Destination:
South County, Rhode Island

Family Vacation

South County is the waterfront region that wraps around the southernmost edge of Rhode Island between Mystic, Connecticut and Providence. It is one of New England's best loved vacation spots and the "Yachting Capital of the World". ... a secret place for leisurely walks along miles of sandy shoreline with waves lapping at your feet, a natural paradise, lush with forestland and a perfect place for unhurried exploration of quaint towns and seaside villages, rich in colonial flavor and heritage.

Towns & Villages: Though best known for its 100 miles of shoreline, the beautiful beaches are just the beginning; South County offers much, much more. The region is comprised of nine towns; Charlestown, Exeter, Hopkinton, Narragansett, North Kingstown, Richmond, South Kingstown, West Greenwich and Westerly; each with a character all its own, from coastal to country, bustling to bucolic. Once summer homes to celebrities like Douglas Fairbanks, Charlie Chaplin and Henry Ford, South County remains a classic distillation of beautiful turn-of-the century homes overlooking its miles of glorious beaches.

Vacation Paradise: Here you'll find the best year-round saltwater and freshwater fishing on the East Coast. Mariners will enjoy boating on the waters made famous by the America's Cup. Hop on an excursion boat ride, harbor tour, whale watch or charter a fishing trip. Fresh seafood served in seaside settings is the gourmet mainstay of residents and visitors. From chowder to lobster served boiled or baked, seafood is celebrated along with other local delicacies including jonnycakes, sweet corn and fresh strawberries.

Year around destination: Truly an all-season vacation destination, South County offers special activities all year long including strawberry picking in June, art festivals in July, seafood and quahog festivals in August, national fishing tournament through September, Indian festival and jonnycake festival in October, and Christmas celebrations, just to name a few.

Historic Sites: Lovers of 'country' and colonial Americana will be charmed by South County's rich heritage. In 1637 Rhode Island's founding father, Roger Williams, established a trading post near the present village of Wickford, and the 1678 home that still stands there today offers tours by costumed docents. Later in the 19th century, textile mills doted the landscape, many of which are still in operation today. A stately collection of restored colonial homes, sprawling Victorian seaside 'cottages,' local history museums and inviting bed & breakfast inns dot the roadside. Local shops and boutiques are filled with antiques, collectibles and crafts.

Vacationers looking for an unhurried, unspoiled retreat can choose from a dozen camping areas with adventure tours planned by local kayak, canoe, and bicycle shops. In all, there are nineteen nature preserves, state parks and forest areas open as public greenways. And if your idea of a perfect day in the country includes a round of golf, ample tee times are available on South County's eleven public golf courses.

South County is rich and varied... a place you'll want to keep coming back to all year long.