Great Island, RI

Travel Guide

A coastal town with white houses, a boat docked on the shore, and a view of the sea with boats in the distance.

Head to Great Island for stunning beaches, natural landmarks, and outdoor activities that invite exploration and adventure.

Great Island is an ideal destination for outdoor and scenery travelers. You can visit nearby beaches like Scarborough Beach, Roger W. Wheeler State Beach, and Salty Brine State Beach. For activities, explore venues such as Fishermen’s Memorial State Park Campground, Theatre by the Sea, and Point Judith Country Club. Additionally, you can enjoy the natural features in the area, including Jonathan Island, Prudence Island, and the Rhode Island Coastal region, all known for their scenic beauty and opportunities for adventure tourism.

Spend some time exploring the nearby areas of Great Island, each offering unique experiences. South Kingstown is known for outdoor activities and features locations such as John H. Chafee National Wildlife Refuge and South Kingstown Dog Park. Point Judith also provides outdoor scenery experiences, highlighted by Point Judith Lighthouse and Sand Hill Cove. Another nearby area, Jerusalem, shares this focus on outdoor experiences, making these places ideal for enjoying nature.

The best time to visit Great Island is from June to September when the weather is mild, mostly dry, and often sunny, with temperatures ranging from 65 to 72°F. This period can be busier due to higher demand, particularly in June to August. If you prefer a quieter experience, consider visiting from October to December, when the crowds diminish, providing a more relaxed atmosphere to explore the region.

Where to stay in Great Island

Find the best Great Island areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Great Island
Learn more about Great Island

Narragansett Pier

If you're spending some time in Narragansett Pier, The Towers and Narragansett Beach are top sights worth seeing.

Bonnet Shores

Though Bonnet Shores might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Bonnet Shores Beach and Beavertail State Park.

Galilee

The pristine beaches and captivating waterfront views are top of the list for many visitors to Galilee. A stop by Salty Brine State Beach or Block Island Ferry might round out your trip.

Eastward Look

While there might not be top attractions in Eastward Look, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Scarborough Beach and Roger W. Wheeler State Beach.

Breakwater Village

While Breakwater Village might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Point Judith Lighthouse and Roger W. Wheeler State Beach.

The Newport Harbor Hotel & Marina

The Newport Harbor Hotel & Marina

3 out of 5
49 America's Cup Ave Newport RI
The price is $197 total per night from Nov 17 to Nov 18
$197 total
per night
Nov 17 - Nov 18
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Newport. Enjoy free WiFi, a marina, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the convenient ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,606 reviews)
"Exceptional service"

Reviewed on Nov 12, 2026

The Newport Harbor Hotel & Marina
Atlantic Beach Hotel Newport

Atlantic Beach Hotel Newport

3.5 out of 5
28 Aquidneck Ave Middletown RI
The price is $111 total per night from Dec 14 to Dec 15
$111 total
per night
Dec 14 - Dec 15
Book a stay at this beach hotel in Middletown. Enjoy a rooftop terrace, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant ...
Atlantic Beach Hotel Newport
Howard Johnson by Wyndham Middletown Newport Area

Howard Johnson by Wyndham Middletown Newport Area

2 out of 5
351 W Main Rd Middletown RI
The price is $115 total per night from Nov 15 to Nov 16
$115 total
per night
Nov 15 - Nov 16
Book a stay at this family-friendly hotel in Middletown. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our ...
Howard Johnson by Wyndham Middletown Newport Area
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Island House Newport

Island House Newport

4 out of 5
37 Memorial Blvd Newport RI
Stay at this aparthotel in Newport. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and free bicycles on site. Popular attractions Cliff Walk and Thames Street are located ...
Island House Newport
Oceancliff Resort I & II

Oceancliff Resort I & II

4 out of 5
65 Ridge Rd Newport RI
Book a stay at this business-friendly condo in Newport. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Newport Harbour and Thames Street are ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (85 reviews)
"Though cleaned and linens stocked, the Room was not fully ready for guests: toilet did not flush, hot water did not work, and the biggest problem- leak in kitchenette ceiling causing a dangerous slippery floor. While we were able to switch rooms, there was 0 consideration or accommodation to make ..."

Reviewed on Nov 11, 2026

Oceancliff Resort I & II
Beautiful Newport Home - The Cottage At Restmere, South

Beautiful Newport Home - The Cottage At Restmere, South

Middletown RI
Stay at this vacation home in Middletown. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Cliff Walk and Bowen's Wharf are located ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (115 reviews)
"Very roomy and close to everything! We enjoyed the stay."

Reviewed on Oct 19, 2026

Beautiful Newport Home - The Cottage At Restmere, South
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Frequently asked questions

What is a good itinerary length for Great Island?
A good itinerary length for Great Island is one day to explore the natural beauty of Point Judith Pond, a key lake area. Travelers looking for a more relaxed visit might enjoy two days, allowing extra time to fully experience the pond and its surroundings.
What are the top things to do in and around Great Island?
In Great Island, explore Point Judith Pond, a natural lake and area of interest.
Can I book a refundable hotel in Great Island?
Yes, Expedia offers many flexible booking options, and you can look for refundable hotels in Great Island by entering your dates and using the refundable or fully refundable filter. Always check the hotel's cancellation policy before you book, since terms can vary by hotel, and visit Expedia help center for further details.
Why book a trip to Great Island with Expedia?
Expedia makes it easier to plan your Great Island trip with travel tools, flexible search options, and bookable trip components all in one place. You can organize your plans in one account and use Expedia to help build a trip that fits your budget and travel style. Find out more about how by visiting Expedia's Trip Planner page.
Should I stay in a hotel or vacation rental in Great Island?
The best choice depends on your travel style. Hotels in Great Island can be a good fit for convenience, on-site amenities, and shorter stays, while vacation rentals may offer more space, privacy, and home-style amenities for longer trips, families, or groups. With Expedia, you can compare both options side by side, read traveler reviews, and filter by amenities to find the right fit for your trip.
How can I manage my Great Island trip on Expedia?
Once you've booked your Great Island trip, you can manage it through your Expedia account or the Expedia app. You can view your itinerary, access booking details, make eligible changes, and check for updates in My Trips. The Expedia app can also help you stay organized while you travel.
What if I need help during my Great Island trip?
Expedia offers customer support before, during, and after your Great Island trip. If your plans change or something unexpected happens, you can review your booking in My Trips and use Expedia help center channels for help with eligible changes, cancellations, or travel issues.
How can Expedia help me plan my first trip to Great Island?
If it's your first trip to Great Island, Expedia can help you plan by bringing together stays, flights, activities, traveler reviews, and trip-planning tools in one place. With Expedia's Trip Planner you can compare options, read reviews from other travelers, and build an itinerary that matches your interests and budget.
How can I save on my Great Island hotel booking with Expedia?
Join One Key™ for free to unlock instant discounts with Member Prices on select hotels. You can also earn and use OneKeyCash™* on eligible bookings on Expedia. Booking in advance is usually another great way to save on your Great Island hotel.

*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.

Cities near Great Island

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