Beaches
From Sandy Swaths to Sheltered Coves & Lakes
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 9am to 6pm 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.
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.
41 places to visit
Warwick, RI
Visit Warwick, RI
Boating, sunbathing, swimming or just relaxing by the water: Warwick’s beaches have it all
Swimming, boating, paddling, fishing or just finally finishing that e-book: You can do it all on the beaches in Warwick, RI. Launch your kayak into Warwick Pond or your fishing line into Sand Pond. There’s a boat ramp into Gorton Pond and sandy beaches and a picnic area at Conimicut Point (plus a great lighthouse view). Walk along the nature trails at Goddard Memorial State Park, then relax on its saltwater beach – or play nine holes of golf on its public course! Oakland Beach is close to restaurants and marinas, and Rocky Point Park is a great place to walk your dog and admire the water views. Several beaches have bathhouses and other amenities; some have lifeguards during the summer season.3275 Post Road
Warwick, RI
Conimicut Point
Sandy saltwater beaches, picnic and play areas, great views all in the same place
Come to play, and stay for the spectacular sunsets, at Conimicut Point, a peaceful setting with stunning water views. This scenic waterfront park’s sandy saltwater beaches are ideal for families, fishing folk and fun-seekers of all ages. It’s a great place to launch a canoe or kayak, too. There’s a playground area with swings, a slide and climbing structures, and there are picnic tables and benches. The point is popular with bird-watchers and sunset photographers, and it’s the best vantage point to see the Conimicut Lighthouse, still standing as a navigation aid at the head of the Providence River. The 58-foot structure, still flashing its light every 2 1/2 seconds, is on the National Register of Historic Places.Point Avenue
Warwi, RI
Warwick City Park
Saltwater beach along quiet coves a centerpiece of this bustling city park
On the shores of two sheltered coves, Buttonwoods Beach in Warwick City Park is a great find for beach-goers, especially families with kids. Because it’s sheltered, the waves at this saltwater beach are not substantial, making it a great place for wading and safe swimming. There’s a bathhouse and a picturesque view of the bay. And the 125-acre park is home to lots of other activities. Bikers, runners and hikers will enjoy three miles of paved paths, and dogs will love separate fenced-in parks for big and small dogs. There are also three baseball fields, areas for field hockey and basketball, soccer fields and picnic areas with shelters. There’s even a stone circle for meditation and contemplation in a tranquil environment.Steven O'Connor Boulevard at Asylum Road 401-738-2019
Narragansett, RI
Block Island Ferry
There’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.304 Great Island Road 401-783-7996
Warwick, RI
Goddard Memorial State Park
Sandy saltwater beach a major attraction at one of the state’s most popular parks
With its perfect perch along the shores of Greenwich Cove and Greenwich Bay, Goddard Memorial State Park is a popular spot for beach-lovers. Plunk your chair down on the sand of this saltwater beach and let the kids wade in. There’s a seasonal lifeguard and bathhouses. It’s a great spot for kayaking and paddle-boarding, too, and the park also has a boat ramp. If you’re ready for a beach break, there are 18 miles of bridle trails in the 472-acre park, as well as 11 game fields and a par-36, nine-hole public golf course (advanced tee times are a must). Bring a picnic lunch — there are over 350 picnic tables on the picturesque property with spacious lawns, fields and forested areas. - Park Map (PDF)1095 Ives Road 401-884-2010
Warwick, RI
Oakland Beach
Ready for a relaxing day by the water? This beach neighborhood has you covered
At the end of a short drive through a charming cottage neighborhood, you’ll discover Oakland Beach, a favorite of locals and visitors looking for a laid-back day by the water. The Greenwich Bay saltwater beach is actually on an inlet, so no big waves, making it especially perfect for young swimmers. There are fishing and picnicking spots, relaxing areas with shade trees, scenic coves, gazebos, places for kayaking and canoeing, play areas and often a frozen lemonade truck in the parking lot. Sometimes there is live music. The popular Oakland Beach neighborhood has marinas, a boat ramp on Bay Avenue and several casual-dining restaurants, with everything from all-day breakfasts to clamcakes, fish and chips and chowder to-go.Oakland Beach Avenue
Warwick, RI
Rocky Point Park
Former home of popular amusement park now a welcoming waterfront park
If you’re in the mood for strolling along the waterfront, wading in pleasant tidal pools and seeking out shells and sea glass, head to Rocky Point Park, with its craggy beach front and panoramic views of Narragansett Bay. This coastal passive-use park, former home to the Rocky Point Amusement Park for over a century, also has a new public fishing pier: a wooden walkway from the blacktop path out to a main deck elevated 13 feet off the water’s surface. There are hiking and biking paths to explore and open fields in the highlands for recreation. Plenty of benches dot the 124-acre park, a great place for picnics and bird-watching. In the summer, movies are occasionally shown on its lawns.1 Rocky Point Avenue
South Kingstown, RI
East Matunuck State Beach
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.
950 Succotash Road 401-789-8585
Westerly, RI
Misquamicut State Beach
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.
257 Atlantic Avenue 401-596-9097
Narragansett, RI
Narragansett Town Beach
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, $12.
39, 77, and 81 Boston Neck Road (Route 1A) 401-783-6430
Narragansett, RI
Scarborough State Beaches (North and South)
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.
870-970 Ocean Road 401-789-2324
Newport, RI
Easton's Beach (First Beach)
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.175 Memorial Boulevard 401-845-5810
New Shoreham (Block Island), RI
Charleston Beach
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.
End of Champlin Road 401-466-3200
New Shoreham (Block Island), RI
Mansion Beach
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.
Mansion Road 401-466-3200
New Shoreham (Block Island), RI
North Light Lighthouse and Beach
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.North End of Corn Neck Road 401-466-3200
Barrington, RI
Haines Memorial State Park
Salt-water swimming, boating and fishing is done on this park on Narragansett Bay.On Bullock's Cove, off Metropolitan Park Drive 401-253-7482Narragansett, RI
Salty Brine State Beach
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.
254 Great Island Road 401-789-3563South Kingstown, RI
South Kingstown Town Beach at Matunuck
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.Matunuck Beach Road 401-789-9331Westerly, RI
Watch Hill Beach (Carousel Beach)
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.151 Bay Street 401-348-6007Charlestown, RI
East Beach and Ninigret Conservation Area (Ninigret State Beach)
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.
Off East Beach Road 401-322-0450Charlestown, RI
Charlestown Town Beach
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: $20557 Charlestown Beach Road 401-364-7000Narragansett, RI
Roger Wheeler State Beach
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.
100 Sand Hill Cove Road 401-789-8374
Charlestown, RI
Blue Shutters Town Beach
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.469 East Beach Road 401-315-2116
Portsmouth, RI
Sandy Point Beach
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.Sandy Point Avenue 401-683-2101Middletown, RI
Third Beach
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).Third Beach Road 401-846-2119
Warwick, RI
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.
New Shoreham (Block Island), RI
Crescent Beach / Fred Benson Town Beach
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.
7 Corn Neck Road 401-466-7717
Newport, RI
Fort Adams State Park
This park has a salt-water swimming beach. It is handicap accessible, and there are restrooms with showers. Admission and parking are free.80 Fort Adams Drive 401-847-2400
Newport, RI
Brenton Point State Park
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 more info on our RI State & Local Parks page.Ocean Drive 401-847-2400Jamestown, RI
Heads Beach (Jamestown Shores Beach)
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.
Seaside Drive 401-423-7229
Charlestown, RI
Burlingame State Park
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. - Campground Map (PDF) - Picnic Area Map (PDF)1 Burlingame State Park Road 401-322-8910Charlestown, RI
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.
Westerly, RI
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.
North Kingstown, RI
North Kingstown Town Beach
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.
Beach Street 401-294-3331Charlestown, RI
Quonochontaug Beach (Quonnie Beach)
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.
Sand Trail (off of Spray Rock Road)Bristol, RI
Bristol Town Beach
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
50 Asylum Road 401-253-1611
Warren, RI
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.
New Shoreham (Block Island), RI
Baby Beach
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.
Off Corn Neck Road near Dodge and Water streetsNew Shoreham (Block Island), RI
Ballard's Beach
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.End of Water StreetNew Shoreham (Block Island), RI
Beach Below Mohegan Bluffs
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.
Off Spring Street /Mohegan Trail 401-466-5009Misquamicut, RI
Atlantic Beach Park
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
321-338 Atlantic Avenue 401-322-0504