One Of Rhode Island's Most Beautiful Beach Strolls Is An Under-The-Radar Sandy Paradise With Rare Habitats

New England has no shortage of stunning beaches that crowds flock to every summer. However, it seems that no matter how many travel guides are published, more than a few of these sandy destinations manage to evade the attention of the masses despite having tons of tourist appeal. One of these beaches is Napatree Point in Westerly, Rhode Island, about 40 minutes southwest of T.F. Green International Airport by car. This long, narrow stretch of shoreline is the perfect place to take a coastal stroll, offering stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and encounters with rare plants and animals.

The Napatree Point Conservation Area is located in Watch Hill, a neighborhood of the quaint coastal town. While summers can be a bit on the humid side in the region, it rarely gets too hot, making it an pleasant time of year to visit. However, keep in mind that this is also when tourism is at its peak, so it might be worth considering a visit to Napatree Point during the off-season. There are several places to stay near the beach, like the Watch Hill Inn and the luxurious Ocean House. Even more lodging options are available in the Misquamicut district of Westerly, including Pleasant View Inn, Sandcastle Beachfront Inn, and Hotel Maria.

If you're going to travel all the way out to a remote Rhode Island beach, you should also explore what the surrounding area has to offer. Grab a bite to eat at Olympia Tea Room or Ten Sandwiches, or shop for some new clothes at boutiques like Three Islands and Rochelle's Boutique. Watch Hill is an incredibly charming neighborhood to explore on foot, as is Warren, another walkable Rhode Island beach town that's packed with oyster shacks, artist studios, and colonial charm of its own.

The Napatree Point Conservation Area is comprised of 86 acres of preserved coast in the form of a 1.5-mile-long beach. Its unique makeup means that if you climb one of its many dunes, you can see bodies of water — the Atlantic Ocean and Little Narragansett Bay — on both sides simultaneously, though the beach itself is fairly flat, making for an easy walk. Top it off with pleasant waves washing up ashore and shallow waters to get your feet wet, and you've got a sandy stroll like nothing else you've ever experienced.

While Napatree Point's tranquil coastline and breathtaking panoramic views are more than enough to put it at the top of any vacationer's wishlist, part of what makes it so special is that it's home to extraordinary plant and wildlife you won't find most other places. Depending on which time of the year you visit, you may be lucky enough to see the paths lined with vibrant flowers and bountiful dune grass; however, it's important that you don't interfere with Napatree Point's thriving flora as it plays a vital role in the ecosystem.

Horseshoe crabs, known for their unique appearance, appear quite often at the beach, and bird watchers will be particularly interested in visiting Napatree Point for the many avian species that populate it, including endangered species like American Oystercatchers, Piping Plovers, Ospreys, and Northern Harriers. To help protect this gorgeous and essential habitat, visitors should take care to follow the rules put forth by the Watch Hill Conservancy, such as keeping dogs leashed at all times and staying away from nesting bird areas.

If you're looking for other coastal areas to visit during your stay in the Ocean State, these are the five best beaches in Rhode Island, according to reviews.