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HEAD TO THE BEACH!
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 /$ 14 for non. Misquamicut State Beach in Westerly rates differ: $ 10 for residents /$ 20 for non during the week, $ 15 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 24 through Sept. 1.
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 24 through Sept. 1.
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 24 through Sept. 1.
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 24 through Sept. 1.
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 June 14 through Sept. 1.
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 weekends May 10 through Sept. 1.
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 10 through Sept. 1; south end amenities open May 24 through Aug. 17.
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 *: $ 25 wkdy, $ 35 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 *: $ 25 wkdy, $ 35 wknd.
* Fees are subject to change.
Sachuest Beach( Second Beach) in Middletown.
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 27!
PHOTOGRAPHY: COURTESY OF DISCOVER NEWPORT / COREY FAVINO.
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70 YOUR GUIDE TO SUMMER IN RHODE ISLAND 2025