Watch Hill Rhode Island Things To Do: Carousel, Beaches and Village Life
Dawne Lundahl
Watch Hill sits at the southwestern tip of Rhode Island, where the Atlantic meets Little Narragansett Bay and the coastline curves toward Connecticut. It's a small village — you can walk the whole thing in an afternoon — but it packs more into that stretch of coastline than most destinations ten times its size. Here's everything worth doing in Watch Hill, Rhode Island, from someone who grew up doing all of it.
Family Travel Guide: What to do in Watch Hill with Kids
Go For A Ride On Flying Horse Carousel
Catch The Brass Ring - A Watch Hill Tradition
Start here. The Flying Horse Carousel is the oldest operating carousel in the United States, built in 1876, and it's still running every summer at the end of Bay Street.
The horses hang freely from a center frame and swing outward as the carousel spins — that's the "flying" part. The brass ring tradition is still alive here too: riders reach for rings as the carousel spins, and catching the brass one earns a free ride. It's open to children only, which makes watching from the sidelines one of the best family-friendly activities in town. Lines form early on summer mornings. Get there before 10am. Pick up a Flying Horse T-shirt or hoodie from Flying Horse Carousel Collection to wear while you're there.
Visit East Beach In Watch Hill, Rhode Island
Enjoy The Watch Hill Beach Town Energy
East Beach faces the open Atlantic and stretches along the ocean side of Watch Hill. Its wide, beautiful beaches are consistently ranked among the best in Rhode Island.
The surf is real here — this is not a calm-water beach — which makes it a favorite for swimmers and surfers alike.
Pick up a t-shirt or hoodie from The Wishful Fish East Beach Collection to wear on the sand.
Parking is limited, so walk from downtown Watch Hill or arrive early. Bring everything you need; there are no concessions on the beach itself.
SHOP THE EAST BEACH COLLECTION
Walk Out to Napatree Point Conservation Area
in Watch Hill
Napatree Point is a barrier spit that extends west from Watch Hill into Little Narragansett Bay, with the Atlantic on one side and the bay on the other. The walk out takes about 20 minutes and rewards you with sweeping views of the water, the Connecticut shoreline, and — on clear days — Fishers Island. It's a protected wildlife sanctuary, so you'll share the path with shorebirds, osprey, and the occasional seal. No dogs allowed in season. Wear shoes you don't mind getting sandy.
Walk The Shops on Bay Street, Watch Hill, Rhode Island
Watch Hill Yacht Club
Bay Street is the heart of downtown Watch Hill — a short stretch of boutiques, restaurants, and ice cream shops that runs along the harbor. Olympia Tea Room has been serving since 1916 and is worth a stop for lunch or a lobster roll.
St. Clair Annex has been scooping ice cream since 1887. The Watch Hill Yacht Club anchors the harbor end of the street, where you can watch sailboats come and go on summer afternoons. It's the kind of main street that feels genuinely unchanged — because most of it is.
Watch the Sunset from the Historic Watch Hill Lighthouse
Watch Hill, Rhode Island Light House
The Watch Hill Lighthouse has stood at the point since 1856, guiding ships around the rocky headland at the entrance to Little Narragansett Bay.
The lighthouse grounds are open to the public on summer Tuesday and Thursday afternoons, and the views from the point at sunset are among the best on the Rhode Island coast. The lighthouse museum is small but worth a look for the history of the Watch Hill Life-Saving Station.
Explore by Kayaking or Paddle Boarding
in Watch Hill, Rhode Island
The calm waters of Little Narragansett Bay make Watch Hill an excellent spot for kayaking and paddleboarding. Launching from the bay side gives you access to the back side of Napatree Point, the salt marshes, and the quiet coves that you can't reach on foot. Rentals are available seasonally in the village.
Take Home A Watch Hill Gift or Souvenir
Watch Hill Bags
Watch Hill is the kind of place you want to remember — and share. The Wishful Fish was created by Watch Hill native Dawne Lundahl to do exactly that.
From Flying Horse Carousel tees and prints to East Beach gear, kids' gifts, and coastal gifts, every piece is designed to carry a little Watch Hill Beach Town energy with you wherever you go.
Watch Hill Children's Interactive BookSHOP WATCH HILL CHILDREN'S BOOKS
Best Time to Visit Watch Hill, Rhode Island
Watch Hill, Rhode Island
Watch Hill is a summer destination — most businesses operate from Memorial Day through Labor Day, with the carousel running on its own seasonal schedule, the beach town comes alive. July and August are peak season; June and September offer the same beauty with smaller crowds. The village is quieter in the slower seasons but never entirely empty — the lighthouse, the beaches, and the views are there year-round for anyone willing to make the drive.
Quick Gift Guide
| Gift Category | Best For | Price Range | Shop |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beach Bags & Towels | Beach Lovers | $ – $$ | Watch Hill Bags |
| Flying Horse Carousel Collection | Carousel Kids & Nostalgia Lovers | $ – $$$ | Carousel Collection |
| East Beach Collection | Surfers & Beach Regulars | $ – $$ | East Beach |
| Nautical Collection | Nautical Souls & Sailors | $ – $$$ | Nautical Collection |
| Kids Gifts | Little Watch Hill Fans | $ – $$ | Kids Gifts |
| Coastal Art & Prints | Home Decor Lovers | $$ – $$$ | Coastal Gifts |
| Cards, Buttons & Postcards | Everyone | $ | Full Collection |
For the Watch Hill Beach Lover
Watch Hill Beach Bag
Nothing says Watch Hill like a day at East Beach with everything you need. Our Watch Hill Beach Bags come in a range of styles — from oversized canvas totes perfect for hauling towels and gear, to lightweight sailboat and fish-print bags for a quick trip to the shore. Pair one with an East Beach Towel and a Watch Hill Coastal or Water Bottle for the ultimate beach day bundle.
For the Watch Hill Carousel Kid
The Flying Horse Carousel is the heart of Watch Hill, Rhode Island summers, and we've built an entire collection around it.
The Flying Horse Carousel collection includes Watch Hill RI Flying Horse Carousel T Shirts, hoodies, I Caught The Brass Ring Mug, Watch Hill Carousel Print, Watch Hill Kids Wall Art, baseball caps, and iconic Watch Hill RI Flying Horse Carousel Gear that every Watch Hill kid deserves. It's the perfect way to remember the ride — and the thrill of reaching for that brass ring.
For the Surfer & Watch Hill Beach Town Regular
East Beach, Watch Hill, Rhode Island has its own energy — open, windswept, and facing the full Atlantic.
East Beach Collection captures that vibe of Watch Hill, Rhode Island East Beach Surfer T Shirt, East Beach Hoodie, Watch Hill Swim Trunks, Surfer Baseball Cap and Watch Hill, RI Water Bottles. Whether they're catching waves or just watching them, there's something here for every watch hill beach regular.
For the Nautical Watch Hill Soul
Watch Hill Nautical Boat FlagWatch Hill, Rhode Island has the most storied nautical histories on the New England coast — the Watch Hill Yacht Club has anchored the harbor since 1887.
Our Watch Hill Nautical Collection celebrates that heritage with the classic Watch Hill anchor and navy designs. With the Nautical Watch Hill Hat, Nautical Hoodie, Watch Hill, Duffel Bag, Boat Pillows, and even a Nautical Golf Towel for the sailor who also plays 18.
Watch Hill Nautical Duffel Bag
Watch Hill Kids
Watch Hill Kids Puzzle 30 Piece
Watch Hill, Rhode Island is a place kids remember forever.
Our Watch Hill Kids Gift Collection has everything little ones need to take the magic home — from the Interactive Watch Hill Children's Book — A Seaside Story to Share, the Watch Hill Children's Book tells the Watch Hill story, to the Watch Hill Sea Creatures Pin Buttons, a Watch Hill Kids Beach Towel, Watch Hill Kids Water Bottle, Watch Hill Sea Life Backpack, and the Watch Hill Baby Onesie — the cutest baby sailboat one-piece you've ever seen.
Perfect for the youngest Watch Hill fans
Watch Hill Pin Back Buttons
Watch Hill Coastal Gifts for Everyone
Watch Hill Postcard
Know someone who wants Watch Hill on their walls? Our Watch Hill Coast Gifts Collection includes the Flying Horse Carousel canvas print, the Watch Hill Rhode Island Poster — Inspired by the Traditions of Watch Hill, Rhode Island, a Watch Hill Rhode Island Poster, Watch Hill Nautical Coasters, and the Watch Hill, RI Coastal Water Bottle — all designed to bring a little Rhode Island into everyday life at home.
For the One Who Loves Watch Hill
Sometimes the best gift is the smallest one. Our Watch Hill Pinback Buttons — Tiny Touches of Watch Hill, a Watch Hill, RI Coastal Note Card, Watch Hill, RI — A Seaside Hello from the Hill, Watch Hill Rhode Island Postcard, and the Coastal Game Night Classic Playing Cards are the perfect add-on — or the perfect standalone gift for someone who just needs a little reminder of their favorite place on the coast.
Where to Stay in Watch Hill: Ocean House
Ocean House, Watch Hill RI
Watch Hill offers some of the most iconic accommodations in New England. The Ocean House is the crown jewel — a grand yellow Victorian resort perched above the beach with sweeping views of Block Island Sound. For a more intimate stay, there is the Watch Hill Inn and vacation rentals are available in and around the village, making Watch Hill a perfect base for exploring the Watch Hill, Rhode Island coast.
Where to Eat in Watch Hill
Watch Hill, Rhode Island Village
Bay Street Watch Hill, Rhode Island is home to some wonderful dining options for every mood. Olympia Tea Room is a Watch Hill institution — a classic American restaurant that has been serving locals and visitors since 1916. For something sweet, St. Clair Annex is the village's beloved ice cream and candy shop, a summer tradition for generations of Watch Hill families. Ice cream from St. Clair after a carousel ride is, of course, non-negotiable.
Best Time to Visit Watch Hill, Rhode Island
Watch Hill, Rhode Island Beach Town
Getting There: Watch Hill, Rhode Island
Watch Hill is located in Westerly, Rhode Island — about 1.5 hours from Boston, 45 minutes from Providence, and 3 hours from New York City. Take I-95 to Exit 1 in Westerly and follow Route 1A south to Watch Hill Road. Parking is available at the village lot on Larkin Avenue (seasonal fee applies).
Celebrate Watch Hill with apparel, souvenirs, gifts, and accessories inspired by the charm of Rhode Island's most beloved seaside village beach town.
From East Beach and the Flying Horse Carousel to coastal keepsakes and beach-ready styles, discover collections designed to capture the spirit of Watch Hill.