Things to Do in Charlestown, RI: Where to Eat, Stay & Play by the Beach

Located just 90 minutes from Boston in southwestern Rhode Island, Charlestown is a compact seaside community that makes the most of its approximately six miles of coast along Block Island Sound. It’s home to not one but two pristine state beaches: East Beach, one of the state’s least developed stretches of sand, and Charlestown Breachway, with its signature twin seawalls. Plus, the lovely local beach Blue Shutters welcomes residents and visitors alike. But after you’ve had your fill of Charlestown surf and sun, what else is there to do? Plenty, it turns out—so shake off that sand and start exploring.

Best Things to Do in Charlestown, RI

Where to Eat in Charlestown, RI

The Breachway Grill

If you like your lobster piled atop fries or black-truffle mac and cheese, this fun-casual restaurant and bar is your “calories don’t count on vacation” enabler. All of the yumminess is scratch-made, and beachy cocktails are almost too pretty to drink. Almost.

Charlestown Rathskeller

Rhode Island’s coldest beer is here (there’s a temperature gauge on the wall to prove it!), and with backyard games and a summer stage, you’ll feel like you’ve been invited to the best party in town.

Monahan’s Clam Shack by the Cove

If Fish Reuben is on the specials board, this zingy sandwich is what you want. If not, you can’t go wrong with golden-crisp clam cakes or a lightly dressed cold lobster roll. There’s a picnic garden where you can sip frozen Del’s lemonade among the hydrangeas while you wait for your order.

The Nordic

There’s a two-hour limit (and steep cost) on downing everything from local oysters to unlimited lobster to bourbon pecan pie. Not up for the all-you-can-eat buffet? Sit lakeside and order apps and drinks. You’ll be just as warmly welcomed: The Nordic’s been in the same family since 1963, and they know a thing or three about hospitality.

Things to Do in Charlestown, RI (Beyond the Beach)

Breachway Bait & Tackle

Rent a kayak, canoe, or SUP for your salt pond explorations. This fishing-focused outfitter will also rent you a clam rake. Rhode Islanders don’t need a shellfishing license, but out-of-staters do (buy one at rio.ri.gov).

The Fantastic Umbrella Factory

When you’ve used up your sunscreen, venture to this bohemian outpost where you can definitely buy incense but won’t likely find an umbrella. Goats and chickens will be happy to see you, as will the keepers of indoor-outdoor shops including a general store right out of Woodstock.

Kettle Pond Visitor Center

At the gateway to Ninigret National Wildlife Refuge and its four-plus miles of trails, you can learn more about this region’s unique habitats and geologic features. An exhibit scavenger hunt keeps kids engaged.

Ninigret Park

While summer events like the Charlestown Seafood Festival and Rhythm & Roots are ticketed, most of the park’s attractions are free. That includes photo ops with Erik Rock and Greta Granite, two massive trolls by artist Thomas Dambo.

Where to Stay in Charlestown, RI

General Stanton Inn

New owners brought this 1740 landmark back to life two years ago, and its purported ghosts seem to dig the refresh. You will, too, whether you tuck in for the night or dine on hearty land and sea fare in the tavern.

Hathaways Guest Cottages

In the heat of summer, you’ll appreciate having a swimming pool shared by just seven snug rental cottages (two are pet-friendly) and a 19th-century farmhouse that sleeps up to 10.

Phil & Ann’s Sunset Motel

This family-owned motel with a seasonal outdoor pool looks like it popped straight out of your parents’ or grandparents’ three-ring photo album. The rooms are contemporary and clean, while the beaches are just three miles away.

See More: Summer Weekend in Charlestown, Rhode Island

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