At the southwesternmost point of Rhode island is a small stretch of land extending into Little Narraganset Bay where the Long Island Sound interacts with the Atlantic. The area known as Watch Hill Beach RI actually is part of the village of Watch Hill and is comprised of several beaches, including Carousel Beach, Napatree Point and East Beach. Each of the three has different attractions and fans. Points of interest in and around the village make this a magnet for visitors, especially in the summer months. It's only eighty miles from Boston and twice that distance from New York.
Carousel Beach, near the antique carousel is a major attraction for families with children. As the name suggests, the old-fashioned Flying Horse Carousel is the oldest continuously operated carousel of its type in the States and is a National Historic Landmark. The horses are suspended from chains, rather than being attached to a platform. They feature leather saddles, a mane and tail of real horsehair and there are opportunities to grab for silver or a brass ring. The beach requires a small daily fee, provides a locker and a lifeguard. The waves are small.
East Beach is perhaps more popular, due to its stronger waves. There is no fee to use these sands, but it has fewer amenities. Access to the sands and surf is along a sandy path and can be a bit hard to find unless you know the area. The sands are well-maintained and clean.
Napatree Point is the longest of the beaches associated with Watch Hill. It offers about two miles of barrier sands free of houses or roads. There is public access and it is widely used by bird watchers, surf casters and those interested in the historic remains of Fort Mansfield. It also features scenic views of the 1808 historic Watch Hill Lighthouse and Fisher's Island.
The village of Watch Hill was originally a resort area with a number of Victorian cottages and bath houses built along the stretch to Napatree Point. These summer houses were mostly built in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. As economic times changed, they became too expensive to keep up.
The 1938 hurricane took this area by surprise and destroyed houses, bathing pavilions, and yacht clubs. At times, the remains of foundations as well as artifacts can be seen. Breechways were created by the storm, some of which remain. Hurricane Sandy also affected this area, although not to the extent of 1938 and 1954 storms.
Another area of sand and surf is associated with the Watch Hill Inn originally built in 1845. It is a private stretch of sand, but many of the activities, such as the weekly Regatta can be seen from bulkhead in front of the Inn. The community itself is a gated resort for the wealthy.
The attractions of Watch Hill Beach RI area include historical sites such as the lighthouse and the batteries from Fort Mansfield. The unique carousel is perfect for children and is maintained in excellent condition. Carousel, East and Napatree Point beaches offer different experiences for visitors to the area.
Carousel Beach, near the antique carousel is a major attraction for families with children. As the name suggests, the old-fashioned Flying Horse Carousel is the oldest continuously operated carousel of its type in the States and is a National Historic Landmark. The horses are suspended from chains, rather than being attached to a platform. They feature leather saddles, a mane and tail of real horsehair and there are opportunities to grab for silver or a brass ring. The beach requires a small daily fee, provides a locker and a lifeguard. The waves are small.
East Beach is perhaps more popular, due to its stronger waves. There is no fee to use these sands, but it has fewer amenities. Access to the sands and surf is along a sandy path and can be a bit hard to find unless you know the area. The sands are well-maintained and clean.
Napatree Point is the longest of the beaches associated with Watch Hill. It offers about two miles of barrier sands free of houses or roads. There is public access and it is widely used by bird watchers, surf casters and those interested in the historic remains of Fort Mansfield. It also features scenic views of the 1808 historic Watch Hill Lighthouse and Fisher's Island.
The village of Watch Hill was originally a resort area with a number of Victorian cottages and bath houses built along the stretch to Napatree Point. These summer houses were mostly built in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. As economic times changed, they became too expensive to keep up.
The 1938 hurricane took this area by surprise and destroyed houses, bathing pavilions, and yacht clubs. At times, the remains of foundations as well as artifacts can be seen. Breechways were created by the storm, some of which remain. Hurricane Sandy also affected this area, although not to the extent of 1938 and 1954 storms.
Another area of sand and surf is associated with the Watch Hill Inn originally built in 1845. It is a private stretch of sand, but many of the activities, such as the weekly Regatta can be seen from bulkhead in front of the Inn. The community itself is a gated resort for the wealthy.
The attractions of Watch Hill Beach RI area include historical sites such as the lighthouse and the batteries from Fort Mansfield. The unique carousel is perfect for children and is maintained in excellent condition. Carousel, East and Napatree Point beaches offer different experiences for visitors to the area.
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Our mission is to keep Watch Hill Beach RI clean at all times. Please help us to keep the East Beach a beautiful beach for all its visitors by sending your donations to http://www.watchhilleba.org.