Charlestown

Getting there

By plane TF Green International Airport located in Warwick (Rhode Island). About half an hour from Charlestown. Parking for TF Green starts at $11.

By car From I-95 N take exit 92 for Route 2 towards Route 49 / North Stonington. Merge onto CT-78 East. Take a left at Route 1 and follow into Charlestown. From I-95 S take Exit 9 (on the left) in Rhode Island onto Route 4. Follow Route 4 into Route 1, and follow for about 17 miles.

Getting around

Many attractions in Charlestown are spread out, so travel by car is usually the best option. If you are renting a house in one of the many beach suburbs, then beach access is almost always easier by foot. Bicycle travel is also the method of transport favored by many locals, and offers a great experience to view the flora and fauna. There are no real means of obtaining (renting, buying, etc.) a bicycle in town, so it is recommended that any visitors bring their own for the best method of transport to a beach. Water Travel is also very popular. Renting a canoe, or other form of boat is a good way to see the true beauty of Rhode Island. These are easily rentable at many bait and tackle places listed below.

See

Charlestown’s real main attraction are its beaches, which have all varying levels of surf, but are all amazingly beautiful and are almost certainly some of Rhode Island’s best beaches.

1 East Beach / Ninigret State Beach, East Beach Rd. A 3-mile barrier beach that buffers the Atlantic and Ninigret Pond. Includes parking facilities as well as some camping areas for those with RV’s capable of driving in the dunes. Ninigret Pond, on the inland side, is well known for its excellent windsurfing qualities in addition to being a great “non-surf” alternative to the beach for kids. $12 per car, $14 on weekends / holidays. 2 Charlestown Breachway State Beach, Route 1A, ☏ +1 401 364-1208. Opened in 1958, it buffers the Atlanitc and the other half of Ninigret Pond. A smaller beach that is across the breachway from East Beach. “The Breachway” also has facilities for limited camping, and is one of Charlestown’s well-known areas for saltwater fishing. (updated Dec 2021) Blue Shutters Public Beach, East Beach Rd (end of East Beach Road, just before Ninigret State Beach). A small public beach, Blue Shutters features moderate surf. Immediately behind the beach is the Blue Shutters concession stand which includes showering and bathroom facilities. Reduced admission price for seniors. 3 Quonochontaug Beach, Highland Rd. A private beach that restricts access to those owning or renting a house in the vicinity of East Beach Rd. Locals know that after about 5 PM the parking guard goes off duty, and access is allowed for the public. If you are within biking or walking distance you can get in at any time, as passes are only required for cars.

Do

Big Apple Circus, Off Route 1 (in Ninigret Park), ☏ +1 401 360-0890 (community box office). A great attraction for kids and families, the circus is a Charlestown classic, and truly gives that “going to the circus” feel. Typically held in early July for about a week. Charlestown Seafood Festival, Off Route 1 (in Ninigret Park), ☏ +1 401 364-4031. August 7th noon-10PM, August 8th 11AM-10PM, August 9th 11AM-8PM. Renowned local seafood event that features all things seafood related. There is also music, rides, displayed crafts, and many other continuous amusement events. This event also features camping for a flat $75 for 3 days. If you enjoy seafood, johnny cakes, crafts, or even just a good time with good food at all, this is a must-see event. $7 for adults, kids 12 and under free. Frosty Drew Observatory, 61 Park Ln, ☏ +1 401 364-9508. Family friendly evening. Open Year Round. More information available on their website. Vin Gormley Trail (Burlingame State Park). 8.28 miles long, it should take 3½-4 hours. The trail takes you around Watchaug Pond. It is a rather easy walking trail. There are many lively little brooks and streams and can be a nice stroll. A recommended starting point is on the east shore of Watchaug pond. You can also swim or have a picnic in this area.

Buy

Bait and tackle Breachway Bait and Tackle, 166 Charlestown Beach Rd, ☏ +1 401 364-6407. Sells fishing bait, propane, and canoes/kayaks (which it also rents). A good destination for tourists venturing out onto the ponds or ocean. Quonnie Bait and Tackle, 5223 Old Post Rd, ☏ +1 401-637-7184. A small shop that specializes in building, repairing, and selling fishing rods; also has live and frozen bait and other fishing supplies plus all licenses. No rentals but may be looking into bringing in kayaks.

Groceries Charlestown Mini Super, 4071 Old Post Rd, ☏ +1 401 364-6600. A small-town version of a grocery store. Doesn’t stock as many items as bigger supermarkets, so you may need to leave town to get all of your groceries. Peaches Fruit and Produce, 47 Charlestown Beach Rd, ☏ +1 401 364-5949. Kind of like a farmer’s market inside of someone’s garage, this shop has fresh fruit and vegetables, baked goods, and cooled drinks. It’s family owned, so it has a friendly atmosphere and is a great place to find freshly grown food.

Specialty shops Charlestown Wine and Spirits, 4625 Old Post Rd, ☏ +1 401 364-6626. Specializes in many varieties of wine, beer, and mixings for assorted drinks at moderate prices. It’s the only liquor store in Charlestown. Wine tastings are held every Friday night. Freewheeler, 14 Charlestown Beach Rd, ☏ +1 401 364-3851. A little tourist shop, it carries items like t-shirts, beachwear, toys, and other beach specialty items. An ideal location to find souvenirs during the summer. Galapago Boutique, 5193 Old Post Rd, toll-free: +1-800-419-6642. Galapagos Boutique is a hip, upscale women's boutique offering the hotest fashions. Galapagos caters to clients looking for personal service to create an individual fashion statement. You will find top design labels in clothing, shoes, jewelry & accessories, as well as up-and-coming designers new to the fashion scene. The Fantastic Umbrella Factory, 4820 Old Post Rd, ☏ +1 401 364-6616. This "fac

Eat

There is an admittedly limited selection for food within Charlestown due to its size, but there is a wide selection along Route 1 in either direction: Narragansett or Westerly.

Budget Charlestown Famous Pizza, 3986 Old Post Rd, ☏ +1 401 364-0020. A definite hangout for local residents, they have some of the best pizza around. A worthwhile stop to quench any hunger pains. Kingston Pizza, 4159 Old Post Rd, ☏ +1 401 364-7300. A pizza chain found all around Rhode Island, you can eat in or order out their relatively cheap items. Besides pizza, they have a wide selection of appetizers, calzones, and salads. A favorite on nearby college campuses. Jitters Cafe, 4 Charlestown Beach Rd. A quaint shop that serves a wide array of delectable treats and other traditional coffeehouse fare. Another option for the caffeine-deprived—they also serve coffee and other drinks.

Mid-range Monahan's