Guide to Westerly, RI | Hotels, Dining & Activities
Planning a trip to Rhode Island’s South County region? Learn about our favorite places to stay in Westerly in this roundup of top Westerly, RI, hotels and inns.
Just as the name indicates, Westerly is Rhode Island’s westernmost community. Country and seaside charm predominate in this area, which also includes the beachside communities of Watch Hill and Misquamicut. A stunning coast, nature preserves, a lively shopping scene, and fine cuisine make Rhode Island’s South County region one of New England’s premier summer destinations. Ready for a visit? There are several Westerly, RI, hotels and inns to choose from. Read on for a selection of favorites, plus some recommended Westerly restaurants and attractions to check out during your stay.
Favorite Places to Stay in Westerly, RI | Hotels & Inns
Ocean House | Favorite Westerly, RI, Hotels Photo Credit : Courtesy of Ocean House
Natural beauty and rich heritage have drawn families to Ocean House for decades. A stay here is infused with tradition, unfaltering attention to detail, and top-notch personal service. Pampering pleasures include a private sand beach with cabana service, a destination spa, farm-to-table dining, and myriad daily resort activities. Simply put, Ocean House sets a high bar for elegance. Named one of Yankee’s favorite beachside hotels in New England in 2015.
Weekapaug Inn | Favorite Westerly, RI, Hotels Photo Credit : Courtesy of Weekapaug Inn
Both the accommodations and the cuisine celebrate a sense of place at this inn. A beloved foodie destination, the Weekapaug was named a 2014 Yankee Editors’ Pick for “Best Gourmand Getaway” and a 2017 Yankee Editors’ Pick for “Best Lobster Roll.” The rooms are equally divine, with in-suite views of Quonnie (Quonochontaug) Pond and the ocean.
The Breezeway Resort | Favorite Westerly, RI, Hotels Photo Credit : Courtesy of the Breezeway Resort
This Misquamicut-area standout has a private beach just a short walk, drive, or bike ride away; a heated outdoor pool; and thoughtful staffers who anticipate vacationers’ needs. There’s a towel-filled beach tote waiting in your cottage-style accommodations; some rooms even have pull-down Murphy beds. Bikes are complimentary for grown-ups, and breakfast is free for the whole family. Named a 2016 Yankee Editors’ Pick for “Best Boutique Motel.”
The simple and inexpensive accommodations found here put guests right in downtown Westerly, allowing for easy access to the village’s shops and restaurants. The property is recently renovated and family-friendly.
Watch Hill Inn | Favorite Westerly, RI, Hotels Photo Credit : Courtesy of Watch Hill Inn
With all the amenities of its acclaimed sister property, Ocean House, just a short walk away, this lavishly remodeled all-suite coastal-chic property gives families and small groups a luxurious option for extended stays. With ultra-modern kitchens, in-room laundry, water-view terraces, and designer touches, these 650-to-4,000-square-foot suites feel like dream homes. Named a 2015 Yankee Editors’ Pick for “Best Villa-Style Stays.”
This converted early-1800s farmhouse offers country charm with plenty of seaside access. The property features 24 guest rooms, including 10 in the main farmhouse. The on-site restaurant serves full breakfast as well as dinner.
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Finally, if the activities and terrific on-site restaurants available at our favorite Westerly, RI, hotels and inns still aren’t enough, these additional Yankee picks for top Westerly, RI, restaurants and activities are worth checking out.
Favorite Places to Eat in Westerly, RI | Restaurants & Eateries
When chef Jeanie Roland decided to move closer to her family, South County diners scored. Her restaurant, Ella’s, is a French-Asian hybrid that takes a novel approach to nearly everything, from lobster pho to foie gras with bacon brûlée. Named a 2013 Yankee Editors’ Pick for “Best South County Escape.”
The bread alone will have you gushing about Sandy’s made-to-order sandwiches. Whether you’re taking off for Block Island, picnicking at the beach, or provisioning a rental home for the week, this specialty market is your stop for gourmet, freshly made everything, from artisanal cheeses and chocolates to Sandy’s own peanut butter, prepared meals, and pies. Named a 2016 Yankee Editors’ Pick for “Best To-Go Food.”
Rows of truffles — black vinegar, vodka martini, pumpkin pie — tantalize. It’s no easier selecting from the array of cakes, novelties, and molded-chocolate creations. Luckily, the chocolate dipping station offers only one daily option. Named a 2016 Yankee Editors’ Pick for “Best Sweet Shop.”
Imaginations soar at the Flying Horse Merry-Go-Round. And it’s no wonder: These 20 meticulously carved and embellished horses are suspended from the center, which gives the feeling that riders are flying. Named a 2014 Yankee Editors’ Pick for “Best Vintage Ride.”
At a retro price, drive-in movies at Wuskenau Town Beach are affordable for your whole crew. Favorite classic movies such as E.T., Jaws, Goonies, Saturday Night Fever, Jurassic Park, and The Wizard of Oz will be screened on select nights from May through October. Named a 2015 Yankee Editors’ Pick for “Best Cheap Night Out.”
This post was first published in 2018 and has been updated.
Ian Aldrich is the Senior Features Editor at Yankee magazine, where he has worked for more for nearly two decades. As the magazine’s staff feature writer, he writes stories that delve deep into issues facing communities throughout New England. In 2019 he received gold in the reporting category at the annual City-Regional Magazine conference for his story on New England’s opioid crisis. Ian’s work has been recognized by both the Best American Sports and Best American Travel Writing anthologies. He lives with his family in Dublin, New Hampshire.
