Nothing beats a Rhode Island summer–it’s all sunny skies, sandy beaches, winding trails, and coastal vibes. Get the most out of your New England summer with these fun activities in Warwick.
Head to the Beach & Enjoy Watersports
There’s nothing more classically summer than spending a day on the New England shoreline. Warwick offers some of the best beach options on this side of the Ocean State, so be sure to add these spots to your summer bucket list.
Oakland Beach is so classically New England. It features an expansive beach with calm, salty water perfect for swimming, picnic and playground areas, and nearby local restaurants. You won’t get the true Rhode Island experience if you don’t get to enjoy one of Iggy’s signature clam cakes while taking in the Atlantic views on a picnic table at Oakland Beach.
If you’re looking to do a little bit of everything all in one sunny summer afternoon, Warwick City Park is the place to go. The park’s beach is the main attraction, featuring a wide stretch of sandy beach, a kayak and paddleboard launch, hiking and paved bike paths, a dog park, playing fields, and a stone circle for meditation and contemplation when it's time to shake the sand off.
Warwick’s freshwater ponds are the best spots for tranquility and fun. Warwick Pond, one of the largest ponds in the city, is the ideal spot for a relaxing day boating and fishing. Smaller ponds, like Little Pond and Sand Pond, are tucked in residential areas and are perfect for calming picnics and dips into the gentle water.
Explore Parks & Hiking Trails
Hiking through one of Warwick's gorgeous and lush parks and hiking trails is the best way to recharge in the summer. Whether you're looking to unwind with a picnic on wide open fields with friends and family or escape into the forest with no one but your furry companion, Warwick's parks and hiking trails are the place to be this summer.
Large parks like Goddard Memorial State Park provide a wide variety of activities for an adventure-filled summer's day. The park features acres of open fields dotted with gazebos and picnic areas, as well as water access and up to 18 miles of trails. Experience hiking in a new way with C and L Stables at Goddard Park, which offers horseback riding through the park’s trails for all ages and experience levels!
Some parks offer a unique point of view of Narragansett Bay. Rocky Point Park, for example, was an amusement park from the 1840s to the 1990s and now has been preserved as a public park in perpetuity. Be sure to check out the Arch from the 1964 World's Fair in Queens, NY, as well as signs throughout the park that describe other notable historical events and attractions that have taken place at Rocky Point through the years.
Conimicut Point's main feature is a small beach with panoramic views of the historic Conimicut Point Lighthouse. Parks like Belmont Park and the Howard Conservation Area keep things simple. Belmont Park features soccer fields, trails for birdwatching, and kayak launches into the nearby Pawtuxet River. The Howard Conservation Area appeals to your inner naturalist, providing a looping grassy trail through the city’s lush wildlife and ending at a historic cemetery.
Find Fresh Local Goods at Markets & Farms
Summertime is the perfect time to practice sustainable travel, and Warwick makes it simple. By attending Warwick's farms and summer farmers’ markets, you can give back to the local economy while also helping to protect beautiful Rhode Island.
Experience fresh local offerings at the Conimicut Village Farmers’ Market. Running every Saturday throughout the summer from 9 a.m. to noon, this market is the perfect place to stock up on seasonal fruits and vegetables, handcrafted goods, and other delights from Rhode Island farms and artisans. You’ll also want to check out Goddard Park's Farmers' Market, which runs from June through October every Friday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The market features dozens of local vendors, with products ranging widely from arts and crafts to plants and fresh produce.
Another must-try for fresh produce in the area is the West Bay Community Action Farm Stand. Head over here every Thursday from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. to pick up organic fruits and vegetables, and enjoy knowing the proceeds help support the non-profit’s work in the community.
Must-Attend Summer Events
Summer in Rhode Island means outdoor events and festivals nearly every weekend. In addition to being ideally situated between Providence and Newport, Warwick boasts summer traditions of their own.
One particular event brings the entire Warwick community together to celebrate and honor their history: the Gaspee Days Parade. Through a two-mile march of joyous celebration down Narragansett Parkway, locals and visitors alike celebrate Rhode Island's Revolutionary history. This year's parade, on June 8, 2024, will celebrate the 252nd anniversary of the burning of a British schooner by Rhode Island colonists in 1772. The parade features the fife and drums corps, fire trucks, miniature cars, and more! That’s just one of the many summer events in Warwick.
Warwick offers a quintessential New England summer experience, from relaxing on pristine beaches to exploring scenic hiking trails. Whether you crave adventure on the water, tranquility in nature, or a taste of local history, Warwick has something for everyone. So pack your swimsuit, sunscreen, and sense of adventure, and get ready to create lasting summer memories in Warwick, Rhode Island!