{"id":38182,"date":"2023-01-23T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2023-01-23T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.travellens.co\/best-things-to-do-in-charlestown-ri\/"},"modified":"2024-03-30T18:53:13","modified_gmt":"2024-03-30T18:53:13","slug":"best-things-to-do-in-charlestown-ri","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.travellens.co\/best-things-to-do-in-charlestown-ri\/","title":{"rendered":"15 Best Things to Do in Charlestown, RI"},"content":{"rendered":"
Charlestown is a town in Washington County, Rhode Island.<\/p>\n
Before the arrival of European settlers, the area was occupied by Native Americans whose lives centered around agriculture, fishing, and hunting.<\/p>\n
Currently, the town serves as the headquarters of the Narragansett Indian Tribe, with their lands, institutions, and historic sites still in use.<\/p>\n
One of the earliest Europeans to arrive in the area was Col. John Mason, who marched to Connecticut to fight the Pequots in the 1630s.<\/p>\n
Back then, the present-day Charlestown and Richmond comprised the town of Westerly until it was separated in 1738.<\/p>\n
Named after King Charles II of England, who granted Rhode Island its charter, Charlestown\u2019s strategic coastal location was ideal for mills and farms.<\/p>\n
Today, the town is known for its unspoiled, sandy beaches and the award-winning Charlestown Seafood Festival.<\/p>\n
Here are the best things to do in Charlestown, Rhode Island: <\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Susilee Dean \/ Shutterstock.com<\/p>\n
Located on Burlingame State Park Road, Burlingame State Park<\/a> is a 3,100-acre public recreation area that offers hiking, camping, and water activities.<\/p>\n Sitting on the shores of Watchaug Pond, the park was opened as a campground in 1934 and named after Audobon Society\u2019s longtime chair, Edwin A. Burlingame.<\/p>\n The park is famous for camping, picnicking, swimming, and fishing.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Susilee Dean \/ Shutterstock.com<\/p>\n The rocky woodlands make perfect hiking trails, connecting the campground and the Kimball Wildlife Sanctuary.<\/p>\n Observe the park\u2019s biodiversity while walking through the trails and see deer, rabbits, foxes, otters, and over 80 bird species in the wild.<\/p>\n Burlingame State Park has over 700 rustic campgrounds and 20 cabins, with restrooms, shower facilities, and canoe rentals conveniently located nearby.<\/p>\n Located on Old Post Road, Fantastic Umbrella Factory<\/a> is a collection of gift shops housed in one property.<\/p>\n It was established in 1968 by Robert Bankel on an old farm homestead as a small candy store and gift shop.<\/p>\n He eventually expanded the store, added a caf\u00e9, and brought local artisans to work and sell their products on-site.<\/p>\n Bankel beautified the property\u2019s landscape and opened a bed and breakfast in 2008.<\/p>\n Today, Fantastic Umbrella Factory has eight specialty shops, including Small Axe Productions, which sells local and imported goods. <\/p>\n The Umbrella Factory Gardens offers tropicals, perennials, and even consultations.<\/p>\n Frills has items from the \u201960s, \u201970s, \u201980s, and \u201990s.<\/p>\n Also on the property is a bamboo forest you can walk through, just like in Japan.<\/p>\n Located on East Beach Road, East Beach<\/a> is one of the least explored and developed beaches in Rhode Island.<\/p>\n If you want a relaxing time by the beach, this is the perfect spot as it\u2019s not frequented by people because of its limited parking and changing rooms.<\/p>\n But what it lacks in amenities, it makes up for with its white sands and spectacular ocean views.<\/p>\n Its unique geographical feature is a three-mile-long barrier beach that separates Ninigret Pond from the ocean, giving you breathtaking views and calm waves perfect for swimming.<\/p>\n You can also try saltwater fishing during off hours or camping at any of the ten designated campsites only accessible to four-wheel drive vehicles.<\/p>\n Bring a mat and sunbathe on East Beach\u2019s shores if you’re only here for a day.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n TongRoRo \/ Shutterstock.com<\/p>\n Located on Park Lane, Ninigret Park<\/a> is a 227-acre park with plenty of open fields, bike lanes, picnic areas, and a freshwater pond with a public beach.<\/p>\n The park has eight tennis courts open to the public and a state-of-the-art playground where children of all ages can enjoy hours of playing.<\/p>\n Located next to the playgrounds are the basketball courts where you can shoot some hoops and play three-on-three with some locals.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n TongRoRo \/ Shutterstock.com<\/p>\n The almost-a-mile bike path is open for cyclers, joggers, walkers, and rollerbladers when not reserved for a race or special event.<\/p>\n Ninigret Park also has an 18-hole golf course where you can practice your swing with the challenging layout.<\/p>\n The Little Nini Pond is a freshwater swimming pond where you can launch your kayak and go boating.<\/p>\n Located on East Beach Road is a surfing spot called Blue Shutters Beach<\/a>.<\/p>\n The beach is famous among families looking to enjoy a lovely afternoon by the beach.<\/p>\n Because of its location on the shores of Block Island Sound, it receives moderately strong waves that are perfect for surfing.<\/p>\n Waves can be rough for inexperienced swimmers, but lifeguards are permanently stationed to look out for anyone struggling with the waves.<\/p>\n There are several cold shower stations, changing rooms, and bathrooms if you plan to stay the whole day.<\/p>\n It doesn\u2019t get as crowded as other more popular beaches, and plenty of parking spaces nearby.<\/p>\n If Blue Shutters Beach\u2019s waves get too strong, you can always walk on the sands and pick up shells to add to your collection.<\/p>\n Located on Charlestown Beach Road, the Breachway Grill<\/a> is a chill dining spot offering pizza, surf ‘n’ turf, and sandwiches made from local ingredients.<\/p>\n The restaurant was opened in 2010 by friends Craig Marr, Bob, and Rick Harris.<\/p>\n Marr\u2019s idea was to open a grill where locals could enjoy fresh fish tacos and other casual meals.<\/p>\n The Breachway Grill is famous for its New York-style, thin-crust pizzas and juicy burgers fresh off the grill.<\/p>\n Aside from the crowd-favorite fish tacos, another must-try is the lobster roll made with fresh Maine lobsters and a special sauce.<\/p>\n There are nine flavors of the 16-inch thin-crust pizza, but you should order the Boss Man, made with sliced meatballs and mozzarella cheese, or the Jammin\u2019 Clams Casino, topped with sliced clams and bacon.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Kyle Lee \/ Shutterstock.com<\/p>\n Located inside the Ninigret National Wildlife Refuge is the Frosty Drew Observatory and Science Center<\/a>.<\/p>\n The astronomical observatory is owned and operated by the Frosty Drew Memorial Fund.<\/p>\n The name honors Edwin F. \u201cFrosty\u201d Drew, a writer turned environmental activist who led the efforts to block the construction of a nuclear power plant in Charlestown.<\/p>\n It\u2019s currently equipped with a PlaneWave CDK600 24″ Corrected Dall-Kirkham telescope installed in 2021.<\/p>\n The observatory is open to the public for free every Friday night all year round, but some events require admission tickets.<\/p>\n You will be guided by Frosty Drew astronomers and team members on properly handling equipment to see clear views of the stars and other celestial bodies.<\/p>\n Located on Bend Road, the Ninigret National Wildlife Refuge<\/a> is an 858-acre nature preserve consisting of diverse upland and wetland habitats.<\/p>\n Established in 1970, the refuge covers salt marshes, kettle ponds, shrublands, and wooded swamps.<\/p>\n Ninigret National Wildlife Refuge is a popular birdwatching spot, especially during spring and fall migration, with over 250 species of birds calling it home.<\/p>\n Six miles of hiking trails will take you to a unique wildlife viewing experience at the Ninigret Pond, the largest coastal salt pond in the state.<\/p>\n The pond hosts diving ducks, Canadian geese, and black ducks during winter.<\/p>\n Around the Kettle Pond Visitor Center, you can find blueberry shrubs, black and white oaks, princess pine, pitch and white pines, and sweet ferns.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re looking to spruce up your home when you return from vacation, you might want to check what Simple Pleasures<\/a> offers.<\/p>\n The 8,000-square-foot store on South County Trail offers coastal living home decor, gifts, jewelry, and \u201cMade in New England\u201d products you won\u2019t find elsewhere.<\/p>\n Fashionistas will have a field day choosing from racks and trendy clothes priced lower than usual retail prices.<\/p>\n Simple Pleasures also have plates, bowls, and mugs that fit right in your kitchen.<\/p>\n Home decors made from wood, ceramics, shells, and beach stones could be the perfect addition to your crib.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Mark12211 at English Wikipedia<\/a>, CC BY 3.0<\/a>, via Wikimedia Commons<\/p>\n Located on Charlestown Beach Road, Charlestown Breachway<\/a> is a seaside public recreation spot on Block Island Sound.<\/p>\n Breachway is the artificial channel connecting Ninigret Pond to the Atlantic Ocean.<\/p>\n The area is popular among campers, with 75 camping sites accommodating self-contained RVs.<\/p>\n Charlestown Breachway is also widely considered one of the best places in South County for saltwater fishing.<\/p>\n Here you can catch smallmouth bass, chain pickerel, and sunfish while enjoying a panoramic view of Block Island Sound.<\/p>\n Located on Town Dock Road, Ocean House Marina<\/a> is a full-service marina offering boat sales, rentals, parts, and equipment.<\/p>\n You can rent a pontoon to explore the Ninigret Pond and have the option of a daily, three-day, or weekly boat rental.<\/p>\n The Marina\u2019s fleet of pontoons ranges from 20 to 24 feet in size and can accommodate ten to fourteen passengers.<\/p>\n You can also rent aluminum boats for clamming or fishing.<\/p>\n Aluminum boats can be 14 or 16 feet in length with a capacity of up to four passengers.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re looking for a different experience, try renting a boat at Ocean House Marina.<\/p>\n Located on Charlestown Beach Road, Vintage Cigar Lounge & Club<\/a> offers a great selection of premium cigars worldwide.<\/p>\n Choose from over 375 types of local and imported cigars stored in cedar boxes to ensure they\u2019re in perfect condition.<\/p>\n The Lounge offers ample seating and is equipped with TVs, Wi-Fi, and a full bar.<\/p>\n You can order a glass of handcrafted cocktails while enjoying your choice of cigar.<\/p>\n A favorite among patrons is the espresso martini, but Vintage Cigar Lounge & Club also has a great selection of whiskey if that\u2019s your preference.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n TongRoRo \/ Shutterstock.com<\/p>\n The Charlestown Seafood Festival<\/a> is an annual gastronomic feast celebrating Rhode Island\u2019s best seafood.<\/p>\n Held at Ninigret Park every August, the festival attracts local food vendors to showcase their seafood specialties in their booths.<\/p>\n You\u2019ll never run out of choices.<\/p>\n Enjoy chowders, fish and chips, lobster rolls, and raw bars.<\/p>\n The three-day event includes concerts, fireworks displays, a carnival, and car and bike shows.<\/p>\n If you are in town during the first week of August, don\u2019t miss the Charlestown Seafood Festival.<\/p>\nWalk through the Fantastic Umbrella Factory<\/h2>\n
Soak up the Sun on East Beach<\/h2>\n
Spend the Day at Ninigret Park<\/h2>\n
Try Surfing at Blue Shutters Beach<\/h2>\n
Eat Lobster Rolls at the Breachway Grill<\/h2>\n
See the Milky Way from the Frosty Drew Observatory and Science Center<\/h2>\n
Explore the Ninigret National Wildlife Refuge<\/h2>\n
Shop for Home Decor at Simple Pleasures<\/h2>\n
Catch Fish at Charlestown Breachway<\/h2>\n
Rent a Boat at Ocean House Marina<\/h2>\n
Buy Premium Cigars at Vintage Cigar Lounge & Club<\/h2>\n
Join the Charlestown Seafood Festival<\/h2>\n
Buy Rare Antiques from Rusty Rabbit Antiques<\/h2>\n