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Rhode Island Beaches

Best Rhode Island Beaches: Top Coastal Destinations & Hidden Gems

Discover the best beaches in Rhode Island along 400+ miles of stunning New England coastline. As the Ocean State, Rhode Island offers diverse beach experiences—from bustling family-friendly beaches with amenities and lifeguards to secluded coastal spots perfect for sea glass collecting, quiet strolls, and waterfront relaxation. Whether you want to swim, sunbathe, surf Rhode Island waves, or explore tidepools, you'll find your ideal beach destination.

Popular Rhode Island beaches like Narragansett Town Beach, Misquamicut State Beach, and Scarborough State Beach provide quintessential summer beach experiences, while peaceful alternatives like East Beach in Charlestown and Block Island beaches offer tranquil coastal retreats. Enjoy off-season benefits including free beach parking, making Rhode Island's shoreline accessible year-round.

Browse our complete guide to Rhode Island beaches and discover your perfect sandy escape along the Ocean State's spectacular coastline.

Charlestown Breachway State Beach

Charlestown Breachway State Beach in Charlestown sits along Block Island Sound, with its namesake breachway—a man-made channel—linking Ninigret Pond to the Atlantic Ocean. Visitors can enjoy sweeping views of the sound, excellent saltwater fishing, ocean swimming, and easy boat access. Adjacent to the beach is a state campground with 75 RV sites, making it a popular spot for outdoor lovers. 

Before/After the Beach: 

Before heading to the beach or home, stop by the Fantastic Umbrella Factory, grab a bite nearby at The Breachway Grill, and enjoy treats at Jitters Cafe, Daddy's Bread or Peaches Farmstand. Relax at The Cove, Charlestown Rathskeller or pick up a slice at Charlestown Famous Pizza!

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East Matunuck State Beach

East Matunuck State Beach spans 102 scenic acres with saltwater and surf perfect for boogie boarding and surfing, and it's known for relatively warm water and sandy shores sprinkled with seashells. The beach boasts ample parking, including a convenient EV charging station with a four-hour max charge. Visitors enjoy a modern, eco-friendly pavilion with solar power, a food stand, restrooms, free rinse-off showers, coin-operated hot showers, and beach-accessible wheelchairs available at no cost. Lifeguards are on duty during the summer season.

Before/After the Beach: 

Stop by local favorites like Matunuck Oyster Bar, Jim’s Dock, Ocean Mist, Seaview Marketplace, or Cap'n Jacks Pub & Raw Bar for fresh seafood, drinks, and the perfect start or end to your beach day.

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East Beach

East Beach offers three miles of beautiful, untouched shoreline in Westerly. As one of Rhode Island’s more secluded beaches, it stretches along Quonochontaug Neck and borders the Ninigret National Wildlife Refuge, making it a haven for birdwatching, especially for Piping Plovers. This barrier beach has limited parking, six changing rooms, and a small seasonal lifeguard section, along with a 20-site campground. A Barrier Beach Pass is required for vehicles to drive or camp on the sand. It’s an excellent spot for saltwater fishing, shell fishing, swimming, and peaceful beachcombing.

Before/After the Beach: 

Stop by Watch Hill and enjoy local favorites like The Ocean House, Olympia Tea Room, Saint Clair Annex or Ten Sandwiches for fresh food and drinks to round out your beach day.

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Misquamicut State Beach

Misquamicut State Beach in Westerly is one of Rhode Island’s most popular summer destinations. This expansive seven-mile stretch of sand includes over half a mile of well-maintained beachfront, often bustling on sunny weekends. The beach features a modern pavilion, outdoor showers, composting toilets, bathhouses, concession stands, a gift shop, and shaded gazebos. Kids and families enjoy nearby attractions like bumper boats, batting cages, a carousel, and rentals for paddleboats and jet skis, plus surf lessons for beginners.

Before/After the Beach: 

Head to Paddy's Beach Club, The Andrea, Sam's Snack Bar, or Windjammer Surf Bar, where you can savor fresh seafood and relax just steps from the shoreline.

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Roger Wheeler State Beach

Roger Wheeler State Beach, known to some as Sand Hill Cove, sits along Block Island Sound in Narragansett and has been a family favorite since its opening in 1929 as Rhode Island’s first state beach. This 27-acre beach offers calm waters and gentle surf with a gradual drop-off, perfect for young children. Facilities include a modern pavilion, a marine education area with local sea creatures, a playground, picnic tables, a concession building, and coin-operated hot showers. Lifeguards are on duty seasonally, and there’s ample parking for easy access.

Before/After the Beach: 

Stop by Rhode Island classics like Jimmy's Portside, Iggy’s Doughboys & Chowder House or Aunt Carrie’s for clam shack treats. For a relaxing rooftop experience, enjoy drinks and snacks at Chair 5 in The Break Hotel.

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Salty Brine State Beach

Salty Brine State Beach, nestled in the charming fishing village of Galilee, spans just over an acre along the shoreline, making it an ideal spot for watching fishing boats and the Block Island Ferry. Its breakwaters and gentle slope create calm, warm, and shallow waters, perfect for families with young children. The beach offers amenities like a pavilion with a concession stand, restrooms, coin-operated hot showers, and a lifeguard tower. A boardwalk along the jetty features overlook platforms and decks, and the facilities are powered by a small wind turbine for eco-friendly energy.

Before/After the Beach: 

Explore local gift shops or savor fresh seafood and live entertainment at George's of Galilee. For a casual meal, visit Champlin's Seafood for takeout or dining in, or relax at Buster Krab's Grill & Beach Bar for cocktails and more seafood delights.

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Scarborough State Beach

Scarborough State Beach, renowned as Rhode Island's most popular beach, stretches along the Atlantic Ocean in Narragansett and features both North and South sections. It offers a variety of activities, including saltwater bathing, surfing, and picnicking. Visitors can enjoy two pavilions, both equipped with hot and cold showers, along with 75 picnic tables, shaded shelters, and a scenic concrete boardwalk featuring gazebos and an observation tower with viewing glasses. The pavilions also house a food court and gift shop, and ample paved parking is available for convenience.

Before/After the Beach: 

Before or after your beach day, treat yourself to all-day breakfast or lunch at Meldgie's Rivers Edge Cafe. For a quick bite, grab a slice at On Point Pizza, or head to Monahan's Clam Shack or Boon Street Market.

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Rhode Island State Beach Parking Passes

Rhode Island’s state beaches use a convenient license plate-based parking system. Beach attendants scan your front plate for quick entry, and those with pre-purchased passes can access express lanes. Beach parking passes, required from May through Labor Day, can be bought online from January to August or in person at select locations in Narragansett. A new pass is needed each year for access to all eight state beaches, including Charlestown Breachway, East Beach, East Matunuck, Misquamicut, Roger Wheeler, Scarborough North and South, and Salty Brine. With over 400 miles of coastline, Rhode Island’s beaches are a must-visit!

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Rhode Island Town Beaches

Ballard's Beach

New Shoreham (Block Island), RI

Just south of the Block Island ferry dock, Ballard’s Beach at Ballard’s Inn offers a lively, pet-friendly vibe with beachside food service, daily live music, and a youthful crowd. With lifeguards, restrooms, volleyball, picnic areas, and rentals, admission and parking are free.

Bristol Town Beach

Bristol, RI

Across from Colt State Park, this Bristol beach offers a grassy area with a playground, picnic tables, and plenty of sports facilities, including basketball, soccer, tennis, and a fitness trail. Lifeguards are on duty in the summer, with amenities like a snack bar, restrooms, and ample parking. Open May to October; entry fees are $6 to $10.

Conimicut Point Beach

Warwick, RI

Conimicut Point Park features sandy beaches, picnic areas, a playground, and beautiful water views, perfect for families and kayakers. It offers stunning sunset scenes and a clear view of the historic Conimicut Lighthouse, still active on the Providence River.

Easton's Beach (First Beach)

Newport, RI

Located just steps south of the Block Island ferry terminal, Ballard's Beach at Ballard's Inn provides convenient access to waterfront dining, daily live entertainment, and vibrant community atmosphere. This pet-friendly beach features full amenities including lifeguard protection, clean restrooms, volleyball courts, shaded picnic spaces, and equipment rentals—all with complimentary parking and no admission fees year-round.

Fogland Beach

Tiverton, RI

Fogland Beach, a distinctive black stone beach positioned on the south side of Fogland Point, attracts water sports enthusiasts including kayakers and windsurfers. The area features changing rooms, outdoor showers, picnic benches, playground facilities, and welcomes pets. The adjacent conservation area includes scenic hiking trails and protected wildlife habitat, offering panoramic views of the Sakonnet River and Portsmouth shoreline on clear days.

Mansion Beach

New Shoreham (Block Island), RI

Mansion Beach, featuring the historic stone foundation of the former Searles Mansion and dance hall, is accessible via walking or biking from Corn Neck Road. While ample parking is available, expect a moderate walk to reach the shoreline. This popular destination attracts families seeking picnic spots and offers excellent conditions for swimming and body surfing. No facilities are provided, and the beach maintains year-round access from dawn to dusk with free admission and complimentary parking.

Narragansett Town Beach

Narragansett, RI

Located in central Narragansett, this half-mile beach destination features gentle waves and hosts family-oriented programming including surfing lessons, live concerts, and sandcastle competitions. Full amenities include private rental cabanas, outdoor showers, clean restrooms, onsite snack bar, designated picnic areas, and handicap-accessible facilities. Parking fees are $10 weekdays and $15 weekends, with $12 admission per person.

North Kingstown Town Beach

North Kingstown, RI

This small, tranquil beach features a grassy picnic area behind the sand and shallow, calm waters ideal for spotting small crabs and shellfish. YMCA lifeguards provide supervision during operational hours. Summer daytime parking is residents-only, with public parking available later in the day. Amenities include a grill, designated picnic site, playground facilities, restrooms, and wheelchair-accessible features. The beach operates June through Labor Day, daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Oakland Beach

Warwick, RI


Oakland Beach in Warwick, RI, nestled in a charming cottage neighborhood, is a beloved local beach destination for waterfront relaxation. This saltwater beach on Greenwich Bay features gentle, calm waves ideal for families with young swimmers, along with fishing access, designated picnic areas, and natural shade. Visitors enjoy convenient waterfront dining nearby and a frozen lemonade truck in the parking area, making it a perfect Greenwich Bay beach spot for day trips.

Sandy Point Beach

Portsmouth, RI

Sandy Point Beach in Portsmouth, RI, located at the end of Sandy Point Avenue, is a shallow, sandy beach along the Sakonnet River offering family-friendly swimming with lifeguards on duty from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Beach amenities include changing rooms, restrooms, and designated picnic areas. Non-resident beach admission is $15 Monday-Thursday and $20 Friday-Sunday, with a $50 seasonal pass available for summer-long access.

Sachuest Beach (Second Beach)

Middletown, RI

Sachuest Beach (Second Beach) in Middletown, RI, is a mile-long family-friendly beach featuring soft sand and excellent surf conditions. This popular Rhode Island surf beach offers comprehensive amenities including a concession stand, restrooms, changing areas, outdoor showers, grills, picnic tables, and shade structures. Surfboard rentals and surfing lessons are available onsite, along with a Del's Lemonade truck. Additional shower facilities are located at Surfer's End on the west side, making this a top destination for Newport area beaches.

South Shore Beach

Little Compton, RI

South Shore Beach in Little Compton, RI, is a serene, sandy family-friendly beach ideal for families and nature enthusiasts. Featuring gentle waves perfect for swimming and beachcombing, this Little Compton beach offers stunning ocean views and designated picnic areas. Lifeguards are on duty during summer months, ensuring safe swimming conditions. This peaceful Rhode Island beach captures the quintessential charm of Rhode Island's coastal beauty and Little Compton's tranquil shoreline, making it a top South County beach destination.

Spring Lake Beach & Arcade
Burrillville, RI

Spring Lake Beach and Arcade in Burrillville, RI, is a comprehensive recreational beach facility featuring 750 feet of lakefront beachfront access. Beach amenities include a volleyball court, food concessions, paddleboat rentals, canoe rentals, and various entertainment options. The venue also offers an onsite arcade and event hall rentals for parties, weddings, and community gatherings, making it a popular Northern Rhode Island beach destination and event venue.

Warren Town Beach

Warren, RI

Warren Town Beach, located at the southern end of Water Street on the Warren River in Warren, RI, features a gentle slope and clear, calm water, making it a safe beach for kids and families. Fishing off the pier is a popular activity at this Warren River beach. Beach amenities include restrooms, a designated picnic site, playground facilities, and a fishing pier. Admission is free, with $5 parking available, though the lot is currently under construction requiring street parking. Open summer months, dawn to dusk, making it an affordable family beach destination in East Bay Rhode Island.

Warwick City Park & Buttonwoods Beach

Warwick, RI

Buttonwoods Beach in Warwick City Park, Warwick, RI, is a family-friendly saltwater beach with gentle waves perfect for wading and swimming. Beach amenities include a bathhouse and scenic Narragansett Bay views. The surrounding 125-acre Warwick City Park features paved paths for biking and running, fenced dog parks, designated picnic areas, baseball and soccer fields, and a tranquil stone circle for meditation, making it a premier Warwick beach and Rhode Island recreation destination.

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