Narragansett, RI | Favorite Things to Do, See & Eat (2025)

Narragansett, RI, tends to lure travelers away from more crowded coastal destinations with its beautifully maintained beaches, quirky restaurants, historic landmarks, and laid-back surf-town vibe. Even in the off-season, intrepid surfers charge into some of New England’s gnarliest waves here, while beachy hotels, inns, and restaurants keep summer’s spirit alive. The architectural beauty known as the Towers — the only surviving feature of the glorious Victorian-era Narragansett Pier Casino — seems to remind visitors to embrace enduring pleasures like warm sand underfoot, the rhythmic lull of waves, and super-fresh seafood on your plate.

Whether you’re vacationing in Narragansett, RI, or just passing through, these attractions and experiences should top your list of “musts.”

Things to Do in Narragansett, RI

Spend Time at the Beach

Three state park beaches in Narragansett, RI —Scarborough North State Beach, Roger W. Wheeler State Beach, and Salty Brine State Beach— offer ocean lovers plenty of options, but these sandboxes can’t rival Narragansett Town Beach, with its reliably vigorous surf and dramatic view of the Towers. Consider the cost of parking and admission an investment in preserving this crescent of sand for the next wave of children who’ll build castles inspired by this fairytale structure. ADA surf chairs, available at no charge, make this one of Rhode Island’s most accessible beaches. Interested in surfing lessons? Instructors from two in-town outfitters —Warm Winds Surf Shop and Narragansett Surf & Skate Shop— will meet you atthe beach with all the gear and encouragement you need.

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Admire Judith Point Light

Built in 1857, the octagonal brown and white lighthouse at Point Judith overlooks a treacherous spot where shipwrecks were once a common occurrence. So when you visit this free attraction, admire not only its scenic appearance but also its vital role as a still-active navigational aid. For panoramic views of Point Judith Lighthouse, turn off Ocean Road and visit the Point Judith Fishermen’s Memorial, which honors locals lost at sea. Then, get a close-up look at the beacon by visiting the grounds of the Point Judith Coast Guard station. Building cairns with the ocean-smoothed stones washed ashore beneath the lighthouse is challenging fun for kids and grown-ups, too.

Places to Eat in Narragansett, RI

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Taste History at Aunt Carrie’s

You have to try clam cakes — those doughy, clam-studded, golden-fried blobs — while you’re in Rhode Island, so why not head straight to the Narragansett restaurant where they’re made by descendants of their creator? It’s been more than a century since Carrie Cooper and her husband, Ulysses, began serving her invention to hungry fishermen. Today, lines form at Aunt Carrie’s from April through September for these satisfying fritters, plus other sea treats including chowder, fish and chips made with just-caught Point Judith flounder, and complete shore dinners. In the mood for lobster? You’ll also find Aunt Carrie’s on Yankee’slist of the 12 Best Lobster Shacks in New England.

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BYOB at Crazy Burger

It’s not insane to want to eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner at Narragansett’s star eatery,Crazy Burger. This indoor-outdoor, vegan-friendly restaurant has earned TV appearances and a huge following thanks to its eclectic menu and high-caliber cooking. Open year-round on an out-of-the-way street about a 15-minute walk from Narragansett Town Beach, Crazy Burger serves breakfast until 4 p.m. daily, so you can sleep in and not miss favorites like cinnamon roll French toast, tofu scrambles, and omelets made with your choice of more than 25 add-ins. The burgers are the zaniest, with poultry, fish, bean, tempeh, and mushroom options in addition to beef. Even if you take advantage of the BYOBBAM (Bring Your Own Booze, By All Means!) policy, try one of Crazy Burger’s made-to-order juices, shakes, lemonades, andsmoothies.

Places to Stay in Narragansett, RI

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Vacation in Style at the Break

You could buy an ocean-view cottage and hire one of Rhode Island’s top interior designers to furnish it with retro-chic, seaside appeal. But it’s so much easier to reserve one of 16 spacious guest rooms at Narragansett’s only boutique hotel, the Break. This couples-focused property has an intimate spa, a saltwater outdoor pool that is heated to jump-right-in temperature year-round, and an on-site restaurant,Chair 5,that serves creative, upscale fare featuring the best local seafood, meats, and produce. Even if you’re not staying overnight, head up to the rooftop lounge for a Narragansett Lager, a glass of wine, or a signature cocktail, and enjoy the sunset view.

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Save Money at the Anchor Motel

Taking your family to the beach can be expensive. But the clean, cozy, family-owned Anchor Motel will save your budget. Not only are its 15 nonsmoking rooms affordable and nicely equipped, but it also boasts a prime location. You’ll be directly across the street from popular Scarborough State Beach, so you can play in the waves every day and never pay for parking or beach access. Morning coffee and doughnuts are free, too. Although the motel is seasonal, two B&B rooms in the owners’ adjacent home are available year-round.

Have you ever visited Narragansett, RI? Let us know your favorite things to do and see there!

This post was first published in 2017 and has been updated.

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Narragansett, RI | Favorite Things to Do, See & Eat (2025)

FAQs

Narragansett, RI | Favorite Things to Do, See & Eat? ›

Narragansett, RI, tends to lure travelers away from more crowded coastal destinations with its beautifully maintained beaches, quirky restaurants, historic landmarks, and laid-back surf-town vibe.

Is Narragansett, RI worth visiting? ›

Narragansett, RI, tends to lure travelers away from more crowded coastal destinations with its beautifully maintained beaches, quirky restaurants, historic landmarks, and laid-back surf-town vibe.

Does Narragansett have a boardwalk? ›

This is the most popular beach in Rhode Island and is a great beach for all ages with two beautiful pavilions, boardwalk, observation tower and sitting areas along the boardwalk. Picnic table, concessions, restrooms, and coin operated hot showers.

Do you have to pay to walk on Narragansett beach? ›

Hours & Days of Operation for the Beach

The beach will open full-time and charging 7 days a week for the season on Saturday June 1st thru Monday September 2nd Labor Day. After Labor Day each year, the beach is free to the public.

Does Narragansett have a town? ›

The town of Narragansett occupies a narrow strip of land running along the eastern bank of the Pettaquamscutt River (aka Narrow River) to the shore of Narragansett Bay on the Atlantic Ocean.

Is Narragansett walkable? ›

Enjoy this 2.1-mile out-and-back trail near Narragansett, Rhode Island. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 37 min to complete. This is a popular trail for birding, fishing, and walking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day.

What is the number one place to visit in Rhode Island? ›

The Newport mansions are one of the most popular attractions around, and the nearby Cliff Walk is a great place for a hike.

Why is Narragansett famous? ›

Narragansett, Rhode Island, is a popular summertime destination for visitors and residents of New England. Today, the town is known for landmarks like the Point Judith Lighthouse and Narragansett Town Beach. But this town has a vibrant history that has helped shape it into the breathtaking destination it is today.

Is Narragansett Town Beach open to non-residents? ›

Residents pay a fee for parking and for entrance passes. Parking in South, North and Cabana lots is limited to residents. The Cabana lots is limited to Cabana lessors. The West lot (across from the beach) is available to non-residents at $10 weekdays and $15 weekends.)

Are there whales in Narragansett Bay? ›

Best Times of Year to See the Whales Migrate

The best time to go whale watching while you're in Narragansett is from May through October. During these warmer months, the whales are attracted to the warmer waters, which can reach into the mid-70s.

Is Narragansett beach free for seniors? ›

Seasonal passes are available to town residents and taxpayers only: $25 per person 18 to 61, $10 for minors 12 to 17, and free for residents 62 years and older and members of the Narragansett Indian Tribe.

Can you swim in Narragansett beach? ›

Swimming is allowed only in front of lifeguard chairs that are designated swimming only. Swimming is not allowed in the surfing area. Surfers are restricted to surfing area from the seawall to the banner designated for surfing.

Do you have to pay to walk around Pleasure beach? ›

The only way to gain entry to Pleasure Beach Resort is to purchase an eTicket. This applies to everyone, except for carers and children aged under 2*. eTickets allow you to enter the park and enjoy all of our rides, including Nickelodeon Land all day long.

Is Narragansett a wealthy town? ›

Compare that to the national average of 21.84% for all cities and towns. The per capita income in Narragansett in 2022 was $45,843, which is middle income relative to Rhode Island, and wealthy relative to the rest of the US.

How long is Narragansett Town Beach? ›

This mile long beach is regarded as having the best surfing in New England due to its smoothly curling waves. There are two modern pavilions with snack bars, changing rooms and rest rooms. Parking fee and beach fee apply.

What is the average income in Narragansett Rhode Island? ›

The average annual household income in Narragansett Pier is $102,476, while the median household income sits at $76,528 per year.

What is interesting about Narragansett? ›

The city of Narragansett gets its name from the Narragansett Native American tribe that lived in the area for centuries before the arrival of European colonists. In 1636, Roger Williams left the Massachusetts Bay Colony and formed his settlement, Providence. Today, we know this area as Rhode Island.

What is the nicest part of Rhode Island? ›

Best Places to Live in Rhode Island in 2024
#CityCommunity Well-Being Score
1.Cranston64/100
2.Providence62/100
3.Warwick62/100
4.Newport65/100
3 more rows
Sep 9, 2024

What is Narragansett Bay known for? ›

Narragansett Bay contains over 700 billion gallons of water that span a whopping 150 square miles. The watershed is home to thousands of species of plants, fish and other wildlife as well as more than two million residents. In addition, over ten million tourists visit the Bay each year.

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