Narragansett

Narragansett is in South County, Rhode Island. It includes the beach villages of Galilee, Scarborough, Point Judith, and Bonnet Shores. Families and students enjoy Narragansett especially in the summer because beaches are so close. The area has a high concentration of college students from the University of Rhode Island within its neighborhoods, restaurants, and bars.

History
Narragansett history in a nutshell - the bay and town took the name of the Indian nation that lived in Rhode Island, the name means "people of a small, narrow place." Point Judith and Galilee were inhabited primarily by farmers and people in the fishing industry. Today Narragansett is home to shops, beaches, restaurants and marinas. The town is scarcely 20 miles long and less than 2 miles wide.

Climate
Weather is definitely a big attraction of Narragansett. The conditions here are truly diverse the whole year long, with a true four-season experience The beauty and warmth of spring followed by the scorching heat of summer, the cool temperatures and scenic colors of autumn, as well as the frosty snow storms of winter.

While Narragansett in the summertime is great for shorts, tank tops or t-shirts, and bathing suits, you are going to want to pack warmer clothing for the winter weather - pants, sweaters, sweatshirts, and jackets are all necessities, and since the area is so close to the water the wind can be bitter, so gloves, hats, and scarves are recommended for those chilly days.

Be aware that a lot of establishments close down or have limited hours in the winter.

By car
From New York/Connecticut:

I-95 to Exit 92 in Connecticut. At the light, make a right onto RT 2. You will be on RT 2 for 1.5 miles when you will see a sign for 78 west on the right. Take 78 west for approx. 4 miles. Look for signs for US RT 1 north, make left at intersection. You will be on Rt 1 for 20 miles, make right off Narragansett exit. Follow signs to RT 108.

From Boston and all points north:

I-95 to Exit 9 in RI. Exit in left lane off highway onto RT 4. Follow RT 4 to RT 1 South for 8 miles to the Narragansett exit. Turn left at light and go under overpass. At this rotary bear left and follow signs for Narragansett.

By boat
Coming in at Point Judith in Galilee is the only main way to enter into Narragansett. One will enter by Great Island and will be able to continue down until Wakefield, RI.

Boating access

 * Galilee, Corner of Galilee Rd and Great Island Rd. Southeast side of Great Island Bridge. Linked concrete planks
 * Monahan’s Dock, East side of Ocean Rd. at South Pier Rd. Concrete steep drop, good for putting in jet skis and kayaks.

Get around
The easiest way to access the charm of Narragansett is by foot or bike. To get the complete seasonal experience that Narragansett has to offer, you are invited to explore the picturesque beauty by walking along our wonderful beaches, or riding along our scenic waterfront roads. To help get around one might consider renting a moped/scooter or car to be able to get around from the Narragansett Pier area to Scarborough and Point Judith. You are also very welcome to visit our interesting historic sites. Whether you prefer historic lighthouses, beautiful marinas, or our striking works of art, the choice is up to you. If staying for a long visit in Narragansett, you may want to consider a beach pass for access to alternate parking because the beautiful beaches attract many people which leaves parking hard to find and expensive. Having a beach pass would guarantee parking in reserved parking lots.



Beaches
When traveling to Southern Rhode Island on a summer day there are several beaches you can spend the day at depending on what kind of experience you are looking for. Seasonal passes are available during the summer months for in-state and out of state patrons. The passes are valid from Memorial Day weekend (May) to Labor Day weekend (September). The passes give you access into all state beaches including those found below:



If you are looking to potentially join a beach club there are two beautiful ones in town. Both offer certain amenities such as pool, restaurants, and private events for members only.



Outdoor recreation
Various basketball courts are located around Narragansett. Any day of the week in the summer time you can find a pick up game of basketball going on. Feel free to join in a game or shoot hoops on your own! A very popular court is located on Boon Street, close to the Narragansett sea wall.



Fishing charters
Full- and half-day whale-watching and fishing tours are available. Coastal Rhode Island is encompassed in beautiful scenery as well as a view of Newport.



Other activities




Drink
There are many places to grab a pint of beer, a relaxing cup of tea, or a stimulating cup of coffee. Mainly there are more bars than coffee houses in this area. These bars offer “happy hour” specials in which drinks can be two for one or dramatically cheaper than they normally are. Happy hour usually runs at the end of a typical workday being 4-6, or 5-7. During winter these bars may be crowded on late nights by college students in the area.

Cottage rentals
Narragansett is not far from the University of Rhode Island where college students live during the school year. These students rent out houses usually for a nine-month period. When summer approaches all these houses are available and look for people who need a place to stay to enjoy all of what Narragansett has to offer. Staying for a weekend, a week, a month, or even the whole summer, getting a cottage rental is well worth it!



Stay safe

 * Narragansett Police Department, 40 Caswell St., +1 401-789-1091.

Go next

 * Block Island, The beautiful small Island has great beaches, spectacular bluffs, and cute local shops. Great restaurants, groceries may be expensive if staying longer than a day. A wonderful day trip by ferryboat. The Block Island Ferry leaves port in Galilee.
 * Visit nearby Newport, a mere half hour drive from Narragansett. From Route 1 North, follow route 1 until the Newport exit, follow 138, over the Jamestown and Newport Bridges (toll is required.  Plenty of things to do, both day and night.  Downtown shopping, beautiful beaches, delicious restaurants, historical sites and great bars are among the many things offered in Newport.
 * Providence, Providence, Rhode Island's capital city, is a great day trip. From Route 1 North, follow route 1, route 1 will become route 4, merge onto 95 North and follow until you reach the Downtown Providence exits. Lots to do, including the Providence Place Mall, Thayer Street on the East Side, many great restaurants and Federal Hill (Providence's Italian section).
 * Mystic, Connecticut is about a half an hour drive from Narragansett. From 138, take the 95 South exit towards Westerly, follow into CT and take the Mystic exit. Lots of historical sites to see, great seafood restaurants, also has a great aquarium.
 * Connecticut, Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun Casinos are located in Connecticut only forty minutes away. Play slots, craps, and roulette, all your favorite card games or sit down for a gourmet meal in one of their many restaurants.