There’s no small reason why Rhode Island is nicknamed the Ocean State. When you vacation here, you will find plenty of beach and water-related things to do in Narragansett, RI, along its 400 miles of coastline.
One of those things is visiting the famous Charlestown Breachway, its quiet beach and beautiful views. If you’re into boating, you will also be interested in Ocean House Marina.
An added plus: so many Narragansett vacation rentals are beachfront properties, so you may not have far to go to reach either of these locations.
The Charlestown Breachway
From boating and camping to fishing and swimming, the Charlestown Breachway State Beach has it all! The entire family will enjoy spending days on this beach with its panoramic views, tranquility, and golden sand.
History
While the importance of a breachway connecting Pawaget/Ninigret/Charlestown Ponds in Narragansett with the Atlantic Ocean was recognized as far back as the mid-1800s, construction on the project began in 1904.
After much difficulty, the 60-ft.-wide breachway was completed in 1906. Reconstruction of the east jetty and building of a new west jetty was completed in just a few months in 1951, and the new breachway officially opened in April 1952.
Things to Do
There are more things to do at the Charlestown Breachway than relax on the beach and watch boats navigate through the breachway.
Known as one of the best saltwater fishing sites in the county, Charlestown Breachway is home to much larger fish that tend to wait in its moving tide for smaller prey to pass by. Thus, those who enjoy fishing can often reel in a pretty nice-sized catch!
There’s a camping area on the east side of the Breachway, so if you love fishing and enjoy stunning, expansive ocean views, you can park your RV. The site accommodates 75 RVs. If you have a boat, you’ll also be happy to know there’s a boat launch at the camping site.
Plan Your Visit!
Come experience Narragansett’s rich history and endless amounts of fun! View our cottage rentals, reserve your favorite property, and prepare to make lifelong memories in Rhode Island!
Hours & Info
The Charlestown Breachway State Beach is open 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. Monday – Friday and 8:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. on weekends and holidays, in-season. The gates close at sunset.
No RV camping is allowed except in the designated camping area. No tent camping is permitted anywhere in the park, even on the camping site. No alcohol, glass containers, or pets are allowed. A lifeguard is on duty at the beach during the above seasonal hours.
Ocean House Marina
If you own a boat, there’s a ramp at Ocean House Marina in Charlestown; canoes and kayaks can be launched from the ramp as well, but boats are given preference. Don’t have a boat, but want to rent one during your vacation? No problem! Visit Wickford Boat Rentals and secure a boat rental during your Narragansett vacation!
The ramp provides access to Ninigret Pond, the largest saltwater pond in the state, which is ideal for paddling vessels like canoes and kayaks. It is not recommended to paddle near the Breachway, where the currents can be strong and the boats plentiful. With winds often blowing through in the afternoon, morning trips on the pond are typically more favorable.
The marina is private but available for public use for a daily fee. The marina is located on Town Dock Road in Charlestown, just off Route 1 North from the Cross Mills exit. The marina operates from sunrise to sunset; parking is limited to 50 spaces.
From three- and up to eight-bedroom beachfront vacation rentals in Narragansett, RI, you will not sometimes be very far from the Charlestown Breachway or the Ocean House Marina. So, if camping, fishing, boating, and sunbathing appeal to you, make the short trip to these destinations, and you will not regret it.