Each year towards the end of May, Westerly’s summer population starts to swell like the incoming waves at Misquamicut State Beach.  Local college students return home, summer residents settle into their cottages and homes, and people from places near and far start streaming in to visit this both old-fashioned and trendy area of New England.

Westerly, and the surrounding communities, warmly roll out the welcome mats for summer visitors. Beyond the wonderful beaches, the area offers a selection of activities and attractions for visitors to fill their days, such as a visit to downtown Westerly’s The Eagle’s Nest where one-of-a-kind gifts can be purchased. If looking for gifts with some history to them, why not pop into one of the antique shops which are filled with interesting items from bygone eras?

The area restaurants are many, each having their own distinct charm and ambiance. Visitors can mix it up and eat at different place each night during their visit. One night try American, the next Mexican, and then Thai or Italian. For a delicious and quick lunch try the Malted Barley or Bridge, right at the Pawcatuck bridge. Both have delicious food!

Click here for a list of Restaurants in our Business Directory

To add a little creative culture into the day why not peruse downtown’s Artists Cooperative Gallery, and then walk down the street to the Perks & Corks for a glass of wine or stroll across the street to Amigos Taqueria y Tequila for a meal?

One great thing about the downtown area is that you can just park and stroll, visiting shops and enjoying all sorts of cuisine, as well as the beautiful and cherished Wilcox Park, the Victorian Strolling Park which sits right behind the big gold Westerly Library building – a great place to stroll after a hearty lunch.

Of course, a welcome to Westerly is not complete without encouraging our visitors to enjoy one of our beaches! One of the most beautiful beach areas in Westerly is Napatree Point in the Watch Hill section. It is a good walking beach and a great spot to watch a sunset or observe nature in its unspoiled wonder, and that too is close to shops, restaurants, and the historic Watch Hill carousel.

Click here for a great article on Napatree Point

Besides the area attractions, visitors are also encouraged to take some time to talk with the locals  – the people who make Westerly, well, “Westerly”!   Interacting with the locals can help make summer memories that much more special. Why not ask a local about a good dinner recommendation, where to get the best donut, sorbet or soupy (Hint: try the Westerly Packing Company), where to spy an osprey, get a good glass of wine, or where to find a relaxing place to sprawl out a blanket for a picnic or to read a book in the warm summer breeze?

We hope all visitors will enjoy the summer sun, sparkling beach waters, glorious sunsets, and events for people of all ages.  Feel free to jump right into the spirit of this delightful community and gather as many summer memories as you can!