Welcome to Watch Hill

The area now known as Watch Hill Village was originally home to the Niantic Indians. One of their most influential leaders, Chief Ninigret, is honored with a bronze relief statue in the village park, welcoming visitors and preserving the heritage of the region.

During the Revolutionary War, Watch Hill served as a crucial outpost and lookout point, monitoring the entrance to Long Island Sound. In 1806, President Thomas Jefferson signed the order establishing the historic Watch Hill Lighthouse, which has since been a vital navigational aid and lifesaving station in an area known for numerous shipwrecks.

Watch Hill is a charming seaside community with a rich history and beautiful natural surroundings. Visitors during the summer and fall months enjoy perfect weather for scenic walks, including a popular hike to Fort Mansfield at the tip of Napatree Point. This trail offers breathtaking views of Fisher’s Island, Stonington Borough, and Mystic, Connecticut.

The area features three beautiful beaches with public access:

East Beach: Accessible via Bluff Avenue, Everett Avenue, and Manatuck Avenue, East Beach is privately owned but open to the public. Early summer months bring protected areas to preserve the endangered Piping Plover, a local dune-dwelling bird—please respect these zones by giving them plenty of space.
Watch Hill Merry-Go-Round Beach: This popular public beach charges a small admission fee and offers bathing facilities and restrooms for visitors.
Napatree Point Conservation Area: Enter via the access road next to The Misquamicut Club parking lot. Marked footpaths guide visitors through this sensitive ecological area, which is also home to the Piping Plover. Visitors are asked to stay on the paths and respect the seasonal protected zones during early summer.

Whether you’re here to explore history, enjoy nature, or relax by the sea, Watch Hill offers a unique blend of scenic beauty and rich heritage that will make your stay unforgettable.