This charming and historic village makes an ideal daytrip or extended stay for boaters on lower Narragansett Bay.
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WICKFORD AT A GLANCE
GETTING TO WICKFORD:
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The Wickford Story
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Located just south of Quonset Point, Wickford is easy to reach from other Narragansett Bay ports, as well as Block Island Sound, and offers one of the most protected harbors in
the region.
Dockage, Moorings & Service: Town of North Kingstown(401) 294-3316: North Kingstown maintains several free transient moorings behind the southern breakwater of Wickford Harbor. Dinghies can be left at the town dock. The Wickford town dock offers free tie-up for up to two hours for larger vessels.
Safe Harbor Wickford Cove(401) 884-7014: Full-service marina with transient slips and moorings. Also offers storage, laundry, showers, picnic area, fuel, pump-out, repair, and haul-out.
Wickford Shipyard(401) 294-3361: Fuel dock, showers, laundry, pump-out, ice, pool, full marine services, and repair. Transient slips and moorings available.
NorthWick Boatyard(401) 932-3613: On Mill Cove. Offers slips and 20 moorings for boats up to 35 feet, launch ramp, dockside parking, restrooms and changing rooms, outdoor showers, patio and grill area.
Wickford Marina (401) 294-8160: Small “boutique” marina on Mill Cove. Accommodates seasonal and transient boats up to 100 feet. Offers showers, laundry, Jacuzzi, cooking facilities, patio and enclosed tent, kayak rental, and winter storage.
Wickford Yacht Club(401) 294-9010: Moorings for visitors and transients on a first-come, first-served basis. Restrooms, showers, patio and trash service also available.
Launch Ramp: Pleasant Street Municipal Ramp: At end of Pleasant Street next to Pleasant Street Wharf. Gravel and dirt ramp with few on-street parking spaces available. Best for cartop launching of skiffs and kayaks.
Wilson Park: Concrete-slab ramp on Intrepid Drive with adjacent float. Free parking, but limited access at low tide.
Anchorages: Anchoring inside Wickford Harbor is prohibited. A safe anchorage can be found outside the breakwater, conditions permitting.
DESTINATION WICKFORD
Dining: Tavern By The Sea(401) 294-5771: Boathouse-style pub and restaurant serving lunch and dinner on a scenic canal near the harbor. Menu includes seafood, gourmet burgers, creative sandwiches, salads, and pasta, along with a full bar.
Things To Do: Seabee Museum & Memorial Park(401) 294-7233: The birthplace of the Quonset hut and Word War II naval pontoons, this museum commemorates the military unit dedicated to building critical infrastructure required during wartime.
Smith’s Castle(401) 294-3521: Preserved colonial-era home and gardens on Mill Cove. Open for tours May through October. Features a library, furniture, kitchen, and artifacts from the late 1600s and early 1700s.
Historic Homes Walking Tour: Self-guided and docent-led walking tours of nearly 20 historic 1700s and 1800s buildings and homes in Wickford.
Different Drummer(401) 294-4867: Whimsical to sophisticated American handcrafts, local art, creative cards, pottery, jewelry, stained glass, and Old World Christmas decorations.
Boat & Kayak Rental: The Kayak Centre (401) 295-4400: Rentals, sales, guided tours, and lessons for adults and children. Carries a variety of kayak styles, paddleboards, and paddling equipment.
Wickford Boat Rentals(401) 295-0050: Full- and half-day charters and harbor cruises; extended-term rentals. Sailboats, a Down East cruiser, and fishing boats available.
Getting Around: Bill’s Transportation Service (401) 443-3965