Westerly Travel Guide

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Trek Zone

Town

Facts and practical information

Located in the picturesque Rhode Island region of the United States, the charming town of Westerly offers a delightful mix of natural beauty, historical charm, and a vibrant arts scene. Nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and the Pawcatuck River, this coastal gem is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and history buffs alike.

One of the main attractions in Westerly is its stunning beaches. Misquamicut State Beach, with its pristine sands and clear waters, is a popular spot for sunbathing, swimming, and picnicking. Visitors can also enjoy a variety of water sports, from kayaking and paddleboarding to jet skiing and surfing. Watch the sunset over the ocean and feel the gentle breeze as you take a leisurely stroll along the sandy shore.

For those seeking a taste of history, Westerly offers a wealth of architectural marvels. The Watch Hill Lighthouse, standing tall since 1808, offers panoramic views of the coastline and the surrounding area. Immerse yourself in the town's rich past by exploring the Babcock-Smith House Museum, a beautifully preserved Georgian mansion that showcases Westerly's colonial roots.

Art enthusiasts will find themselves in paradise when they visit Westerly. The town boasts a thriving arts scene, with numerous galleries and studios showcasing the works of local artists. The Westerly Arts Festival, held annually, is a celebration of creativity and showcases a wide range of artistic mediums, from paintings and sculptures to photography and pottery.

Nature lovers will find solace in the abundance of parks and nature reserves in and around Westerly. Take a leisurely hike through the beautiful trails of the Grills Preserve or enjoy a picnic amidst the lush greenery of Wilcox Park, a historic park featuring stunning botanical gardens and a charming gazebo.

No visit to Westerly would be complete without indulging in its culinary delights. The town offers a diverse range of dining options, from quaint seafood shacks serving up the freshest catch to upscale restaurants offering a fusion of international flavors. Sample the local delicacies, such as clam chowder and lobster rolls, and savor the flavors of this coastal town.

Alternative names: Population: 17.9 thous.Area: 74.8 mi²Elevation: 128 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 41°22'17"N, 71°49'13"W

Location

Rhode IslandUnited States

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Westerly Top Attractions

Westerly Attractions - What to See and Explore

Westerly offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Westerly Downtown Historic District, Babcock-Smith House Museum, Westerly Armory, United States Post Office. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Neighbourhood
Westerly Downtown Historic District
The Westerly Downtown Historic District is a historic district encompassing most of the commercial and civic district of Westerly, Rhode Island, United States.
Historical place • Museum
Babcock-Smith House Museum
The Babcock–Smith House is a historic house in Westerly, Rhode Island. The house was built around 1734. Dr. Joshua Babcock, a correspondent with Benjamin Franklin, lived in the house and hosted both Franklin and General George Washington at the home.
Military museum • Museum • History museum
Westerly Armory
The Westerly Armory is an historic National Guard armory building located on Railroad Avenue, west of downtown Westerly, Rhode Island.

Park
United States Post Office
The Downtown Westerly U.S. Post Office is a historic post office building at 5 High Street at the intersection of Broad Street in Westerly, Washington County, Rhode Island.
Park
Wilcox Park
Wilcox Park is a park and arboretum located at 44 High Street, Westerly, Rhode Island. It is open to the public from dawn to 9 pm, without fee, and has been on the National Register of Historic Places since 1973 as Wilcox Park Historic District.
41°22'47"N • 71°49'47"W
Artists' Cooperative Gallery of Westerly
Art gallery • Shopping • Museum
Neighbourhood
Main Street Historic District
The Main Street Historic District of Westerly, Rhode Island, encompasses a predominantly residential section of Main Street and adjoining Maple Avenue and School Street.
Nature • Natural attraction • Lake
Winnapaug Pond
Winnapaug Pond is a breached saltwater lagoon in Westerly, Rhode Island, United States, connected to Block Island Sound by the Weekapaug Breachway, which was constructed during the mid-1950s.
Neighbourhood
Perry Homestead Historic District
The Perry Homestead Historic District encompasses a cluster of residences built as a family compound by the locally prominent Perry family in Westerly, Rhode Island.

Day trips

Westerly – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Westerly, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Mystic Seaport (Mystic), The Breakers (Newport), Submarine Force Library and Museum (Groton).

7.5 miW
Museum, Maritime museum
Mystic Seaport, Mystic
Mystic Seaport, nestled in the picturesque town of Mystic, Connecticut, is a quintessential New England attraction and a treasure trove for maritime enthusiasts. This expansive museum, often referred to as The Museum of America and the Sea, offers a unique glimpse into...
28 milesE
Opulent, late-1800s Vanderbilt mansion
The Breakers, Newport
Nestled along the picturesque cliffs of Newport, Rhode Island, The Breakers stands as a testament to the opulence of the Gilded Age. This palatial mansion, completed in 1895, was the summer home of Cornelius Vanderbilt II, a member of the wealthy Vanderbilt family.
14 milesW
Museum, Specialty museum, Military museum
Submarine Force Library and Museum, Groton
The Submarine Force Library and Museum, located in Groton, Connecticut, stands as a testament to the rich history and technological advancements of the United States submarine force. This unique museum is the only submarine museum operated by the United States Navy...
27 milesE
Museum, History museum, Vernacular architecture
The Elms, Newport
The Elms is a grandiose mansion nestled in the picturesque city of Newport, Rhode Island. This palatial summer residence, completed in 1901, stands as a testament to the opulence and luxury that characterized America's Gilded Age.
21 milesS
Lighthouse
Montauk Point Lighthouse, Montauk
Perched at the easternmost tip of Long Island, the Montauk Point Lighthouse stands as a sentinel over the tumultuous waters where the Atlantic Ocean meets Block Island Sound. Constructed in 1796 under the direction of President George Washington and authorized by the...

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Best Time To Visit Westerly

Learn when is the best time to travel to Westerly weather-wise and what to expect in each season.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the top attractions to visit in Westerly?

The top attractions to visit in Westerly are:

What is the best time to visit Westerly?

June, July and August are the busiest months in this location. The highest air temperature is in July and August. While the coldest is in January and February.