Watch Hill Beach — Local services in Westerly

The finest beach in the Northeast USA, but so difficult. Daily parking $40-50 behind Ninigret statue or 44 Bay St, or $7 each 30 min (1st 30 min free) off Larkin Rd (a better deal for many). To avoid paying, park on Bay St from noon to 2PM, then go into the free 2 hour lot at "Fort Rd" (the harbor lot) where you should be safe from ticketing after 4PM in the unmarked white spaces, say "shopping." Parking on Larkin St only with a sticker. Tickets are $150 so Watch (Hill) out! Beach admission is another $12/$6 (life guards, changing booths, shaded tables, bathroom), or to bypass the fee, walk along the harbor and turn sharp left once over the big first dune, then straight past the Misqumicut club shoreline. No dogs 8A-6P, May 02 to Labor Day on Napatree, and no cooking. Go there if you don't need lifeguards or nearby bathrooms (free to all next to the merry-go-round). The view from the big dune is stunning, and Napatree is heaven until you get to the rocks 1.5 miles out at the Point (still passable with shoes). The bay side could not be more peaceful, and the water is teeming with life (but lots of dried seaweed on the bayside shore). Bayside drop-offs are allowed by the gate to the Misquamicut club, including canoes, but please talk to the attendant and respect the privacy of the members. Free East Beach access just up Larkin Rd (thanks Taylor!) is another spectacular part of the beach not to be missed. There are no lifeguards or bathrooms on "E" Beach, the waves are bigger, and the water is less seaweedy. Cops ticket if you pick-up or drop-off at the tiny E Beach access point (must walk from your parking spot)! If the guard doesn't wave you off, drive to the lighthouse for the views (but no going through the gate). The Harbour House Inn & General Store open at 8AM - go there. If this Range Rover crowd isn't your cup of tea or the parking full-up, head to nearby Misquamucut beach. Your bladder...

My son & niece love to ride on the Merry-Go-Round 🎪🎠. We live just minutes away from Watch Hill & like to come here after dinner for a night time adventure 😀!!

Most of our experiences have been exactly as expected, fun & friendly 🤗.

But our most recent visit to the merry-go-round was not quite the same.

There were 3 girls working, & as usual all the kids were very excited for the rings to begin. One girl kept talking to the other girls who were also there, instead of passing out the rings. As the horses went around over & over again, she continued to talk... instead of paying attention to the children... who ALL had their hands held out ready to grab a ring 🙄🤬. It was also unfortunate to see that there were THREE people working 1 Merry-Go-Round, & not 1 single girl could step up & tell the other to start the rings, or take over themselves & do it. I was also upset that not one of the girls were facing the horses, each of them had there backs to them, on there phones & talking amongst each other. Of course all the parents are outside of the Merry-Go-Round watching but there is a reason they have people there getting paid to run this "ride" & keeping a eye on the little kids should be priority over your cell phone!

The next time we decided to not go back to this one, & went to the Misquamicut Merry-Go-Round & got ice cream. It was a much better experience & our family had a good night so it...

I have been visiting Watch Hill Beach for seven years, and when my family and I first discovered it, we felt we had found a true treasure.

Before I proceed with my review, I want to address some negative comments I’ve encountered regarding the locals. In my experience over the years, I have never encountered any rude locals; they have always been warm and welcoming. Like any destination, if you behave loudly and disruptively, you may not be welcomed.

Now, regarding my review: We have always enjoyed our time there because of the friendly locals, delicious food and coffee, and the ability to relax while listening to the waves and watching families and friends enjoy themselves.

I’ve always been very hesitant to go to the beach on July 4th because of how busy it can get. My best friend and I decided to go on July 4th 2025 and it did not disappoint us at all!!! We had such a great time, we found a great spot to sit back, relax, and enjoy.

There is no beach like Watch Hill. I’ve traveled to many of them, but none compare to this one. Also, shout out to the parking attendants who do a phenomenal job ensuring all the cars are parked correctly and the ease of leaving the parking...