Summertime in Narragansett: Town Beach and the Pier Village Marketplace

KC Shoes at the Pier, Pier Village Marketplace, Narragansett Pier, R.I.

T-Shirt Hut, Pier Village Marketplace, Narragansett Pier, R.I.

Nana's Ice Cream & Gelato Cafe, Pier Village Marketplace, Narragansett Pier, R.I.

Christine's Casuals, Pier Village Marketplace, Narragansett Pier, R.I.

Enjoy Summer! Narragansett Town Beach and Pier Village Marketplace

Shop at the fun little stores in the Narragansett Pier Marketplace, then cool off with a delicious ice cream at Nana's or better yet go for a swim at the Narragansett Town Beach, just steps away. Bring your boogie board and ride the waves. If you need to get a boogie board, the Special-T Shop, the T-Shirt Hut and Warm Winds have them. There is surfing too. The summer season is in full swing now that July 4th has passed, and those long days are perfect for a combination of beach and shopping. You can do it all at Narragansett Pier with great restaurants, amazing ocean views and a picturesque walkway along beautiful Narragansett Bay. The Shell Boutique has an amazing number of shells and shell gifts packed into its little shop at the Pier Village Marketplace. The T-Shirt Hut has of course t-shirts but also bathing suits and flip flops. Christine's Casuals has (More)

Narragansett Pier Village Marketplace, Narragansett Pier, R.I.

great cover-ups, dresses and accessories for hot summer days. The Special-T Shop has swimwear, cover-ups, beach accessories and souvenirs. Most Naturally is an organic products shop with handmade items, beautiful pottery and pretty jewelry. KC Shoes has lots of sparkly sandals and high-end flip flops plus clothing and accessories.

There is a convenient Dunkin Donuts now located at the Pier Marketplace for a quick snack, but other lunch choices include Trio, Basil's, and Maharaja Indian Restaurant.For more casual dining and a great view, walk along the seawall to Monahan's Clam Shack By the Sea.

If you don't mind a 10 minute walk to Boon Street, Crazy Burger has delicious breakfast, lunch and dinners in a small diner atmosphere plus outdoor tables. Explore the art and photography galleries, bring tots to the playground, catch a summer league basketball game or visit the Narragansett Pier Dive Shop all in the Boon Street area.

Driving about 10 minutes south on Scenic 1A brings you to Spain Restaurant, Aunt Carrie's and Iggy's Doughboys & Chowder House. Point Judith Lighthouse is nearby. Although the lighthouse is not open to the public, the property is open during the daylight hours.

The beautiful town beach at Narragansett Pier is especially fun in summer. The ocean gets a bit warmer in July and August and there are usually waves great for boogie boarding. Walk along the beach, surf, skimboard, jet ski, swim or just plain relax in your beach chair and watch the activities. You must pay to walk on Narragansett Beach before 5:00 p.m. during the summer season. Parking at the beach is for residents only but there is a paid lot across the street plus shuttle bus parking to another lot. There is also some on street parking. The beach pavilion has dressing rooms, restrooms and a snack bar.

The Village Inn is located right at the Pier Marketplace area and there are also small bed & breakfasts if you would like to make your visit more than a day trip. Check the forecast and head to Narragansett Pier for summer fun!

-M.A. Barrett (July, 2011)

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