First Beach in Newport .

PHOTOGRAPHY : COURTESY OF DISCOVER NEWPORT / DAVID HANSEN .

With almost 400 miles of coastline , it ’ s easy to understand

why Rhode Island is the Ocean State .

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 nonresidents . Daily weekday rates are $ 6 for residents /$ 12 for non , while weekend and holiday rates are $ 7 for residents /$ 15 for non . Misquamicut State Beach in Westerly rates differ : $ 10 for residents /$ 20 for non during the week , $ 14 for residents /$ 30 for non on weekends and holidays . Both resident and non seniors receive discounted rates .

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 . Amenities open daily May 25 through September 2 .

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 . Amenities open daily May 25 through September 2 .

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 . Amenities open daily May 25 through September 2 .

MISQUAMICUT STATE BEACH , WESTERLY The fun beach . 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 . Amenities open daily May 25 through September 2 .

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 . Amenities open weekends May 13 through September 2 .

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 . Amenities open daily May 25 through September 2 .

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 . North end amenities open weekends May 11 through September 2 ; south end amenities open June 15 through August 18 .

NON-STATE BEACHES

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 .

SACHUEST BEACH , MIDDLETOWN Known as “ Second Beach ,” this long stretch of sand has plenty of parking away from the bustle of Newport . PARKING FEES *: $ 20 wkdy , $ 30 wknd .

* 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 *: $ 20 wkdy , $ 25 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 FEES *: None .

NARRAGANSETT TOWN BEACH Known for its picturesque view of the Narragansett Towers and long stretch of sand . Home to surf lessons , locals and tourists alike . PARKING FEES *: $ 10 wkdy , $ 15 wknd . Seasonal passes available to town residents only . Admission $ 12 , children younger than eleven free .

The last Sunday in July has been

declared Governor ’ s Bay Day ,

meaning all state beaches offer

free admission on July 28 !