Misquamicut is a coastal village located in the town of Westerly, centered around a three-mile stretch of beach. It offers a mix of public shoreline, local businesses, cottages, and seasonal attractions. You can eat, park, stay, shop, and explore—all within one beach community.
Whether it’s your first visit or something you do every summer, there’s more to Misquamicut than just laying on the sand. Here are ten simple ways to make the most of your day.
- GET THERE EARLY: If you arrive before late morning, everything is easier—parking, getting settled, and avoiding the biggest crowds. Misquamicut offers several parking options, including the state beach (with the largest lot) as well as a number of privately operated lots that are open to the public, each with its own amenities and access points. For a full list of parking options, visit Misquamicut.org/parking.
- GET IN THE WATER: Swimming, jumping waves, or just cooling off—it’s the main reason people come here. You can also head over to Winnapaug Pond, where paddleboards and kayaks are available to rent for a different way to enjoy the water.
- WALK THE BEACH: Take a walk up or down the shoreline. It’s one of the easiest and best parts of the day.
- PLAN YOUR FOOD TIMING: Most places get busy between 12:00 and 2:00. If your schedule allows, eating a little earlier or later can make things quicker and more relaxed.
- LISTEN TO LIVE MUSIC: Music is a big part of the beach scene all summer. Tunes on the Dunes takes place on Monday and Wednesday nights, bringing live bands right to the beach. Many beachfront establishments also offer live entertainment in the afternoon and evening, so you’ll find music happening throughout the area all day and into the night.
- WALK THE BEACH AREA: Atlantic Ave is the main strip at Misquamicut, with food, shops, and activity all in one place. You’ll also find options along Winnapaug Road and Crandall Ave, which offer additional places to explore. For a longer walk, use the Minabaug pedestrian and bike lane, which connects the east and west ends of the beach.
- BRING THE KIDS: The beach is perfect for families—sand, water, and plenty to keep kids busy all day.
- STAY FOR SUNSET: Later in the day, things calm down. It’s a great time to sit back and take it in. If you’re in the right spot, you might even hear Coconut Kevin blowing his conch shell at sunset—a local tradition worth catching.
- STICK AROUND AFTER DARK: The beach doesn’t shut down at night. There’s still music, food, and people out enjoying the evening.
- GO TO THE DRIVE-IN: End your day with something different. The Misquamicut Drive-In is a classic way to watch a movie outside near the beach.
MAKE IT YOUR DAY
There’s no one way to do Misquamicut. Walk around, try different things, and settle into what works for you.
And if one day isn’t enough, consider staying a little longer. The area offers hotels, bed & breakfasts, rental cottages, and other options—making it easy to turn a day trip into a full beach getaway. Read more