Cave Spring Trail | Monticello

Watch Hill Lighthouse is a historic navigational aid located on the coast of Westerly, Rhode Island.

It marks the southeasternmost point of Rhode Island, overlooking Block Island Sound.

Visual Characteristics

The lighthouse structure is a cylindrical tower constructed of granite blocks. It stands approximately 45 feet tall. The tower is painted white, with a black lantern room at the apex. A keeper's house, also constructed of granite and painted white, is attached to the base of the tower.

Location & Access Logistics

Watch Hill Lighthouse is situated at the end of Lighthouse Road in Westerly, Rhode Island. It is approximately 5 miles southwest of the Westerly town center. Access is via Lighthouse Road, which is paved and accessible by private vehicle. Parking is available in a designated lot adjacent to the lighthouse grounds, operated by the Watch Hill Fire Department during peak season (fees may apply). Public transportation options are limited; the nearest bus stop is in Westerly town center, requiring a taxi or ride-share service for the final leg.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The current Watch Hill Lighthouse was constructed in 1856, replacing an earlier structure built in 1831. It was built by the U.S. Lighthouse Board. Its original purpose was to guide ships entering and navigating the waters of Block Island Sound and the nearby coast. The site is characterized by coastal bluffs and rocky shorelines, part of the Atlantic coastal plain geological region.

Key Highlights & Activities

Visitors can explore the grounds surrounding the lighthouse. The keeper's house has been converted into a museum operated by the Watch Hill Lighthouse Keepers Association, offering exhibits on the lighthouse's history and maritime life. Guided tours of the lighthouse tower are available seasonally, providing panoramic views of the coastline. Beachcombing along the adjacent shoreline is possible.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are available within the museum building. Limited shade is provided by trees on the grounds. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally available. No food vendors are located directly on the lighthouse property; dining options are available in the nearby Watch Hill village.

Best Time to Visit

For photography, the late afternoon offers favorable lighting conditions with the sun setting over the water. The best months for visiting are from May through October, when the weather is typically mild and the museum is open. High tide is not a requirement for visiting the lighthouse grounds, but it can affect shoreline access for beachcombing.

Facts & Legends

A local legend tells of a ghost named "Old Man Watch," said to be the spirit of a former lighthouse keeper who still patrols the grounds. Verified historical information includes the fact that the lighthouse's original Fresnel lens was removed and replaced with an automated light in 1917, and the entire structure was automated in 1957.

Nearby Landmarks

• Ocean House (0.3km Northwest)
• East Beach (0.8km Southwest)
• Napatree Point (1.5km West)
• Weekapaug Inn (2.0km West)
• Misquamicut State Beach (4.5km East)