Discover some beautiful Rhode Island beaches. Despite its small size, Rhode Island boasts mesmerising coastlines. The state offers a variety of options with its extensive 400-mile-long coastline.

Some have soft sandy shores, and others have rocky coastlines. Rhode Island has a beach for every kind of beach lover. These are just some of them, so look at them in this post. I will also share a few other things about the best Rhode Island beaches here today! 

I hope you read this blog post and explore some of the Rhode Island beaches mentioned in this list.

Related : 10 Top Best Beaches in Washington 2024

What is the Best Time to Visit Rhode Island Beaches?

The best time to visit Rhode Island beaches is when you want to enjoy sunshine and warm water for swimming or sunbathing. These months fall within summer, which is the most crowded and expensive. 

However, you can visit during the shoulder season. Rhode Island weather can make you feel hotter or more relaxed, meaning different places may sometimes experience cooling and warming temperatures.

Additionally, during the shoulder season in May, the water is still chilly and cold, whereas it warms up in the fall shoulder season in September and October.

12 Best Rhode Island Beaches

Here are some of the best beaches in Rhode Island:

#1 Narragansett Town Beach

Narragansett Town Beach is an iconic location in Narragansett Town as it will give you an authentic taste of what natural Rhode Island beaches are like. This vast sandy beach offers magnificent views of the Atlantic Ocean and is a busy spot for locals and tourists during the season. 

Another thing that makes it remarkable is the stone wall running along its entire length, which is suitable for taking pictures. Furthermore, amenities such as restrooms, bathing facilities, and food vendors are available at the beach, ensuring a memorable day on Rhode Island’s sunny shores!

Thus, if you want an excellent Rhode Island beach experience, then Narragansett Town Beach is your choice! 

• Location: 39 Boston Neck Rd, Narragansett, RI 02882, United States
• Google Maps: Get Direction

#2 Watch Hill Beach 

Watch Hill, renowned for landmarks like the Ocean House Hotel and Taylor Swift’s beach house, is a popular summer destination in Westerly. Since the 1800s, people have loved its immense sandy beach, cute shops, and the Flying Horses Carousel, where kids can “fly” as they ride.

You can indulge in upscale seafood dining on the Ocean House’s veranda or a more relaxed meal at the Seaside Terrace. For a lovely evening, walk into town for sunset drinks and dinner at the old Olympia Tea Room. Don’t miss the ice cream at St. Clair Annex, a historic establishment that has been serving since 1887.

Walk 1.5 miles from Fort Road to Napatree Point for a bit of nature. Here, you can see birds, deer, and the remains of an old artillery battery while enjoying the outdoors.

• Special Feature: broad sandy beach, ocean house hotel, flying horses carousel, and A 1.5-mile walk from Fort Road. 
• Location: Watch Hill, Westerly, RI 02891
• Google Maps: Get Direction

#3 Misquamicut State Beach 

The Misquamicut State Beach provides a half-mile of pristine fine sand on the Atlantic and is ideal for parents with its gentle slope and tiny, manageable waves. The beach has changing areas, toilets, concessions, a pavilion, and shaded picnic spots. In the evenings, you can often enjoy concerts and fireworks.

Nearby attractions include Atlantic Beach Park’s historic carousel and family rides, Bayview Fun Park with go-karts and mini-golf, and the Water Wiz water park. Every September, the beach hosts a fair and fall festival.

For a wonderful stay, you might want to consider the pet-friendly Weekapaug Inn in Westerly, which offers a private beach, pond, and a variety of activities.

• Special Features: soft sandy beach, family-friendly, concerts and events, and nearby attractions such as Atlantic Beach Park, Bayview Fun Park, and Water Wiz of Restly.  
• Location: 257 Atlantic Ave, Westerly, RI 02891
• Google Maps: Get Direction

#4 Easton’s Beach, Newport

Newport, Rhode Island, also has a super fun beach. It is a family’s dream beach! It is a massive playground with a carousel and a skatepark for older kids. However, the beach doesn’t forget about the little ones – they have a Children’s Play Area.

The actual beach may have everything needed: cleaning facilities, some food/drink, and, if required, beach chairs and umbrellas if you forget them. They have a particular group of beach wheelchairs available. Everyone should feel free to get out and enjoy the sand and surf.

• Special Features: ideal for families, hosts educational events and programs, and close encounters with turtles, urchins, crabs, and seahorses. 
• Location: 175 Memorial Blvd, Newport, RI 02840
• Google Maps: Get Direction

#5 Goosewing Beach, Little Compton

Little Compton has Gracious Wing Beach, where you can take advantage of all the available services. This protected area boasts a stunning mix of sandy stretches and rocky sections, all backed by impressive dunes and cliffs. It’s part of the Nature Conservancy’s Goosewing Beach Preserve, a haven for seabirds like the least tern and piping plover.

Want to learn more about this unspoiled coastal habitat? Visit the Benjamin Family Environmental Center and join a guided nature walk. Or, relax for a laid-back beach day on the beautiful New England shore. 

• Special Features- It offers a stunning mix of sandy stretches and rocky areas, nature walks, educational experiences, and a peaceful and serene environment for beachgoers.
• Location- Goosewing Beach Road, Little Compton, RI 02837
• Google Maps: Get Direction

#6 East Matunck Beach

East Matunuck Beach stands out as one of the best Rhode Island beaches, known for its serene atmosphere. There are few spots, meaning fewer people and more space to relax. 
The waves are calm, the water is warm, and there are many seashells to pick up.

Moreover, there are showers on the beach and sometimes morning yoga lessons. Finally, stop by Matunuck Oyster Bar to try some local seafood. In addition to local oysters and fine wines, they also serve delicious dishes.

• Special Feature- a peaceful environment, perfect for swimming and lounging, and morning yoga classes are also offered. 
• Location- East Matunuck State Beach, 950 Succotash Road, South Kingstown, RI 02879
• Google Maps: Get Direction

#7  Crescent Beach

Crescent Beach on Block Island’s east side runs two and a half miles from the Old Harbor ferry port to Clay Head. The Block Island Ferry is the only way to get here, but the trip is very worthwhile as the sands are creamy white.

During the summer, there are also showers, restrooms, and lifeguards. You may rent bicycles and mopeds near the ferry landing, but be ready for uphill climbs on many roads. Block Island has around 17 miles of beaches, with Baby Beach, Surf Beach, and Mansion Beach being the top three. Finally, remember to visit some magnificent lighthouses.

• Special features- enjoy showers, restrooms, and lifeguard services during the summer, and the beach boasts picturesque views of the coastline and Clay Head.
• Location- New Shoreham, RI 02807, United States
• Google Maps: Get Direction

#8 Mohegan Bluffs Beach 

Do you want to avoid fancy beach chairs while enjoying the rugged scenery? Then Mohegan Bluffs is the place for you! It’s situated on Block Island, accessible only by boat. The Mohegan Bluffs Cliffs tower is nearly 150 feet high, providing a breathtaking panoramic view of the ocean.

There is a sandy beach below the cliffs, but getting down there is quite a challenge because one has to use a hundred forty-one steps. There would not be much sand on the beach anyway, but it will be the ideal place to relax, read books, and admire the view as you enjoy your favourite beverage.

However, you still need to climb to the top using the stairs—it won’t happen on its own. If you are a fan of an adventurous day on the shore, the Mohegan Bluffs would be great for you – one of the best beaches in Rhode Island!

• Special Features- stunning cliffs, a fantastic landscape and ocean view, and a great spot for simple beach activities. 
• Location- New Shoreham, RI 02807, United States
• Google Maps: Get Direction

#9 East Muntuck State Beach 

Returning to the list of best Rhode Island beaches, East Matunuck State Beach is worth mentioning as one of the top spots in Rhode Island. Thus, it is famous for its soft sandy beaches and excellent swimming conditions.

The beach provides amenities such as a new pavilion with restrooms, showers, food concessionaires, buffet stands for picnicking, a large barbeque area, and shade areas. It has predictable swell, making it ideal for surfing and boogie boarding.

There is always the presence of a lifeguard to ensure that nobody drowns in the water. It may have enough parking spaces, but the park fills up quickly with cars on busy days. Enjoy beautiful views of Block Island Sound and visit the nearby fishing village of Galilee for fresh seafood and local charm.’

• Special Features- a big beach with vast sandy shores, plenty of places to play frisbee and volleyball, and drinks and snacks shops nearby the beach.
• Location-  950 Succotash Rd, South Kingstown, RI 02881
• Google Maps: Get Direction

#10 Dunes Park Beach

Dunes Park Beach is one of the best Rhode Island beaches where you can find solitude away from crowds. There is no hustle or bustle on this kind of beach; only a few people come here, either! Families love it here, especially for the sandcastle building and exploring the dunes nearby. 

Sometimes, seals bask on these shores! It means you need to pack lightly because there are no trash cans at this beach, so everything goes back home with you to maintain its cleanliness. Dunes Park Beach is perfect for a nature-centric day at the beach in Rhode Island.

• Special Features- family-friendly beach, peaceful environment, and wildlife sightseeing. 
• Location- 665 Atlantic Avenue, Westerly, RI 02891
• Google Maps: Get Direction

#11 Blue Shutters Town Beach

Rhode Island itself may be tiny, but it has lots of beaches! Rhode Island has earned the nickname “Ocean State” because of its 400 miles of coastline along the Atlantic Ocean and Narragansett Bay. No matter where you are in Rhode Island, you’re always close to the ocean.

Those who intend to visit state-run beaches regularly consider purchasing a season pass for car parking. Whether or not one lives in Rhode Island, it is possible to buy it online.

It applies to all seven state beaches, such as Misquamicut State Beach, East Matunuck State Beach, and Roger W. Wheeler State Beach, all popular destinations.

• Special Features- Picture- Perfect place, wildlife encounter, less crowded, and enjoy spectacular views of Block Island Sound from the beach. 
• Location- 469 E Beach Rd, Charlestown, RI 02813
• Google Maps: Get Direction

#12 Roger Wheel State Beach 

Roger Wheeler State Beach is a large and kid-friendly beach in Rhode Island where kids can swim safely because the water is calm. Other amenities include bathrooms, parking spaces at a cost, and readily available food. Due to its size, you can always find space, even on crowded days.

However, be cautious of seagulls that may go for your meal! Nevertheless, many enjoy watching the sunset here because parking becomes free after 6 pm. It is an ideal place to have a classic beach day with everything you might need nearby. 

• Special Features- Ideal for families with young kids, it provides parking, restrooms, and charging facilities and offers a scenic environment. 
• Location- Narragansett, RI 02882
• Google Maps: Get Direction

A Complete Video on Rhode Island Beaches

Conclusion 

Rhode Island is home to beaches suitable for swimming, surfing, sunbathing, or leisurely walks in the sand. There is always something to explore for the adventurous one, and there is no time for the family to be bored. Families can also plan to relax by the park and picnic area at Roger Wheeler State Beach, where the waters are calm, and its proximity to the beach with allocated parking space provides convenient amenities.

Before you go for the best Rhode Island beaches, ensure that you respect the environment and the laws that concern the beaches. This way, you will contribute to conserving these stunning coastal wonders for the next generations to admire.

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