A 'salty' weekend by the seashore in Narragansett, Rhode Island

Last summer, I spent a few laid-back, stress-free weekends in

Narragansett, Rhode Island

, enjoying its clean and uncrowded

beaches

, taking in the views from the grounds of the

Point Judith Lighthouse

, and feasting on seafood galore.

I usually make a beeline for

Iggy's Doughboys and Chowder House

, located not too far from the beach on Point Judith Road. A favorite pastime is to sit at a picnic table while savoring clam cakes (crispy fried dough with salty fried clams, together in one bite) and tangy/sweet lemonade. A half-dozen clam cakes go for $3.50; get a dozen for just $6.

More healthy pursuits can be found in abundance here, too. Beyond the standard beach activities, organized yoga and aerobics are usually offered on summer mornings, right on Narragansett Town Beach. There are also surfing competitions, volleyball, and more.

One note, however: If you're heading to the beach for a visit, it pays to go with a local. At

Roger W. Wheeler State Beach

, for example, weekend charges are $7 per car for locals, and $14 for nonresidents.

Lastly, if you're craving super-fresh seafood, head to

Galilee

—a working fishing village within Narragansett—to do some fishing, sightseeing, and dining (often straight off the boat). Charter fishing tours are available, or just watch the pros haul in the day's catch.

Start planning your own getaway by visiting the

Narragansett town website

.

Read more of the

50 Affordable Stateside Escapes

.

Have a recommendation for Narragansett, or another great getaway within Rhode Island? Post your comment below!