Beaches
Newport features spectacular beaches and ocean views
Newport beaches are plentiful, with some like Easton's Beach (First Beach) within walking distance of Newport's downtown. Breton Point State Park and its beach are known for great kite flying. The beaches along Ocean Drive attract surfers and windsurfers year-round. Fort Adam has a bathing beach in a historic setting, because of the fort and because of the Newport Jazz Festival and Newport Folk Festival, held here. The Newport region includes Middletown and Jamestown Island, where Beavertail State Park offer a lighthouse and rocky shoreline -- great for exploring tidal life.
10 listings
Narragansett, RI
Block Island Ferry
304 Great Island Road 401-783-7996There’s a beach for every personality, and every activity, on Block Island – and great ferries to get you there.
People may take the Block Island Ferry from different ports – Narragansett [Point Judith] or Newport, RI — but most of them have one thing in common: They want to hit those gorgeous island beaches, whether it’s to ride the waves off Black Rock or Mansion Beach, marvel at underwater life by snorkeling at Surf Beach, fish for stripers off Charlestown Beach or dig for quahogs on Andy’s Way Beach. Families love Town Beach with its concession stand, and sunsets are spectacular at Grace’s Cove. The views of North Light are stunning at Cow Cove and the North Light Area, and Mohegan Bluffs, with its dramatic panoramic views and backdrop of spectacular cliffs, is on everyone’s favorites list. Stroll along Dinghy Beach or Conneymus Coves.
Barrington, RI
Haines Memorial State Park
On Bullock's Cove, off Metropolitan Park Drive 401-253-7482This park on the Bay has a wheelchair- and handicap-accessible boat ramp.
Newport, RI
Easton's Beach (First Beach)
175 Memorial Boulevard 401-845-5810Newport’s largest ocean beach adjacent to the start of Cliff Walk. Family Night with live band every Tuesday, and Children’s Night with entertainment every Thursday in July and August. About a 15-minute walk from downtown Newport or a 5-minute bike or taxi ride. First Beach is usually crowded, and always great for families.
Amenities: Chair/surf board/boogie board/umbrella rentals, playground, picnic site, snack bar, beach store, restrooms, showers, outdoor skateboard park, carousel, aquarium. Over-sand wheelchairs available at no charge.
Season/Hours: Summer, dawn – dusk
Fees: Parking fee, $15 weekdays and $25 weekends/holidays; season passes, $80 for non-residents.
Newport, RI
Fort Adams State Park
80 Fort Adams Drive 401-847-2400This park has a salt-water swimming beach. It is handicap accessible, and there are restrooms with showers. Admission and parking are free.
Jamestown, RI
Heads Beach (Jamestown Shores Beach)
Seaside Drive 401-423-7229This tiny town beach has lots of seashells and rocks and not much sand, so bring shoes. Great for beach combing and sunset walks. Parking is on first come, first serve basis. No lifeguard on duty.
Season/Hours: Dawn – dusk
Fees: May 15 - October 15; $30 per season for non-residents.
Bristol, RI
Bristol Town Beach
50 Asylum Road 401-253-1611This sandy, gravelly beach is across from Colt State Park, and has a large grassy expanse with a playground and picnic tables. This beach has shells and large pebbles, and is mainly popular for its sports facilities. Ample on-site parking is available. Lifeguards on duty during the summer.
Amenities: Basketball court, soccer fields, skateboard park, tennis court, playground, ball fields, roller hockey arena, snack bar, picnic site, restrooms, 6 mile fitness trail.
Season/Hours: May – October, dawn – dusk
Fees: $6-10
Middletown, RI
Third Beach
Third Beach Road 401-846-2119This small, peaceful stretch of beach is in a cove, so it has calm water and is ideal for windsurfing. Third Beach is down the road from Second Beach in Middletown, and includes 4 beaches, 2 of which are semi-private. A great spot for exercise and swimming.
Amenities: Public boat ramp, restrooms, paddleboard and kayak rentals.
Season/Hours: Summer, dawn – dusk.
Fees: State fees apply (see top of page).
Portsmouth, RI
Sandy Point Beach
Sandy Point Avenue 401-683-2101This shallow, sandy beach is located on the Sakonnet River at the end of Sandy Point Avenue and is great for families. Lifeguards are on duty Memorial Day - Labor Day, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. every weekend and on weekdays from mid-June to mid-August.
Amenities: Changing rooms, restrooms, picnic site.
Season/Hours: Memorial Day - Labor Day, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Fees: Admission for non-residents, $15 Monday-Thursday and $20 Friday-Sunday; season pass, $50.
Warren, RI
Warren Town Beach
401-245-0200This small beach has a gentle slope and clear, calm water, making it safe for kids. Fishing off the pier is popular. Located at the southern end of Water Street, on the Warren River.
Amenities: Restrooms, picnic site, fishing pier, playground.
Season/Hours: Summer, dawn – dusk
Fees: Free admission. Parking, $5; lot under construction, visitors must find street parking.
Newport, RI
Brenton Point State Park
Ocean Drive 401-847-2400This is a rocky -- not sandy -- beach. Fun for exploring tide pools and watching seabirds and doing nature photography. Kids love the tidal pools. See more info on our RI State & Local Parks page.