Together with Block Island, Westerly remains one of the best destinations in Rhode Island for those who are seeking summertime fun on the beach. The population of Westerly Rhode Island virtually doubles in the summer months, and it's the area beaches that are mostly to blame for this influx of people. Westerly can be found on the southwestern shore of Rhode Island, and there are both ocean and pond beaches here to enjoy. The saltwater ponds along the shoreline are akin to shallow reef pools, and they make for ideal spots to do some kayaking. There are plenty of fun things to do in Westerly, many of which are tied to the beaches, and you can also branch out and visit various nearby points of interest if you are interested.

The town of Westerly is comprised of smaller villages, such as Misquamicut and Watch Hill, though most residents in the immediate area identify mostly with the town of Westerly itself. There are a number of annual Westerly events that locals are proud of, and they include First Night and The Summer Pops. First Night is an art-related festival that takes place on New Year's Eve in Westerly Rhode Island. In addition to art displays, it also features live music, fireworks, and food concessions, among other things. As for The Summer Pops, it puts the talents of the Chorus of Westerly on display. This 200-person chorus features adults and kids alike, and some of its members commute from destinations such as Providence and beyond. The Summer Pops concert takes place in mid-June, and it is held in the town's historic Wilcox Park. Spending some time in Wilcox Park is one of the top things to do on a Westerly vacation, as the park boasts lovely flower beds, a pond, various tree specimens, and a fountain, among other things. It's simply a great place to relax when the weather is nice.

The Chorus of Westerly puts on other annual shows that you might consider when looking for Westerly events to enjoy, and they include a special December performance. Other top Westerly events include the Columbus Day Parade in October and the Annual Misquamicut Music Festival in mid-July. As is Misquamicut, Watch Hill is among the most highly-visited Westerly villages. It is known for its seaside resort amenities, which include a yacht club and a some terrific private beaches. If you are looking to complement your choices for Westerly hotels, Watch Hill boasts some great summer cottage rentals that might better fit your lodging needs. Other things that Watch Hill is known for are its opulent mansions and its historic lighthouse.

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While hanging out on the beaches is the top thing to do on a Westerly vacation, visitors can also look to do some shopping or golfing on the side, among other things. The small villages here offer an array of shops, and if you need anything for the beach, you might see what the swimwear and surf shops in Misquamicut have to offer. The village of Winnapaug, which features a great public golf course, is where golfers will want to head. Fishing is just one more thing that you can do on a Westerly vacation, and the coastal saltwater ponds here are among the best places to cast your lines. In addition to fishing in the ponds here, you can also entertain the idea of booking a fishing charter and heading out to sea.

A Westerly Rhode Island vacation can include lots of different things, and you might even consider crossing the Connecticut border to visit the Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun casinos if you want to add some fun gaming action into the equation. Westerly boasts a small airport, and you can hop on a flight here to get to Block Island if you want to include it in your plans. There are plenty of hotels and vacation rentals to choose from when planning your Westerly vacation, but just be prepared for lofty rates come the peak summer season. Finding cheap hotels in Rhode Island is difficult on the whole, and it gets even harder if you're looking to visit one of the state's seaside resort destinations in the summer. There are some discount motels in Westerly, however, so that should help if you are on a tight budget.