My surfboard on the sand
Ah, summer. Finally, we’re together again.
Although I do enjoy ice skating and skiing, for me, they just don’t compare to lying on a warm beach, swimming, and surfing. And in Rhode Island, we’re lucky to find everything we need to enjoy summer right here in the Ocean State.
This list is not meant to be comprehensive, but rather a list of ten of my favorite ways to spend a day during the summer in Rhode Island. I’d love to hear yours too, so post in the comments below!
1. Surf, Beach, and Mini-Amusement Park in Narragansett
Narragansett Town Beach. Photo: Dee and Tula Monstah.
For more low-key (read: novice) surfers like myself, Narragansett Town Beach generally offers small (one to three foot) waves, and the water tends to be freer of seaweed than some other local surf beaches. You can set up a surf lesson in Narragansett or rent a board with Warm Winds Surf Shop or Narragansett Surf & Skate, or just head out with your own board. The beach is separated by a surf side and a swim side, so if you’re only up for swimming, you can head to the other side of the beach. Note that Narragansett Town Beach has a fee both for parking and for entrance on the beach.
The bumper boats at Adventureland.
For lunch, I love Crazy Burger, which has a great selection of burgers, salads and sandwiches for vegetarians and omnivores alike.
If that’s not enough action for the day, then we’ll stop at Adventureland, a miniature amusement park with a carousel, bumper boats and a kids’ raceway.
We usually like to pick up some local seafood at Champlin’s to cook at home later (likely stopping for some ice cream at the Sweet Spot while we’re there), and picking up some local corn at Sunsets Farm on the way home.
2. Bike Ride and Lunch Along the Bay
Stopping along the East Bay Bike Path.
If it’s not too hot, one of my favorite things to do is take a bike ride along the East Bay Bike Path, which follows the coastline of the bay between East Providence down to Bristol, Rhode Island. The ride isn’t terribly hilly, and it’s so peaceful to ride along the water.
I like to stop along the way at the Audubon Society in Bristol to explore their outdoor grounds or indoor museum.
A cup of coffee chip at Gray’s Ice Cream.
Although the food is underwhelming, it’s hard to beat the view at Agave in Bristol. Save room for ice cream at Gray’s Ice Cream, which is one of my favorites.
3. Rocky Coast Hike and View of the Bay in Jamestown
The view from Fort Wetherill State Park.
When I’m up for a more adventurous activity, I love to hike up Fort Wetherill in Jamestown. It’s a fairly easy walk, even with children, and the views of Narragansett Bay are fantastic. If you think ahead, you can pack a picnic lunch. Or, you can make your way into the town of Jamestown to pick a spot along the water.
There’s also the Jamestown Community Playground for kids that need to let off steam before or after their meal.
4. Beach, Boats, Kites and Seafood in Newport and Middletown
Second Beach in Middletown, RI.
I usually skip Newport’s Easton’s Beach (“First Beach”) in Newport, and head to Sachuest Beach (“Second Beach”) in Middletown, Rhode Island. The water tends to be freer of seaweed, although the seagulls remain as aggressive as ever here, which is why I don’t recommend lunch on the beach. Plus, who needs lunch when you can go straight from the beach to Frosty Freez for delicious soft-serve.
Kite flying in Brenton State Park along the water in Newport.
We always like to try to make time to take a drive along the coast on Ocean Drive, stopping at Brenton Point State Park, which typically makes for a great kite-flying spot.
We’ve also spent many pleasant hours over the years in the rental boats available at Sail Newport in Fort Adams State Park.
For dinner, I usually head to Flo’s Clam Shack for my favorite lobster roll and clamcakes. Or if I’m in the mood for a more relaxing sit-down dinner, then I head to Scales & Shells for local seafood or Mamma Luisa for homemade Italian, both favorites that have stood the test of time.
5. Pool, Cake and a Drive-in Movie
Pool-time.
Although I do love the ocean, swimming in a pool can often be much easier–no waves and sea creatures to contend with.
If you don’t have access to a pool, see if you can find a friend and get invited by someone with a membership to one (guest fees tend to be about $5-10 per person at local clubs).
Wrights Dairy Farm
After swimming (I like to do laps), I like a treat (shocking, I know). Depending on where I am, I might drive to Eskimo King.
Another one of my favorites is an excursion to Wrights Dairy Farm for some coffee milk and strawberry shortcake.
And what better way to finish a summer evening than with an outdoor movie at the Rustic Tri-View Drive-In?
6. Fishing, Baseball and Fireworks
I love to sit on the grassy field by the outfield at McCoy Stadium.
What could be more American? Start with fishing and a ride on the carousel at Slater Memorial Park.
Then head to a Paw Sox game at McCoy Stadium, where you can grab some beers and a Super Pretzel, some shelled peanuts, or hot dog, and spread out on the lawn to watch the game. If you pick a night with fireworks after, then you can end the night with a close-up show.
7. Beach, Cocktails and Oysters
One of my favorite state beaches is East Matunuck Beach–it’s a bit rockier than some, but it’s has a great atmosphere for children. Plus, you can eat at the waterfront Matunuck Oyster Bar before or after. Am I the only one who finds the beach makes them hungry?
If I’m looking for a more lively beach day, I might head down to Misquamicut Beach in Westerly, RI and have cocktails and lunch at The Andrea’s newly restored bar, right on the beach.
8. An All-Providence Summer Day
Breakfast sandwich from Pat’s Pastured.
On Saturday mornings, you’ll typically find us at the Hope Street Farmers’ Market in Lippitt Park, Providence. There are dozens of farm vendors from Rhode Island and Massachusetts, and throughout the summer, the produce increases in variety. You’ll also find the Pat’s Pastured Pork stand for breakfast sandwiches, or Tallulah Tacos for lunch. There’s even a series of local craft vendors if you want to do additional shopping.
DePasquale Square on Atwells Ave.
On other days of the week, I might head to Venda Ravioli, where you can eat outside in DePasquale Square on Atwells Avenue.
You might not think of the zoo as too appealing on a hot summer day, but the Roger Williams Park Zoo now has Hasbro’s Big Backyard with sprinklers and water play for the kids (and I suppose, over-heated adults). Don’t forget to squeeze in a few minutes to see some elephants, giraffes and gorillas while you’re there.
Sparks fly on a windy night.
Then, it’s hard to deny the tourist appeal of Providence’s Waterfire. It was the first event that brought us into Providence before we moved here, and its success has led to its adoption in other small cities. It’s one of the only times you’ll see actual traffic in downtown Providence, as a novelty, I appreciate it, especially since I don’t have to drive.
In my ideal day, I’d begin with watching them light the fires, then enjoy a meal at Figidini or Gracie’s, and finish off with a concert at Lupo’s.
9. Berry Picking and Wine Tasting on Aquidneck Island
Newport Vineyards tables overlooking the grapevines.
When I get sick of the beach (it takes a lot of beach days in a row for this to happen), I love going to Sweet Berry Farm in Middletown for berry picking. They also have a small gourmet grocery shop with other tasty treats.
Then, I’d enjoy a relaxing snack and glass of wine at Newport Vineyards at their outdoor seating overlooking their rows of grapevines.
10. Biking and Surfing on Block Island
Ok, this one is actually on my ‘to do’ list.
It’s a bit absurd to admit, but even after living in Providence several years, I have failed to make the short ferry ride to Block Island. But I’m determined that this will be the year.
List of Places Mentioned (without links):
Narragansett Town Beach
39 Boston Neck Rd.
Narragansett, RI
www.narragansettri.gov
Crazy Burger
144 Boon St.
Narragansett, RI
www.crazyburger.com
Sunsets Farm
www.farmfresh.org
Audubon Society of RI
1401 Hope St
Bristol, RI
www.asri.org
Agave
805 Hope Street
Bristol, RI
www.agavebristol.com
Jamestown Community Playground
41 Conanicus Ave.
Jamestown, RI
Sachuest Beach
474 Sachuest Point Rd.
Middletown, RI
www.visitrhodeisland.com
Brenton Point State Park
Ocean Drive
Newport, RI
www.riparks.com
Sail Newport
60 Fort Adams Dr.
Newport, RI
www.sailnewport.org
Scales & Shells
527 Thames St.
Newport, RI
www.scalesandshells.com
Mamma Luisa
673 Thames St.
Newport, RI
www.mammaluisa.com
The Andrea
89 Atlantic Ave.
Westerly, RI
www.andreabeachbar.com
Hope Street Farmers’ Market
Lippitt Park
1059 Hope Street
Providence, RI
www.farmfresh.org
Venda Ravioli
265 Atwells Ave.
Providence, RI
www.vendaravioli.com
Gracie’s
194 Washington St.
Providence, RI
www.graciesprov.com
Lupo’s
79 Washington St.
Providence, RI
www.lupos.com
Newport Vineyards
909 E Main Rd.
Middletown, RI
www.newportvineyards.com
The Rhode Less Traveled: A Rhode Island Blog 