Outdoor Life in Gansett

Be like a local, get active and call Narragansett, Rhode Island, “Gansett”.

Composed of a narrow strip of land largely surrounded by water, it’s a town characterized by a swell of outdoor activities, much of which take place in or around coves, ponds, rivers and the great blue sea. (OK, it’s Narragansett Bay, but you can find some big water there, too. Some big eough to surf.)

For such a tiny state, Rhode Island sure does boast great beaches–over a hundred with some of the nicest in Gansett. Situated in the center of most of the doings, Narragansett Town Beach ranks among one of the best although they do charge a fee. Scarborough State Beach encompasses a large complex complete with picnic tables and showers. Roger Wheeler and Salty Brine State Beaches anchor the southernmost swath of Narragansett at Point Judith.

Either way, you’ll find some great concessions on the beaches that sell a variety of sweet and salty foods–just the sort of thing you crave when life is about the sand and the sea.

The population of this oceanside community more than doubles during the summer months, so get out there early. Locals do, particularly when it comes to clamming or lobstering before the tide rolls in. It’s no secret that some of the best seafood in the world can be foraged along this coastline.

If you can find an in, don’t miss the opportunity to go to Bonnet Shores Beach Club or The Dunes Club, an historic enclave of the well-heeled for generations. Both are private but you never know when you might meet that special someone that can invite you in.

More athletic types should head straight to Narrow River Kayaks for kayak, canoe and SUP rentals and guided excursions. There are so many inlets to explore in and around Narragansett that you might want to allocate a couple of days for waterway discovery.

Sailing soars in this part of the country, too. (Nearby Newport, Rhode Island is home to the America’s Cup.) So see if you can set yourself up with a nice sail. Or consider a big, wide-open adventure such as whale watching or deep sea fishing with Frances Fleet.

Baseball enthusiasts must check out Ocean State Waves, part of the New England College Baseball League. They play a bunch of home games near Gansett in the summer and also offer summer baseball camps. Whether you’re attending a game and delighting in some of the food truck eats or throwing out a pitch yourself, this is a great way for all ages to have some good ‘ole old fashioned fun.

Looking to do some strolling about? No problem. Although Narragansett is quite spread out, there are nice parts to check out by foot. Bordered by a stonewall, Ocean Road offers views in every direction; wend your way around on the sidewalk for over a mile for a favorite local’s experience. This spectacular stretch–along with many other fine qualities–make this New England town, a terrific place to visit year-round.