Napatree Point has a lot going for it, even in the state of RI which has a bundle of great beaches. It's rather remote, a small peninsula that just brings you further out in the ocean as you walk, surrounded by luxurious dunes, and it's located in one of the prettiest parts of the state that is actually easy to get too. And the views from any point on it are spectacular, even on a level of taking in all of RIs coast line. That all being said, Napratree Point is a place I don't go anywhere near in summer. Watch Hill is one of the most expensive places to go and do anything...And one of the most crowded. Free parking is bare minimal, and they soak you to the tune of $30 or more anywhere for parking. Add to that the fact that Watch Hill and the Point itself is totally infested with people in the summer, and the whole experience of its beauty and nautical charm goes out to sea.. After Labor Day its better, but for the real experience wait for the cool winds of fall in October an beyond and indulge yourself. There will be no crowds, the parking is all free, and anywhere on the point will be yours for a dream. Just beautiful. Trust me on this one, unless you like spending big bucks for parking, fighting tons of traffic, and want to share the Point with thousands of others, you will hate it in summer, and love it in the fall and winter.. : )
The view was absolutely breath taking. We went in December so the shops and places to eat were all closed. But we walked around the whole beach and it was just beautiful.
Parking can be tough during summer, but in Fall or Winter, easy parking. Beach is gorgeous with views aplenty. For the adventurous, there is an early seacoast fortification from WWI hidden on this peninsula, many have no idea of it's history or location for that matter.
Such a beautiful place to be! I absolutely love walking here and taking in all that nature has to offer. A must do!
While it is true, parking was not easy. We drove around for a little while on a Tuesday around noon until I found two hour parking on the road. I refused to pay $25 to park so patience was a must. My husband and I walk along the carousel and were confused at first as to how to get on the right track, so we walked passed a private parking area to the right, you will see huge dunes to walk over. We walked all the way out to the bird sanctuary and it was such a beautiful day and a nice long walk. We stopped to take pictures at the end then walked back. If you plan to be gone for more than two hours I would recommend paying to park so you can relax and take your time. We went mainly for the walk so we got back in around the 2 hours time frame. I definitely plan to take this nice long peaceful walk again.
At the very tip of Rhode Island in Westerly is Napatree Point that jets out into the Atlantic Ocean. A beautiful secluded beach, to the west is Connecticut, over Little Narragansett Bay, to the south you have a view of Fishers Island N.Y. and to the south east Block Island. During the summer months be warned that parking is at premium, which limits the amount of people on the Point. Well worth visit, this area in Watch Hill is dotted with many small local shops and places to get a bite to eat.
This is a beautiful beach area. You can see Long Island in the distance as well as the Watch Hill Lighthouse. Napatree Point used to be full of waterfront homes before the devastating hurricane wiped them out decades ago. Today it is a gorgeous stretch of preserved land with a fabulous sandy beach. It is in the village of Watch Hill, which is an affluent part of Westerly, RI. Not far from Napatree Point are some small shops and a few places to eat. Parking is hard to find during the summer so get to town early. This part of Rhode Island is very special - it is incredibly beautiful and very "New England". I highly recommend this spot if you are visiting RI, especially during the warmer months.
Went there today after reading the reviews about how great the place is. And Oh My God - it was so worth it. Thank you all for your reviews that made up my mind to drive there. The place is huge, perfect for long walks along the ocean. Am definitely coming back when in New England next time
Although the parking situation may be tricky: You may find 2 hour street parking or pay $25 in the lots.... This beach is a wildlife nature preserve; and a bit of a walk through the shoppers parking lot, marina, cabanas, private beach club, and over the dune...... But, it's absolutely worth it. It's not crowded like East Beach and you don't have to pay like Carousel Beach.
My husband and I take our boat here a few times a year. It gets pretty crowded to anchor, but it's well worth the fun in the sun! The beach is so pretty and serene. There are restaurants, ice cream shops, a carousel, a public dock, etc. not to mention beautiful homes and occasionally huge boats to dream about!