Galilee in Narragansett, Rhode Island: an Authentic, Live New
England Fishing Village
A fishing boat at Galilee in Narragansett, R.I..
by Eric Hurwitz. Article updated on 11/28/16
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Biff and Muffy might not like the unrefined authentic
fishing village feel of Galilee in Narragansett, R.I., but Jack and
Diane will certainly love the public ocean water beaches and seafood
shacks that make this South County Rhode Island travel destination so
appealing.
For those who enjoy the simple pleasures in life, what could be better
than visiting the sea in a place that won't charge you an arm and a leg
for those annoyingly marketed "water views" found elsewhere? Galilee
isn't that much in love with itself to rip you off, but it does offer a
lot of love in the form of family fun. Salty Brine State Beach and
George's Beach are open to the public and offer gentle waves, plenty of
sand and immediate access to other fun in the area. Walk off the beach
and go to George's of Galilee or Champlin's for a lobster dinner,
lobster rolls, fried clams, clam chowder and just about anything else
caught fresh off the boat, or by the sand.
George's of Galilee seafood restaurant
After dining indoors or outdoors -- with a water view at affordable
prices -- walk back to the beach and enjoy a relaxing afternoon or
evening by the sea. A stroll past the fishing boats with fisherman
unloading their "catch of the day," or the charter public fishing boats
allowing you to experience your own catch validates the authenticity
and coastal theme of this relaxing corner of Narragansett.
For those who don't want to go "overboard" on fish, Galille offers many
gift shops and several places to have an ice cream -- including
Champlin's. There's also a ferry from Point Judith in Galilee that goes
to Block Island. It's a beautiful 45-minute cruise,
en route to one of New England's most unspoiled regions with 21 square
miles of pristine ocean and beaches, steep cliffs, rolling green fields
and pastoral farms, abundant plant and wildlife. The Nature Conservancy
has designated Block Island as "one of the 12 last great places in the
Western Hemisphere."
Block Island, to us, however is an occasional special treat as the
price can add up with the ferry ride, vehicle rental and generally more
expensive lodging and dining (they do that to you on isolated islands,
as where else can you go?) Galilee, on the other hand, is a place you
could stay awhile and often, as the community takes into account people
with different budgets. Parking is free for four hours off street and
as little as $7.00 for a parking lot space. Seafood dinners are many
times under $20.00 (including some lobster specials), and as far as the
beaches... just walk right in without lifting your wallet. If you want
more beach than the somewhat small aforementioned Galillee beaches,
however, Roger Wheeler State Beach on Sand Cove Rd., is within minutes
of the fishing village. The price of admission, at this writing, is
$14.00 for parking and then a free walk onto the beach. Roger Wheeler
offers a great stretch of sandy beach, relatively warm New Englander
ocean water and nice amenities like a pavilion with coin operated hot
showers, concession stand, playground and picnic tables. There is a
lifeguard on duty (weather permitting).
So while Biff and Muffy exit quickly to look at nearby exclusive
communities and sample $18.00 hamburgers in "yuppie-induced" priceless,
but pricey nearby locations, Jack and Diane will be able to have the
time of their lives in a place that has great beaches and great seafood
at a low price. You couldn't ask for much more in coastal New England.
Book a room in Narragansett and get a great rate
Salty Brine State Beach, Galilee, R.I.
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Eric
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