Things to do & places to visit in Washington County, Rhode Island, United States

Explore 100 miles of beautiful coastline, stroll through historic villages, taste fresh from the boat seafood, hike or bike to places of undisturbed beauty, kayak a winding river or sheltered cove. These are just a few ways to enjoy one of New England’s favorite vacation spots. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker looking for adventure or you want a peaceful setting where you can simply relax and unwind, South County is the perfect vacation destination.

Washington County county in Rhode Island, United States. Timezone: America/New_York, current date and time: Saturday, May 04, 2024, 8:52.

Top things to do (23)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Grey Sail Brewing of Rhode Island (65 reviews)
- Nice brewery-kid and dog friendly
Saturday: 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM Breweries

Proudly located in the seaside city of Westerly, Grey Sail Brewing of RI is southern Rhode Island's premier microbrewery equipped to produce up to 4,000 barrels of handcrafted beer per year. We are open for tours and tastings every Saturday from 1 to 5 p.m. See more..
5.0 The Farmer's Daughter (51 reviews)
- Amazing Nursery!
Spent 1-2 hours Farms • Gardens

I'm in the nursery business and this is one of the MOST beautiful well thought out nurseries I've ever seen! See more..
4.5 Block Island Ferry (556 reviews)
- Only way to Block Island
Saturday: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM Ferries

The Block Island Ferry is your fastest link to Block Island, Rhode Island. Interstate Navigation Company, Inc. operates the Block Island Ferry, and is the only year-round ferry service to Block Island. Based in Point Judith, (Narragansett), Rhode Island, the Block island Ferry offers Traditional ferry service, (55 minute voyage) as well as the fastest ferry trip from the mainland on the High speed ferry service, (30 minute cruise)from Pt. Judith,. RI. Block Island Ferry also offers seasonal service from Fall River, Ma (2 hour cruise) & Newport, RI (1 hour cruise) to Block Island.If your trip to Block Island is for business, a family vacation, or an island weekend getaway, the Block Island Ferry will get you to Block Island quickly and easily. The Block Island Ferry is the only vehicle ferry service to Block Island. We transport passenger vehicles, commercial trucks as well as shipping freight. The Block Island Ferry is your full service ferry company. We have the most departures and convenient ferry schedule from the mainland which allows you greater flexibility when traveling to and from Block Island on our traditional or high speed ferry! See more..
4.5 Southeast Lighthouse (411 reviews)
- Bucket List Lighthouse
Lighthouses

These two lighthouses stand watch over tiny Block Island, scene of 59 ship wrecks in the early 1800s. See more..
4.5 North Lighthouse (258 reviews)
- Seals galore
Saturday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Lighthouses

Granite lighthouse that was built on Sandy Point in 1867. Inside the building is a maritime museum. There are five rooms of exhibits each showcasing a particular piece of maritime history. Please come visit. The views are spectacular! We are open full time in July and August. Weekends in September and October until Columbus Day. See more..
4.5 Wickford Village (252 reviews)
- Quaint and Romantic Place to take a stroll
Historic Sites

Wickford Village is located in North Kingstown, RI. It is comprised of Brown Street, Main Street & West Main Street. Established in 1709, Wickford Village provides picturesque waterfront streets lined with one-of-a-kind shops featuring jewelry, housewares, clothing and more. You’ll also find galleries, antique shops, cafes and restaurants nestled amongst beautifully maintained churches, colonial homes and gardens. Have a boat? Tie up to the town dock while you explore our village. See more..
4.5 Roger W. Wheeler State Beach (191 reviews)
- Great kids beach
Beaches

Named for the developer of the state life-saving system, this beach features a new bathhouse and playground. See more..
4.5 1661 Farm and Gardens (174 reviews)
- Farm fun on BI
Farms

A fun place to visit while spending time on BI with children. We biked here with 2 teens (14) and we thoroughly enjoyed seeing all the different exotic animals. We watched an older kangaroo lounging about while a younger "roo" was hopping like mad all over the place. We got a kick out of the lemurs & cute alpacas. There were beautiful flowers to look at as well. We noticed a bathroom as well as hand sanitizer which we used before & after. See more..
4.5 Watch Hill Lighthouse (172 reviews)
- A must see
Lighthouses

The Watch Hill Lighthouse is a classic old lighthouse that separates the Atlantic Ocean from the Bay. Some go to fish but I have no idea what they catch. I’ve seen people paint and take pictures. Others like me just go, think and watch the majestic ocean. See more..
4.5 Galilee (170 reviews)
- Lobsters!!! Straight off the boat.
Marinas

This is a RI secret. In the afternoons after a day at the beach, stop here to meet the fishing boats coming back with their daily catch. Lobsters & crabs to take home and make the freshest seafood dinner ever!! See more..
4.5 Theatre By the Sea (166 reviews)
- Best Professional Theatre in N.E.
Saturday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Theaters

I am an avid theatre goer. Broadway, community theatre, and everything in between. But there is something special about TBTS. The 100 year history is felt in every show. The grounds are beautiful. The old barn is unique. But the shows themselves are spectacular. You will not be disappointed. See more..
4.5 Westerly Library & Wilcox Park (163 reviews)
- Westerly jewel
Saturday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Parks

The Westerly library and Wilcox Park are a throw back to the good old days. The Library is rich in fine decorative wood work, thick dark brown wood molding everywhere. Quiet reading rooms, and beverage cafe. The librarians are helpful and nice. The Park is part of the library and gives the whole complex a spacious feel. See more..
4.5 Napatree Point Conservation Area (150 reviews)
- One of the most beautiful beaches in RI
Nature & Wildlife Areas

Watch Hill bird sanctuary. See more..
4.5 Children's Discovery Museum (149 reviews)
- Good little spot
Saturday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Children's Museums

Located in the heart of beautiful Uptown Normal, Illinois, the mission of the Children’s Discovery Museum is to inspire the love of learning through the power of play. Find three floors of hands-on exhibits, classes, and programs that actively engage both child and adult visitors in experiences that stimulate imagination, curiosity, and wonder. The Children’s Discovery Museum values a safe, fun, inclusive and engaging environment. Find a variety of learning experiences that address many styles and abilities. The CDM staff works with a flexibility of thought and adaptability of behaviors to better meet individual needs. A powerful play experience and a passionate staff assists in the development of the whole child who is surrounded by healthy relationships, healthy families, and a healthy community. Admission includes full-day in/out access. Accessible parking is available in a safe, clean parking deck next door. Free surface lots and street parking are available with time limits. See more..
4.5 Mansion Beach (143 reviews)
- Our favorite beach
Piers & Boardwalks • Biking Trails • Beaches

Secluded beach on Block Island. See more..
4.5 The Towers (137 reviews)
- Beautiful
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings

The remaining building left from the Narragansett Pier Casino fire now hosts events and dinner theaters. See more..
4.5 Fred Benson Town Beach (134 reviews)
- A nice beach to visit anytime.
Spent 2-3 hours Beaches

Crescent beach on Block Island See more..
4.5 East Beach (115 reviews)
- We will be back; this is a lovely beach.
Beaches

Putting my nostalgia aside - this is a beautiful beach. Try to go early or off season. The pathway into the beach feels magical, and it has gorgeous views. Lots of beautiful stones on the beach (at low tide) and good waves for skimboarding. We were able to find street parking midday in July; only for 2 hours, but it was a pitstop for us. There is a bathroom by the carousel for changing. (My teen son was convinced he saw a small shark while swimming.) See more..
4.5 East Beach (87 reviews)
- Nice sand and surf, not too crowded
Beaches

We arrived at just before 3pm on a cloudy Saturday in July and was able to park fine. $14 for out of state visitors, paid cash. There was a sign farther up the road saying the lot was full, but we took a chance figuring that other people had left and, sure enough, there were spaces available. I think the beach is above average for the area. The beach was wide, clean, and long, with enough room to have plenty of space between groups. The water was refreshing and pretty choppy, which is the way I like it; more fun than the calm CT beaches farther west on the Sound. There is no housing or commercial development so only dunes were behind us, making for a very relaxing atmosphere. No amenities beyond some composting toilets and port-a-potties in the parking lot. We'd definitely come back! See more..
4.5 East Matunuck State Beach (73 reviews)
- Beautiful state beach down the road from Matunuck Oyster Bar.
Spent More than 3 hours Beaches

Beautiful beach on one of RI’s coasts. The sand can be hit, so be careful. Lifeguards, which conduct safety/saving drills which really keeps them on their toes. The pavilion is great; but a bit pricey on Del’s lemonade, treats and grilled lunches. There’s also an area where you can purchase, t shirts, sweatshirts, hats, etc. I found the restrooms cleaner than most public facilities. Waves are often perfect for boogie boarding. Long stretch of beach is flat, which makes it easy to stroll. See more..
4.5 Gilbert Stuart Museum (64 reviews)
- One of the Most Beautiful and Peaceful of Historic Places
Temporarily closed - Closed until Apr 30, 2023 Historic Sites • History Museums

Birthplace of George Washington's foremost portraitist. Located on 23 acres, the Gilbert Stuart Birthplace and Museum contains the authentically restored and furnished 1750home and snuff mill where Gilbert Stuart was born. The Museum has the working Stuart snuff mill, an operating gristmill, fish ladder, millpond, nature trails, and colonial herb garden. Our handicapped accessible art gallery contains original works by Stuart, his daughter Jane Stuart, and changing exhibitions of notable Rhode Island Masters. See more..
4.5 Rader Family Farms (57 reviews)
- Awesome family day
Saturday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Farms

Rader Family Farms is a fourth generation working farm located in Bloomington - Normal, Illinois. We open a portion of the farm to the public in the fall, giving people the opportunity to spend a day outside and get a feel for agricultural life. Tons of outdoor activities like hayrack rides, a jumping pillow, apple cannons, acres of u-pick and fresh picked pumpkins, fresh made food, specialty coffees and drinks, live animals and so much more to help you make memories, just on the edge of Normal. See more..
4.5 Clayhead Nature Trail (56 reviews)
- Shhhhh best beach on the Island
Hiking Trails

Tell no one. At the end of a pleasant 1/2 mile walk through some lovely woods is a gorgeous, semi-deserted beach. Sandy not rocky, cool but not cold, waves but not life- threatening... Strap on a beach chair, bring your dog and a soft cooler (and be nice and take your trash out with you when done) and feel like you are in on an awesome secret. It's a great place for rock collecting....though hauling them out is a bit of a schlep. See more..
4.5 Ropp Jersey Cheese Farm (40 reviews)
- Family Fun
Farms

Me and my oldest son were looking for something to do while my youngest was at camp earlier this week. We found this place and really enjoyed the tour, samples of cheese, and the amazing deal they had going on cheese! I think it was 5 for $20 and the cheese is delicious. They were making cheese when we went so we got to watch the process. We were also able to pet the cows, calves, and goats. We tried feeding the cows, but they weren't interested. Its important to understand the animals have their own schedule as well as milking times and cheese making times. We had a great time and are planning on going back as a family today so my youngest can enjoy it also. See more..
4.5 Redbird Arena (21 reviews)
- ISU Graduation
Spent 2-3 hours Arenas & Stadiums

Excellent venue for my daughters graduation. Plenty of parking easy access. Police at this crossroads directing traffic and pedestrians. Stadium was very clean. See more..
4.5 University Galleries of Illinois State University (11 reviews)
- Professional and Clean
Saturday: 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM Art Museums

Great place to view art and the work of the ISU college students. It has a beautiful and undistracting atmosphere perfect for viewing events See more..
4.5 Maxwell Park (7 reviews)
- Something for Everyone
Parks • Playgrounds

Maxwell Park is huge. Tennis courts, Frisbee golf, fenced dog park, horseshoes, playground equipment and more. Well maintained area with plenty of lighting and parking. See more..
4.5 Twin Groves Wind Farm (3 reviews)
- Windy
Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks • Scenic Walking Areas

Good place to view all the wind turbines everyone complains about. Don't blink trying to find it you might miss the viewing point. See more..
4.0 Misquamicut State Beach (553 reviews)
- So relaxing and chill
Beaches

Rhode Island's largest and most popular beach will be handicap accessible. See more..
4.0 Point Judith Lighthouse (324 reviews)
- Historic lighthouse on Coast Guard Station
Saturday: 8:00 AM - 7:30 PM Lighthouses

Visitors can visit the grounds and enjoy the view, but the lighthouse itself is closed to the public. See more..