The far southwestern part of the state includes both the region and the town of Westerly, with the town 40 mi/65 km southwest of Providence. There are several nice beaches along the coast—Misquamicut State Beach is one of the largest and most popular in the state and also home to the Atlantic Beach Amusement Park.
A smaller, family-oriented beach can be found in Watch Hill, once an exclusive resort area where Douglas Fairbanks, Isadora Duncan, Charlie Chaplin, Henry Ford and other celebrities had summer homes. Don't miss seeing the historic Watch Hill Coast Lighthouse and the Flying Horse Carousel, one of the oldest carousels in the U.S.
Westerly's Wilcox Park has an unusual botanical garden: Primarily for people with visual and physical disabilities, it's designed with an emphasis on touch and smell. It's a real treat to stroll through, smelling the flowers and herbs. The park also sponsors a free Shakespeare in the Park series each summer.
If you'll be in Westerly in June, try to plan your visit to coincide with the weekend when some of Watch Hill's most notable homes are open to the public. Dates for this benefit event vary from year to year, so check with Westerly's Chamber of Commerce for more information.
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