Did you know there is a nature preserve in Rhode Island where you can view harbor seals after just 30-40 minutes of walking?

Once slated to be a nuclear power plant site (what?!), the land known as Rome Point was donated by Narragansett Electric to the State of Rhode Island in 2001. 

This parcel of land is now called the John H. Chafee Nature Preserve, named for the former RI Governor and Senator who was a proponent of open spaces. 

Chafee introduced the “Green Acres” conservation program with the intent of maintaining some of Rhode Island’s natural wonders.

Why is it called Rome Point? 

George Rome, a dreaded debt-collector loyal to the British Crown, kept a Bachelor Hall complete with gardens and hunting grounds here. He lived here just prior to the American Revolution; that is until Declaration of Independence signer and RI Governor Stephen Hopkins had the land confiscated from Tory loyalist Rome in 1775.

Environmental conservation, no taxation without representation, a glimpse at a pinniped population, what’s not to like about this destination?!

Located on Route 1A, Boston Neck Road, in North Kingstown, the preserve does have parking lot. It is not paved and may get muddy, but I have always been able to find a spot whenever I want to wander here. 

The path from the parking lot to the beach is a wide, rocky, mostly straight, slope. A fairly easy walk, families with young children, leashed dogs and folks of all ages venture this way. Most recently, I even encountered a soaking wet runner who was sporting a full backpack charging down this trail.

If you want to travel off the beaten path, this is the place. A few narrower paths crisscross this main route and they are well worth exploring. 

The surrounding wooded area conceals remnants of various structures and some unexpected, quirky finds.  You can spot all kinds of birds in any season. 

Many brooks and sinkholes make this an interesting traipse, so stay alert!

Whichever way you choose to arrive at the beach, and I cannot stress this enough, bring your binoculars! 

When you arrive at the rocky, shell-strewn beach you can walk towards the Jamestown Verrazano Bridge or in the opposite direction further up the bay. 

Keep an eye out for the conch trees, large shells whimsically placed in the nearby trees for everyone to enjoy!

Seaside, look for the rocks known as the Seven Sisters. This is where the seals are most likely to be hauled out to soak up some sun, around low tide, so plan accordingly. 

For the best seal-watching experience, follow the guidelines here: romepointseals.org.

About The Author

Christina is a life-long Rhode Islander who has been dedicated to mission-driven human services work. A mother of two, she recycles, composts, and runs her household with solar energy. An animal lover and a world traveler, this bon vivant has jumped out of a plane, bungee jumped (twice!), run over the Newport Bridge, swum across Narragansett Bay, and penguin plunged.

✨ All Photos Are Courtesy Of Christina.

This post has been updated from one that has appeared previously on the site.