America’s smallest state isn’t just overlooked for its diminutive size, it’s 400 miles of shoreline are overshadowed by its notable neighbors.
New England is teeming with delightful coastal escapes from household names like Cape Cod to tightlipped secrets like Biddeford.
Rhode Island is too often overlooked, whether it be the cozy capital of Providence, ritzy hideaways like Newport, or an underrated beach town travel experts are raving about as a top vacation spot.
That’s right — it’s not Cape Cod or Martha’s Vineyard taking the world by storm. Travelers are still seeking out hidden gems despite summer crowds dwindling down.
That’s where little-known Westerly comes into play — a map-dot town full of surprises ranging from world-class stays to tranquil, crowd-free shores that will have you forgetting all about the Northeast’s most popular beach havens.
Westerly: Rhode Island’s Southernmost Town Awaits
You’d be surprised at how many awesome places to visit in such a small state. Westerly is Rhode Island’s southernmost mainland town, hugging the Connecticut border.
Small town charm meets gorgeous coastlines here, but the curveball is how luxurious this hideaway truly is, with top-rated bed and breakfasts and a Forbes 5-star hotel.
Downtown Westerly beholds a Hallmark movie setting with Victorian-style storefronts and charismatic brick facades for that quintessential New England feel — and yes, there is a picturesque lighthouse closer to shore practically begging for an obligatory photo-op.
This town of roughly 19,000 people has a surprising amount of shops, cafes, and breweries dotting downtown, and even “El Presidente” made a recent visit, hyping up PizzaPlace and Casa Della Luce.
A stone’s throw from the Pawcatuck River is one of Westerly’s most charming stays. 4-star Margin Street Inn is nearly 2 centuries old, a place you wish the walls could talk.
It’s been revamped into an elegant stay, consisting of 10 bedrooms, private bathrooms, and situated on 6 acres of serene countryside, perfect for a relaxing getaway.
Westerly’s Beautiful Beaches
There are numerous places to enjoy Westerly’s vibrant coastline, even the aforementioned river is a sight to behold.
Though travel experts at AFAR highlighted a pair of must-visits this fall:
- Misquamicut Beach
- Watch Hill Beach
Let’s start with the tongue twister, shall we?
Misquamicut Beach is the town’s most popular beach, and the longest stretch of shoreline — 3 miles to be exact.
The good news is summer crowds have all but dissipated — it’s just locals and few tourists sprinkled in by now.
This 3-mile-long barrier island is located within state park grounds, so expect to fork over $20 on weekdays and $30 on weekends for non-residents.
As for Watch Hill Beach, this is where you’ll find the ultimate luxury in Westerly, but let’s not sleep on some of the town’s hidden gems even some locals overlook.
Weekapaug Beach is more secluded, yet equally scenic, with dunes and jetties. You can find your own slice of paradise here now that it’s the off-season.
If you want to really go off-grid, check Napatree Point — this rugged spot is the perfect spot to embrace solitude and soak in sweeping coastal views.
As of now, Westerly is still seeing sunny weather in the 70s, but as we inch toward the holidays, expect swimming to be out of the question.
The Ocean House: Westerly’s Lone 5-Star Hotel
Normally, when people seek out Rhode Island luxury, they instantly think Newport — a haven for the rich and famous where rows of mansions are seemingly endless.
But Westerly says, “Hold my overly priced beer”.
Ocean House is an opulent seaside Victorian-style resort perched on a hill overlooking crashing waves of the Atlantic.
Located in the Watch Hill district of Westerly, expect to find private beach cabanas, fine-dining experiences, and pampering spa treatments while staying in one of the 49 posh guest rooms (including suites and cottages)
It’s the only AAA Five Diamond and Forbes Five-Star hotel in Rhode Island and comes at a hefty price, even in the fall.
Rates in October top $1100 per night.
Sam Sears
Sam, our Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 36 countries and written over 1000 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.
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