Best Outdoor Attractions in Rhode Island | 2013 Editors’ Choice Awards

BEST BEACH FOR NATURE LOVERS
GOOSEWING BEACH PRESERVE, Little Compton
Bird lovers and bathing beauties unite at this pristine strip of sand managed by The Nature Conservancy. A coastal pond, barrier beach, and dunes create one of the most scenic waterscapes in the area, and a safe haven for the piping plover. Access from South Shore Beach, 140 South Shore Road. 401-635-9974; nature.org

BEST CHARTER FISHING
SNAPPA CHARTERS, Wakefield
Captain Charlie Donilon shares four decades of fish tales and secret spots. A half-day excursion aboard the Snappa may net you a few dinners’ worth of bass, blues, and bragging rights. 2 Congdon Drive. 401-782-4040; snappacharters.com

BEST OFF-THE-BEATEN-PATH WAY
NEWPORT EQUESTRIAN, Middletown
A two-hour tour lets riders see the “wilder” side of Aquidneck Island, including scenic Second and Third beaches and Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge. 287 Third Beach Road. 401-837-4188; newportequestrian.com

BEST SAILING LESSONS
COMMUNITY BOATING CENTER, Providence
Members (it’s easy and affordable to become one) have access to lessons at all levels. The best part? Once you’ve got your sea legs, you get unlimited time on the water and use of CBC’s fleet. India Point Park, 109 India St. 401-454-7245; communityboating.com

BEST WALK IN THE PARK
WILCOX PARK, Westerly
This pretty oasis in downtown Westerly features a wide-open meadow, stately trees, a duck pond, and picturesque perennial garden. 71 High St. 401-596-2877; westerlylibrary.org/park