Did you know?
PLAY
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 in ocean waves. Here’ s the inside scoop on the state’ s lovely public beaches.
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 23 through Sept. 7.
PARKING PRICES *: Seasonal passes( which cover all seven state beaches) are $ 30 for RI residents and $ 60 for non-residents. 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 rates differ: $ 10 for residents /$ 20 for non during the week, $ 15 for residents /$ 30 for non on weekends and holidays. Seniors, both resident and non, receive discounted rates.
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 23 through Sept. 7.
EAST MATUNUCK STATE BEACH, SOUTH KINGSTOWN An easy-to-access sandy beach that offers the same natural beauty of East Beach with more parking. Decent waves and great views of boats in the sound. Near the classy Matunuck Oyster Bar pop-up tent and the more casual Jim’ s Dock and Cap’ n Jack’ s. Amenities open daily May 23 through Sept. 7.
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. Note: parking lot construction may delay the beach’ s intended Memorial Day weekend opening.
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. Note: A new boardwalk construction project may delay the beach’ s intended Memorial Day weekend opening and impact the overall experience this season.
SALTY BRINE STATE BEACH, NARRAGANSETT Watch the ferries leave for Block Island or catch the perfect sunset. Grab a meal from any of the seafood joints nearby, like Champlin’ s Seafood Deck or George’ s of Galilee. Amenities open daily May 23 through Sept. 7.
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 & Chowder House. North end amenities open weekends May 23 through Sept. 7; south end amenities open June 20 through Aug. 17.
NON-STATE BEACHES
Municipal beaches can be difficult to access if you aren’ t a townie, but the following 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 / holidays.
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 / holidays.
* Fees are subject to change.
Roger Wheeler State Beach in Narragansett.
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 / holidays.
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. Home to surf lessons, locals and tourists alike. PARKING FEES *: $ 10 wkdy, $ 15 wknd / holidays. Seasonal passes available to town residents only. Admission $ 12, children eleven and younger free.
Did you know?
The last Sunday in July has been declared Governor’ s Bay Day, meaning all state beaches offer free parking on July 25!
PHOTOGRAPHY: GETTY IMAGES / WOODYSPHOTOS.
94 YOUR GUIDE TO SUMMER IN RHODE ISLAND 2026