The Towers
4.7(514)google
3.9(8)yelp
Wedding VenueOutdoorPhoto SpotCity LandmarkOcean ViewFreeHistoric BuildingCoast
Overview
The Towers of Narragansett stand as an iconic, historically monumental stone archway that serves as the defining architectural symbol of Rhode Island's coastal heritage. Constructed between 1883 and 1886 as the grand entrance to the legendary Narragansett Pier Casino, this heavy granite structure was the sole surviving component after a catastrophic fire destroyed the rest of the complex in 1900. Spanning directly over Ocean Road, the commanding stone towers offer spectacular panoramic views of the adjacent Town Beach. Today, it operates as a prestigious community venue hosting romantic coastal weddings and cultural galas.
Practical Info
Suggested Duration0.5-1 hour
Best TimeThis world-famous 1887 Romanesque Revival granite arch structure spanning directly across the coastal highway is an open-air historical marvel. The absolute, defining time to visit is sunset (6:00 PM to 7:30 PM) on a clear evening; the low setting sun strikes the massive stone towers and gothic window casements flawlessly, casting long shadows against the roaring Atlantic waves.
Getting TherePerfectly positioned along the historic Narragansett coast at 35 Ocean Rd (RI-1A). Driving a car is highly convenient given its highway arch setting: follow US-1 S to RI-1A N straight into the beachfront district; the colossal stone arch spanning the roadway is impossible to miss. Plentiful municipal metered surface parking spaces flank both base walls.
Travel Tips
- This iconic stone arch span directly straddles the active, high-density Ocean Road (Route 1A). The historic stone columns lack modern crash-absorption barriers; drivers must slow to under 20 mph through the underpass, and vehicle staging inside is banned.
- The interior historic ballroom operates predominantly as a luxury private wedding and municipal banquet rental space. During private buyouts, the main structural iron entry gates are fully locked, meaning general public walkups are strictly turned away.
- Positioned directly over the oceanfront and a major state thoroughfare, the airspace surrounding the towers is tightly restricted. Launching recreational drones from the adjoining public rock ledges is highly illegal, triggering immediate gear seizure.
Reviews
Positive
- This iconic historic granite twin-tower arch spanning the coastal avenue is grandly majestic against the crashing Atlantic; its visual drama delivers.
- The concrete pavements and tiny plaza beneath the arch are kept spotlessly clean, with recycling bins and clear, illustrated historical signs.
- Managed well by a local historical trust, order is well-kept, and the on-duty curatorial staff answer tourist queries warmly with patience.
- Viewing this historic wonder outdoors costs zero admission; sitting on attached seawall benches to listen to the surf offers prime value.
Heads up
- Since the inside serves as a private wedding and corporate event venue, it remains closed to general tourists, who cannot enter to climb up.
- The towers lack a dedicated free private lot; driving visitors must fight for metered street stalls along the busy avenue, where spaces are scarce.
- You can find zero public restrooms, stores, or vending machines onsite, making food and water re-supply highly inconvenient if you arrive thirsty.
- Sunset golden hours bring crowd bottlenecks for weddings and selfies, making the tiny stone plaza tightly packed and disrupting the old coastal peace.