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Salt ponds, surf breaks and a college green share one township in South Kingstown, the largest town by area in Rhode Island. Instead of a single center it is a cluster of villages: Wakefield with its shops along the Saugatucket River, Peace Dale built around the Hazard family's woolen mill, Kingston on its hilltop with the University of Rhode Island, and the summer beach colonies of Matunuck and Green Hill.
Kingston was once a county seat, and its 1770s courthouse, now the Kingston Free Library, served as one of the state's rotating capitols. Further inland the Great Swamp holds the site of the 1675 Great Swamp Fight of King Philip's War, now a quiet wildlife area crossed by dirt roads and osprey platforms.
Summer revolves around the shore: East Matunuck State Beach, oysters pulled from Potter Pond, and musicals in a converted barn at Theatre-by-the-Sea. Newport, Block Island ferries at Point Judith and Watch Hill are all an easy drive.
State beach on the open Atlantic between Point Judith Pond and the Matunuck colonies, with lifeguards, a pavilion and a long sandy strip that draws swimmers and surfers alike. The parking lot fills early on hot summer weekends, so plan to arrive before 10 am.
Summer stock theater in Matunuck that has staged plays and Broadway musicals in a shingled barn since the 1930s, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The grounds include a garden and a bistro for pre-show dinners; book seats well ahead for July and August performances.
Waterfront restaurant on the edge of Potter Pond that serves oysters raised on its own farm in the pond just outside the windows, along with clam chowder, stuffies and local fish. Waits can be long in summer, so put your name in early and walk down to the water while you wait.
Historic water-powered mill in the village of Usquepaug that still grinds Rhode Island white cap flint corn for johnnycakes, plus pancake and baking mixes. The shop sells the meal and mixes, and the mill opens for special grinding days and events. Pick up a bag of johnnycake meal as a local souvenir.
More than 3,000 acres of wooded swamp, fields and impoundments in West Kingston, managed by the state for wildlife. Gravel roads make easy level walks past osprey nests on utility poles, and a granite monument marks the site of the 1675 Great Swamp Fight. Wear insect repellent from May to August.
Federal refuge protecting the only undeveloped coastal salt pond in Rhode Island, with short trails through former farm fields to observation platforms over the water. Swans, ducks and shorebirds gather here in migration seasons. Trails are for walking only and dogs are not allowed.
The old Kings County courthouse in Kingston village, built in the 1770s and one of the buildings where Rhode Island's legislature once met in rotation. It has served as the village library since the 1890s. Pair a look inside with a stroll past the colonial houses of the Kingston Village Historic District.
Village center shaped by the Hazard family's woolen mill, with the stone mill buildings, Hazard Memorial Hall, the Peace Dale Library and a Congregational church set around a small green. A short loop on foot covers the highlights; the bike path to Wakefield passes right by.
Small museum in Peace Dale founded in the 1890s, showing tools, pottery and weapons from Native New England and cultures around the world in a modest historic building near the village center. It keeps limited hours, so check the schedule before you go, and allow under an hour for a visit.
Main campus of the state university, spread across Kingston hill with a central quadrangle framed by granite halls such as Lippitt Hall and Davis Hall. Visitors can walk the quad, catch a concert or exhibition at the Fine Arts Center, or watch Rams basketball at the Ryan Center.
Wakefield's main commercial street, lined with independent shops, cafes and Kenyon's Department Store, with the Saugatucket River running behind the buildings. A small riverside park and the bike path are steps away. It makes a good rainy-day stop between beach days.
Paved path that runs about seven miles from the Kingston Amtrak station through the Great Swamp edge, Peace Dale and Wakefield toward Narragansett. It is flat and mostly shaded, good for cycling, running or walking. Park at the Kingston station lot to start from the western end.
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