Narragansett

When visitors think of South County, they’re probably envisioning Narragansett. Three public beaches – Scarborough, Wheeler, and Narragansett Town Beach – offer all the rays you can handle. And there’s plenty of food and fun to get you through the days, even the rainy ones.

SHOP

If you’re in the mood to shop, check out Pier Marketplace. The seaside complex is home to boutiques, Nana’s Ice Cream, Pour House Coffee, Shades & Pier Optical, and Exquisite Skin Care. Mariner Square stop Cigar Box (140 Point Judith Rd.) covers all your stogie smoking needs. Stop at Crosswynd Traders (1175 Boston Neck Rd.) for Gansett gear, Maura’s Hair Salon (750 Boston Neck Rd.) for hair, and Gansett Goods (142 Boon St.) and Studios at 123 Boon St. for local art and treasures.

DINE

You definitely won’t go hungry – this seaside town has tons of delicious dining options. Twin Willows (865 Boston Neck Rd.) has a huge menu boasting seafood and comfort food favorites, as well as an outdoor bar. Pancho O’Malley’s (140 Point Judith Rd.) serves Mexican fare in a lively pub setting. Colvitto’s Pizza & Bakery (91 Point Judith Rd.) has by-the-slice pizza and calzones, as well as homemade baked goods. For on-the-go sipping, Smoothy Booty Cafe (134 Boon St.) whips up fruit, green, and java smoothies in their upbeat juice bar and Fuel Coffee Bar (904 Boston Neck Rd.) is ready with a caffeinated cup as an afternoon pick-me-up. In Mariner Square (140 Point Judith Rd.), located just steps from each other is Mariner Grille, offering the freshest steak and seafood, and Arturo Joe’s, dishing out classic Italian. 

Of course you can’t miss Aunt Carrie’s (1240 Ocean Rd.) and Iggy’s Doughboys and Chowder House (1151 Point Judith Rd.): two venerable seafood restaurants across the street from one another, over which many a debate over personal preference has been had by generations of Rhode Islanders.

For fine dining, 1230 Ocean Bistro (1230 Ocean Rd.) has waterfront dining and a huge deck, while Chair 5 at The Break Hotel (1208 Ocean Rd.) has poolside gourmet dining and a more casual menu on its roof deck. The Coast Guard House (40 Ocean Rd.), directly next to the Narragansett Towers, has views for days. A beachwear-friendly roof deck offers casual fare, while downstairs (including a patio and some cocktail-ready Adirondack chairs) offers upscale options.Explore

Housed at Canonchet Farm, the South County Museum (115 Strathmore St.) is a summer-only attraction that features a living history farm (including a flock of heritage Rhode Island Red chickens, the state bird), maritime gallery, print shop, one-room schoolhouse, blacksmith shop, and more. Their collection comprises more than 20,000 objects, from pre-European settlement to the 1950s. For more old-fashioned fun, visit Sunset Farm (505 Point Judith Rd.), the last working family farm in the area known for its pies and all-natural veggies and beef.

PLAY

The area around Narragansett Town Beach (39 Boston Neck Rd.) is bustling with families enjoying lunch on oceanside patios, surfers fresh off the waves, and couples strolling and shopping. If you’re headed there, make sure you have cash – it’s one of Rhode Island’s only beaches that charges admission per head, instead of just charging for parking. It’s worth the few dollars, though: Surfing lessons are available all day long, and the facilities and sand are among the cleanest and best you’ll find. Within view, the Narragansett Towers (35 Ocean Rd.) might be South County’s most Instagrammed landmark; inside find tourist info. 

Natural Fitness Yoga (76 Narragansett Ave.) leads early morning beach classes on Town Beach. Narrow River Kayaks (94 Middlebridge Rd.) offers rentals of kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddleboards, as well as guided kayak tours. Warm Winds (26 Kingstown Rd.) is a surf shop that also has surf and stand-up paddleboard rentals and lessons. Join the fun, friendly cycling community for a spin at So Co Cycle (140 Point Judith Rd., Unit A-14), and you must take the kiddos to Adventureland (112 Point Judith Rd.) for a day of bumper boats, mini golf, go-karts, and more.