Rhode Island beaches range from sandy swaths to sheltered coves & lakes
2185 Putnam Pike
Chepachet, RI 02814
Phone: 401-568-2013
A 3,000-acre state-managed area for swimming, camping, and hiking connected to the Casimir Pulaski Memorial Park on the Burrillville-Glocester border. Primitive tent and trailer camp sites in a wooded area overlooking Bowdish Reservior. Swimming and hiking trails. No pets allowed Fees: Residents, $8; non-residents, $12. Permits issued by the park ranger on a first-come, first-served basis. Shelters: $20 per night. Camping Season is April 11 to October 15.
To Find It:On Route 44, 2 miles east of the Connecticut state line, 5.4 miles west from the junction of Routes 44 and 102.
St. Michael’s Way
Smithfield, RI 02917
Phone: 401-949-4590
Public beach, freshwater swimming. Stickers required to park, launch a boat, use a trailer. Georgiaville Beach located on Georgiaville Pond is open to the general public. Beach pass required by the Smithfield Recreation Department. Non-resident parking, boat sticker, and trail sticker are $20 each. Georgiaville Pond Stickers on sale at Smithfield Ice Rink, 109 Pleasant View Avenue, Smithfield.
Governor Notte Park
North Providence, RI 02904
Phone: 401-233-1445
The park has full recreational facilities including a freshwater beach, paddleboat rentals, ample parking, tennis courts, ball field, swings for children, picnic sites and a peaceful waterfall. Lifeguards are on duty daily during the summer.
2 Manchester Print Works Road
Lincoln, RI 02865
Phone: 401-723-7892
Located between routes 146 and 123, Lincoln Woods State Park is A short ride from Providence, Pawtucket, and Cumberland. Visitors can enjoy swimming at the fresh water beach, trout fishing, playing ball, hiking, jogging, horseback riding, or just relaxing under a shade tree. A new addition to the park is the Eastern Mountain Sports kayak school (800-310-4504).
Mountaindale Beach
Smithfield, RI 02828
Phone: 401-949-4590
Public beach, freshwater swimming.
Pulaski State Park
Putnam Pike / Route 44
Glocester, RI 02814
Phone: 401-568-2085
Park has 100 acres with lake. Swimming beach, picnicking, pavilion (reservation required). Open late May to early September.
Harrisville, RI
Phone: 401-568-9474
Recreational facility with 750 feet of beach front offering volleyball court, food concessions, paddle boats, canoes, kayaks, entertainment, arcade. Admission fee.
Glocester, RI 02814
Phone: 401-568-6209
Public beach, freshwater swimming.
Swimming holes can be found in or near rock quarries, streams, gorges, and waterfalls. Most are pristine, uncrowded, and surrounded by beautiful woods and forests. For details, see the web site www.SwimmingHoles.info
Social Street
Woonsocket, RI 02895
Phone: 401-762-9717, seasonal
This state-run park is in downtown Woonsocket off Social Street. The park has a man-made pond that is used for freshwater swimming July 1 through Labor Day. Restrooms, pavilion, picnicking. Lifeguards on duty 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Open year round from sunrise to sunset; swimming, July 1 through Labor Day.
Champlin Road
New Shoreham, RI
Toll-Free: 800-466-3223
This is a popular beach with fishermen, especially along the jetty at its north end. For beachgoers, the jetty is a challenging walk. The beach is typically not crowded and is peaceful. From here, you can watch sail and power boats entering New Harbor, and view the grounds at the former Coast Guard Station. Parking is available at the end of Champlin Road. No amenities
Crescent Beach/Fred Benson Town Beach
Corn Neck Road
Block Island, RI
Phone: 401-466-7717
Beach extends more than two miles along the east coast of Block Island from Old Harbor to Clay Head, also connecting Scotch and Mansion beaches. Near the ferry dock. Chairs, umbrellas, boogie boards for rent. No food concessions on the beach, but there are restaurants nearby. Lifeguards on duty 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., restrooms, picnic grounds, wheelchair accessible, free admission.
Mansion Beach
Mansion Road
New Shoreham, RI
Toll-Free: 401-466-3200
It's best to arrive by bike, as the limited parking spaces fill up quickly. No facilities. Free admission
North Light
Corn Neck Road
Block Island, RI
Phone: 401-466-3200
The lighthouse, on Sandy Point, offers an interpretive center for visitors. National Wildlife Sanctuary trails lead to the lighthouse. Admission fee charged.
Swimming holes can be found in or near rock quarries, streams, gorges, and waterfalls. Most are pristine, uncrowded, and surrounded by beautiful woods and forests. For details, see the web site www.SwimmingHoles.info
Barrington, RI 02806
Phone: 401-274-1925
Four acres of beachfront overlooking Narragansett Bay. Lifeguards on duty from June to September. Parking available to residents only with season parking passes.
Bristol Town Beach
Bristol, RI 02809
Phone: 401-253-7000
Public beach also offers playground, pavilion, volleyball, picnic areas, every kind of sporting field including skateboard park, inline hockey, tennis, etc. Six mile fitness trail. Admission Charged. Restrooms, food, wheelchair accessible.
Swimming holes can be found in or near rock quarries, streams, gorges, and waterfalls. Most are pristine, uncrowded, and surrounded by beautiful woods and forests. For details, see the web site www.SwimmingHoles.info
Union Street Beach
Bristol, RI 02809
Phone: 401-253-7000
Free admission.
Warren Town Beach
Warren, RI 02885
Phone: 401-245-0200
Public beach, picnic area, restrooms. Park is open to public with fee, parking free for Warren residents.
Atlantic Beach
Purgatory Road
Middletown, RI 02842
Phone: 401-847-2750
Free admission. Restrooms.
Jamestown, RI 02835
Phone: 401-423-9941 seasonal
Offers some of New England’s most beautiful rocky coastline vistas from four overlooks accessible by vehicle or on foot. Extensive hiking trails. Excellent saltwater fishing. Beavertail State Park is a premiere site for marine education. Educational programs include Tidal Excursion, an introduction to the tidal life and ecology and Aquarium Activities, an aquarium scavenger hunt or special programs relating to crabs, fish, whales or intertidal zones. Free admission, picnic area, restroom, telephone, smoking prohibited. Portable restrooms, parking, telephone, picnic areas, seasonal naturalist programs. Open year-round sunrise to sunset.
Ocean Drive
Newport, RI 02840
Phone: Fort Adams State Park, 401-847-2400; Brenton Point (seasonal), 401-849-4562
Formerly one of Newport grand estates, the park offers spectacular views from the point of land where Narragansett Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean. Picnicking, hiking, fishing, accompanied by majestic views of the Atlantic. Open year-round sunrise to sunset. Restrooms (open May 1 – October 31), public phone, concessions, parking, nearby fishing nearby, hiking, picnic area, scenic overlooks, public gardens.
175 Memorial Boulevard
Newport, RI 02840
Phone: 401-845-5810
Ocean beach adjacent to the start of Cliff Walk. Children's playground, picnic pavilion, snack bar, beach store with souvenirs, bathhouse, restrooms, showers, outdoor skateboard park, weekly free summer concerts, seasonal carousel, and "Exploration Center" operated by Save the Bay. Cabañas, beach chairs, surf boards, boogie boards, and umbrellas for rent. Over-sand wheelchairs available at no charge. Family Night with live band every Tuesday and Children’s Night with entertainment every Thursday in July and August. Enclosed rotunda may be rented for events. Admission fee.
Fogland Beach/Tiverton Town Beach
Tiverton, RI 02878
Phone: 401-625-6780
Swimming, picnic facilities, fishing, children's playground, restrooms, showers, changing room.
Ocean Drive
Newport, RI
Phone: 401-847-2400
Gooseberry Beach
Ocean Drive
Newport, RI 02840
Phone: 401-847-3958
Admission fee.
Goosewing Beach
Little Compton, RI 02837
Phone: 401-635-4400
No direct access. Park at adjacent South Shore Beach (fee to park) and walk to Goosewing. Restroom at South Shore Beach.
Grinnell's Beach
Tiverton, RI 02878
Phone: 401-625-6780
Small beach on the Sakonnet River. Good for children. Easy walk to the beach. Restrooms.
Heads Beach
Jamestown, RI 02835
Phone: 401-423-7260
Public access to shoreline. Admission is free.
Island Park Beach
Park Avenue in Island Park
Portsmouth, RI
Phone: 401-683-2101
Teddy's Beach is located on Park Avenue in Island Park at Stone Bridge. This beach is operated by the state of Rhode Island. It is not staffed by lifeguards and no restroom facilities are available. The water is not tested or monitored by the town of Portsmouth. Visitors must carry out their own trash.
Wellington Avenue
Newport, RI 02840
Phone: 401-846-1398
City-operated beach on Newport Harbor. King Park overlooks Newport Harbor, the Pell (Newport) Bridge, and Goat Island. This scenic location offers a beach, boat ramp, fishing pier, restrooms, picnic tables, playground, pavilion, Harbor Walk, Rochambeau Statue, and the King Park Gazebo. Wheelchair accessible. Operated by the Newport Parks and Recreation Department.
Mackerel Cove/ Jamestown Town Beach
Beavertail Road
Jamestown, RI 02835
Phone: 401-423-7260
Public beach with lifeguards. Free admission, restrooms.
474 Sachuest Beach Road
Middletown, RI 02842
Nature beach one-and-a-quarter miles long with sand dunes. Excellent swimming conditions and majestic views of the Atlantic Ocean. The beach season is from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. Activities include beach combing, body surfing, volleyball and sandcastle building. Facilities include modern bath house with rest rooms, showers and changing facilities, concession stands, picnic tables. Lifeguards on duty during the summer. Seasonal parking stickers are required or a fee is collected daily 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. No pets allowed.
Sandy Point Beach
Sandy Point Avenue
Portsmouth, RI 02871
Phone: 401-683-2101
This shallow, sandy beach is located on the Sakonnet River at the end of Sandy Point Avenue and is great for families. The beach is free to town residents with a sticker provided upon proof of residency by the Town Clerk’s office (401-683-2101). Sandy Point Beach is equipped with changing rooms, restroom facilities, and picnic tables. Lifeguards are on duty Memorial Day through Labor Day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every weekend and on weekdays only from mid-June to mid-August.Cost of admission for nonresidents is $7 during the week and $12 on weekends, or $50 for the season. The Town Clerk's office offers nonresident season stickers and accepts cash only.
South Shore Beach
South Shore Road
Little Compton, RI 02837
Phone: 401-635-9974
Lifeguards on duty. Admission fee. Restrooms.
Swimming holes can be found in or near rock quarries, streams, gorges, and waterfalls. Most are pristine, uncrowded, and surrounded by beautiful woods and forests. For details, see the web site www.SwimmingHoles.info
Teddy’s Beach
Portsmouth, RI 02871
Phone: 401-253-7482
No lifeguards, services or facilities, informal boat ramps.
Third Beach
Middletown, RI 02842
Phone: 401-846-2119
Third Beach includes Third Beach Boat Ramp, East Middletown Town Beach, Peabody and Third Beach Club. The last two are semi-private beaches.
City Park/Buttonwoods Beach
Warwick, RI 02889
Phone: 401-738-2000
Beach park with three baseball fields, picnic areas and shelters, restrooms. Free admission, food concession, wheelchair access.
Point Avenue
Warwick, RI 02886
Phone: 401738-2000 ext. 6806
This recreation area has saltwater swimming, boat access, fishing spots, picnic areas, a playground, and wonderful views of Narragansett Bay. The point is a sandy spit jutting out into Narragansett Bay toward Conimicut Lighthouse. On the south side of the point is a sandy beach ideal for sunbathing. The rotary at the point provides parking close to the beach and there is a ramp for handicap access to the paved walk around the rotary, the beach, and the grassy picnic area. Restrooms available. Open sunrise to sunset. Shellfishing on the point is prohibited due to pollution.
345 Ives Road
Warwick, RI 02818
Phone: 401-884-2010
Newly renovated saltwater beach and bathhouse, a nine-hole golf course, an equestrian show area, 18 miles of bridle trails, 355 picnic tables, 11 game fields. Free admission, restrooms, food concessions, wheelchair access.
Warwick, RI
Phone: 401-738-2000 ext. 6404
Public beach with freshwater swimming.
Oakland Beach
Oakland Beach Avenue
Warwick, RI 02889
Phone: 401-738-2000
Bay inlet beach with saltwater swimming and boat ramp on Bay Avenue. Admission fee, restrooms, food concession, wheelchair access.
Swimming holes can be found in or near rock quarries, streams, gorges, and waterfalls. Most are pristine, uncrowded, and surrounded by beautiful woods and forests. For details, see the web site www.SwimmingHoles.info
Atlantic Beach Park
321 Atlantic Avenue
Westerly, RI 02891
Phone: 401-322-0504
Family beach, amusements, kiddie rides, full service seafood restaurants, snack bars, waterslide, dragon coaster, carousel, batting cages, bumper boats, go-karts, miniature golf, game room, ocean side patio bar with weekly entertainment, soft-serve ice cream. Restrooms, telephone, wheelchair accessible.
Beach Pond
Off Route 165
Exeter, RI 02822
Phone: 401-539-1052
Freshwater swimming. Family-oriented beach. No admission fee. Bathhouse with bathrooms. No alcohol, grills, fires, or pets.
469 East Beach Road
Charlestown, RI 02813
Phone: 401-364-1206
Great view with saltwater swimming at three-mile-long public beach near Ninigret Conservation Area and adjacent to Ninigret Pond. Concession stand, picnic tables, restrooms, showers, beach accessible wheel chairs, telephone, food, wheelchair accessible. Admission fee, discount for seniors.
Briar Point Beach
Coventry, RI
Phone: 401-822-9107
Public beach, freshwater swimming.
Sanctuary Road (Route 1)
Charlestown, RI 02813
Phone: 401-364-8910, seasonal
The park has 3,100 acres of rocky woodland surrounding Watchaug Pond in Charlestown. Swimming beach and bathhouse, canoeing, kayaking, freshwater fishing, picnic tables, boat ramp, 73 fireplaces, restrooms, drinking water, telephone, wheelchair accessible. Open year round sunrise to sunset; restrooms open Memorial Day through Labor Day. Lifeguards on duty 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Charlestown, RI 02813
Phone: 401-364-7000 seasonal
Public beach with saltwater swimming, saltwater fishing, shell fishing, fishing pier, panoramic view of Block Island Sound. Restrooms, but no shower facilities. Day parking for 100 cars. Boat ramp and parking area for trailers. Lifeguard on duty. Campsites. No pets allowed. Wheelchair accessible. Parking fee.
Charlestown Town Beach
576 Charlestown Beach Road
Charlestown, RI 02813
Phone: 401-364-7000, seasonal
Fine sand and moderate to heavy surf, occasional undertow. Saltwater swimming. Adjacent to Charlestown Breachway. Admission charged, parking fee, picnic area, restrooms. Wheelchair access. No pets allowed.
Dunes Park Beach
Shore Road
Westerly, RI 02891
Small beach is geared to families. Good sand, clear water.
Off East Beach Road
Charlestown, RI 02813
Phone: 401-322-0450 seasonal
Three-mile-long oceanfront beach, saltwater swimming, boating, shell fishing. Open April 15 through October 31, 7 a.m.-11 p.m. Lifeguard on duty 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Parking fee. Driving on barrier beaches requires a barrier beach permit. Facilities include portable restrooms, campsites. Parking fee.
950 Succotash Road
South Kingstown, RI 02881
Phone: 401-789-8585 seasonal
Public saltwater beach, picnic area, restroom, pavilion, food concessions, wheelchair access. Open daily Memorial Day through Labor Day (weather permitting), 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Parking fee.
257 Atlantic Avenue
Westerly, RI
Phone: 401-596-9097
Seven miles of sandy, white beach, clean, clear, water with moderate surf little undertow. Parking for 3,000 cars. Picnic area, restroom, telephone, complete wheelchair access, warning signals for blind people, fire alarm signals for deaf people. Open only weekends, May through Memorial Day (weather permitting); open daily, Memorial Day through Labor Day, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Parking fee.
Napatree Point
Westerly, RI 02891
Half-mile beach separates Watch Hill’s Little Narragansett bay from the ocean. Saltwater swimming. Favorite spot for hikers and bird watchers. Provides year-round habitat for a variety of species. Free admission.
Narragansett Town Beach
Narragansett, RI
Phone: 401-789-1044
Half-mile public beach with saltwater swimming, two pavilions, lifeguards, food concessions, restrooms, picnic area, first aid and handicap access. Rental cabanas, picnic areas, changing rooms, boardwalk for beach access. Recreational programming. Surfing lessons and leagues, aerobics classes, junior lifeguard program, musical concerts, sand castle contests, volleyball leagues. Admission fee.
Charlestown, RI 02813
Phone: 401-364-1222
This 227-acre park features a freshwater swimming pond with public beach, lifeguards on duty (seasonal), playground, ball fields, picnic areas, restrooms. Frosty Drew Nature Center and Observatory are privately operated; information can be obtained by calling 401-364-9508. Seasonal special events are held. Free admission, wheelchair accessible.
North Kingstown Town Beach
North Kingstown, RI 02852
Phone: 401-294-3331
Shaded beach with access to lawn. Saltwater swimming. Grill, picnic area, restroom, telephone, food, wheelchair accessible.
Quonochontaug Beach
Charlestown, RI 02813
Saltwater swimming, excellent fishing at the breachway. Undeveloped, privately owned barrier beach operated by the Quonochontaug Beach Conservation Commission. Swimming areas with lifeguards are restricted to property owners and require a pass. The public may park here during specified times, primarily off-season, and to walk to the beach and pond on marked sand trails.
100 Sand Hill Cove Road
Narragansett, RI
Phone: 401-789-3563
Toll-Free: 401-789-8374
Also known as Sand Hill Cove Beach. Popular beach for young children, fully protected by breakwater. Saltwater swimming, lifeguard 9 a.m. – 6 p.m., picnic area, restroom, food concession, wheelchair accessible, no pets. Open weekends May 1 through Memorial Day; open daily Memorial Day through Labor Day, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Parking fee per car: Weekdays, residents, $6 and non-residents, $12; weekends and holidays, residents, $7 and non-residents, $14.
Roy Carpenter's Beach
240 Card's Pond Road
South Kingstown, RI 02879
Phone: 401-783-7418
Sandy beach, clean surf. Good for families. Food concession, showers, restrooms.
254 Great Island Road
Narragansett, RI
Phone: 401-789-3563, seasonal
Sandy, clean, beach. Gentle surf sheltered by a breakwater. Saltwater swimming and fishing. No undertow, gradual drop, near fishing port. Great for young children. Restroom. Parking fee.
870-970 Ocean Road
Narragansett, RI 02882
Phone: 401-789-2324, seasonal
Clean, sandy beach with saltwater swimming. Moderate to heavy surf with occasional strong undertow. Excellent for body surfing or boarding. Two pavilions, picnic area, restrooms, food concessions, showers, boardwalk with gazebos, wheelchair accessible. Lifeguard 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Open weekends May 1 through Memorial Day (weather permitting); open daily Memorial Day through Labor Day, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Parking fee.
South Kingstown, RI 02879
Phone: 401-789-9301
Saltwater beach, boardwalk, play ground, volley ball court and picnic area. Admission fee, restrooms, wheelchair access.
Swimming holes can be found in or near rock quarries, streams, gorges, and waterfalls. Most are pristine, uncrowded, and surrounded by beautiful woods and forests. For details, see the web site www.SwimmingHoles.info
Watch Hill Beach
Westerly, RI 02891
Phone: 401-596-1543
Sandy saltwater beach with antique carousel, private bathhouses, picnic area, restrooms. Food concession and wheelchair access.
311 Atlantic Avenue
Westerly, RI 02891
Phone: 401-322-0110
Another place to park!
Located right next to the state beach, Wuskenau Town Beach now offers seasonal parking passes for anyone (not just residents) for just $70! Day passes are also available at the lot at a variable rate.
We've got three acres of public beach and are just steps away from Atlantic Beach Park, Water Wizz, and concession stands. Changing rooms available! Transferable cottage passes (for rental owners) availabl for $150 - please call for more information.
The beaches of Rhode Island -- the Ocean State -- are loved by local people and visitors for their vast, sandy expanses (Scarborough and Misquamicut), their sheltered coves (Westerly and Watch Hill), their grat surfing (Breton Point in Newport). State beaches are well-supplied with parking and pavilions offering showers, bathrooms, food, and rentals. Inland areas, including the historic Blackstone Valley and Lincoln Woods, have lakes and ponds with beaches surrounded by tall pines and filled with families. 