Narragansett Bay Area Highlights – Narragansett Bay is a bay and estuary on the north side of Rhode Island Sound covering 147 mi², 120.5 mi² in Rhode Island. The Bay forms New England’s largest estuary, which functions as an expansive natural harbor and includes a small archipelago.
With four of the state’s most popular beaches, Narragansett is a favorite summer destination of Rhode Island residents. Scarborough State Beach alone has 2,325 feet of sandy beach frontage. Once a wealthy community rivaling nearby Newport, the rich history of Narragansett is still visible. The Towers, spanning Ocean Drive, is the only remaining section of a luxurious casino built in 1883. Having survived numerous fires and vicious nor’easters, The Towers is the town’s most enduring landmark.
Of over 40 islands in the Bay, the three largest ones are Aquidneck, Conanicut, and Prudence Islands. Bodies of water that are part of Narragansett Bay include the Sakonnet River; Mount Hope Bay; and the southern, tidal part of the Taunton River. The Bay opens on Rhode Island Sound — Block Island lies less than 20 miles (32 km) southwest of its opening — and the Atlantic Ocean.
Learn more about the history of Narragansett Bay
Narragansett By Bike:
Rhode Island’s best-known rail-trail, the East Bay Bicycle Path, hugs the shores of Narragansett Bay, from Bristol in the south and north to India Point Park in Providence. The 14-mile paved path accommodates a wide variety of users. Markers on the pavement every half mile help you keep track of your progress. The trail is also part of a larger network of trails called the East Coast Greenway, stretching from Maine to Florida. For more information Click Here
Lighthouses of Narragansett Bay:
There are dozens of lighthouses to see in the Narragansett Bay Area. Many people plan entire trips to New England around visiting lighthouses. Not only are they beautiful objects to take photos of, but they serve as an important historic relic of days gone by. At each lighthouse, there’s a story worth hearing. Visiting any one of these lighthouses is an incredible experience, and one that brings this area’s historic roots into focus. Learn more about Rhode Island’s Lighthouses here
The Breakers mansion:
The Breakers is the grandest of Newport’s summer “cottages” and a symbol of the Vanderbilt family’s social and financial preeminence in turn of the century America. This 70 room Italian Renaissance- style palazzo was inspired by the 16th century palaces of Genoa and Turin. Allard and Sons of Paris assisted with furnishings and fixtures, Austro-American sculptor Karl Bitter designed relief sculpture, and Boston architect Ogden Codman decorated the family quarters. Learn more at http://www.newportmansions.org/explore/the-breakers
Great Bike Tours offers a six-day Bike & Boat Tour that explores the many islands and waterways of Rhode Island’s Narragansett Bay. We’ll treat you to great cycling on islands, cycling within view of islands, and boat rides between the islands. All week we stay at deluxe Inns overlooking the water: one night in Bristol, three nights in historic Newport, and one night on Block Island. For more information and to book your trip visit https://greatbiketours.com/rhode-island-bike-boat/
