The Coastal Villages Trail in Rhode Island links the small beach communities along the southern shore — Narragansett, South Kingstown, Charlestown, Westerly. Not the Newport mansion crowd — this is the quieter, less manicured side of Rhode Island where the beach road passes through salt marshes, seafood shacks and state beach parks.
In This Article
The Route
Route 1A along the coast from Narragansett south to Watch Hill is the core of the drive. The road passes Scarborough, Narragansett Town Beach, Matunuck with its oyster bars, Charlestown with its barrier beach, and Misquamicut in Westerly. Most beaches charge for parking in summer but are free in the off-season.
Highlights
Matunuck Oyster Bar sits right on Potter Pond and grows its own oysters in the water visible from the deck. Charlestown Breachway is a sheltered beach popular with families. Watch Hill at the southern tip has the Flying Horse Carousel (one of the oldest in the US) and a stretch of beach looking toward Block Island.
Ninigret National Wildlife Refuge in Charlestown has walking trails through salt marsh and coastal shrubland — good birding, especially during spring and fall migration.
Getting There
The Rhode Island coast is about 2 hours from Boston and 3 hours from New York City. Amtrak stops at Westerly and Kingston stations. A car is necessary for the coastal road — public transit along the shore is limited.