Parks

Beavertail State Park. Water conditions range from tranquil to harrowing at this park straddling the southern tip of Conanicut Island. On a clear, calm day, however, the park's craggy shoreline seems intended for sunning, hiking, and climbing. There are restrooms with composting toilets open daily, year-round. On several dates (May–October), the Beavertail Lighthouse Museum Association opens the 1856 Beavertail Lighthouse, letting you climb 49 steps to enjoy the magnificent panorama from the observation deck. A museum occupies the lighthouse keeper's former quarters, and the old steam-engine room has a saltwater aquarium with local species. Both are open seasonally. 800 Beavertail Rd., Jamestown, Rhode Island, 02835. 401/423–3270; www.beavertaillight.org. Free. Museum: mid-June–early Sept., daily 10–4; late May–mid-June and early Sept.–mid-Oct., weekends noon–3.

Fort Wetherill State Park. This outcropping of stone cliffs at the tip of the southeastern peninsula has 26 picnic tables and walking paths with scenic overlooks. A fort since the Revolutionary War era, it served as a top-secret German prisoner-of-war camp during World War II; it was declared government surplus in the 1970s and later turned into a state park. Scuba divers favor this spot, and it is a gathering point for viewing tall-ship parades and America's Cup races. There's also a boat ramp. Public restrooms are open daily, April–October. Some visitors may feel safer exploring the ruins in a group rather than solo. 3 Fort Wetherill Rd., Jamestown, Rhode Island, 02835. 401/423–1771; www.riparks.com/locations/locationfortwetherill.html. Daily sunrise–sunset.