield is a must stop for bagel lovers! The bagels are handmade fresh and boiled daily. They have standard bagel options including cinnamon raisin, everything, plain, egg, sesame, whole wheat and a variety of spreads such as butter, peanut butter & jelly, hummus, plain cream cheese and flavored cream cheeses (chive, strawberry, walnut raisin, veggie, etc.). You can even vamp it up and order a breakfast egg sandwich or if you’re stopping in a little later in the day, order a hearty deli sandwich on a bagel. Definitely a great spot!
Casual Lunch/Dinner
Iggy’s Doughboys has multiple locations through Rhode Island but the most convenient to Narragansett is located on Point Judith Road. Iggy’s has been awarded “Best Clam Shack” from Rhode Island Monthly Magazine as well as featured on CBS’s The Early Show Taste of America for the “Best Clam Chowder in the US.” I couldn’t agree more about the clam chowder…is it AMAZING!!! Other popular items on the menu include the clam cakes and doughboys but the menu is endless. I’ve only ever ordered take-out and done so on the website as they have a line strictly for pickup, a great option if you do not want to wait!
Aunt Carrie’s is situated in the heart of Point Judith, mere steps away from Iggy’s. Aunt Carrie’s is a family-owned business now operated by the fourth generation and has been open for over 100 years! Aunt Carrie’s has also been awarded and recognized by many sources including the Rhode Island Monthly Magazine for “The Best of Rhode Island” and ABC Channel 6 Viewers’ Choice Awards for “Best Clam Cakes.” I have ordered take-out as well as dined in before. The dining is super casual and tends to have a wait. If you take out but do not want to wait to get home, there are picnic tables across the street. My personal favorite on the menu is the Lobster BLT made on homemade bread…it’s better than any traditional lobster roll.
I love to order the clam chowder from Iggy’s online to pick-up and then wait in line at Aunt Carrie’s for the Lobster BLT…I get the best of both worlds!
Monahan’s “Clam Shack by the Sea” is another great casual option like that of Iggy’s and Aunt Carrie’s although the views on the casual patio are no comparison! Monahan’s is located on Ocean Road overlooking the sea and the Narragansett Town Beach in the distance. The menu features salads, seafood rolls, sandwiches and baskets, dinner meals with fries and coleslaw and of course ice cream!
George’s of Galilee is located…just like the name says in Galilee! George’s overlooks the Block Island Sound and offers an array of locally caught seafood, farm-to-table vegetables and hand-cut steaks. The restaurant has six dining rooms between two floors, al fresco dining, and a takeout window…as I like to say something for every taste. Be sure to check out the live entertainment while grabbing a drink seaside!
Lobster Pickup near Block Island Ferry. A meal I look forward to every summer is a fresh lobster! Head towards Point Judith and the Block Island Ferry and instead of going left towards the ferry, take a right and head into the parking lot alongside the dock. Here you’ll find lobster signs from local fisherman who have returned for the day and are selling fresh lobsters right from their boats! It’s a fun way to get lobsters rather than the grocery store!
Finer Lunch/Dinner
Spain of Narragansett…my go to spot! I nor my husband or family has ever had a bad meal here. We’ll celebrate summer birthdays or anniversaries here and the food and service are always wonderful. I love the outdoor patio dining with twinkle lights as well as the indoor dining that makes you feel like you’re in the Mediterranean. The menu features handcrafted cocktails, wines and cuisine that is a mixture of Spanish and Mediterranean. I’ve had the chicken parmigiana, filet mignon and scallops and loved them all. Be sure to make reservations in advanced as it is very popular amongst locals and visitors.
Matunuck Oyster Bar is located about fifteen minutes from Narragansett in South Kingston on Potter Pond. Indoor and outdoor patio dining offers water views with beautiful sunsets and a fun ambiance. Seafood is caught locally, with the raw bar including Rhode Island oysters and oysters grown in Potter Pond as well as farm-raised vegetables and herbs on property. The food, drinks and environment always make for a great dining experience. Be sure to make reservations 21 days in advance as its pretty much guaranteed to be fully booked any closer to the date you desire.
Coast Guard House is located on Ocean Road with outstanding oceanfront views! I personally have only been here for cocktail hour because I wanted to experience just how stunning the views are! I know it is a very popular fine dining restaurant option amongst visitors and locals…especially for those looking for a fancy meal or place to celebrate a special occasion! The restaurant has a variety of spaces for dining including the main level dining room and patio, an outdoor deck (weather permitting) and an anchor room. I look forward to dining here in the future!
Ice Cream
Brickley’s Homemade Ice Cream awarded as the “Best Ice Cream in South County” is hands down the only ice cream spot to go to while staying in or near Narragansett. Brickley’s is a family-owned business (with many local high schoolers scooping in the summer) located in both Narragansett (by the beaches) and in the historic center of Wakefield. The menu always has over 45 flavors listed including ice cream, frozen yogurt, no-sugar added ice cream, sherbet and sorbet. Be prepared for a line as it is not a secret how great the ice cream is…but it does move fast! My personal favorite is Coffee Oreo!!
