Good to know: Visit and neighborhood recommendations in Westerly
Westerly greets visitors with the sound of waves, the scent of salt air, and a backdrop of charming streets and historic inns. Guests can explore bookstores in town, sunbathe on Misquamicut Beach, or enjoy lobster rolls by the marina. With its walkable downtown and scenic coastal routes, it’s a destination for both leisure and inspiration. The atmosphere is peaceful yet full of local life.
Where to look for an Airbnb in Westerly
Watch Hill
Watch Hill is Westerly’s most upscale and iconic neighborhood, known for its grand homes, historic lighthouse, and sweeping views of the Atlantic. Rentals in Watch Hill include luxury villas, beachfront estates, and elegant Airbnbs near Ocean House and Napatree Point. Guests enjoy private beaches, boutique shopping, and scenic walking trails.
Misquamicut Beach
Stretching along the shoreline, Misquamicut Beach offers laid-back beach-town vibes with sandy shores, casual dining, and family attractions. Rentals include oceanfront condos, vintage cottages, and relaxed Airbnbs just steps from the surf. Visitors can enjoy bonfires, live music, and long days on the beach.
Downtown Westerly / Historic Village
Downtown Westerly features colonial-era buildings, lively shops, cafés, and access to Wilcox Park. Airbnbs in Westerly include walkable lofts, renovated apartments, and cozy guesthouses tucked into quiet streets. Guests can attend outdoor concerts, visit galleries, or enjoy craft coffee in a quaint setting.
Weekapaug
Nestled between the Atlantic and salt ponds, Weekapaug offers a more secluded and scenic stay with sandy dunes and protected views. Vacation rentals in Weekapug include weathered shingle homes, nature-focused retreats, and family cottages near the surf. The area is prized for its calm pace and environmental preservation.
Avondale and Margin Street
Close to the Pawcatuck River, the Avondale and Margin Street area offers tranquil settings, classic homes, and easy access to both downtown and the water. Rentals include elegant homes with porches, harbor-view Airbnbs, and bike-friendly lanes shaded by old trees. Guests enjoy kayaking, river walks, and sunset drives along the coast.
What to do if you spend a vacation in Westerly
Misquamicut State Beach
Misquamicut State Beach is one of Rhode Island’s most popular summer destinations with soft sands, gentle waves, and ample space for sun and play. Visitors can swim, rent umbrellas, or enjoy beachfront food stands and surf shops. The beach is clean, accessible, and family-friendly with lifeguards and facilities.
Watch Hill Lighthouse
At the western tip of town, the Watch Hill Lighthouse stands on a scenic bluff with views of Block Island Sound. Guests can walk the point, view the lighthouse from afar, and explore the maritime heritage of the area. Though not open for interior tours, the grounds are serene and photogenic.
Wilcox Park
Located in the center of downtown, Wilcox Park is a beautifully landscaped green space with walking paths, statues, and shaded gardens. Visitors can enjoy a picnic, attend seasonal art fairs, or relax by the ornamental ponds. The park blends culture and nature in a charming town setting.
Atlantic Beach Park
Near Misquamicut, Atlantic Beach Park features classic boardwalk fun with amusement rides, an arcade, and beachfront dining. Families can enjoy carousel rides, ice cream, and live music in the summer months. The park adds nostalgic fun to a seaside day.
The United Theatre
A restored 1920s cinema, The United Theatre now serves as a hub for film, music, and arts education in downtown Westerly. Guests can catch indie films, concerts, or workshops in an elegant setting. The theater is a symbol of the town’s creative spirit.
Napatree Point Conservation Area
This protected stretch of sand and dunes, Napatree Point, offers nature trails, birdwatching, and quiet beaches near Watch Hill. Visitors can walk to the end for sweeping sea views or spot osprey and migratory birds along the way. The area is undeveloped and peaceful, ideal for reflection and exploration.
Babcock-Smith House Museum
Built in the 1700s, the Babcock-Smith House Museum showcases Westerly’s colonial and granite industry history through guided tours and preserved rooms. Guests can explore period furnishings, family artifacts, and historic gardens. The museum provides a window into early life in the region.
Westerly Library & Wilcox Park Events
The Westerly Library anchors downtown’s intellectual life with programs, exhibitions, and a connection to Wilcox Park. Visitors can browse books, join local events, or attend author talks and art shows. The combination of green space and culture makes it a central community hub.
Where to find a vacation rental near Westerly
Newport, Rhode Island
Roughly an hour east, Newport pairs Gilded Age splendor with coastal elegance, offering sailing culture, historic mansions, and boutique-lined streets. Tour the Cliff Walk, visit The Breakers, or unwind by the harbor. Staying in a vacation rental in Newport, such as a harbor-view apartment or Colonial cottage, adds upscale sophistication and yachting charm to your Westerly trip.
Providence, Rhode Island
About an hour north, Providence delivers artsy energy, architectural variety, and a thriving culinary scene. Explore WaterFire, stroll the RISD Museum, or enjoy Federal Hill’s restaurants. Choosing a vacation rental in Providence, like a Jewelry District loft or a home near College Hill, brings cultural flair and urban contrast to balance Westerly’s beachside calm.
Mystic, Connecticut
Just 25 minutes west, Mystic offers maritime history, a lively harbor, and classic New England ambiance. Visit the Mystic Seaport Museum, tour the aquarium, or shop the quaint downtown. Booking a vacation rental in Mystic, such as a riverfront cottage or historic home, adds seaside charm and local flavor that beautifully complements a Westerly retreat.
Block Island, Rhode Island
Accessible by ferry, Block Island is a serene escape with rugged bluffs, quiet beaches, and winding bike trails. Explore Mohegan Bluffs, tour Southeast Light, or spend the day beachcombing. Resting in a vacation rental in Block Island, like an oceanside cottage or lighthouse-view home, brings off-the-grid beauty and simplicity to your coastal itinerary from Westerly.
Charlestown, Rhode Island
Just 20 minutes northeast, Charlestown offers dunes, salt ponds, and a slower pace ideal for nature lovers. Kayak Ninigret Pond, relax on East Beach, or hike local preserves. Choosing a vacation rental in Charlestown, such as a woodsy cabin or beach house, adds peaceful solitude and natural elegance just beyond Westerly’s coastal buzz.
Explore America’s pristine beaches and charming coastal towns
Westerly’s stunning beaches are perfect for sunbathing and surfing alike, with nearby attractions such as the historic Watch Hill Lighthouse adding to its allure. For those who wish to continue their coastal adventure, check out Navarre Beach vacation rentals where the sugary white sands await in Florida. Alternatively, enjoy the vibrant arts and culture scene by booking vacation rentals in Boca Raton. In Louisiana, you can find accommodations in Grand Isle to experience a laidback seaside vibe and savor fresh seafood. For space and nature enthusiasts, an airbnb in Titusville offers proximity to the Kennedy Space Center and tranquil Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge.
Beyond the sandy shores, discover charming coastal towns that pepper the American landscape. Venture to Alaska with its rugged beauty and awe-inspiring landscapes by exploring rentals for vacation in Seward, where you can embark on a glacier cruise or visit the Alaska SeaLife Center. The state’s capital, Juneau, welcomes you with its mix of majestic mountains and rich cultural heritage; find your perfect stay at vacation rentals in Juneau. For a different climate, an airbnb in Holland, Michigan offers access to serene beaches and its iconic Dutch windmills, making it a picturesque retreat.