Charlestown Rhode IslandATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Charlestown, Rhode Island.
1. Ninigret National Wildlife Refuge
NATURAL COASTAL PARADISE
Ninigret National Wildlife Refuge is a vast area of wetlands and grasslands with diverse bird and animal populations. Visitors can enjoy hiking trails, birdwatching opportunities, and peaceful natural surroundings throughout the year. The refuge serves as an important conservation area and offers a serene escape from the busier beach areas.
2. East Beach
PRISTINE ATLANTIC SHORELINE
East Beach is one of Charlestown's most popular coastal destinations with miles of pristine sandy shoreline. The beach offers swimming, sunbathing, and spectacular ocean views with fewer crowds than some of Rhode Island's more commercial beaches. Visitors appreciate the natural setting and relative tranquility even during peak summer months.
3. Blue Shutters Beach
FAMILY-FRIENDLY COASTAL RETREAT
Blue Shutters Beach provides a welcoming environment for families looking to enjoy Rhode Island's coastline. The beach features amenities including restrooms, showers, and a concession stand during summer months. Gentle waves and a gradual slope into the water make this beach particularly suitable for families with young children.
4. Fantastic Umbrella Factory
ECLECTIC SHOPPING EXPERIENCE
The Fantastic Umbrella Factory is a quirky shopping destination housed in a 19th-century farm complex. Visitors can explore multiple small shops selling everything from handcrafted items and clothing to international goods and garden supplies. The property also features gardens, a bamboo forest, and animal enclosures including emus and goats, making it more than just a shopping experience.
5. Frosty Drew Observatory
CELESTIAL VIEWING ADVENTURE
Frosty Drew Observatory offers visitors a chance to observe the night sky through powerful telescopes in one of New England's darkest locations. The observatory hosts regular Friday night viewings where staff assist guests in spotting planets, stars, and deep space objects. Special astronomical events often draw crowds to this unique scientific attraction in Ninigret Park.
6. Charlestown Moraine Preserve
GLACIAL HIKING TRAILS
Charlestown Moraine Preserve features hiking trails across terrain shaped by glaciers thousands of years ago. The preserve offers a network of paths through forests and over rolling hills with interpretive signs explaining the geological history. Hikers can enjoy seasonal wildflowers, bird watching, and panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
7. Fort Ninigret
HISTORIC TRADING POST
Fort Ninigret is a historic site that once served as a trading post between European settlers and the Narragansett tribe. The earthwork fort dates back to the early 17th century and provides insight into early colonial interactions. Visitors can explore the grounds and learn about this important piece of Rhode Island's Native American and colonial history.
8. Sly Fox Den Too
NATIVE AMERICAN CUISINE
Sly Fox Den Too is a unique restaurant specializing in Native American cuisine with a focus on locally sourced ingredients. The menu features traditional dishes like venison, succotash, and johnnycakes prepared with authentic techniques. This culinary destination offers diners a taste of indigenous food culture while supporting Native American business ownership.
9. Francis C. Carter Memorial Preserve
DIVERSE WOODLAND ECOSYSTEM
Francis C. Carter Memorial Preserve encompasses over 800 acres of protected forest and habitat maintained by The Nature Conservancy. The preserve features diverse ecosystems including oak-pine forests, wetlands, and meadows supporting various wildlife species. Visitors can explore several miles of well-maintained hiking trails that showcase the natural beauty of inland Charlestown.
10. Charlestown Seafood Festival
OCEAN HARVEST CELEBRATION
The Charlestown Seafood Festival is an annual summer event celebrating Rhode Island's rich maritime culinary traditions. Festival-goers can enjoy fresh seafood including lobster, clams, chowder, and fish prepared by local vendors in various styles. The three-day event also features live music, arts and crafts vendors, amusement rides, and a Saturday night fireworks display at Ninigret Park.
11. Rhythm & Roots Festival
PREMIER ROOTS MUSIC EVENT
The Rhythm & Roots Festival transforms Ninigret Park into New England's premier celebration of roots music each Labor Day weekend. The festival showcases diverse musical traditions including Cajun, zydeco, blues, and world beat performances across multiple stages. Attendees can also enjoy dance workshops, ethnic food vendors, and a festive atmosphere celebrating musical heritage.
12. The Breakers
OPULENT GILDED AGE MANSION
The Breakers is the grandest of Newport's historic Gilded Age mansions, built as a summer home for the Vanderbilt family in the 1890s. The 70-room Italian Renaissance-style palace features opulent marble, rare woods, and spectacular ocean views that exemplify America's Gilded Age extravagance. Visitors can tour the meticulously preserved rooms and gardens while learning about the era's social history and architectural significance.
13. Mystic Seaport Museum
LIVING MARITIME HISTORY
Mystic Seaport Museum is America's leading maritime museum featuring a recreated 19th-century coastal village, historic vessels, and extensive nautical exhibits. Visitors can explore tall ships including the Charles W. Morgan, the last wooden whaleship in the world, and watch traditional shipbuilding demonstrations. The museum offers immersive experiences that bring New England's seafaring history to life through hands-on activities and costumed interpreters.
14. Watch Hill
ELEGANT COASTAL VILLAGE
Watch Hill is a charming coastal village known for its Victorian architecture, upscale shopping, and the iconic Flying Horse Carousel. Visitors can stroll through boutique shops, enjoy fine dining with ocean views, or relax on the pristine Napatree Point Beach. The village maintains a refined atmosphere that has attracted vacationers, including celebrities, for generations.
15. Narragansett Bay Cruise
SCENIC MARITIME EXPERIENCE
Narragansett Bay Cruises offer spectacular views of Rhode Island's coastline, historic lighthouses, and waterfront mansions from the comfort of a tour boat. These guided excursions provide narration about the region's maritime history, natural features, and architectural landmarks visible from the water. Visitors can choose from various cruise options including sunset sailings, lighthouse tours, and harbor explorations departing from Newport Harbor.