Summer is here, and Memorial Day weekend is the official start of beach season. Rhode Island is known as the Ocean State for good reason.country only 37 miles wide and 48 miles long, but its coastline is almost 400 miles. Every Rhode Islander lives within a 30-minute drive of the Atlantic Ocean or Narragansett Bay, so cool! Rhode Island Breathtaking scenery is offered along the coastline and beaches, but the state has a lot to offer, from historic downtowns and luxurious mansions to small businesses and top-notch local restaurants. If you find yourself in the Ocean State, here are 15 of the best beaches in Rhode Island. A key editor noted: Many beaches in Rhode Island are take-in/out and have no litter boxes. Please help keep our beaches and oceans clean and take any rubbish with you when you leave.
You might also like Newport Guide, the definitive source for planning the ultimate vacation to Newport, seasonally updated based on hundreds of curated recommendations from locals (me!).If you are visiting Rhode Island This is the best takeaway, Best Providence Restaurants, 10 great places to eat brunchand 13 things to do with kids in Newport.
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15 Best Beaches in Rhode Island
Third Beach, Middletown
Third Beach in Middletown is a local favorite and is popular year-round, especially for families. This is a smaller and generally quieter beach with calm waters, snack bars and several car parks. During the summer months, parking in both townships is limited to residents. You are welcome to get out of your car or bike to the beach as anyone can walk. The third batch (Peabody) is open to its members and charges non-members. During the low season (September to May), the car park is open to anyone. The beach is dog friendly from 5am to 7:45am and after 6pm in summer. From September to May, they can be at the beach all day (look out for the beach rules signs).
Sachuest (Second) Beach, Middletown
If you’re looking for what the locals call a lively beach experience, Sachuest or Second Beach, you’ll find it here. Summer is always busy and the second beach usually has waves (depending on how big they are actually) and surfer’s end, and you can find most surfers in the water on any given day. There’s a concession stand and restroom in the middle of the beach, as well as parking here, $20 on weekdays and $30 on weekends and holidays. In addition to the snack bar, you can often find a Del’s Lemonade truck at Surfer’s End. Dog friendly at certain times during high and low seasons. Free parking during low season (September to May).
Gooseberry Beach, Newport
Another beautiful family-friendly beach in Newport, located along Ocean Drive, Gooseberry Beach offers members a snack bar, restrooms, and bathrooms. Parking is charged to the public and guests have access to changing rooms and showers. The waters are usually calm and a great place to swim and sunbathe.
Mackerel Bay, Jamestown
This was one of my family’s favorite places to go when I was growing up. My dad would take our boat to Mackerel Bay and we would swim and surf all day. Its shallow water makes it a great place to swim and play in the water, especially for small children. During the summer, parking is limited to Jamestown residents, and you can drop off or park nearby and walk down. It is also a good place to go in the off-season!
South Shore, Little Compton
If you haven’t been to Little Compton, you’re missing out. Little Compton is one of Rhode Island’s most beautiful and quaint towns, with stunning coastline, stone walls, historic buildings and farmland. South Shore Beach is a pebble beach open to the public. During the summer months, weekday passes are $18 and weekends are $23. You can also purchase passes for overnight camping and fire permits. Portable bathrooms are provided in summer, but there is no running water. Private vendors usually sell snacks and foods such as hot dogs and ice cream.
Tiverton Fogland Beach
Fogland Beach is a beautiful rocky black rock beach in Tiverton. It is popular with kayakers, kitesurfers and fishermen. There are restrooms, picnic benches, playgrounds and seasonal food vendors. Non-resident parking is $10 on weekdays and $20 on weekends. There is also a great conservation trail with hiking trails and a wildlife/nature reserve. Great place for bird watching. Dogs are not allowed in summer.
Moghan Cliffs, Block Island
One of the most breathtaking and scenic beaches in Rhode Island, Jinshenya Located on Block Island, below a 200-foot clay cliff, climb 141 steps to the beach. It’s a bit remote and rocky, the waves can be rough, and there are no lifeguards or bathrooms on duty, so be sure to plan accordingly.
Misquamicut State Beach, Westerly
One of Rhode Island’s most popular state beaches, Misquamicut is a half-mile long sandy beach in the town of Westerly. You can find swimmers and swimmers enjoying the beautiful blue waters, and lifeguards are on duty from 9pm to 6pm during beach season. There are public toilets, outdoor showers, wheelchair access, playgrounds, concession stands and shade pavilions. During beach season, non-pass holders pay a parking fee of $12 on weekdays and $30 on weekends and holidays.Seasonal Parking Permits Can also be purchased online. No pets or camping allowed.
West Wind Watch Mountain Beach
Arguably one of the most beautiful beaches in the state, Watch Hill Beach (also known as Carousel Beach) is right in the heart of Watch Hill. Soft sandy beach with stunning views and adjoining Napatree Point Reserve. Parking can be difficult in summer, so go early to find a spot or watch the sunset. The beach has some great amenities, including restrooms, changing rooms, umbrellas and beach chair rentals. The Carousel at Watch Hill Beach is said to be the oldest continuously running carousel in the United States.When you’re done on the beach, there’s great food and shopping nearby and it’s not too far from here Aquarium.
East Matunuk State Beach, South Kingston
East Matunuk State Beach is known for its surf, so if you want to go surfing, this is a great beach for a surf check. It can get very crowded and difficult to park during the summer months, so get a spot early. The beach has concession stands, restrooms and showers. The beach is open from 9pm to 6pm and the gates are closed at sunset.
Narragansett Town Beach, Narragansett
Narragansett Town Beach is one of the most popular and most visited beaches in the state. There are plenty of parking spaces, but they fill up quickly in the summer, so plan to get there early. The beach is approximately 19 acres with food, restrooms, lifeguards and a surfing area. There is a $12 fee per person to enter the beach (Children under 11 are free).
Scarborough State Beach, Narragansett
Scarborough State Beach is one of the most popular state beaches in Rhode Island. The beach has soft sand, a boardwalk, public toilets, outdoor showers, wheelchair access and concession stands. There are also several shaded gazebos.Residents and Non-Residents Beach parking permits can be purchased online There you can also check the status of the parking lot.
East Beach, Charleston
If you’re looking to escape the crowds, Charleston’s East Beach is a quiet seaside oasis. Not many parking spaces and few toilets.East Beach is known for its pristine waters and soft sand There is also a place to camp and 3 miles of undeveloped beach frontage. With a license, Some 4×4 vehicles are also allowed on the beach (A rare opportunity in RI).
Charleston Blue Shutters Beach
Blue Shutters Beach is a beautiful family-friendly beach with views of Block Island. With soft sand and clear blue waters, the beach also has showers, restrooms, snack bars and picnic tables. Paid public parking is available. On a hot summer day, the parking lot fills up quickly, so get there early to find a spot.
Point Judith Lighthouse, Narragansett
Cape Judith Lighthouse is not a beach, but it is worth seeing and is the southernmost point of Rhode Island. The actual lighthouse is fenced off as it is US Coast Guard property, but visitors are welcome to park here and parking is free.
