Situated on the western shore of Narragansett Bay at the heart of Rhode Island lies East Greenwich, home to a myriad of wonderful dining establishments and small marinas.
Whether you want to shop or eat, Main Street provides excellent opportunities in a typical small New England town. The Hill and Harbor district’s walking tour will take you back to the Revolutionary era days. The most impressive structure from the early days is the Town Hall, boasting magnificent architecture that will captivate anyone. Abundant in historical sites, parks, and natural havens, East Greenwich is one of the best-kept secrets of Rhode Island.
Some other attractions that did not make it onto our list include the East Greenwich Marina, Greenwich Bay which is one of the best shell fishing locations, the Frye Nature Preserve, Briggs Boesch Farm, Frenchtown Park, Windmill Cottage, and a handful of art galleries.
Discover some of the top attractions in East Greenwich that will make your trip extra special in the list below.
The 14 Most Popular Things To Do In East Greenwich, Rhode Island
14. Washington Secondary Trail
4.7 (3 reviews)
This bike path spans an impressive 19-miles in total and sections of it make up smaller local trails like the Trestle Trail, Coventry Greenway, West Warwick Greenway, Warwick Bike Path, and Cranston Bike Path. The entire Washington Secondary Trail is fast becoming part of the greater East Coast Greenway which intends to draw a line through New England to Florida.
Credit: Keith Duncan, Google Maps
13. Queen’s Fort
4.7 (11 reviews)
Queen’s Fort might not look like much on the surface, but the historical and cultural significance of the sight are undeniable. It is believed to have been constructed by the Narragansett Tribe and their Queen Quaiapen following the Green Swamp Massacre.
Credit: Thomas Byanski, Google Maps
Location: Exeter RI
12. Goddard State Park Golf Course
3.4 (41 reviews)
Although the course is open to the public and quite a popular attraction in the area, it is necessary to book your tee time at least two days in advance as staffing is limited and the weather can be restrictive. The course is a 9-hole course with a rating of 40.0 and a slope rating of 90.
Credit: carlos diaz, Google Maps
Location: 1095 Ives Road East Greenwich RI
Tel: 401 884 9834
Web Address: http://riparks.com/Locations/LocationGoddardGolf.html
11. Goddard Memorial State Park Beach
4.4 (55 reviews)
The beach is a great way to spend a weekend with children, family, or friends. The parking area fills up quickly, but you can buy your summer parking pass in advance to avoid waiting in line. The Goddard Memorial State Park Beach forms part of the greater state park.
Credit: Ana Markasyan, Google Maps
10. C and L Stables
4.6 (140 reviews)
C and L Stables in Rhode Island are open to the public for anything from pony parties to beach and trail rides. It is essential to make an appointment before arrival as they are not able to accommodate walk-ins. The stables are family-focused and can accommodate any level of rider.
Credit: Christian Noury, Google Maps
Location: 1095 Ives Road East Greenwich RI
Tel: 401 886 5246
Web Address: http://candlstables.info/Home_Page.html
9. Varnum House Museum
4.8 (9 reviews)
This gem among historic places in Greenwich, Rhode Island was originally built by James Mitchell Varnum. It was purchased and constructed for its ideal location by the courthouse where he could meet and greet the most influential figures in the area. The museum as it stands today features traditional American history through its many exhibits. The house is on the National Register of Historic Sites.
Credit: Kenneth C. Zirkel, License, Wikimedia commons
Location: 57 Peirce Street East Greenwich RI
Tel: 401 884 1776
Web Address: http://varnumcontinentals.org/
8. New England Wireless & Steam Museum
5.0 (11 reviews)
This museum is dedicated to preserving the local history of electrical and mechanical engineering. It is a great place to simply view the exhibits or to engage in some learning and education. The museum is packed with essential pieces of history in the form of machines and equipment central to the stationery steam industry.
Credit: Daderot, License, Wikimedia commons
Location: 1300 Frenchtown Road East Greenwich RI
Tel: 401 885 0545
Web Address: http://newsm.org/
7. Carr Pond and Tarbox Pond
4.8 (20 reviews)
These two together make about a 4-mile loop. The combination of these two walking trails is popular for snowshoeing, birding, or hiking. Dogs are allowed on a leash. Due to the popularity of these hiking trails you will likely encounter other hikers and the best time of the year to walk it is between March and December.
6. Davis Memorial Wildlife Refuge
4.5 (37 reviews)
There is a hiking trail on the preserve that will lead hikers through various wildlife areas. Dogs and other pets are not permitted in the park due to the nature of the area. There are access points that allow kayaking and canoeing. This is one of the best East Greenwich parks for bird watching.
Credit: Audubon Davis Memorial Wildlife Refuge, Google Maps
Location: Davisville Road East Greenwich RI
Tel: 401 949 5454
Web Address: https://asri.org/hike/wildliferefuges/davis-memorial-wildlife-refuge.html
5. Varnum Memorial Armory
4.7 (96 reviews)
The building in which the Varnum Memorial Armory is was the first bank in town before it became one of the many military museums in the US. The history protected in military museums is usually represented in different exhibits showing arms, ammunition, and uniform.
Credit: Constantine Manolagas, Google Maps
Location: 6 Main Street East Greenwich RI
Web Address: http://varnumcontinentals.org/our-museums/varnum-memorial-armory/
4. Scalloptown Park
4.4 (113 reviews)
Scalloptown is a popular metropolitan park for recreation. There is full waterfront access and several walking trails to stroll around. Park benches and picnic tables dot the park providing seating to visitors. Fishing is allowed in the park and there is a bike trail.
Credit: Edward Russo, Google Maps
Location: East Greenwich RI
Tel: 401 886 8626
Web Address: http://eastgreenwichri.com/148/Visitors
3. Briar Point Beach
4.1 (120 reviews)
Briar Point Beach is more a park than a beach. However, there is a small sandy beach with limited area to swim. There are several picnic benches, some of which are by the side of the water. While dogs are allowed in the park, they are not permitted on the beach itself. This hidden gem can be a real treat if you looking for a more low-key place to visit. Kids can play while food is prepared in the picnic areas, and the surrounding nature is beautiful and serene.
Location: 20 Briar Point Ave Coventry RI
2. Big River Management Area
4.5 (726 reviews)
The area is quite significant and mainly consists of forests of which a large percentage is evergreen. There are also wetlands and agricultural lands in the area that are quite extensive. There are a few waterways and such in the area as well, including Carr River, Congdon River, Nooseneck River, and Big River.
Credit: Pixel3142 Gaming, Google Maps
Location: West Greenwich RI
1. Goddard Memorial State Park
4.6 (2,036 reviews)
As the most popular park in the area a lot of visitors come through here. While there are forested sections there are also lawns and fields. There is a performing arts center where special events can be held. You will also find game fields, an equestrian show area, and a nine hole golf course that is featured earlier on this list. There are also some bridle trails along the nature reserve.
Location: 1095 Ives Road Warwick RI
Tel: 401 884 2010
Web Address: https://riparks.com/Locations/LocationGoddard.html
Final Words:
Thank you for reading our list of the best things to do in East Greenwich, Rhode Island! We hope it helped you plan the perfect itinerary for your next trip to this fantastic destination. Happy travels!
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