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Narragansett

Ronald Robinson settled and purchased the land along the western shore of Narragansett Bay from the Narragansett Indians in the late 17th century. Incorporated as a town in 1901, Narragansett's earliest industry was a shipbuilding operation located at Middle Bridge on the Narrow River. As ship size outgrew the capacity of the Narrow River, the town turned to tourism as its primary source of income.

By the turn of the 20th century, Narragansett was an elegant summer resort. Many small summer cottages, as well as upscale hotels, were erected to accommodate the increasing number of tourists to the area. Soon, larger estates also dappled the shoreline. Many wealthy city families spent their weekends in Narragansett by taking the day ferry from Providence.

Perhaps the most well-known landmark of its time was the Narragansett Casino. Located at the corner of Ocean Road and Narragansett Beach, the casino was Narragansett's central attraction until 1900, when a devastating fire destroyed all but the main entrance towers. Today, the towers serve as the Narragansett Visitors' Center.


26. Long Cove Marina
Located west of Route 108, approximately one mile south of Route 1, this privately owned campground consists of 200 to 300 campsites for tents, campers, and recreational vehicles. There is public access to the boat ramp that leads to Point Judith Pond. Parking is available. Fee.
• Picnic tables/benches, toilets, trash receptacles

Knowlesway Extension27. Knowlesway Extension
At the end of Knowlesway Extension, west of Route 108, a paved right-of-way provides access to Point Judith Pond. This site consists of a small grassy park and a stairway to the pond.
• CRMC ROW#: C-1
• Picnicking, swimming, wildlife observation, hiking/walking, trash receptacles

Fishermen's Memorial State Park28. Fisherman's Memorial State Park
West of Route 108, Fisherman's Memorial State Park is a campground that has 182 campsites, three game fields, and two tennis courts. During the summer there is an entrance fee to the campgrounds, and advance reservations are recommended. There is a spectacular view of Point Judith Pond, Narragansett Bay, and Block Island Sound from the overlook platform located at the site of the old bunker, part of U.S. Army Fort Greene. During the summer, RIDEM holds evening nature education programs for the public. On the grounds' northwest corner, a pathway leads to a state shellfish management area. Parking is available.
• Handicap access, picnic tables/benches, historic interest, fishing, toilets, trash receptacles

Galilee Bird Sanctuary29. Galilee Bird Sanctuary
Located south of the Galilee Escape Road and across the street from Roger Wheeler State Beach is a 172-acre tidal wetland. This environmentally sensitive wetland habitat is ideal for bird watching. However, the area has no access except along its outer edge. No parking is available.
• Fishing

Bluff Hill Cove30. Bluff Hill Cove Access
North of the Galilee Escape Road is an area of wetlands and tidal flats that is a state shellfish management area. It is one of the state's most popular recreational shellfishing sites. Parking is available along the Galilee Escape Road.
• Wildlife observation

Galilee at Great Island Bridge31. Galilee at Great Island Bridge
Located off the Galilee Escape Road at the southeast end of the Great Island Bridge, this state-owned fishing access site has a boat ramp with parking for cars and trailers.
• Dock, toilets

State Pier #332. State Pier #3
In the heart of Galilee, next to the Block Island Ferry terminal, this state pier bustles with activity supporting the commercial fishing fleet and charter deep-sea fishing boats. Southland Ferry Cruises offers boat tours around Point Judith Pond during the summer. This site is extremely busy; limited parking is available on nearby streets. Ample pay parking is available throughout Galilee.
• Concessions, toilets, trash receptacles

33. Block Island Ferry Terminal
The main ferry terminal for public transport to Block Island is located in Galilee. When the ferry is not at the dock, this site provides an interesting view of harbor activities. There is ample parking for a fee in nearby lots.
• Handicap access, picnic tables/benches, concessions, toilets, trash receptacles

34. State Pier #4
Across the breachway from the ferry terminal in Jerusalem, at the end of Succotash Road, a state-owned property and pier provide access to the main channel of Point Judith Pond. This is a popular spot for recreational finfishing that can be reached by following Succotash Road to its end in Jerusalem. Jerusalem is part of Narragansett and was once connected to Galilee in the 1800s before the U.S. Army Corps constructed the permanent breach-way in its present location. Parking is available.

Salty Brine State Beach35. Salty Brine State Beach
This small state beach is within the confines of the protected Point Judith Harbor of Refuge. The adjacent breachway, which is stabilized by rock jetties, connects Point Judith Pond to the sea. The rock jetties provide access for fishing or for the sure-footed who want to watch the activities in the harbor. Divers also frequent the area to dive for lobsters and observe the underwater world along the rocky shore. From here, one can walk to Sand Hill Cove Beach, a mile to the east. Although on-site parking is available, the small parking lot fills quickly on nice days.
• Concessions, toilets, trash receptacles

Roger Wheeler State Beach36. Roger Wheeler State Beach
Popularly known as Sand Hill Cove Beach, this state-owned beach is located at the east end of Sand Hill Cove Road. A great place for the family, the beach offers ample parking (at least 1,500 spaces), lifeguards, changing facilities, toilets, picnic areas, concessions, and playground equipment. This site is a safe place for swimming because of the long, wide, sandy beach and breakwater-protected, calm waters. Fee.
• Handicap access, picnic tables/benches, hiking/walking, trash receptacles

37. Point Judith State Park
Formerly Camp Cronin, a military camp, this site has a long rocky shoreline fronting the Atlantic Ocean near the Point Judith Lighthouse and is a good spot for surf fishing. Block Island is visible in the distance. This site also provides access to the east arm of the Harbor of Refuge breakwater, a popular fishing area. On-site parking is available.
• Swimming, hiking/walking, wildlife observation, toilets

38. Point Judith Lighthouse
At the southern end of Ocean Road stands the Point Judith Lighthouse, an octagonal brick building erected in 1816. The lighthouse, which is still in use, is not open to the public. The grassy slope around the lighthouse has a fine view of the ocean where, two miles off the coast, the last German U-boat was sunk during World War II. Beware of the loud foghorn sounding out to the passing ships on foggy days. On a good day you will find many of Rhode Island's best surfers in the water. Parking is available nearby.
• Hiking/walking

Rose Nulman Park39. Rose Nulman Memorial Park
Adjacent to the Point Judith Lighthouse, this park provides scenic ocean views and has ample parking.
• Picnic tables/benches

Pilgrim Avenue Extension40. Pilgrim Avenue Extension
Just north of Point Judith, at Pilgrim and Calef avenues (Pole 17), is a scenic right-of-way that consists of a paved roadway about 50 feet wide and 166 feet long that extends eastward to a cobble beach. This is one of several road ends in the area that offers surfing access.
• CRMC ROW#: C-2

Calef Avenue41. Calef Avenue
A right-of-way just north of Point Judith at Pole 8, this site consists of a grassy strip 50 feet wide and 140 feet long, extending east from the intersection of Louise Avenue and Calef Avenue to a cobble beach. No parking is available.
• CRMC ROW#: C-3

Conant Avenue Road End42. Conant Avenue Road End
This scenic right-of-way overlooks the ocean and consists of a rocky shoreline with a path used by surfers and kayakers. No parking is available.
• CRMC ROW#: C-7
• Fishing

Scarborough State Beach43. Scarborough State Beach
One of the state's most popular beaches, this facility has gazebos, picnic areas, benches, a wooden boardwalk with concessions, changing facilities, toilets, and showers. The wide sandy beach is ideal for swimming, walking, and a variety of oceanside activities. Includes Scarborough South Side, which offers access to grassy playing fields and tailgating. Ample on-site parking is available and accessible from Ocean Road. Fee.
• Handicap access, trash receptacles

44. Black Point
Located off Ocean Road, just north of Scarborough State Beach, this state fishing area consists of a wooded dirt path that extends toward the Bay from a parking lot just north of the old stone carriage house ruins. The path leads to a dramatic rocky shore of boulders and tide pools. This is a great place to relax and throw out a fishing line, but use caution when walking out on the rocks, particularly during periods of high waves. On-site parking is available.
• CRMC ROW#: C-5 (on appeal)
• Wildlife observation

45. Bass Rock Road
A right-of-way extending east of Ocean Road, this site is difficult to find because it is unmarked and can be easily confused with the many private driveways in the area. The site offers a terrific view of Narragansett Bay and the Atlantic Ocean and is often used by recreational fishermen. Beware of treacherous wave conditions and dangerous rocky shoreline.
• CRMC ROW#: C-6
• Trash receptacles

Newton Avenue46. Newton Avenue
At the end of Newton Avenue, off Ocean Road, a well-worn footpath leads to a dramatic rocky shore. This is a site where ancient bedrock, known as Narragansett Pier granite, surfaces. Fishing and wildlife observation are popular but dangerous due to treacherous waves and slippery rocks.
• CRMC ROW#: C-13
• Trash receptacles

Hazard Avenue47. Hazard Avenue
This site, a right-of-way at the end of Hazard Avenue, off Ocean Road, consists of a well-worn footpath to spectacular granite rock formations. Fishing is popular but dangerous due to the treacherous waves and slippery rocks.
• CRMC ROW#: C-9
• Trash receptacles

Tucker's Dock48. State Pier #5 (Tucker's Dock)
Located off Ocean Road, near the well and the intersection of South Pier Road, this site offers boat launching, fishing, surfing, and a scenic view of Narragansett Bay. Parking is available for about 15 cars. There is also a bulkhead with pilings to tie up to in a small, usually well-protected cove. This site is commonly known as Monahan's Dock. The ramp is steep and slippery at low tide.
• Concessions, historic interest, trash receptacles

Ocean Road49. Ocean Road
A walkway extends 0.8 mile from Narragansett Beach south along Ocean Road, under the Towers, to State Pier #5 (Tucker's Dock). This is a popular place to walk, to watch the sunrise, or to sit on the wall and watch the passersby. When the wind is blowing and the surf is up, this area is populated with surfers. Free parking is available along Ocean Road but fills up quickly on hot summer days.
• Concessions, fishing, trash receptacles

50. Casino Park
Located off Route 1A, across the street from Narragansett Town Beach, this grassy area with a distinctive gazebo offers an ocean view and is the site of concerts and art shows during the summer. There is limited parking along Ocean Road. A variety of shops and restaurants is nearby. The area may be reserved for special events for a fee.
• Picnic tables/benches, trash receptacles

Narragansett Town Beach51. Narragansett Town Beach
Located off Route 1A, this is a very popular summer beach spot. The wide, sandy beach is perfect for walking, sunning, picnicking, swimming, kayaking, and surfing. The town offers seasonal fitness classes, concerts, beach camps, junior lifesaving programs, and special events. There is a parking lot for which a fee is charged during the summer daytime hours. A beach pavilion and changing rooms are available, but there is a rental fee. A shopping area containing several restaurants, public rest- rooms, and a grocery store is located nearby. Fee.
• Handicap access, picnic tables/benches, fishing, trash receptacles

52. Canonchet Farm
Located off Route 1A, opposite Narragansett Town Beach, Canonchet Farm offers hiking trails and fishing in salt ponds bordering Pettaquamscutt Cove. South County Museum is located here and contains articles of early Rhode Island life and industry. There are also an animal petting farm and plenty of parking on the grounds. The museum is open in the summer, beginning May 1, Wed-nesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Wildlife observation, toilets, trash receptacles

Narrow River Inlet53. Narrow River Inlet
Just east of Sprague Bridge, on the south side of the Narrow River inlet, is a small parking area and a path to the tidal waters of the Narrow River. This site offers access to a popular fishing site underneath the bridge and an excellent place to launch a kayak.
• Trash receptacles

Old Sprague Bridge54. Old Sprague Bridge Overlook
East of Scenic Route 1A is the site of Old Sprague Bridge. The bridge abutments provide a view of the Pettaquamscutt Refuge and the Narrow River. Depending on tidal conditions, this area can be quite populated with shore birds. This is a nice site for a picnic or a fishing excursion. There is parking available for cars on both sides of the river.
• Handicap access

55. Middle Bridge
Seasonal fishing is popular from the causeway and bridge over the Narrow River. At the southwest end of the bridge there is a path to the Narrow River identified by a historic marker. There is restricted parking along Middlebridge Road and at the east end of the bridge on a private lot for a fee. Kayak rentals are on the east side of the bridge.
• Trash receptacles

56. Pettaquamscutt Cove National Wildlife Refuge
Along the southeastern shore of the Narrow River, this federally designated national wildlife refuge contains over 150 acres of tidal marshes, mudflats, and estuary and is home to the black duck. An access road leads off the west side of Scenic Route 1A just north of the bridge over the Narrow River. This is a great place to have a picnic and watch the sun set over the river. Parking is available.
• Fishing

58. Route 1A Overlook
A parcel of land owned by the R.I. Department of Transportation and known as The Overlook extends from Boston Neck Road (Route 1A) eastward to the shore of Narragansett Bay. The lot is just south of Browning Drive. It slopes steeply down to the shore so that when it is mowed it provides a spectacular view of the lower West Passage. No on-site parking is available.
• Wildlife observation, hiking/walking

Pettaquamscutt Avenue60. Pettaquamscutt Avenue
This right-of-way at the end of Pettaquamscutt Avenue may be used as a ramp to launch small boats or kayaks. Due to the shallow depth of the Narrow River, this site is best used at high tide.
• CRMC ROW#: C-10

61. South Ferry Road
The old Jamestown ferry landing at the end of South Ferry Road off Route 1A also consists of a small cobble beach on the West Passage. Dutch Island, Jamestown, and the James-town Bridge may be seen in the distance. This is a multi-use site for swimming, fishing, boating, and windsurfing. The site is adjacent to the URI Graduate School of Oceanography. Parking is available.
• CRMC ROW#: C-8