Rhode Island is the Ocean State, and the South County ocean beaches, in towns such as Narragansett, South Kingstown, Charlestown, Matunuck, Misquamicut, Watch Hill, and Westerly, are the reason. The state counts 21 beaches in South County. Here are just a few of the highlights.
Wheeler State Beach at 100 Sand Hill Cove Road in Narragansett is known locally as Sand Hill Cove Beach. Popular beach for young children, fully-protected by breakwater. Swing set and picnicking facilities. This is a state beach. Parking is $6-$14, depending on residency and day of week. No additional admission fee. Open weekends May 1 through Memorial Day; open daily Memorial Day through Labor Day. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. (401-789-8374).
Narragansett Town Beach in Narragansett Is a half-mile-long public beach right in the middle of town with pavilions, lifeguards, food concessions, restrooms, first aid. Handicap accessible. Good spot for surfing novices. Rental cabanas, picnic areas, changing rooms, boardwalk. Recreational programs. This is a town beach. Parking is $8 weekdays and $10 weekends. Beach admission is $5. (401-789-1044 ext. 658).
Charlestown Town Beach at 557 Charlestown Beach Road in Charlestown, California-style beach with surfing, tanning, and volleyball as well as great waves and swimming. Parking, $10. 401-364-1208 ext. 364.
Misquamicut State Beach at 257 Atlantic Avenue in Westerly is one of the state's most popular beaches with over a half mile of beach front. Many attractions for children. Pavilion, outside showers, toilets. This beach fills to capacity during sunny summer weekends. This is a state beach. Parking is $6-$14, depending on residency and day of week. No additional admission fee. Open weekends May 1 through Memorial Day; open daily Memorial Day through Labor Day. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. (401-596-9097).
Scarborough North and South State Beaches at 870 and 970 Ocean Road in Narragansett Scarborough has a long stretch of smooth white sand, two pavilions, showers, restrooms, picnic tables, boardwalk with gazebos and observation tower, concessions. This is a state beach. Parking is $6-$14, depending on residency and day of week. No additional admission fee. Open weekends May 1 through Memorial Day; open daily Memorial Day through Labor Day. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. (401-789-2324).
East Matunuck State Beach at 950 Succotash Road in South Kingston is a pretty and friendly stretch of sand. This is a state beach. Parking is $6-$14, depending on residency and day of week. No additional admission fee. Open weekends May 1 through Memorial Day; open daily Memorial Day through Labor Day. 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
Watch Hill Beach in Westerly is calm and beautiful, with antique carousel, private bathhouses and nearby shops. Parking, $10. 401-348-6007

Avenger, Tomcat, Skyhawk, MIG: See ‘Em Here

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Located in the only brick hangar on the East coast, the Quonset Aviation Museum on Ecclecston Avenue in North Kingstown hosts a growing collection of aircraft and Rhode Island Aviation memorabilia. Aircraft such as a Russian MIG-17, an F-14 Tomcat Jet Fighter, TBM Avenger, A-4 Skyhawk, A6 Intruder and SH3 Seaking are on display and under restoration. Rhode Island aviation exhibits focus on both commercial and military history, with a total of 30 aircraft. Hours: Daily, October-April, Thursday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.; May-September, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Phone: 401-294-9540.

Blues of Legendary Musicians Wails at the Knickerbocker

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The Knickerbocker Café , a longstanding club serving up primo blues, jazz, and R&B, reopened in 2009 on Railroad Avenue in downtown Westerlyafter having been shuttered for a number of years. As if to make up for lost time, the places howls every weekend with excellent live music in a small, relaxed club atmosphere with tables wrapped around a little but hard-used dance floor. Groups that appear and re-appear at the reincarnated Knickerbocker include Soul Shot, The Shiny Lapel Trio, Sugar Ray and the Bluetones, The Commander Cody Band, Johnny and the East Coast Rockers, Roomful of Blues … you get it. Got it? Phone: 401-596-4225.

Boss Is the Place to Get Onto the Ice

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For a little exercise and a whole lot of fun head over to the Boss Ice Arena at the University of Rhode Island athletic complex off Route 138 in Kingstson. When the University of Rhode Island Men’s and Women’s Ice Hockey Teams are on the ice the rink is open for public skating, adult skating, and open figure skating sessions. Public skating programs are available for all types of skaters. Times vary but public skating sessions are available every day, all year long. General admission is $6 with an additional fee charged for skate rentals.Phone: 401-874-5480.

Clambakes on the Beach <br>at a Grand Victorian Hotel Clambakes on the Beach
at a Grand Victorian Hotel

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The Ocean House, at 2 Bluff Avenue in Westerly, is the last of the grand Victorian hotels and it fills the role well. Built in 1868, the Ocean House was closed in 2003 when it was deemed beyond feasible repair. The reopening of the Ocean House in 2010 was a rebirth of the last iconic New England seaside resort. A stay at the hotel is a top-drawer luxury, but even if you are not staying here, dining is a pleasure. You will find everything from sophisticated fine dining to simple beach fare featuring native Rhode Island seafood. Friday evening clambakes on the beach are open to the public. Phone: 401-584-7000.

Collegiate – and Classy -- Theater

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For good and not overpriced theatrical entertainment, do not overlook the theater department of the University of Rhode Island in Kingston. The Fine Art Center on Upper College Road, in the heart of this very beautiful rural campus, hosts several professional-caliber productions yearly. Coming up in fall 2010 are productions of “Spinning Into Butteer," "Rocky Horror Show," "Taming of the Shrew," and "A View From the Bridge." Phone: 401-874-5843.

Greek Revival Church Houses Lively Theater

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The Granite Theatre at 1 Granite Street in Westerly puts on community theater productions year-round with a degree of verve and zest that could move mountains of, well, granite. The Granite Theatre is a handsomely restored Greek Revival Church that sits at the foot of Granite Street in downtown Westerly. Coming up in 2010: “On Golden Pond,” “The Ladies Man,” “The Tyranny of Love,” “The Golden State,” “No Sex Please, We’re British,” “The Dixie Swim Club,” “Here on the Flight Path” and more. Phone: 401-596-2341.

Intimate Shopping in a Small Downtown

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Established in 1709, Wickford Village is a collection of picturesque waterfront streets lined with one-of-a-kind shops featuring jewelry, house wares, clothing and more. You'll also find galleries, antique shops, cafes and restaurants nestled amongst beautifully maintained churches, Colonial homes and gardens. Have a boat? Tie up to the town dock while you explore the village. Even your dog will enjoy a refreshing drink of water outside the many shops and restaurants in this pet-friendly village. Phone: 877-295-7200.

Lots of Fantastic; Umbrellas on the Side

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Fantastic Umbrella Factory at 4820 Old Post Road in Charlestown is a very personalized collection of shops and gardens. The place was established in 1968 by Robert Palmer Bankel, who had a mission to provide South County with good Karma, a fun atmosphere, eclectic shops, and an interesting staff of artisans and locals. The property consists of extensive gardens, shops, and resident animals. Bring a sense of exploration and adventure. The shops include Umbrella Factory Main Store, Small Axe Productions, Umbrella Factory Gardens, Cheap Frills, and Vintage Eyewear. Open year-round but hours vary seasonally. Phone: 401-364-9199.

Run With the Alpacas

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Shadow Pines Farm on Purgatory Road in Exeter is a small, family-run operation of people who love to raise and show alpacas. The owners visited alpaca farms and became enamored with alpacas while traveling to watch their daughters compete in college sports. They welcome opportunities to show the herd to visitors. Alpaca fleece products for sale. Hours: Year-round Saturdays and Sundays. Phone: 401-295-7859.

Victorian Stroll

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Westerly’s historic downtown on the edge of the Pawcatuck River is a pretty place for an old-fashioned walk, especially when it leads to Wilcox Park, a Victorian-era beauty with a koi pond, dwarf conifers, a daylily collection, perennial borders, and winding trails. The Chorus of Westerly presents a pops concert here in June, complete with Grucci fireworks, and the park also hosts performances of Shakespearean plays.