The Westerly center point is approximately 1 mile east of Wilcox Park and 1 mile east of Westerly Amtrak Station.
Late-spring, early-fall, and late-summer are the best times to visit Westerly. Temperatures are pleasant during these months, averaging from the mid-50s to the early 70s, yet the city isn't overrun with tourists.
Westerly always welcomes an initial rush of travelers who are excited about summer and willing to brave the high heats and humidity, but tourist numbers and the extreme weather conditions tend to peter off near the end of the season. Heatwaves are common throughout the season and may occur late in summer when the temps typically drop off, so consider this when planning your getaway. If you can't handle the heat, you may be better off waiting for spring or fall.
Westerly has cool winters characterized by rain and snow. Often the chill continues through spring, so pack a coat and sweaters if you're traveling near the start of the season.
Westerly is known for its changeable weather. Rain showers can strike at any time of the year, so pack your umbrella no matter when you're traveling.
Several hotels in the Westerly area discount their rates. You're more likely to find special discounts at chain hotels than boutique accommodation options. These accommodations offer some of the region's best discounts.
La Quinta Inn & Suites Stonington Mystic Area has special rates for AAA auto members, seniors and AARP members, and government and military employees. These discounts help make the hotel's already low rates a steal! Its rooms are as good looking as they are practical, with Bright Morning pillowtop beds, work desks, microwave ovens, mini fridges, flat screen TVs, and coffee makers. Ultrafast internet is free throughout the hotel, making catching up with loved ones and updating your social media easy. The tasty Bright Side breakfast is also included in your room rate.
Hilton Inn & Suites – North Stonington also discounts travel for AAA auto club members, seniors and AARP members, and government and military personnel. You'll just need to show your ID on check-in to prove your eligibility. Spacious standard rooms and suites are available, each with flat screen TVs with cable channels, large bathroom vanities, and table and chair sets. The continental breakfast served each morning has great variety with bagels, fresh fruit, cereals, doughnuts, and a make-your-own waffle station. Hilton Inn & Suites – North Stonington is close to most local attractions, with a shuttle bus for guests visiting Foxwoods Casino.
While they may not offer the special discounts chain hotels do, local independent motels and hotels are still a great value. Your money will go further when you stay at the following boutique establishments.
Stardust Motel offers quaint, cozy rooms with satellite TVs, fridges, and microwaves. High-speed wireless internet access, coffee, and fresh fruit are provided free for all guests. It's within walking distance of local restaurants like A-1 Pizza and Miso Sushi, but if you prefer a lazy night in use the hotel's barbecue grill. There are picnic tables close by for dining alfresco.
Bellissimo Grande Hotel treats all guests to spacious suites rather than standard guest rooms. The Sicilian Suite offers the best value, with 32-inch LCD TVs with roomioTV and in-room movies, wireless internet access, coffee makers, and ceiling fans to help you get a great night's sleep. Then there's the Venetian suites, followed by the opulent presidential suites. With mirrored ceilings, Jacuzzi tubs, and custom furnishings, they represent the ultimate in luxury. The full-service spa and indoor heated pool help guests forget their troubles. The Bistro serves a lavish breakfast buffet on weekdays and lunch and dinner every Friday and Saturday.
Westerly is best known for the beaches that dot its coastline.
Westerly Town Beach may be the most well-known. However, you must live in Westerly to use it. This helps keep visitor numbers down during its busy summers. During these warm months, the beach hosts free concerts as part of the Tunes on the Dunes initiative.
Stretching for more than half a mile, you'll usually find space to lay down a towel at Misquamicut Beach, even during busy summer days. Kids love the waves, which are bigger than many in the area. A bathhouse, concession building, and shade gazebos are all part of the bathing pavilion, which opened on Misquamicut Beach in 1999. Out-of-towners are welcome, but they'll pay more for car parking than locals.
The two-hour time limit on street parking near Watch Hill Beach indicates just how busy this beach gets. Arrive early to secure one of the popular private cabanas. No visit to Watch Hill Beach would be complete without riding the oldest continually operational carousel in the country.
Hidden from the road, East Beach on Larkin Avenue is easy to miss. However, keep your eyes peeled for it because it's a special place to spend a lazy day. Since there's no on-site parking, you'll find East Beach gets less crowded than other local beaches on scorching summer days.
The beaches might be Westerly's biggest draws, but many visitors are surprised to discover there's much more than the coastline to endear this New England destination. Don't be surprised if you extend your getaway, as there's always more to explore in Westerly.
Below are reviews of the city of Westerly, RI from an actual visitor's perspective.
The Westerly and Watch Hill communities are terrific. Great restaurants, shopping and walkable downtowns. Everything is 5-10 min away.
The whole area is very well looked after and all the homes are extremely well groomed and well maintained.
The food and drinks were great at Pleasant View and Maria's.
The beach!
Excellent beach town with excellent Watch Hill and town center.
Scenic beach view!
It's a great place to visit.
Excellent restaurants. People are very friendly. Small town feeling.
Everything about Westerly is beautiful!
The beach was awesome. We tried several restaurants and they were all good.
Lovely city. Great places to eat.
Always loved Rhode island.
Always loved Rhode Island and it's surroundings.