At the southwesternmost point of Rhode island is a small stretch of land extending into Little Narraganset Bay where the Long Island Sound interacts with the Atlantic. The area known as Watch Hill Beach RI actually is part of the village of Watch Hill and is comprised of several beaches, including Carousel Beach, Napatree Point and East Beach. Each of the three has different attractions and fans. Points of interest in and around the village make this a magnet for visitors, especially in the summer months. It's only eighty miles from Boston and twice that distance from New York.
Carousel Beach, near the antique carousel is a major attraction for families with children. As the name suggests, the old-fashioned Flying Horse Carousel is the oldest continuously operated carousel of its type in the States and is a National Historic Landmark. The horses are suspended from chains, rather than being attached to a platform. They feature leather saddles, a mane and tail of real horsehair and there are opportunities to grab for silver or a brass ring. The beach requires a small daily fee, provides a locker and a lifeguard. The waves are small.
Another of the local beaches is East Beach. There is no fee to use this stretch of sand, but it has fewer amenities and is fairly well hidden. It has good surfing waves. There is a walk required to reach the sands.
Napatree Point is the longest of the beaches associated with Watch Hill. It offers about two miles of barrier sands free of houses or roads. There is public access and it is widely used by bird watchers, surf casters and those interested in the historic remains of Fort Mansfield. It also features scenic views of the 1808 historic Watch Hill Lighthouse and Fisher's Island.
Historically, the village of Watch Hill was a wealthy resort era. A number of sprawling Victorian beach cottages were erected by affluent families between the Carousel and Napatree Lighthouse. The building spate was during the 19th and 20th centuries before hard economic times hit during the Recession.
Although there are at least three major storms in the last two centuries that have hit the area, the 1938 storm is the most remembered historically. When the hurricane hit, it completely destroyed the 39 houses along the road leading to the Point. When the sands and tides are just right, visitors can see artifacts that remain, including foundations from the estates. The storm completely restructured the land, leaving several breechways and creating one island which remains. The storm of 1954 and Hurricane Sandy also impacted the area and town, but to a lesser extent.
Another area of sand and surf is associated with the Watch Hill Inn originally built in 1845. It is a private stretch of sand, but many of the activities, such as the weekly Regatta can be seen from bulkhead in front of the Inn. The community itself is a gated resort for the wealthy.
The attractions of Watch Hill Beach RI area include historical sites such as the lighthouse and the batteries from Fort Mansfield. The unique carousel is perfect for children and is maintained in excellent condition. Carousel, East and Napatree Point beaches offer different experiences for visitors to the area.
Carousel Beach, near the antique carousel is a major attraction for families with children. As the name suggests, the old-fashioned Flying Horse Carousel is the oldest continuously operated carousel of its type in the States and is a National Historic Landmark. The horses are suspended from chains, rather than being attached to a platform. They feature leather saddles, a mane and tail of real horsehair and there are opportunities to grab for silver or a brass ring. The beach requires a small daily fee, provides a locker and a lifeguard. The waves are small.
Another of the local beaches is East Beach. There is no fee to use this stretch of sand, but it has fewer amenities and is fairly well hidden. It has good surfing waves. There is a walk required to reach the sands.
Napatree Point is the longest of the beaches associated with Watch Hill. It offers about two miles of barrier sands free of houses or roads. There is public access and it is widely used by bird watchers, surf casters and those interested in the historic remains of Fort Mansfield. It also features scenic views of the 1808 historic Watch Hill Lighthouse and Fisher's Island.
Historically, the village of Watch Hill was a wealthy resort era. A number of sprawling Victorian beach cottages were erected by affluent families between the Carousel and Napatree Lighthouse. The building spate was during the 19th and 20th centuries before hard economic times hit during the Recession.
Although there are at least three major storms in the last two centuries that have hit the area, the 1938 storm is the most remembered historically. When the hurricane hit, it completely destroyed the 39 houses along the road leading to the Point. When the sands and tides are just right, visitors can see artifacts that remain, including foundations from the estates. The storm completely restructured the land, leaving several breechways and creating one island which remains. The storm of 1954 and Hurricane Sandy also impacted the area and town, but to a lesser extent.
Another area of sand and surf is associated with the Watch Hill Inn originally built in 1845. It is a private stretch of sand, but many of the activities, such as the weekly Regatta can be seen from bulkhead in front of the Inn. The community itself is a gated resort for the wealthy.
The attractions of Watch Hill Beach RI area include historical sites such as the lighthouse and the batteries from Fort Mansfield. The unique carousel is perfect for children and is maintained in excellent condition. Carousel, East and Napatree Point beaches offer different experiences for visitors to the area.
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