Rhode Island Travel Guides
Watch Hill/Westerly Edition
Watch Hill aka Hydrangea heaven is a quaint beach town and the where “The Holiday House” resides. Watch Hill is one of Rhode Island’s most stunning coastal towns. It’s a little peninsula so there are water views from practically everywhere. It is very residential minus the main strip which is home to some of the best shopping. Westerly, Misquamicut and Weekapaug are close by so there is a ton of options for things to do!
Coffee Shops
Sift Bake Shop: A classic spot that is serving up some great coffees and pastries. They are a sister location to the famous Mystic shop. Open from memorial day to labor. Grab a croissant, a coffee and take the most aesthetic picture in front of the hydrangeas. I also really like their iced blue pea flower tea!! The breakfast sandwich on a croissant is to die for!
Quonnie Farms: They are a little drive away but worth it to me. The vanilla iced latte cannot be beat! They have one of the best breakfast sandwiches in the state along with baked goods. They also have local produce, cheeses, oysters and home goods!
Stick + Fin: A wonderful local coffee shop! The aesthetic is very beachy. They have awesome coffees and acai bowls!
Buttercup Coffee Cart: The cutest beach side coffee shop open July and August. The perfect spot to grab a latte and walk along the beach in Misquamicut!
Dave’s Coffee: Dave’s is another classic. They are another spot that is decked out with florals and decorations for the season. They have a great outdoor/garden area to sit. They have creative seasonal drinks. I love the matcha specials. I recommend adding an extra espresso shot if you get a latte. The breakfast sandwich on an english muffin is my go-to, I add siracha mayo for some heat.
Junk + Java: A local coffee shop with a lot of specialty latte flavors! I usually get a classic vanilla latte or iced coffee!
Breakfast/Brunch
The Cooked Goose: My favorite sit down breakfast in the area. They had a little fire this winter but they should be open for summer! They have a to go counter so you can pick up breakfast or lunch. I love the breakfast burrito, vanilla almond french toast and the benedicts!
High Tide Juice Bar: The perfect spot to grab a juice, coffee, smoothie, acai bowl or healthy breakfast. I love the Stand up juice, acai bowl with “the work”, the roll me a fat one and the sunrise scramble!
Nana’s Westerly: One of my favorite spots. Just get the sourdoughnuts, trust me. Everything on their breakfast menu is fabulous. I look forward to the LA latte every time!
Ocean House: Breakfast in the Bistro is always amazing. I love to get a nice breakfast and follow it up with a massage. The lemon ricotta pancakes are amazing so is the egg benedict. You cannot beat the views. They have a Sunday Jazz Brunch that is so great!
Old Man Joes: This is where I go for bagels. They have really creative bagel sandwiches but I always go back to the Giuseppe. The bagels are sourdough so they are easier on the stomach!
The Flour Shop: Just over the Westerly border this local favorite is serving up your fluffy NY style bagel. They make amazing bagel sandwiches! I love the sweet lou and their specialty bagel flavors with cream cheese.
Lunch
Ten Sandwiches: A causal sandwich shop in the heart of Watch Hill. The interior décor is stunning. They have a great lobster roll and great sandwich options. I love the one, six, seven, eight, nine and ten. (so basically all of them). A great option for beach sandwiches.
St Clair Annex: A locally loved spot. They have your classic fried food and homemade ice cream. A perfect stop to grab a hot dog, burger, chicken tender or sandwich. They have a blueberry ice cream that I dream about!
The Deck at Weekapaug: I try to get here as much as possible in the summer. The Deck is pondside dining at the stunning Weekapaug Inn. They have the best shrimp cocktail. They also have great salad and sandwich options!
Bay Street Deli: Another casual sandwich shop in the heart of Watch Hill. Locals love the lobster roll (haven’t tried it yet)! Also a great option for beach sandwiches. My favorites are the casousel, the landlover and the beachgoer!
Misquamicut Sandwich Company: A local favorite to get your classic deli sandwiches. They have a great breakfast too if you want to pick up both! They have great wraps and great sandwiches. You can’t go wrong here!
Andrea’s Beach Bar: A beach bar that is great to grab drinks and food from while watching the waves crash on the beach. They have great coconut shrimp, fish tacos, lobster caesar and fish and chips!
Dinner
Olympia Tea Room: A classic spot in the heart of Watch Hill looking over the hydrangeas and the boats. They have been around for over 100 years!! It’s has a classic New England feel and great outdoor seating. I love the calamari, the caesar salad, lobster roll and crispy chicken!
High Hope Tavern: A top 3 favorite in the state… I am here often. They have the coolest bar with a ton of seating if you want to pop in for a meal. The Caesar salad is a must, the chicken entrée (changes with the season) is a must and the thrice cooked fries with garlic aioli are chefs kiss. You cannot go wrong with any food, drink or dessert here. I have never been let down.
The Restaurant at Weekapaug Inn: An upscale dining experience that you won’t want to miss. Grab a cocktail on the lawn before or after to really take in all the views. The menu is seasonal and ever changing but the quality of the food is top tier.
COAST: A waterfront restaurant located in The Ocean House that is serving a seasonal prix fixe menu that showcases the finest of each season’s produce. This is another upscale spot, they have a dress code so be sure to check that out!
River Bar: A newer spot in town that is a hit. The interior is fabulous! I would not skip the corn bread, the tuna toastada, the mussels or the miso oven baked haddock! Honorary mention for the fish burrito!
Ella’s Fine Food and Drink: A cozy spot serving amazing French cuisine. Taylor Swift has been spotted here a few times. Honestly the whole menu is a hit. Chef Jeanie has more James Beard nominations than most chefs get in a lifetime and recently went toe-to-toe against Bobby Flay on Beat Bobby Flay (Food Network), where she won.
Other activities
Watch Hill Lighthouse: I recommend walking all around Watch Hill to take in the houses, gardens and hydrangeas. The lighthouse is hidden down a private road so it can be missed. The walk to the lighthouse is one of my favorites.
The Verandah: Not really an activity but a place I would recommend coming to sit for a cocktail and a bite. Views of the ocean and Taylor Swifts house.
Shopping on Bay Street: Some of the best shopping in the state!! Cute boutiques, jewelry stores, merch stores and home stores!
Shopping on High St: A great place to window shop and grab a bite in Westerly.
Ocean Harvest Spa: I come here a couple times a year for a massage and can confirm, they are the best. The robes are great, the sitting room after your massage has loungers overlooking the ocean from floor to ceiling windows with complimentary snacks and tea. I usually bring a book and read in there for a couple hours after!
Ocean House/Weekapaug Inn Events: I would recommend scanning the events for both places. You do not have to be a hotel guest to attend events dine, etc. I have gone to Lobster Boils/Oyster Hour at the Weekapaug Inn, dinners on the beach at the Ocean house and boat tours with both places. They offer movies on the beach and a ton of other fun options!
Wilcox Park: A wonderful park designed by the same people who did Central Park. A beautiful place to stroll with your morning coffee. They gardens are always decked out
Grey Sail Brewing: A local brewery with famous beers. They have a garden where you can also enjoy some wood fired pizza. A great stop for beer lovers!
Langworthy Winery: A cute little winery to enjoy some flights! They have live music some days and outdoor seating! Check their hours before you go!
Hotels
Ocean House: In my opinion, the most beautiful hotel in Rhode Island (maybe even New England). The rooms have a classic New England feel. They offer Complimentary morning and afternoon coffee, and house-made pastries, available in the Lobby, Complimentary daily resort activities including, guided yoga, culinary education classes, beach amenities, squash courts, virtual golf lessons, art tours, shuffleboard, daily movie screenings, children’s programming, bicycles, Complimentary transportation for guests in the resort’s private cars (within Westerly), based upon availability and valet if you want to drive in! They always have an amazing event calendar with fun thing to do. They are also pet friendly!
Weekapaug Inn: One of the most beautiful properties in the state. They are tucked away in the beautiful and quiet area of Weekapaug. The have every amenity you can imagine from complimentary boat tours, complimentary snacks, valet parking, bikes, access to their beach, croquet lawn and Adirondack chairs overlooking the pond. They always have an amazing event calendar with fun thing to do. They are also pet friendly!
Watch Hill Inn: Located right in the heart of Watch Hill on Bay St. Everything is just a short walk away! The rooms are gorgeous. Enjoy three food and beverage offerings throughout the day including: complimentary fresh pastries, juice and coffee; mid-day snacks; and late afternoon/evening with charcuterie, a variety of wines, beer, soft drinks and other beverages plus cookies and milk. You have access to the Ocean House amenities!
Margin Street Inn: A gorgeous bed and breakfast located in Westerly. The rooms are beyond stunning, most of them including fire places. They have a classic New England/Nancy Meyers feel. The bedding is Ralph Lauren and the rooms have plush robes. They have delicious freshly prepared continental breakfast daily including a selection of frittatas, baked goods, fresh fruit, granola and yogurt and fresh coffee, teas and juices and ight snacks and complimentary refreshments in the sunroom at 5pm.
Shelter Harbor Inn: A beautiful Inn close by in Charlestown that gives the classic New England feel. They have a farm-to-table restaurant, paddle tennis courts, bikes and complimentary beach shuttle service. The grounds are full of beautiful flowers and hydrangeas!
House Rental: A house rental is always a great option. I recommend checking the local realtors, Airbnb and VRBO in Watch Hill and Westerly.
Bonus Content:
Where to see the sun set:
Napatree Point
The Point in Weekapaug
Watch Hill Light House
Beaches
Napatree Point Beach
Watch Hill Beach
East Beach
Misquamicut State Beach
Where to get ice cream
St Clair Annex
Below Deck
Pompelmo Gelateria
Takeout/Cook at Home
McQuades Marketplace
Westerly Packing
The Fishery
Seafood Etc.
Dick’s World of Wine
Sandy’s Fine Food: An awesome local grocery store with great produce and sandwiches
Nana’s Sourdough Pizza- bonus points if you eat it at the beach!
Cinder