Rhode Island's southwestern limit is a finger of land extending into the waters of the Atlantic Ocean and Long Island Sound. The popularity of Watch Hill Beach RI is promoted by the attractions found in the village itself, of the same name. Visitors to the area can take advantage of Napatree Point, and Carousel and East Beaches. There are advantages to each of the three areas. The area's popularity, especially during the high season is due to the proximity of the area to New York City and to Boston. In addition to the sun and sand activities, there are historical and natural attractions.
The Flying Horse Carousel is a draw for any family with children. The antique carousel gives its name to the beach of the same name. The carousel was given as a gift to the community in the mid-1800s and has been continuously in operation since that time. It is a United States National Historic Landmark. The horses are attached by free-swinging chains rather than from a wooden platform, so they fly as the speed picks up. The sands are public, but it is a fee beach. The small fee brings a family locker, small waves, and a lifeguard.
East Beach is perhaps more popular, due to its stronger waves. There is no fee to use these sands, but it has fewer amenities. Access to the sands and surf is along a sandy path and can be a bit hard to find unless you know the area. The sands are well-maintained and clean.
The longest of the beaches is the area that leads from the village to Napatree Point. The sands are a designated barrier area so there are no roads or houses. It's a public area and offers about two miles in which to fish (surfcasting), bird watch, or visit the remains and remnants of historic Fort Mansfield facility. From this area, you can see Fisher's Island and historical Watch Hill Lighthouse, dating originally from 1808.
Historically, the village of Watch Hill was a wealthy resort era. A number of sprawling Victorian beach cottages were erected by affluent families between the Carousel and Napatree Lighthouse. The building spate was during the 19th and 20th centuries before hard economic times hit during the Recession.
The 1938 hurricane took this area by surprise and destroyed houses, bathing pavilions, and yacht clubs. At times, the remains of foundations as well as artifacts can be seen. Breechways were created by the storm, some of which remain. Hurricane Sandy also affected this area, although not to the extent of 1938 and 1954 storms.
Another point of historical interest is the Watch Hill Inn, constructed in 1845. The associated Club is a private area of sea and sand. Weekly during the summer season, visitors can see water activities such as the Regatta.
Watch Hill Beach RI offers attractions for families looking for sea and sand activities. Birdwatching and surf casting opportunities abound. Historical sites such as the Flying Horse Carousel and the Lighthouse draw other visitors.
The Flying Horse Carousel is a draw for any family with children. The antique carousel gives its name to the beach of the same name. The carousel was given as a gift to the community in the mid-1800s and has been continuously in operation since that time. It is a United States National Historic Landmark. The horses are attached by free-swinging chains rather than from a wooden platform, so they fly as the speed picks up. The sands are public, but it is a fee beach. The small fee brings a family locker, small waves, and a lifeguard.
East Beach is perhaps more popular, due to its stronger waves. There is no fee to use these sands, but it has fewer amenities. Access to the sands and surf is along a sandy path and can be a bit hard to find unless you know the area. The sands are well-maintained and clean.
The longest of the beaches is the area that leads from the village to Napatree Point. The sands are a designated barrier area so there are no roads or houses. It's a public area and offers about two miles in which to fish (surfcasting), bird watch, or visit the remains and remnants of historic Fort Mansfield facility. From this area, you can see Fisher's Island and historical Watch Hill Lighthouse, dating originally from 1808.
Historically, the village of Watch Hill was a wealthy resort era. A number of sprawling Victorian beach cottages were erected by affluent families between the Carousel and Napatree Lighthouse. The building spate was during the 19th and 20th centuries before hard economic times hit during the Recession.
The 1938 hurricane took this area by surprise and destroyed houses, bathing pavilions, and yacht clubs. At times, the remains of foundations as well as artifacts can be seen. Breechways were created by the storm, some of which remain. Hurricane Sandy also affected this area, although not to the extent of 1938 and 1954 storms.
Another point of historical interest is the Watch Hill Inn, constructed in 1845. The associated Club is a private area of sea and sand. Weekly during the summer season, visitors can see water activities such as the Regatta.
Watch Hill Beach RI offers attractions for families looking for sea and sand activities. Birdwatching and surf casting opportunities abound. Historical sites such as the Flying Horse Carousel and the Lighthouse draw other visitors.
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Our mission is to keep Watch Hill Beach RI clean at all times. Please help us to keep the East Beach a beautiful beach for all its visitors by sending your donations to http://www.watchhilleba.org.
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