10 Top Things to Do in Narragansett, RI

Get Your Photo Taken With The Towers

An iconic Narragansett attraction since its inception as the Narragansett Pier Casino back in 1886, The Towers are all that remain following two devastating fires in 1900 and 1965 and a series of strong hurricanes that hit the area in 1938, 1954, and 1991. Despite other structures around them falling victim to such dramatic events, The Towers have withstood the test of time, becoming a symbol of good luck for those living in the region. Have your photo taken outside or see if you can attend an event within their walls during your trip, as the venue regularly hosts performances by the South Kingstown String Orchestra among other local musical talents.

Embrace Your Inner Child at Adventureland

If you happen to be visiting Narragansett between May and October, stop by Adventureland for a few hours of miniature golf and go-kart racing or to take on the batting cage, bumper boats, bumper cars, and other amusement park attractions straight out of your childhood. Indulge in air hockey, skee ball, and other retro-style games, take a ride on the old-school Carousel, and see if you can beat your friends at Bankshot, a new basketball-meets-mini-golf experience.

Head to the Nearest Beach

Narragansett Town Beach is a wonderful place to get your trip started, with soft sand, views of The Towers, and vigorous waves perfect for surfing, body surfing, or boogie boarding. There are plenty of restaurants within walking distance and the daily non-resident fee is a small price to pay for access to a beach that evokes all of the Rhode Island shore's beauty and history.

This fabulous stretch of sand is far from your only option, though. NearbyScarborough State Beach, also in Narragansett, is one of Rhode Island's most popular destinations, while Roger Wheeler State Beach and Salty Brine State Beach each offer a quieter vibe and calmer surf, making them especially well-suited for families with young children.

See Point Judith Lighthouse at Sunset

While you're not allowed to go inside, the grounds around this famous Narragansett lighthouse are open to the public by day. Point Judith Lighthouse is still an active Coast Guard station, and you'll be chased away as the sun sinks, so arrive about an hour before sunset to view the beautiful beacon as the sky begins to change color. The lighting at this time of day makes the cairns below the light appear even more magical. Building one of these stone towers with your kids is a memory you'll cherish.

Learn to Surf or Stand-Up Paddle Board

The highlight of your stay in Narragansett may turn out to be a surfing or stand-up paddle boarding lesson with Peter Pan Surfing and SUP Academy at Narragansett Town Beach. The company offers both one-on-one and group lessons whether you're a total beginner or a more experienced surfer or stand-up paddle boarder, plus all the gear you'll need—like state-of-the-art surfboards and your choice of full or short wetsuits—to give it a proper go. After a short introduction on the beach, your instructor will take you out into the water, where you'll attempt to catch your first wave.

Go Clamming at Point Judith Pond

Chasing your own clams may seem like the antithesis of being on vacation, but if you've been cooped up working at home all year, you may actually relish the thought of spending time digging around in the outdoors instead of being trapped at a desk all day. For $11 per person, you can obtain an RI Tourist Shellfishing License that's valid for 14 days (if you're a fan and plan to do this longer, an annual pass will run you $200). As an added bonus, the clams you harvest yourself at Point Judith Pond in Galilee will be fresher and sweeter than any you've tasted elsewhere.

Shop for Gourmet Goodies at the Coastal Growers Farmer Market

Bananas Foster artisanal granola from Providence-based company Beautiful Day is just one of the potential offerings at the ​Coastal Growers Farmer Market you'll find on a busy summer Saturday. The market is held weekly from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. from mid-May through late-October at historic Casey Farm in Saunderstown, a village just about a 12-minute drive north of Narragansett Town Beach. Sample gourmet food items made in Rhode Island, shop for fresh produce, and tuck into a healthy lunch.

Sip Waterfront Cocktails at the Coast Guard House

The deck at the Coast Guard House is as close as you can get to dining on the water without chartering a boat. Bring a jacket (it can get pretty breezy near the ocean) and get ready to kick back and enjoy cocktails made with locally sourced spirits. The deck menu features a variety of raw bar selections, as well as burgers, paninis, simply prepared seafood, and a handful of choices for the kiddos. Try the fish tacos and thank us later.

Feast on the Foods Narragansett is Known For

Aunt Carrie's Restaurant, Ice Cream and Gift Shop has been owned by the same family since 1920​ when Carrie and Ulysses Cooper decided they needed a permanent stand where they could meet the demands of campers and fishermen for her chowder and clam cakes. A fourth generation still uses Carrie's corn fritter recipe as the basis for these famous clam cakes, which you can savor indoors or outside.

Nearby, celebrity Chef Guy Fieri helped put Crazy Burger on the map and travelers are now crazy about the eclectic menu at this compact eatery, too. How often do you find vegan options at a burger joint? Or breakfast selections available until 4 p.m.? You won't go wrong with a Whassupy Burger and basil lime lemonade. Crazy Burger also serves dinner, which means you'll actually be tempted to dine here three times a day. The restaurant is BYOBBAM (Bring Your Own Booze, By All Means!), but be aware that there is a corkage fee ($5 per dining party or $3 for solo diners).

Hike to Black Point

Before you leave Narragansett, be sure to hike out to Black Point. Kids will have fun searching for crabs and other sea life in tidal pools, and the views from this spot will make you feel as if you've left Rhode Island behind. You'll find a small parking area at the trailhead on Ocean Road, about three miles south of Narragansett Town Beach. An easy hike of less than a mile leads to this rocky spot along the coast where you can spend the day fishing or enjoying a seaside picnic.