Rhode Island may be tiny, but it’s full of wonderful places to explore. And Narragansett (known colloquially as “Gansett”) is one of our very favorite day trips in the state. This seaside town is full of history and New England charm, and makes for a very enjoyable little getaway. Here’s a weekend itinerary perfect for exploring Narragansett in Rhode Island — let’s go!
Narragansett is a quaint little beachside town in Rhode Island.
cmart7327/iStock via Getty Images Plus Known mostly for its summer vacation offerings, the town is filled with amazing beaches, historic lighthouses, and other attractions that can be enjoyed year-round.
In Narragansett, The Break Hotel will make you feel like you’re in a coastal B&B, but with all the amenities of a modern boutique hotel.
The Break Hotel website All rooms at The Break Hotel have heated bathroom floors and a fireplace, making for an ultra cozy experience.
The Break is a dreamy place to stay, with stunning, oceanfront views you’ll be excited to wake up to!
The Break Hotel website (You’ll even get complementary backpack beach chairs and bikes included with your room, so you can enjoy the beach at your leisure.)
For your first dinner in Narragansett, you must visit Coast Guard House.
management/TripAdvisor This local favorite has been around since the 1940s and built a reputation for serving fresh, locally harvested seafood.
You really can’t go wrong with anything on the menu here.
Keith M/TripAdvisor (Although their pasta dishes are particularly divine.)
While at dinner, you’ll also enjoy some of the best views of Narragansett Bay.
ElaineL63Sunshine/TripAdvisor Fun fact: the Coast Guard House actually used to be a station for the actual Coast Guard, which was known as the United States Life Saving Service in the late 1800s.
Narragansett is a beach town, and we recommend going all in, and spending an entire day at the beach.
mtcurado/iStock via Getty Images Plus There are three state park beaches in Narragansett: Scarborough State Beach, Roger Wheeler State Beach, and Salty Brine State Beach.
Narragansett Town Beach is our favorite, however.
Marc Choquette/Flickr This beach has a gorgeous surf and very dramatic view of Narragansett’s iconic Towers.
After a day on the beach, grab an early dinner at Monahan’s Clam Shack By the Sea – located right on Narragansett Beach!
Jill W/TripAdvisor This seasonal restaurant is beach food at its best: crave-worthy seafood and classic American fare. (Please note: Monahan’s hours vary by season.)
The next morning, fuel up for a day of exploring Narragansett at the very appropriately named Fuel Coffee Bar.
Fuel Coffee Bar/Facebook This coffee shop is a favorite among locals and students at the nearby University of Rhode Island. Fuel’s coffee is fantastic, and their cinnamon rolls are legendary.
Then, it’s time for some sightseeing.
Rawpixel Ltd/Flickr Point Judith Lighthouse is one of the town’s most popular attractions.
Built in 1857, the brown and white lighthouse at Point Judith overlooks a rough part of the coast where shipwrecks were once a common occurrence.
Green Fire Productions/Flickr It’s a very mysterious and intriguing place.
Black Point Trail is both scenic and historic.
Briana Travers/TripAdvisor It’s an accessible, 2.1-mile trail, with lots of opportunities for rock scaling, bluff climbing, and epic exploration.
By “epic exploration,” of course, we’re talking about the eponymous Black Point Ruins, also known as the Scarborough Ruins.
Katherine McIntire/Flickr These crumbled walls overlooking the ocean were once a part of a grand, 21-room mansion. The estate was built in 1895 for the Davis family who made their fortune selling a painkiller made with opium. Today, the ruins are all that remain.
And of course, a visit to the Towers is a must when visiting Narragansett.
Jason Heid/iStock via Getty Images Plus Once upon a time, The Towers were the gate to Narragansett Pier Casino. They harken back to bygone days when Gansett was the place to go for a party (think Great Gatsby-level revelry).
Today, the Towers are a popular event venue and tourist attraction.
qofdnz/TripAdvisor The stone towers, however, have remained strong and are a symbol of Narragansett’s past, present, and future.
For your last night, dine at a Narragansett institution: Aunt Carrie’s Restaurant.
Dgouldd/TripAdvisor Family owned and operated for over 100 years, Aunt Carrie’s is a beloved local eatery.
While pretty much everything on the menu is spectacular, the clam cake is a must-try.
Aunt Carrie’s Restaurant/Facebook Aunt Carrie’s clam cakes have won multiple awards, and are thought by many to be the best
If you can, take the Newport Bridge on your way out of town. Claiborne Pell Bridge, commonly known as the Newport Bridge, is a suspension bridge that spans the East Passage of the Narragansett Bay in Rhode Island, USA.
Kevin Trimmer/Moment Collection via Getty Images This beautiful bridge is a true Narragansett treasure, and will make your drive home just as memorable as your stay.
Narragansett is just one of our picks for the 10 most beautiful towns in Rhode Island — Little Rhody is full of gorgeous little gems to explore! Where’s your favorite place to spend a weekend in RI? Share it with us in the comments below!
cmart7327/iStock via Getty Images Plus
Known mostly for its summer vacation offerings, the town is filled with amazing beaches, historic lighthouses, and other attractions that can be enjoyed year-round.
The Break Hotel website
All rooms at The Break Hotel have heated bathroom floors and a fireplace, making for an ultra cozy experience.
(You’ll even get complementary backpack beach chairs and bikes included with your room, so you can enjoy the beach at your leisure.)
management/TripAdvisor
This local favorite has been around since the 1940s and built a reputation for serving fresh, locally harvested seafood.
Keith M/TripAdvisor
(Although their pasta dishes are particularly divine.)
ElaineL63Sunshine/TripAdvisor
Fun fact: the Coast Guard House actually used to be a station for the actual Coast Guard, which was known as the United States Life Saving Service in the late 1800s.
mtcurado/iStock via Getty Images Plus
There are three state park beaches in Narragansett: Scarborough State Beach, Roger Wheeler State Beach, and Salty Brine State Beach.
Marc Choquette/Flickr
This beach has a gorgeous surf and very dramatic view of Narragansett’s iconic Towers.
Jill W/TripAdvisor
This seasonal restaurant is beach food at its best: crave-worthy seafood and classic American fare. (Please note: Monahan’s hours vary by season.)
Fuel Coffee Bar/Facebook
This coffee shop is a favorite among locals and students at the nearby University of Rhode Island. Fuel’s coffee is fantastic, and their cinnamon rolls are legendary.
Rawpixel Ltd/Flickr
Point Judith Lighthouse is one of the town’s most popular attractions.
Green Fire Productions/Flickr
It’s a very mysterious and intriguing place.
Briana Travers/TripAdvisor
It’s an accessible, 2.1-mile trail, with lots of opportunities for rock scaling, bluff climbing, and epic exploration.
Katherine McIntire/Flickr
These crumbled walls overlooking the ocean were once a part of a grand, 21-room mansion. The estate was built in 1895 for the Davis family who made their fortune selling a painkiller made with opium. Today, the ruins are all that remain.
Jason Heid/iStock via Getty Images Plus
Once upon a time, The Towers were the gate to Narragansett Pier Casino. They harken back to bygone days when Gansett was the place to go for a party (think Great Gatsby-level revelry).
qofdnz/TripAdvisor
The stone towers, however, have remained strong and are a symbol of Narragansett’s past, present, and future.
Dgouldd/TripAdvisor
Family owned and operated for over 100 years, Aunt Carrie’s is a beloved local eatery.
Aunt Carrie’s Restaurant/Facebook
Aunt Carrie’s clam cakes have won multiple awards, and are thought by many to be the best
Kevin Trimmer/Moment Collection via Getty Images
This beautiful bridge is a true Narragansett treasure, and will make your drive home just as memorable as your stay.
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Address: Narragansett, RI, USA
