How to Plan a Summer Vacation in Narragansett, RI

Are you planning a trip to the eastern part of the United States? Would you like to visit Rhode Island? If so, Narragansett is a great place to take a summer vacation. The land, previously part of South Kingstown, was purchased from the Narragansett Indians in 1675 by Roland Robinson. Narragansett was incorporated as a “town” in 1901. Between 1888 and 1920, the town was well known for its resorts, hotels, cottages, and the Narragansett Casino. Here are a few tips on how to plan a summer vacation in Narragansett, Rhode Island.

Things You'll Need

• Sunscreen
• Hotel reservations
• Rental car or taxi
• Fishing gear, rented or your own
• Camera

Instructions

1. Visit the local beaches. There are a few beaches in Narragansett to choose from. For a clean, safe, and sandy beach for your family to enjoy, visit the Roger Wheeler State Beach, just off Ocean Road. If you are looking for a clean, sandy beach ideal for body surfing, check out Scarborough State Beach, just off Route 108.

2. Experience fishing activities. You can enjoy fishing off the rocks at near Salty Brine State Beach. Visit the Galilee Fishing Village, just off Sand Cove Hill Road. In the Galilee Fishing Village, you can watch fishermen unload their nets with the daily catch or go on a day-long fishing charter.

3. Take a boat ride. You can take a boat charter, private charter, harbor tour, sightseeing tour, or sunset cruise. Check out the Southland River Boat Cruises, which has been in business for over thirty years serving the Narragansett area. You might also think about booking a whale watching cruise.

4. Check out the Canonchet Memorial located on the corner of Beach Street and Ocean Road. The memorial is a statue of Narragansett tribal Chief Canonchet. The statue is made of limestone, weighs six thousand pounds, and was sculpted by Robert K. Carsten in 1977.

5. Check out the Narragansett Indian monument located off Kingston Road and Strathmore Street. Peter Toth carved the twenty 23-foot statue from a single Douglas fir. The sculpture honors the American Indian and is one of 41 sculptures throughout the country that pays tribute to the American Indians.

6. Visit the Narragansett Towers. As mentioned earlier, Narragansett was well known for its hotels and the Narragansett Casino. The Narragansett Towers served as the main entrance. On September 12, 1900 a fire broke out in the Rockingham Hotel and spread to the Casino. The Casino and its surrounding hotels, which were made from wood, burned to the ground. The granite walls of the Towers were the only remains left behind from the fire. In 1905, a new casino was built and, by 1910, the towers were renovated. In 1965, the casino was severely damaged by fire again, but the towers held fast. Today, the towers are a trademark of Narragansett’s good luck and have been beautifully restored.

Tips & Warnings

• Be sure to visit some of the town’s historical sites, such as the Narragansett Towers, the Narragansett Indian monument, or the statue of Chief Canonchet.

• Don’t forget your camera. They’ll be lots of photo opportunities as you explore the historical town of Narragansett, Rhode Island.