Narragansett, RI Road Trips

Narragansett history in a nutshell - the bay and town took the name of the Indian nation that lived in Rhode Island, the name means "people of a small, narrow place." Point Judith and Galilee were inhabited primarily by farmers and people in the fishing industry. Today Narragansett is home to shops, beaches, restaurants and marinas. The town is scarcely 20 miles long and less than 2 miles wide. Weather is definitely a big attraction of Narragansett. The conditions here are truly diverse the whole year long, with a true four-season experience The beauty and warmth of spring followed by the scorching heat of summer, the cool temperatures and scenic colors of autumn, as well as the frosty snow storms of winter. While Narragansett in the summertime is great for shorts, tank tops or t-shirts, and bathing suits, you are going to want to pack warmer clothing for the winter weather - pants, sweaters, sweatshirts, and jackets are all necessities, and since the area is so close to the water the wind can be bitter, so gloves, hats, and scarves are recommended for those chilly days. Be aware that a lot of establishments close down or have limited hours in the winter. In the summer months, the average heat index is around 81 °F (27 °C), and 66 °F (19 °C) at night. Periods of high heat and humidity can see heat indices above 92 °F (33 °C), with overnight lows not going below 74 °F (23 °C).

Bass Rock, 52 Bass Rock Rd. (go down Bass Rock rd and park in the parking spots there is a trail at the very end of the road follow that to Bass Rock). 24-7. This is a large group of rocks over-looking the Narragansett Bay. This spot is used for fishing and hikes. It has one rock that is flat at a 67 degree which is perfect to wall runs. Also is a nice romantic spot during the sunset because it right on the water. Free. 1 Black Point, Ocean Rd. A scenic spot popular with fishermen, hikers, and bird watchers located just down the road from Scarborough State Beach, Black Point is the perfect place to go for a walk on the nice day. The area consists of a wooded dirt path that extends toward the Bay. Open from dawn to dusk and free year round, it offers a great view of the coastline, and the tide pools in the area also help to make the location interesting. Visitors should be careful since the rocks can become very slippery, however, and swimming is not recommended as the water is quite deep and very rough. On-site parking is available Indian Head. One of the most famous landmarks in Narragansett is a HUGE wooden sculpture of a Narragansett Indian head. This sculpture is located right next to the playground and is lit up at night. 2 Narragansett Towers, 35 Ocean Rd (parking available along Ocean Rd. or at Narragansett Town Beach), ☏ +1 401 782-2597. Spanning Ocean Road and overlooking the town beach, the Narragansett Towers are all that remain of the Narragansett Pier Casino.

When traveling to Southern Rhode Island on a summer day there are several beaches you can spend the day at depending on what kind of experience you are looking for. Seasonal passes are available during the summer months for in-state and out of state patrons. The passes are valid from Memorial Day weekend (May) to Labor Day weekend (September). The passes give you access into all state beaches including those found below: 1 Narragansett Town Beach, 77 Boston Neck Rd. A family-oriented beach that allows you to either buy a parking and beach pass, or pay daily fee of $7/a day to walk on to the beach $15/day for parking. Dog friendly beach. Most likely the best beach in Narragansett but can become extremely crowded. 2 Scarborough State Beach, 870 Ocean Rd. One of the more popular beaches in Narragansett. With an enormous boardwalk to navigate, pavilion, large bathhouse, concessions and camper area Scarborough has it all. An observation tower allows you to view the entire beach from overhead. Again another RI beach popular amongst young adults. The beach is divided into north and south. Grilling and ball playing is permitted on the grassy area in the front of the beach parking lot. Hiking trails at the end of the beach along the ocean banks provide a quick escape for those wanting to get off the hot sand. This beach can get crowded and noisy, a beach meant for "fun", if you are looking for a calm and peaceful day at the beach this is not the beach for you. Waves can be pretty rough, parents: keep a close eye on your children.

Brickley's Ice Cream & Cakes, 921 Boston Neck Rd, ☏ +1 401 789-1784. Tantalizing ice cream specialties are the focus at this eatery. Calvitto's Pizza & Bakery, 91 Point Judith Rd (Salt Pond Plaza). Calvitto’s is a favorite for locals and tourists alike. Calvittos offers everything from “bakery pizza”, to regular thick crust pizza, to traditional Italian desserts such as cannolis, to pre-made Italian classics such as fettuccine alfredo. Fat Jacks Pizza Shack, 12 Sand Hill Cove Rd, ☏ +1 401 783-9200. A small local carry-out & take-out. If you want something quick this is the place. Calzones are one of the best items on the menu. Also if you want to satisfy that late night craving they are open till 2AM Moo-Moo's Ice Cream, 106 Point Judith Rd. Right across from Salt Pond Plaza, with several flavors of soft as well as hard ice cream. With a lighting seating area for night time, this is a great place to beat the heat. Nana's Ice Cream & Gelato Café, 28A Pier Market Pl, ☏ +1 401 782-2705. Noon – 11PM. Established in 1985. Walk across the street from the Narragansett Town Beach for ice cream. They carry 30 flavors of ice cream and frozen yogurt. They also have 16 different flavors of Italian gelato. A great spot for a mid-day snack or and after dinner treat. Nana's is slightly pricey and is known for its out-the-door lines in the summer months. The ice cream shop is not fully operational during the winter months, but does have some winter hours. The Sweet Spot (Sweets), 256 Great Island Rd (1 block from Point Judith-BI Ferry), ☏ +1 401 782-1646.

There are many places to grab a pint of beer, a relaxing cup of tea, or a stimulating cup of coffee. Mainly there are more bars than coffee houses in this area. These bars offer “happy hour” specials in which drinks can be two for one or dramatically cheaper than they normally are. Happy hour usually runs at the end of a typical workday being 4-6, or 5-7. During winter these bars may be crowded on late nights by college students in the area. Bon Vue Inn, 1230 Ocean Rd (near Roger Wheeler Beach), ☏ +1 401 789-0696. Bon Vue is a great place to hear live music and cheap drinks. Bon Vue has three floors all over looking the ocean, and open to porches in the summer months. Also popular hangout for college students looking to have a fun night filled with dancing and drinking during the school year. This three story bar serves food only Fridays-Sundays. You can enjoy the classic bar and grilled style foods. Pancho O'Malley's, 140 Point Judith Rd, ☏ +1 401 782-2299. "Irish Pub with Mexican Grub". They provide a large and interesting variety of food and drinks. Serving everynight until 1AM! 1 Twin Willows, 865 Boston Neck Rd, ☏ +1 401 789-8153. Family oriented tavern restaurant. The wait is never longer than half an hour. Coffee N’ Bagel Connection, 1175 Boston Neck Rd, ☏ +1 401 782-9920. Local coffee shop in Bonnet Shores that serves Allie’s Donuts and freshly bakes their bagels and pastries every morning. They also have a wide variety of flavored coffees.

The Richards Bed and Breakfast, 144 Gibson Ave, ☏ +1 401 789-7746. Historic stone home located on a quiet street 1.5 miles from Narragansett Town Beach. Full gourmet breakfast, Wi-fi, koi pond and gardens, air conditioning. 1 The Lighthouse Inn of Galilee, 307 Great Island Rd, ☏ +1 401 789-9341. Two-story with 100 Poolside and Harborside rooms. The hotel offers special packages and amenities such as contenental breakfast, pool, spa, and sauna. The Village Inn Hotel and Conference Center, 1 Beach St, ☏ +1 401 783-6767. Offers 62 guest rooms featuring a gourmet restaurant, spa, and pool along with wifi. Ocean Rose Inn, 113 Ocean Rd, ☏ +1 401 783-4704. A romantic upscale Victorian Inn overlooking Narragansett Bay that has its own restaurant with panoramic views of the ocean serving Italian and seafood cuisine. The rooms are styled Victorian as well as contemporary. 2 Sheppard's Place, 172 Boon St, ☏ +1 401 742-5903. Bed and breakfast with a patio, private garden, and ocean views. Scarborough Beach Motel, 901 Ocean Rd, ☏ +1 401 783-2063. The motel is located in a quiet residential neighborhood directly across the street from Scarborough State Beach. They offer clean, comfortable rooms with 1, 2, or 3 double beds and efficiencies. All rooms have private baths with stall showers and Cable TV, Telephone, individual Heat / AC unit and most room with Microwave/Refrigerator. The Atlantic House, 85 Ocean Rd, ☏ +1 401-783-6400. Narragansett is not far from the University of Rhode Island where college students live during the school year.

TF Green International Airport (PVD IATA) (Exit 13 off Interstate 95 in Warwick), ☏ +1 401-737-4000 ext 283. Easy to get to from all points, both north and south. Airport parking from $11 and rental cars are available on site. Westerly Airport, 56 Airport Rd, ☏ +1 401-596-2357. Small, regional airport. From New York/Connecticut: I-95 to Exit 92 in Connecticut. At the light, make a right onto RT 2. You will be on RT 2 for 1.5 miles when you will see a sign for 78 west on the right. Take 78 west for approx. 4 miles. Look for signs for US RT 1 north, make left at intersection. You will be on Rt 1 for 20 miles, make right off Narragansett exit. Follow signs to RT 108. From Boston and all points north: I-95 to Exit 9 in RI. Exit in left lane off highway onto RT 4. Follow RT 4 to RT 1 South for 8 miles to the Narragansett exit. Turn left at light and go under overpass. At this rotary bear left and follow signs for Narragansett. AMTRAK - Kingston Station, Railroad Ave, West Kingston, toll-free: +1-800-USA-RAIL (872-7245). Service Amtrak Regional Trains to -Boston -New York -Washington -Newport News –Richmond. Kingston Station is open daily 6AM to 10:45PM. Coming in at Point Judith in Galilee is the only main way to enter into Narragansett. One will enter by Great Island and will be able to continue down until Wakefield, RI. Longwoods Marina, ☏ +1 401 789-9451. CH. 65 Long Cove Marina, ☏ +1 401 783-4902. Point Judith Marina, ☏ +1 401 789-7189. CH. 9. Offers better for docking and facilities other than fuel. Ram Point Marina, ☏ +1 401 783-4535. CH.

The easiest way to access the charm of Narragansett is by foot or bike. To get the complete seasonal experience that Narragansett has to offer, you are invited to explore the picturesque beauty by walking along our wonderful beaches, or riding along our scenic waterfront roads. To help get around one might consider renting a moped/scooter or car to be able to get around from the Narragansett Pier area to Scarborough and Point Judith. You are also very welcome to visit our interesting historic sites. Whether you prefer historic lighthouses, beautiful marinas, or our striking works of art, the choice is up to you. If staying for a long visit in Narragansett, you may want to consider a beach pass for access to alternate parking because the beautiful beaches attract many people which leaves parking hard to find and expensive. Having a beach pass would guarantee parking in reserved parking lots. Southern Rhode Island Trolley. The Trolley runs from 8AM leaving from the Holiday Inn on Rt 1 and traveling south to the South County Commons/Hampton Inn and through Wakefield starting with the Wakefield Mall down through lower Main Street. It then loops through Narragansett stopping at Mariner Square, Durkin Cottage Park and Galilee and heading North on Ocean Road to the Sea Wall and the Pier Marketplace, (check out Nana's Ice Cream) then back up through Northern Narragansett to the Holiday Inn. Enterprise Rent-A-Car, 307 Great Island Rd, ☏ +1 401-596-7847.

Narragansett Police Department, 40 Caswell St., +1 401-789-1091.