Watch Hill RI Travel Guide: What to Know Before You Visit
Dawne LundahlVisit Rhode Island
Watch Hill doesn't advertise itself. It doesn't need to. People find it, fall in love with it, and come back every summer for the rest of their lives. If you're planning your first visit — or your fiftieth — here's what a Watch Hill native wants you to know before you go.
Driving Directions:
to Watch Hill Rhode Island
Watch Hill is located in Westerly, Rhode Island, at the southwestern corner of the state on the Connecticut border. It's about 45 minutes from Providence, 30 minutes from Mystic, Connecticut, and roughly 3 hours from New York City.
There's no public transit to Watch Hill itself — you'll need a car. GPS will get you there; just follow signs for Watch Hill Road into the village.
Where to Stay in Watch Hill
Luxury Accommodations
The Ocean House
Watch Hill is a small village, which means lodging options are intentionally limited — and that's part of the charm. The crown jewel is the Ocean House in Watch Hill, a grand Victorian-era resort perched above the beach with sweeping views of Block Island Sound.
It's one of the most celebrated luxury hotels in New England, and even if you're not staying there, a walk past it is worth the trip.
The Watch Hill Inn
The Watch Hill Inn is another great choice in the heart of the Watch Hill village close to the Watch Hill Beach.
For a More Casual Stay
Misquamicut and Westerly
Pleasant View Hotel Misquamicut
Nearby Misquamicut offers a wide range of hotels, inns, and vacation rentals within easy driving distance. Many visitors also base themselves in Newport or Mystic and make Watch Hill a day trip — which works beautifully given how compact and walkable the village is.
Margin Street Inn Westerly
The Margin Street Inn is a quintessential New England Bed & Breakfast encompassing 2 newly renovated houses with 10 guest rooms. The Inn's estate has 6.5 acres of beautifully manicured, perched on the bank of The Pawcatuck River in Downtown Westerly, Rhode Island. In addition to 2 guest houses, there are 4 out barns and 2 private docks.
Day Trips:
From Watch Hill Rhode Island
Newport Rhode Island
Newport, Rhode Island is about 45 minutes east and needs no introduction — the Gilded Age mansions, Cliff Walk, and harbor make it a natural pairing with a Watch Hill visit. If you're already making the trip to this corner of New England, Newport is worth at least a full day.
Mystic Seaport Museum and Mystic Aquarium
Watch Hill sits at the southwestern tip of Rhode Island, which puts you within easy reach of some of New England's most beloved destinations. Mystic Connecticut is just 20 minutes away — home to the Mystic Seaport Museum, the Mystic Aquarium, and one of the most charming downtowns on the Connecticut coast. It's a perfect half-day add-on, especially for families.
Closer to home, Westerly offers great dining, local shops, and the beautiful Wilcox Park — a lovely stop before or after your time in Watch Hill.
Watch Hill Parking:
What To Do
Parking in Watch Hill is limited and fills up fast on summer weekends. There's a small municipal lot near the carousel and street parking along the approach roads, but both fill by mid-morning on busy days. Your best bet is to arrive before 9am or after 4pm. If you're staying in Westerly, some visitors park in town and ride a bike or rideshare in. Don't try to wing it on a July Saturday — plan ahead.
Watch Hill Parking
Watch Hill Parking offers guaranteed, on‑site parking in the heart of Watch Hill, RI, with daily, weekly, monthly, and seasonal rates, and advanced reservations available online Watch Hill Parking
The Watch Hill Flying Horse Carousel:
What You Need to Know
The Watch Hill Flying Horse Carousel is the oldest operating carousel in the United States and the centerpiece of any Watch Hill visit. A few things first-timers need to know: it's open to children only (adults watch from outside the fence), it operates seasonally from roughly Memorial Day through Labor Day, and lines can get long by mid-morning.
Get there early, let the kids ride as many times as they want, and make sure they reach for the brass ring — catching it earns a free ride and a memory that lasts a lifetime.
Flying Horse Carousel Tickets
Outside Horse Tickets:
Catch the brass ring
(Ages 2-12 100lb limit)
$5 per ride
Inside Horse Tickets:
No brass ring. Great for young riders
(Ages 2-12 100lb limit)
$2 per ride
SHOP FLYING HORSE CAROUSEL COLLECTION
Watch Hill Beach Passes:
Hours of Operation
Pre-Season
Carousel: May 23-25 Memorial Day Weekend: Beach is open from 9AM to 6PM
Carousel: is open from 10AM to 6PM
May 30-31 Weekend: Beach is open from 9AM to 6PM
Carousel: is open from 10AM to 6PM
June 6-7 Weekend: Beach is open from 9AM to 6PM
Carousel: is open from 10AM to 6PM
Main Season
June 13th - August 30th: Beach is open from 9AM to 6PM
Carousel: is open from 10AM to 8PM
Post Season
September 5-7 Labor Day Weekend: Beach is open from 9AM to 6PM
Carousel: is open from 10AM to 6PM
September 12-13 Weekend: Beach is open from 9AM to 6PM
Carousel: is open from 10AM to 6PM
Beach Rates:
Daily Beach Rates
Adults: (Ages 18+): $17
Juniors: (Ages 3 to 7) $9
Beach Chair Rentals: $15
Umbrella Rentals: $15
Beach Season Passes
First Adult: $465 Second Adult: $350
(Same immediate family)
Juniors: (Ages 3 to 7) $200
Children: (Ages 2 and under) Free
Bathhouse Season Use
To join our waiting list,
please email BrassRing@MerryGoRoundBeach.com
Beaches in Rhode Island:
East Beach, Watch Hill Beach, Napatree Point,
and Misquamicut
East Beach
Watch Hill has two distinct beach experiences. East Beach faces the open Atlantic — wide, beautiful, and surf-ready. It's a long walk from the village (about 15 minutes) but worth every step. Bring everything you need; there are no concessions.
SHOP THE EAST BEACH COLLECTION
Watch Hill Beach
Napatree Point
For a quieter experience, the bay side near Napatree Point offers calm water and stunning views without the crowds. The walk out to the point takes about 20 minutes from the village and rewards you with some of the most beautiful coastal scenery in New England — open ocean on one side, calm bay on the other, Connecticut visible in the distance. It's a protected wildlife sanctuary, so leave the dog at home during nesting season and stay on the path.
Misquamicut State Beach
Misquamicut State Beach is nearby in Westerly and offers more amenities if you're traveling with young kids who need easier access.
What to Wear:
Watch Hill has a dress code — not the official kind, just the unspoken one that comes with a village that takes its summers seriously. Think sun-faded classics, easy layers for cool evenings, and anything that looks good with sand on it.
East Beach Collection
Built for the open Atlantic side. Surf-ready tees, hoodies, beach bag,
water bottles and hats for the days you walk the long way to the waves.
WATCHILL'N Collection
The village in a logo. Tees, hoodies, hats, water bottles and bumper stickers
that wear like a badge for anyone who knows Watch Hill.
Nautical Collection
Classic coastal style inspired by life on the water.
Coastal Chic Collection
From the beach to Bay Street, these are the pieces
that take you from the sand to sunset without missing a beat.
Kids Apparel
Because little Watch Hill fans deserve their own summer uniform.
Flying Horse Carousel Collection
Catch the brass ring and take a little Watch Hill magic home. Tees, hats,
and keepsakes inspired by the oldest carousel in America —
because some summers deserve to be remembered.
Watch Hill Kids Reversible Bucket Hats
Bucket hats, baseball caps, and sun-ready styles for little Watch Hill fans.
The perfect finishing touch for a day at the carousel or the beach.
Watch Hill Bags
The perfect carry-all for a day at East Beach or Napatree.
Tote your towel, sunscreen, and St. Clair's leftovers in style.
Where to Eat:
St. Clair Annex
Has been scooping ice cream since 1887 and is non-negotiable. A family owned and operated Ice Cream and Sandwich shop located in downtown historic Watch Hill, RI. Since 1887, the Nicholas family have been providing customers with the best possible products and services at an affordable prices.
Olympia Tea Room
This sea side village is small, so dining options are limited but good. Olympia Tea Room on Bay Street has been a Watch Hill institution since 1916 — go for lunch, stay for the atmosphere.
Ocean House
The Ocean House offers upscale dining with unbeatable ocean views if you're celebrating something special.
Westerly Rhode Island
For a wider range of options, Westerly proper is just a short drive away. Some of our favorites are the Cooked Goose, Vetrano's Restaurant, High Hope Tavern, and Corner Thai Cafe to mention a few.
What to Bring Home
for the Kids:
Watch Hill Children's Board Books
Watch Hill Children's Book
A trip deserves a keepsake gift — especially for the little ones.
A Seaside Story to Share ia a 20-page board book that brings the carousel,
the beach, and the village to life for young readers.
Interactive Seaside Touch & Trace Adventure Board Book
keeps the Watch Hill magic going long after the trip is over.
A kind of gift kids ask to read again and again —
and parents love giving.
East Beach Hoodie
Is made for little adventurers a perfect take-home gift from
one of Rhode Island's most beautiful shores.
Flying Horse Carousel Hat
Is a whimsical nod to Watch Hill's most beloved landmark.
Truly one-of-a-kind souvenir gift from a truly one-of-a-kind place.
Watch Hill Kids Puzzle i
A charming keepsake gift for little ones who can't get enough
of this magical seaside village.
Bring a little piece of Watch Hill home.
Watch Hill Pinback Buttons
Are the ultimate little souvenir — big on charm, and impossible to resist.
A fun keepsake gift for kids to treasure all summer long.
What to Bring Home
for Yourself:
Watch Hill has a way of making you want to hold onto it. The Wishful Fish was built for exactly that feeling — Coastal Gifts, apparel, and home goods designed by a Watch Hill native and inspired by the traditions and landscapes that make this village so special.
Coastal Water Bottle
Stay Cool By The Coast
Coastal Chic Duffel Bag
A gift that goes from boutique to beach without missing a beat.
Pack your summer essentials in style
East Beach Hoodie
A hoodie they'll reach for all season long.
A Perfect East Beach Gift
Nautical Hat
Where Ocean Meets Tradition.
Classic, coastal, and effortlessly cool — a gift they'll reach for all summer long.
One Last Thing
Watch Hill moves slowly on purpose. Leave the schedule loose, let the kids ride the carousel one more time, get a second scoop at St. Clair's, and walk out to Napatree at golden hour. The best Watch Hill memories are never the ones you planned — they're the ones that just happened while you were paying attention.
Celebrate Watch Hill with apparel, souvenirs, gifts, and accessories inspired by the charm of Rhode Island's most beloved seaside village.
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.