STATE BEACHES
Sun-drenched summer days are meant for basking on sandy shores and frolicking through ocean waves . Here ’ s the inside scoop on the state ’ s lovely public beaches . PARKING PRICES *: Seasonal passes ( which cover all seven state beaches ) are $ 30 for RI residents and $ 60 for non . Daily weekday rates are $ 6 for residents /$ 12 for non , while weekend and holiday rates are $ 7 for residents /$ 14 for non . riparks . com / beach-passes . php
CHARLESTOWN BREACHWAY STATE BEACH Ample sand separates the ocean from the tidal ponds beyond . Great spot for fishing , clamming , RV camping and gazing out over the sound . Quiet and peaceful .
EAST BEACH STATE BEACH ( CHARLESTOWN ) Undeveloped , pristine beach with few parking spots . Great for reading , sunbathing and escaping loud crowds . Get here early to claim a spot .
With almost 400 miles of coastline , it ’ s easy to understand why Rhode Island is the Ocean State .
NON-STATE BEACHES
Many town-owned beaches can be difficult to access if you aren ’ t a townie , but the following non-state beaches are easily accessible regardless of your address .
BALLARD ’ S BEACH RESORT ( BLOCK ISLAND ) Block Island ’ s party beach , complete with a tiki bar , beach volleyball and live music . Steps from the ferry . PARKING FEES *: None , lounge chairs / umbrellas for rent .
EASTON ’ S BEACH ( NEWPORT ) Call it “ first beach ” to sound like a local . Near Newport ’ s famed Cliff Walk . Also a great spot for beginner surfers . PARKING FEES *: $ 15 wkdy , $ 25 wknd
GETTY IMAGES / BRAD YURCISIN
EAST MATUNUCK STATE BEACH ( SOUTH KINGSTOWN ) An easy-to-access sandy beach that offers the same natural beauty of East Beach minus the limited parking . Decent waves and great views of boats in the sound . Near the upscale Matunuck Oyster Bar and the more casual Jim ’ s Dock and Cap ’ n Jack ’ s .
MISQUAMICUT STATE BEACH ( WESTERLY ) The fun beach . Water slides , go-karts and mini golf are just a short walk down the coast , with Paddy ’ s Beach Club and jet-ski rentals in the other direction .
ROGER WHEELER STATE BEACH ( NARRAGANSETT ) Calm and shallow waters . Perfect for families with young children and good for swimming laps . Grab a doughboy from the pavilion and let the kids play on the jungle gym .
SALTY BRINE STATE BEACH ( NARRAGANSETT ) Watch the ferries leave for Block Island from your stretch of sand . It ’ s also perfect for sunset viewing . Walk over and grab a meal from any of the seafood joints nearby , like Champlin ’ s Seafood Deck or George ’ s of Galilee .
SCARBOROUGH STATE BEACH ( NARRAGANSETT ) Wavy , great for body boarding . Near hiking trails , summer rental cottages , the bus route , Aunt Carrie ’ s and Iggy ’ s Doughboys and Chowder House .
* Fees are subject to change .
SOUTH SHORE BEACH ( LITTLE COMPTON ) A beautiful stretch of unspoiled beach in secluded Little Compton . A little rocky , so bring flip flops . PARKING FEES *: $ 15 wkdy , $ 20 wknd
MOHEGAN BLUFFS ( BLOCK ISLAND ) Descend the 141 steps to this breathtaking spot . Let the kids cover themselves in the surrounding clay and wash it off in the cold Atlantic surf . PARKING FEE *: None .
For even more beach options , go to visitrhodeisland . com / things-to-do / beaches-water-sports / beaches
Del ’ s Frozen Lemonade
Sweet yet tart , this slushy , refreshing drink has been the lifeblood of summering Rhode Islanders since 1948 . Grab a cup from any beach snack bar or from the stands in Wakefield or Westerly .
YOUR ULTIMATE SUMMER GUIDE 2021 61