Westerly Travel Guide

Discover the best attractions, activities, food, accommodation, and transportation options in Westerly, Rhode Island with our travel guide.


Introduction to Westerly

Westerly, located in South County, Rhode Island, is a charming coastal town known for its beautiful beaches, historic sites, and natural beauty. The town has a rich history, dating back to the 1600s, when it was settled by English colonists. Today, Westerly is a popular tourist destination that attracts visitors from all over the world.

List of Places to Visit in Westerly

There are plenty of things to see and do in Westerly. Here’s a list of the top attractions:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Westerly Armory: Built in 1901, this historic armory is now a museum that showcases the military history of the area.
  • Babcock-Smith House: This historic house was built in 1734 and is now a museum that displays artifacts from the colonial era.
  • Granite Theatre: This historic theatre, dating back to 1921, hosts performances by local and touring theater groups.

Natural Attractions of Westerly: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Misquamicut State Beach: Located on the Atlantic Ocean, this scenic beach is one of the most popular attractions in the town.
  • Napatree Point: This beautiful peninsula is known for its scenic views and is a popular spot for hiking and bird-watching.
  • Westerly Land Trust Trails: The Westerly Land Trust maintains several trails that offer scenic views of the area’s natural beauty.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Westerly

Westerly is home to several hiking and biking routes that cater to all skill levels. Some of the popular routes include:

  • Napatree Point Conservation Area Trail: This trail offers picturesque views of the Atlantic Ocean and the surrounding area.
  • Maxwell Wildlife Refuge Trail: This trail is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, foxes, and hawks.
  • Westerly Land Trust Trails: The Westerly Land Trust maintains several trail systems that offer a range of hiking and biking options.

Best Things to Do in Westerly: Activities and Tours

Westerly offers a range of fun and exciting activities and tours. Here are some of the best things to do:

  • Sunset Sail: Take a sunset sail on a boat and enjoy scenic views of the town.
  • Beach Day: Spend the day at the beach and enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and beach volleyball.
  • Wine Tasting: Take a tour of one of the local wineries and sample some of the finest wines in the town.

Week-Long Itinerary for Westerly

Here’s a week-long itinerary that covers the top attractions in Westerly:

Day Activity
1 Visit Misquamicut State Beach
2 Take a sunset sail
3 Visit the Babcock-Smith House
4 Hike the Napatree Point Conservation Area Trail
5 Spend the day at the beach
6 Visit the Westerly Armory and Granite Theatre
7 Take a wine tasting tour

Food and Drink Scene of Westerly

Westerly has a vibrant food and drink scene, with plenty of options for all tastes and budgets.

Must-Try Dishes

  • Clam Chowder: Westerly is known for its delicious clam chowder, which is filled with fresh clams and vegetables.
  • Stuffies: This local specialty is a stuffed clam that’s baked to perfection.
  • Lobster Roll: Westerly’s lobster rolls are filled with fresh lobster, served on a buttery bun, and are a local favorite.

Local Beverages

  • Beer: Westerly has a few microbreweries that brew their beer on location, offering a variety of unique flavors.
  • Wine: Westerly is home to several wineries that offer tastings and tours of their facilities.
  • Coffee: There are several local coffee shops around town that offer a variety of coffee blends and flavors.

Where to Stay in Westerly: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Westerly offers a range of accommodations to suit all budgets and preferences. Here are some of the top options:

  • The Ocean House: This luxury hotel offers stunning ocean views, five-star amenities, and exceptional service.
  • The Villa Bed and Breakfast: This cozy bed and breakfast is located in the heart of town and offers a comfortable atmosphere and a delicious breakfast.
  • Pleasant View Inn: This beachfront hotel offers spacious and comfortable rooms, an outdoor pool, and beach access.

What to Buy in Westerly: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Westerly offers several unique souvenirs and local products that make for great gifts or keepsakes. Here are some of the best options:

  • Handmade Jewelry: Westerly is home to several local jewelry makers who create one-of-a-kind pieces using locally sourced materials.
  • Artwork: The town has several art galleries that showcase the work of local artists, offering a range of styles and mediums.
  • Local Foods: Bring home some of the local specialities, such as clam cakes mix and hot sauce.

Local Culture and Customs of Westerly

Westerly has a strong local culture and customs that visitors should be aware of. Here are some of the top customs:

  • Friendliness: The locals are known for being friendly and welcoming to visitors.
  • Concern for the environment: The town has a strong commitment to protecting its natural beauty and encourages visitors to do the same.
  • Respect for history: Westerly has a rich history, and the locals have a deep respect for it, which is reflected in the town’s many historical sites and museums.

Best Time to Visit Westerly

The best time to visit Westerly is during the summer months from June to August, when the weather is warm, and the beaches are open. However, visitors can also enjoy the town’s natural beauty during the fall and spring months when the crowds are smaller, and the foliage is stunning.

Do’s and Don’ts of Westerly

Here are some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind when visiting Westerly:

Do:

  • Respect the environment: Westerly is home to several natural areas that require visitors to stay on designated trails and respect the plants and wildlife.
  • Try the local food: Westerly has a rich culinary scene, and visitors should taste some of the local specialties during their visit.
  • Visit the local museums: Westerly has several museums that showcase the town’s history and culture and are well worth a visit.

Don’t:

  • Litter: Visitors should not litter and should dispose of their trash appropriately.
  • Ignore the rules: Visitors should follow the rules posted in parks and on beaches and respect the privacy of others.
  • Disrespect local customs: Visitors should be mindful of local customs and respect the town’s history and culture.

Safety and Health

Safety in Westerly

Westerly is generally a safe town, but visitors should take precautions to ensure their safety. Here are some tips:

  • Stay aware of your surroundings: Visitors should be aware of their surroundings and avoid walking alone at night.
  • Protect your belongings: Visitors should keep their valuables safe and secure to avoid theft.
  • Follow beach safety rules: Visitors should follow the rules posted on the beach and avoid swimming in areas with strong currents.

Health in Westerly

Westerly has excellent medical facilities, and visitors can rest assured that they can receive quality medical care if needed.

Getting to Westerly: Transportation Options and Logistics

Westerly is easily accessible by several transportation options. Here are some of the options:

Airports Near Westerly

  • T.F. Green Airport: This airport is located in Providence, Rhode Island, and is approximately 40 minutes’ drive from Westerly.
  • Bradley International Airport: This airport is located in Hartford, Connecticut, and is approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes’ drive from Westerly.

Bus Stations Near Westerly

  • Peter Pan Bus Lines: This bus line provides service to Westerly from several locations throughout the Northeast.

Other Options

  • Car Rental: Visitors can rent a car at the airport or in town to explore the area.
  • Private Car Service: Visitors can also hire private car services to transport them to and from Westerly.

How to Get Around in Westerly

Visitors can get around Westerly by car, bike, or on foot. The town is small enough to walk around, but visitors may want to rent a car or bike to explore the surrounding areas.

Where to Go Next from Westerly: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Westerly is surrounded by several nearby destinations and excursions that visitors can explore. Here are some options:

  • Newport, Rhode Island: This historic town is located approximately 45 minutes’ drive north of Westerly and is home to several historic mansions and excellent restaurants.
  • Mystic, Connecticut: This charming town is located approximately 20 minutes’ drive east of Westerly and is home to several museums and shops.
  • Block Island, Rhode Island: This beautiful island is accessible by ferry and is home to several scenic beaches, hiking trails, and bike rentals.

Conclusion

Westerly is a charming town that offers visitors a perfect blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. By following this comprehensive travel guide, visitors can experience everything that the town has to offer and create lasting memories.

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