Watch Hill, Rhode Island: A Boater’s Summer Haven

Some of my fondest memories come from Watch Hill, a charming village at the southwestern tip of Rhode Island in the town of Westerly. Summers here are defined by cruising Little Narragansett Bay, exploring Block Island Sound and relaxing on wide, sandy beaches. With classic New England character, historic sites and sheltered waters, Watch Hill remains one of the most rewarding cruising destinations in the Northeast.

Historically, Watch Hill was a seasonal retreat for socialites in the 19th century, while a small group of year-round residents — many of them fishermen — worked the shore. Over time the village has evolved into a family-centered community with a compact, walkable downtown offering public beaches, independent stores and dining options that range from casual to refined. For boaters, its concentrated shoreline and approachable town center make coming ashore easy and enjoyable.

Geographically, Watch Hill occupies a peninsula that reaches into Block Island Sound and includes an adjoining spit known as Napatree Point. This roughly 1.5-mile stretch of sandy conservation land is open to beachgoers and provides an attractive destination for a beach walk, birdwatching or a quiet sunset. At the far end of Napatree Point lie the weathered ruins of Fort Mansfield, an artillery installation that operated from 1901 to 1909 during the era of the Spanish-American War. The fort remains accessible today for visitors who are willing to pick their way through coastal vegetation to reach the site.

Anchoring in the lee of Napatree Point is a favorite option for cruisers. The anchorage runs along nearly the full length of the northern shore and offers good sand holding; a pump-out boat serves the area. Navigating to this anchorage requires care because a hazardous reef extends from Watch Hill Light toward the east shore of Fisher’s Island, so following channel markers is essential for safe passage.

For boaters who prefer to use moorings, the Watch Hill Yacht Club provides moorings in the protected Watch Hill Cove on a first-come, first-served basis. Many visitors tie their dinghies to the street-side floating docks of the yacht club to come ashore. Nearby Watch Hill Docks offers transient slips and a dinghy dock as well, making it straightforward to transition from boat to beach, shopping or dining.

Just a short walk from the harbor is a long public barrier beach adjacent to Ninigret Pond, a popular area for windsurfers. This nearby three-mile-long barrier beach is often favored by surfers and swimmers when surf conditions are better than at Napatree Point. Parking at the beach can be limited, but boaters who keep their vessels in Watch Hill Harbor can walk up Larkin Road and follow Bluff Avenue to a well-marked path leading to the shoreline.

At the end of Bluff Avenue stands Watch Hill’s most iconic property: the Ocean House. Perched on bluffs above a private stretch of beach and looking across Block Island Sound, the Ocean House sits on 11 acres and offers an elevated resort experience with fine dining, a full-service spa and a range of accommodations that include guest rooms, suites and cottages.

The original Ocean House opened in 1868 as a Victorian-era hotel beloved by summer visitors. Over the years the aging structure fell into serious disrepair and was threatened with demolition in 2004. Local residents Charles and Deborah Royce intervened, funding a ground-up reconstruction that faithfully replicated many of the historic building’s architectural details, including the columned entrance and deep porch. Thousands of original pieces of furniture were preserved during the restoration.

Today the Ocean House combines historic character with modern luxury. The resort features multiple dining venues—ranging from gourmet to casual—an award-level spa and resort amenities such as private beach access with reservable cabanas, recreational lawn space, fitness programming and the option to arrange private yacht charters. The property’s reputation draws mariners from both north and south who seek a refined coastal experience after a day on the water.

Whether you plan to drop anchor for a day, pick up a mooring, or stay ashore at the Ocean House, Watch Hill rewards visitors with a quintessential New England seaside atmosphere. With protected cruising waters, scenic beaches and a compact village that invites strolling, the area is well worth a stop on any Rhode Island coastal itinerary.

This article was originally published in the July 2022 issue.