Best Outdoor Attractions in Rhode Island | 2013 Editors’ Choice Awards

BEST BEACH FOR NATURE LOVERS GOOSEWING BEACH PRESERVE, Little Compton Bird lovers and bathing beauties unite at this pristine strip of sand managed by The Nature Conservancy. A coastal pond, barrier beach, and dunes create one of the most scenic waterscapes in the area, and a safe haven for the piping plover. Access from South Shore Beach, 140 South Shore Road. 401-635-9974; nature.orgBEST CHARTER FISHING SNAPPA CHARTERS, Wakefield Captain Charlie Donilon shares four decades of fish tales and secret spots. A half-day excursion aboard the Snappa may net you a few dinners’ worth of bass, blues, and bragging rights. 2 Congdon Drive. 401-782-4040; snappacharters.comBEST OFF-THE-BEATEN-PATH WAY NEWPORT EQUESTRIAN, Middletown A two-hour tour lets riders see the “wilder” side of Aquidneck Island, including scenic Second and Third beaches and Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge. 287 Third Beach Road. 401-837-4188; newportequestrian.comBEST SAILING LESSONS COMMUNITY BOATING CENTER, Providence Members (it’s easy and affordable to become one) have access to lessons at all levels. The best part? Once you’ve got your sea legs, you get unlimited time on the water and use of CBC’s fleet. India Point Park, 109 India St. 401-454-7245; communityboating.comBEST WALK IN THE PARK WILCOX PARK, Westerly This pretty oasis in downtown Westerly features a wide-open meadow, stately trees, a duck pond, and picturesque perennial garden. 71 High St. 401-596-2877; westerlylibrary.org/park