Once a strategic location during the French and Revolutionary wars, today the quiet and secluded seaside town of Watch Hill in Rhode Island harbors a wonderful destination for vacationers or day-trippers.

Tucked away in the southwest corner of Rhode Island and away from the more crowded beaches of Misquamicut and Westerly, Watch Hill also offers less crowded beaches, browsing at over 50 shops, an antique flying horse carousel, a picturesque harbor, a hike to an old Fort, and a historic lighthouse.

Watch Hill is a town to walk around and discover after a morning at the beach or towards the end of a day before dusk.

The highlight for me is always the short walk to the Historic Watch Hill Lighthouse constructed in 1808. You’ll find it at the end of a private road you can walk but not drive. The view looking back into the town at the houses on the hill and the beaches is stunning.

The Lighthouse grounds are open until dusk but you can’t tour inside the lighthouse.

Back in town if you have young children buy them a ticket to ride on what is believed to be the oldest flying horse merry-go-round in the country. The horses are hand-carved and it guards the entrance to Watch Hill beach, and a marvelous hike out to Naptree Point and the remains of Fort Mansfield built in 1898.

The harbor area is reminiscent of Newport, albeit on a smaller scale, with its assortment of boats, and its alleys of shops along Bay Street and Fort Road.

If you can linger for a sunset then you’ll catch one of the few spots on the East Coast where you can view an ocean sunset.

Watch Hill is in South County, Rhode Island, located about 80 miles southwest of Boston and 160 miles east of New York.

Directions from Boston and Points North:

Heading South on I-95. Take (RI) exit 1. Turn right onto Rt. 3, (proceed on Rt. 3 for 2.5 miles), then left onto Rt. 78. Take Rt. 78 all the way to the traffic light at the intersection with Rt. 1. Go across Rt. 1 onto Airport Road. At the first stop sign on Airport Road go straight. At second stop sign take a left onto Watch Hill Road. You will be on Watch Hill Road for approximately 3 miles.

Directions from New York and Points South:

Heading North on I-95. Take (CT) exit 92 onto Rt. 2 and bear right at end of ramp. Continue on Rt. 2 until you reach Rt. 78 (to beaches). Take Rt. 78 all the way to the traffic light at the intersection with Rt. 1. Go straight across Rt. 1 onto Airport Road. At first stop sign on Airport Road go straight. At second stop sign take a left onto Watch Hill Road. You will be on Watch Hill Road for approximately 3 miles.

For other suggestions on things to see and do in the area, check out my Rhode Island vacations page by clicking here.

Look for another New England destination idea in a few days time.

Have a great rest of the week,

Cliff Calderwood
Executive Director
Vacations in New England Guide

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