Counting the waves…
Counting the waves…
The peninsula stretches from Watch Hill across the state line into Connecticut, a slender thread of beach where Long Island Sound meets the Atlantic. You'll walk west along hard-packed sand, Little Narragansett Bay calm on your left, open water rolling in from your right. Horseshoe crabs dot the tideline in late spring; September brings monarch butterflies resting during their coastal migration. The 1938 hurricane severed this barrier beach from the mainland, and its isolation persists. No concession stands, no lifeguards after Labor Day, no parking lot music bleeding onto the shore. Instead: beach plum thickets, Rosa rugosa perfuming August afternoons, and unobstructed sight lines toward Fishers Island. The fort that once guarded this point washed away decades ago, leaving only the foundation stones visible at extreme low tide. Bring what you need in a daypack—the nearest provisions are back in Watch Hill village. Winter storms reshape the beach annually, sometimes narrowing the sand to twenty feet, other years widening it to a hundred. Local oystermen work the bay side at dawn. By mid-morning, you'll have the far western tip nearly to yourself, where Connecticut dissolves into surf and the next land mass is Orient Point, shimmering across the sound.
Places, rentals, tours and events within walking and driving distance of Napatree Point Beach.
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Swimming conditions at Napatree Point vary significantly. The beach faces Block Island Sound with often strong currents and undertows, particularly near the point itself. There are no lifeguards on duty, so swim at your own risk. The calmer waters are typically found closer to the parking area on the western side. Always check weather conditions before visiting, avoid swimming during storms or high winds, and be aware that rip currents can develop. Families with children should exercise extra caution and stay in shallow areas.
Napatree Point is accessible year-round, with each season offering different experiences. Summer (June-August) provides warm swimming weather but attracts the most visitors. Fall and spring offer pleasant temperatures, fewer crowds, and excellent birdwatching opportunities during migration seasons. Winter visits reward hardy beachgoers with solitude and dramatic coastal scenery, though swimming isn't advisable. Sunrise and sunset are particularly stunning times to visit any season. Note that parking restrictions apply during summer months for non-residents of Watch Hill.
Napatree Point is accessed through the village of Watch Hill in Westerly, Rhode Island (not Stonington, Connecticut). From Bay Street in Watch Hill, park in the Fort Road parking lot near the Watch Hill Yacht Club. From Memorial Day to Labor Day, parking is restricted to Watch Hill residents with permits on weekends and holidays. Off-season and weekday parking is generally available to all visitors. The beach is a short walk from the parking area across a sandy barrier beach.
Napatree Point itself has no facilities—no restrooms, showers, or concessions. It's an undeveloped conservation area, so bring everything you need including water and snacks. However, the nearby village of Watch Hill offers numerous dining options, from casual seafood shacks to upscale restaurants. Public restrooms are available in Watch Hill village. For overnight stays, Watch Hill and neighboring Westerly offer hotels, inns, and vacation rentals. Stock up on beach supplies before arriving, as shopping options at the point are nonexistent.
Yes, you can walk the 1.5-mile sandy barrier beach to the actual point, and it's one of the main attractions. The walk takes 30-45 minutes one way across soft sand. The point itself offers panoramic views of Block Island Sound, Fisher's Island, and Little Narragansett Bay. This narrow strip of land was heavily damaged by the 1938 hurricane and remains largely undeveloped. Bring water and sun protection, as there's no shade. The conservation area is managed by the Watch Hill Conservancy.
