Rhode Island beaches range from sandy swaths to sheltered coves & lakes

Rhode Island > State > On the Water > Beaches

The beaches of Rhode Island offer sandy expanses, sheltered coves, and great surfing. State beaches have parking and pavilions with showers, bathrooms, food, and rentals. Inland areas have lakes and ponds with fresh water beaches. Beaches may be managed by the state or by towns.
The following information is for state-managed beaches, only: Rhode Island has seven state beaches run by the state Division of Parks & Recreation. Lifeguards are on duty from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at all beaches. Camping is offered at several.
The following are parking fees at state parks and beaches, per day, per vehicle. Residency is based on the state where the vehicle is registered. Residents: M-F $6/$10 at Misquamicut, Sat/Sun/Holidays $7/$15, Season Pass $30; Non-Resident: M-F $12/$20 at Misquamicut, Sat/Sun/Holidays $14/$30, Season Pass $60; Senior Residents (65 or older): M-F $3, Sat/Sun/Holidays $3.50, Season Pass $15; Senior Non-Residents: M-F $6, Sat/Sun/Holidays $7, Season Pass $30. See Parking & Camping Fees (PDF).
Contact beaches directly at Charlestown Breachway at 401-364-7000; East Beach State Park at 401-322-0450; East Matunuck State Beach at 401-789-8585; Misquamicut State Beach at 401-596-9097; Roger Wheeler State Beach at 401-789-3563; Salty Brine State Beach at 401-789-3563; Scarborough State Beaches at 401-789-2324.

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Warwick City Park

End of Asylum Road Warwick, RI, 02886 Phone: 401-738-2019

Warwick City Park is a great place to fine a salt-water beach near the city, without having to undertake a longer drive to the beaches of the South County region. The beach for this 126-acre park is located on the stubby end of a small peninsula, on two sheltered coves, so waves are not high. Great for kids and families looking for a calm and sheltered beach day. The beach is served by a bathhouse. Also nearby, for a full day of family fun and relaxation, are picnic areas, a three-mile paved path for biking and walking, and playing fields.

Goddard Memorial State Park

1095 Ives Road Warwick, RI, 02818 Phone: 401-884-2010

Goddard Park – part of the city of Warwick but located aside a long, tree-shaded country road -- attracts people to enjoy its grassy fields, forested walking trails and golf course. The park also has a sweet, sandy beach that’s just the right size for family play. Kids can dig in the sand, splash and swim while adults watch from tree-shaded seating on a raised boardwalk. Views of the surrounding cove make this an intimate place. After water play, nearby picnic tables and grills make a lunch or dinner picnic easy. Near the beach is a new performing arts center for weddings, concerts, and special events.

Conimicut Point

Point Avenue Warwick, RI, 02886 Phone: 401-738-2019

This small, quiet park is, indeed, on a distinct point that intrudes into the top of Narragansett Bay near the entrance to the Providence River. You will find a sandy salt water beach and grassy areas for play, with some swing and slides for little kids. This is a good place for salt water fishing where you can enjoy views and, on foggy days, distinct hoots from the adjacent Conimicut Point Lighthouse. This area was settled in 1643, and, later, with the arrival of the railroad and the electric trolley, the Conimicut shore was a fashionable summer resort for a time.

Rocky Point Park

3275 Post Road Warwick, RI, 02886 Phone: 401-738-2019

Remembered by many Rhode Islanders as the site of an amusement park in the 19th and 20th centuries, Rocky Point Park and its craggy beach front is now a coastal passive use park where people can enjoy walking on the beach or elevated cliff trail, photography or observing birds and sea life (as well as the Conimicut Point Park lighthouse, to the north), exploring tide pools and collected shells and sea glass. Highlands of the 214-acre park have open fields for play or picnics. Fun place to run, explore, and enjoy nature with kids.

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Oakland Beach

Oakland Beach Avenue Warwick, RI, 02886 Phone: 401-738-2019

Located on Greenwich Bay, off Narragansett Bay, and a short drive through cozy neighborhoods from any part of Warwick, Oakland Beach is a place for saltwater swimming, fishing and relaxed fun. No really big waves, because this is a sheltered location. There is a boat ramp on Bay Avenue. Facilities include restrooms and complete wheel chair access. There are many good dining options adjacent to the beach that include casual Iggy’s, which serves traditional seafood from a walk-up window, as well as sit-down meals at Top of the Bay restaurant.

Mansion Beach

Mansion Road New Shoreham (Block Island), RI Phone: 401-466-3200 Toll-Free: 401-466-3200

Mansion Beach is marked by the stone foundation of Rhode Island's old Searles Mansion and dance hall. You can get here easily by walking or biking along the road from Corn Neck. There is a large parking lot, though the walk from the lot to the sand is a bit long. Popular with picnicking families, and good for swimming and body surfing.
Amenities: None.
Season/Hours: Year-round. Dawn – dusk.
Fees: Free admission and parking.

Charleston Beach

End of Champlin Road New Shoreham (Block Island), RI Phone: 401-466-3200 Toll-Free: 800-466-3223

Extending from Coast Guard Road to Block Island Sound, this beach’s jetty is a popular fishing spot. Peaceful and typically not crowded, this beach has both rough and smooth sand (sand is smoothest near the old Coast Guard Station). Walk the jetty, watch sail and power boats entering New Harbor, and watch the sun set over the water. Parking is available at the end of Champlin Road near the old Coast Guard Station.
Amenities: None; bicycle locks.
Season/Hours: Dawn – dusk.
Fees: Admission and parking are free.

$\Easton's Beach in Newportcredit- RI Commerce Corp$

Easton's Beach (First Beach)

175 Memorial Boulevard Newport, RI, 02840 Phone: 401-845-5810

Newport’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.

Narragansett Town Beach

39, 77, and 81 Boston Neck Road (Route 1A) Narragansett, RI Phone: 401-783-6430

This half-mile beach, located in the center of Narragansett, has calm waves and plenty of family-friendly events. Surfing lessons and leagues, aerobics classes, junior lifeguard program, musical concerts, sand castle contests, volleyball leagues.
Amenities: Rental cabanas, lockers, showers, restrooms, snack bar, picnic site, first aid, handicap access, pavilions, picnic areas, changing rooms, boardwalk for beach access.
Fees: Parking, $10 weekdays, $15 weekends. Admission for one person, $6.

North Light Lighthouse and Beach

North End of Corn Neck Road New Shoreham (Block Island), RI Phone: 401-466-3200

This is the fourth Rhode Island lighthouse erected on the shifting sands on Block Island's Sandy Point. The lighthouse is on the grounds of the National Wildlife Sanctuary, which contains hiking trails. Reaching the lighthouse requires walking a half mile from the parking area on a sandy/pebbly beach, so bring water, snacks and walking shoes. The beach here is ideal for sightseeing, but tidal currents make swimming dangerous. Not the best swimming beach.
Lighthouse hours: Thursday-Monday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; closed Tuesday, Wednesday, and on rainy days.

Fort Adams State Park

Ocean Drive Newport, RI Phone: 401-847-2400

Historic fort property hosts picnics, swimming, fishing, historic reenactments, sailing

This park has a salt-water swimming beach. It is handicap accessible, and there are restrooms with showers. Admission and parking are free. See full description of Fort Adams State Park.

Scarborough State Beaches (North and South)

870-970 Ocean Road Narragansett, RI, 02882 Phone: 401-789-2324

Clean, sandy Rhode Island beach. Moderate to heavy surf with occasional strong undertow. Excellent for body surfing or boarding. Lifeguards on duty 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
Amenities: Pavilions, picnic site, restrooms, snack bar, showers, boardwalk with gazebos, wheelchair accessible.
Season/Hours: Open weekends May 1 through Memorial Day (weather permitting); open daily Memorial Day through Labor Day, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
Fees: See top of this page for parking information and fees.

Haines Memorial State Park

On Bullock's Cove, off Metropolitan Park Drive Barrington, RI Phone: 401-253-7482

Salt-water swimming, boating and fishing is done on this park on Narragansett Bay. See full description of Haines Memorial State Park.

Misquamicut State Beach

257 Atlantic Avenue Westerly, RI Phone: 401-596-9097

Seven miles of sandy, white Rhode Island beach along the length of Atlantic Avenue. Clean, clear, water with moderate surf, little undertow, and smooth sand with a gradual drop-off at Rhode Island’s largest state beach. A great spot for body and board surfing. Lifeguards on duty all season. Parking for 3,000 cars.
Amenities: Observation tower, wheelchair access, pavilion, picnic site, telephone, restrooms, showers, first aid, snack bar.
Season/Hours: Open only weekends, May through Memorial Day (weather permitting); open daily, Memorial Day through Labor Day, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
Fees: Weekday resident, $10 (senior, $5); non-resident, $20 (senior, $10). Weekend resident, $14 (senior, $7); non-resident, $28 (senior, $14). Season rate resident, $60 (senior, $30); non-resident, $120 (senior, $60).

EASST MATUNUCK BEACH IN RI- shutterstock

East Matunuck State Beach

950 Succotash Road South Kingstown, RI, 02881 Phone: 401-789-8585

East Matunuck State Beach is inside scenic marshlands, has soft sand, and is smaller and less-frequented than surrounding beaches. A great place to people-watch. Lots of seaweed near the shore.
Amenities: Picnic site, jetty, restroom, pavilion, snack bar, wheelchair access.
Season/Hours: Memorial Day through Labor Day (weather permitting), 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Fees: See top of this page for parking information and fees.

Brenton Point State Park

Ocean Drive Newport, RI, 02840 Phone: 401-847-2400

This is a rocky -- not sandy -- beach. Fun for exploring tide pools and watching seabirds and doing nature photography. Kids love the tidal pools. See full description of of Brenton Point State Park.

Burlingame State Park

Sanctuary Road (Route 1) Charlestown, RI, 02813 Phone: 401-364-8910

Large forested park with freshwater pond; lots of camping in woods; water sports; boat ramp

Fresh-water swimming at a beach and other water sports like boating and fishing are allowed on Watchaug Pond, located within this large, forested state park.

City Park: Buttonwoods Beach

This historic park’s beach is family-friendly, surrounded by walking trails, and easy to access. The waves are generally calm. This is an excellent facility for the handicapped and those with bikes or strollers because there are benches and a boardwalk extending the length of the beach along Brush Neck Cove.
Amenities: Sports facilities, playground, bicycle trails, dog park, picnic site, shelters, restrooms, snack bar, wheelchair access, trash receptacles.
Season/Hours: Summer, dawn – dusk
Fees: Small admission fee in summer.

Quonochontaug Beach (Quonnie Beach)

Sand Trail (off of Spray Rock Road) Charlestown, RI, 02813 Phone:

Swimming, excellent fishing at the breachway. Undeveloped, privately owned barrier beach operated by the Quonochontaug Beach Conservation Commission. Swimming areas with lifeguards are restricted to property owners and require a pass.
Season/Hours: The public may park here during specified times, primarily off-season, and to walk to the beach and pond on marked sand trails.

Beach Below Mohegan Bluffs

Off Spring Street /Mohegan Trail New Shoreham (Block Island), RI Phone: 401-466-5009

This is a beautiful and tranquil area with magnificent views and stunning landscapes of a Rhode Island beach. Head South along Spring Street and watch for the Southeast Lighthouse. Parking for the bluffs is just a short distance south of the lighthouse. The bluffs rise about 200 feet above the sea and stretch for nearly three miles. To help make your descent and climb easier, there is a staircase. Spectacular vistas and nature walks.
Amenities: Picnic site, trash receptacles.
Season/Hours: May 30 - Labor Day
Fees: Admission is free.

North Kingstown Town Beach

Beach Street North Kingstown, RI, 02852 Phone: 401-294-3331

This small, shaded, tranquil beach has a grassy lawn just behind the sandy shore. There are small crabs and shellfish in the first few yards of shallow water. YMCA Lifeguards on duty during open hours. During the summer, daytime parking is restricted to town residents, but there is public parking available later in the day, when the town crowd goes home.
Amenities: Grill, picnic site, playground, trash receptacles, restrooms, telephone, wheelchair accessible.
Season/Hours: June – Labor Day, daily, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Third Beach

Third Beach Road Middletown, RI Phone: 401-846-2119

This 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).

Beach Pond

Off Route 165 Exeter, RI Phone:

Freshwater swimming. Family-oriented beach. No admission fee. Bathhouse with bathrooms. No alcohol, grills, fires, or pets.

Baby Beach

Off Corn Neck Road near Dodge and Water streets New Shoreham (Block Island), RI Phone:

Known informally as Baby Beach, this piece of coastline is located between Fred Benson Town Beach and Crescent Beach, and begins at the Surf Hotel, near the Beachhead Restaurant on Corn Neck Road. This is where locals take their children for a dip in the ocean. Calm waters and shallow tide pools make this a popular place for young children.
Amenities: Restroom, showers, chair/umbrella rentals, snack bar, lockers, boogie board rentals, bike racks, complete wheel chair access.
Season/Hours: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m., June 23 - Labor Day
Fees: Admission and parking are free.

East Beach and Ninigret Conservation Area (Ninigret State Beach)

Off East Beach Road Charlestown, RI, 02813 Phone: 401-322-0450

Three-mile-long oceanfront barrier beach. Limited parking fills up quickly on summer mornings. Popular beach for swimming, boating, 4x4 vehicles (license required) and shell fishing (license required). Adjacent to Ninigret Pond, a popular windsurfing spot. Lifeguard on duty 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
Amenities: Restrooms, campsites. No alcohol, pets, or fires allowed.
Season/Hours: mid-April – October 31, 7 a.m. - 11 p.m
Fees: See top of this page for parking information and fees.

South Kingstown Town Beach at Matunuck

Matunuck Beach Road South Kingstown, RI, 02879 Phone: 401-789-9331

Over 1,300 feet of sand and water with crashing, rougher surf and occasional rip tides. Not recommended for poor swimmers or kids, but great for body and board surfing. Sunbathe and watch the Block Island ferries.
Amenities: Restrooms, wheelchair access, playground, volleyball court, picnic site, boardwalk.
Season/Hours: Monday-Sunday, 8 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Warren Town Beach

This 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.

Heads Beach (Jamestown Shores Beach)

Seaside Drive Jamestown, RI Phone: 401-423-7229

This 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.

Crescent Beach / Fred Benson Town Beach

7 Corn Neck Road New Shoreham (Block Island), RI Phone: 401-466-7717

Beach extends more than two miles along Rhode Island Sound from Old Harbor to Clay Head, also connecting Scotch and Mansion beaches of Rhode Island. Near the ferry dock. Known locally as Crescent Beach. This beach is popular for family swimming and has calmer surf. Convenient parking in the lot or on the street. This is the only patch of shoreline on Block Island with both lifeguards and public amenities. Lifeguards on duty 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Amenities: Picnic site, chair/umbrella/boogie board rentals, bike racks, free parking, wheelchair accessible restrooms, showers, snack bar.
Season/Hours: Building hours, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Beach hours, dawn – dusk.
Fees: Admission is free.

Bristol Town Beach

50 Asylum Road Bristol, RI, 02809 Phone: 401-253-1611

This 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

Sandy Point Beach

Sandy Point Avenue Portsmouth, RI, 02871 Phone: 401-683-2101

This 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.

Charlestown Town Beach

557 Charlestown Beach Road Charlestown, RI, 02813 Phone: 401-364-7000

Fine sand and moderate to heavy surf, occasional undertow. Located adjacent to Charlestown Breachway. No pets allowed. Lifeguards on duty during seasonal hours.
Amenities: Picnic site, restrooms, wheelchair access.
Season/Hours: Weekdays, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Weekends and holidays, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Fees: Resident sticker, $60; senior resident sticker, $30; Blue Shutters Beach $120 / $60; daily fee: $20

Atlantic Beach Park

321-338 Atlantic Avenue Misquamicut, RI, 02891 Phone: 401-322-0504

Rhode Island’s Atlantic Beach Park has a family beach and plenty of opportunities for fun and recreation.
Amenities: Amusements, kids’ rides, seafood restaurants, snack bars, waterslide, carousel, batting cages, game room, ocean side patio bar. Restrooms, telephone, wheelchair accessible.
Season/Hours: 8 a.m. – dusk
Fees: Parking fee from 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., $15 weekdays and $20 weekends

Watch Hill Beach (Carousel Beach)

151 Bay Street Westerly, RI, 02891 Phone: 401-348-6007

Clean, serene beach in Westerly, Rhode Island, located near an antique carousel and a few blocks of shops and restaurants. This family beach has small waves. The beach is near the start of a one-mile walk out to scenic Naptree Point. In summer, parking lot fills early and street parking is very hard to find. Bathhouses, picnic site, restrooms, snack bar, wheelchair access.
Admission: Adults, $9; youth ages 13-17, $5; children age 3-12, $3.
Hours: Memorial Day weekend and weekends in June, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; mid-June 17h through Labor Day, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.: weekends in September, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.

Ballard's Beach

End of Water Street New Shoreham (Block Island), RI Phone:

Just south of the Block Island ferry dock and jetty is Ballard's Inn and the pet-friendly Ballard's Beach. There is food and drink service from the Inn’s restaurant right onto the beach, along with live music on the patio daily. The beach is youthful, busy and sometimes noisy. This is one of 2 Block Island beaches with a lifeguard on duty. Pet-friendly. Amenities include: Restrooms, volleyball nets, trash receptacles, picnic site, chair/umbrella rentals. Admission and parking are free.

Roger Wheeler State Beach

100 Sand Hill Cove Road Narragansett, RI Phone: 401-789-8374 Toll-Free: 401-789-8374

Also known as Sand Hill Cove Beach. Popular beach for young children, fully protected by breakwater. Lifeguard on duty 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. No pets allowed.
Amenities: Picnic site, restroom, snack bar, swingset, wheelchair accessible.
Season/Hours: Open weekends May 1 through Memorial Day; open daily Memorial Day through Labor Day, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
Fees: See top of this page for parking information and fees.

Napatree Point

Half-mile beach separates Watch Hill’s Little Narragansett bay from the ocean. A less accessible shoreline is balanced by beautiful scenic views of Fisher’s Island and Watch Hill Lighthouse. Favorite spot for boaters, water skiers, bird watchers, and photographers. Hike sandy walking trails. Provides a year-round habitat for a variety of species. Acces¬sible from two paved parking lots on Bay Street.
Amenities: None.
Fees: Admission and parking are free.

Salty Brine State Beach

254 Great Island Road Narragansett, RI Phone: 401-789-3563

Sandy, clean Rhode Island beach. Gentle surf sheltered by a breakwater. No undertow, gradual drop, near fishing port. Great for kids, swimming, and fishing. Lifeguards on duty 9 a.m. – 6 p.m seasonally.
Amenities: Restroom, “green” pavilion.
Fees: See top of this page for parking information and fees.

Blue Shutters Town Beach

469 East Beach Road Charlestown, RI, 02813 Phone: 401-315-2116

Great views of Block Island Sound at three-mile-long, family-oriented beach near Rhode Island’s Ninigret Conservation Area and adjacent to Ninigret Pond. Moderate surf. Located near the intersection of East Beach Road and Garden Pond Drive. Lifeguards on duty during the summer. On-site amenities include a snack bar, picnic site, restrooms, showers, changing rooms, beach accessible wheelchairs.
Hours: During the Summer 9am - 6pm weekdays, 8:30am - 6pm weekends & holidays.
Fees:Non-Resident Daily passes are $20 on weekdays, $40 on weekends & holidays. Resident beach stickers are $60 for the season, $30 for seniors.

Charlestown Breachway State Beach

Beach for swimming, fishing, shell fishing, panoramic view of Block Island Sound. Day parking for 100 cars. Lifeguard on duty. No pets allowed.
Amenities: Wheelchair accessible, fishing pier, campsites, boat ramp, restrooms (no showers).
Season/Hours: Summer, dawn – dusk
Fees: See top of this page for parking information and fees.

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