What's the surrounding area like?
Misquamicut Beach is around ¾ of a mile long. There are a few bars, restaurants and places to keep you and your family entertained during the day.
How can I spend a day near Misquamicut beach before heading to the event?
Atlantic Beach Park
The Atlantic Beach Park is open between May and October with rides operating between 1pm and 10pm. Between Labor Day and Columbus Day weekend, the park will only open at weekends depending on the weather, so keep that in mind. Ride the bumper cars and grab an ice cream from Dusty's for the real beach experience.
Water Wizz
Race down the speed slide against your friend and take the corners and bumps of the giant water slides and splash down at the bottom. There is even a little dipper that children under 43 inches can ride with a parent or guardian.
Napatree Point
If you really want to get away from everything, head over to Napatree Point - 16 minutes from Misquamicut Beach by car. You'll find a wildlife reserve and fine beaches with no trash cans, no bathrooms and no loud radios or music systems. Make sure you have some money for the parking lot, as it will cost you around $25.
Where are the best places to eat and drink near Paddy's on Misquamicut Beach?
Paddy's Beach Bar
The venue itself is the place to go for a slightly more upbeat atmosphere and some late night partying. It is open late and does some killer cocktails in fun cups, and you can eat there too. It's unlikely that you would go anywhere else and ask for a banana butt in a jackass cup. Cocktails generally include the price of the cup, but you can get refills for less.
The Andrea Beach Bar
The Andrea has stunning views out over the Atlantic and is the perfect place to have an evening meal and catch the sunset. They serve a wide range of seafood from lobster mac & cheese to fish tacos, and have live music on selected days and nightly specials.
Venice Restaurant
Generous portions and a wide choice are on offer at this Italian restaurant, a short drive or 40 minute walk from the beach. You can order a beer or cocktail in their sky bar, which has some great views. Live music is provided by their swing band on the first and third Thursdays of the month, so it's definitely worth a visit on one of those nights.
Is there anything else visitors to Misquamicut should know?
As with any place on the beach, Misquamicut and Westerly are very quiet in the colder months between October and March so there won't be much happening or much open during these months.
View more restaurants near Paddy's on Misquamicut Beach
What's the best way to get to Misquamicut Beach?
Misquamicut Beach is located in Westerly, Rhode Island, not far from interstate I-95. If you plan on driving in, follow the signs for Westerly and then once in Westerly, follow the signs for Misquamicut State Beach.
If you are planning on taking public transportation to get there, Amtrak is your best bet as you can take trains direct from Boston, Providence, New York, Philadelphia and D.C.
Driving is probably your best bet, however - the venue isn't well served by public transportation.
How much are drinks/food at Misquamicut Beach?
As Misquamicut Beach is a public area, you are allowed to take your own food and drink with you. There may be licensed food vendors at special events now and again but these will vary. General advice is to take your own food, or eat at one of the nearby restaurants (as grilling and fires are not permitted on the beach).
Does the venue have WiFi?
No, there is no WiFi at the beach. Those Facebook updates might just have to wait until after the event.
Is there any parking?
Yes, there are several places to park depending on where exactly on the beach you will be. There is a state-owned parking lot, but keep in mind that on busy summer days, the beach and parking lots get very full, very fast - so arrive early. If you stay at one of the hotels near Misquamicut Beach, their parking is generally free.
How much does parking cost?
Parking at the state-owned lot prices depend firstly on the time of day and secondly on whether you are a Rhode Island resident, but generally range from $10 to about $30. There are also several privately owned car parks, at which prices can fluctuate daily depending on the weather, so general advice is to shop around.
Any other important information I should know?
There is no alcohol or smoking allowed on the state beach and trash needs to be carried back with you. Animals are not permitted on the beach either.
