The 12 Best Rhode Island Beaches
The smallest state in the U.S., Rhode Island is just 37 miles wide yet it somehow boasts a coastline measuring nearly 400 miles giving it the nickname of the "Ocean State". Most of this is formed by the inlets, headlands and islands of Narragansett Bay but that is not to say there aren't mile upon mile of fantastic beaches in Rhode Island.
Possibly one of the most underrated beach destinations in the USA, the "Gateway to New England" is home to a beautiful sandy beach to suit every beach-goer. From epic surf spots and wild sandy strands to some of the best family beaches on the East Coast you'll find them all in Rhode Island.
-
1. Misquamicut State Beach
© Juliancolton Great for:- Family
- Fishing
- Swimming
- Surfing
Misquamicut State Beach is located in the very west of Rhode Island, just over the state line from New Hampshire. Not only is this one of the longest beaches in the state, it is the most popular, and for good reason.
Forming part of a sandy coastline that stretches off for miles in both directions, Misquamicut is a beach with something for everyone. Sitting on the edge of the little seaside… read more »
-
2. Mohegan Bluffs Beach
JJBers Mohegan Bluffs Beach is situated on the southeastern coast of Block Island. The beach takes its name from the towering cliffs which reach up to 200 feet above the coast. From atop the cliffs, visitors can admire some stunning views out over the Atlantic Ocean.
The beach itself is fairly sandy but littered with large rocks close to the cliffs - which are in a constant state of erosion, so don't… read more »
-
3. Tappens Beach
Zhengan Tappens Beach lies at the end of a rocky cove on the eastern stretches of Rhode Island in Little Compton. Between the natural rock formations, visitors to this quiet Atlantic offering will find a modest area of sand not much over 100 yards long and only loosely speckled with stones and seashells.
A little overlooked by nearby homes on the rocks, Tappens Beach nonetheless makes for a worthy detour for nature… read more »
-
4. East Beach
© Juliancolton Great for:- Fishing
- Swimming
- Surfing
Southeast facing East Beach lies in the southern suburbs of the town of Westerly, close to the state lines with Connecticut and New York State. It's one of Rhode Island's least developed beaches, meaning its broad sweep of golden sand provides a relaxed space in which to enjoy the sea air.
Despite this fact, East Beach still offers visitors a gravel parking lot, composting toilets and public changing rooms. There… read more »
-
5. Sachuest Beach
ajay_suresh Great for:- Swimming
- Surfing
Also known as Second Beach, Sachuest Beach is a south facing beach tucked between Newport and Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge. Made up of soft sand, it runs for approximately 1.5 miles along Rhode Island's Atlantic Ocean coastline.
Given its size, it's difficult for Sachuest Beach to ever feel particularly crowded, even on the warmest of summer days. Picturesque into the bargain, its sands are free of both litter and stones,… read more »
-
-
6. Scarborough State Beach
Wheeler Cowperthwaite Great for:- Swimming
- Surfing
The sands of Scarborough State Beach sit beside the slightest indentation of Rhode Island's Atlantic Ocean coast that it's difficult to even call it a bay. Running almost perfectly straight for the majority of its half-mile plus length, the beach is sometimes divided into north and south sections, the latter being a 1980s extension of the original beach dating from 1937.
The length and breadth of Scarborough State Beach means sunworshippers… read more »
-
7. Narragansett Town Beach
dee & tula monstah Great for:- Swimming
- Surfing
Narragansett Town Beach sits on the eastern side of Narragansett, and is split between a section of public beach and a privately-owned section. The public beach stretches for around half a mile at the southern end of Narragansett Town Beach. This is known as the rockiest area of the beach, although there is still ample sand.
A relatively undeveloped stretch of sand, Narragansett Beach is primarily visited for its swimming and… read more »
-
8. Napatree Point Beach
Rhododendrites Great for:- Swimming
Set on a narrow spit of sand jutting out towards Connecticut is Napatree Point beach - a lovely arc of near-white sand is backed by low grassy dunes and a small lagoon. The beach sits just to the west of Rhode Island's exclusive Watch Hill and the bay is overlooked by Watch Hill Lighthouse.
Now a nature reserve the headland here was once the site of an artillery installation. Today all… read more »
-
9. Frank Moody State Beach
Swampyank Great for:- Swimming
Set within the Lincoln Wood's State Park, just to the north of Providence, this lakeside beach is actually one of the most popular in Rhode Island.
Great for swimming, sunbathing and fishing,the beach has plenty of sand and is equipped with showers, restrooms, and a concession stand.
Frank Moody beach is named after a local lifeguard and water safety instructor in recognition for his 60+ years of dedication to his job and… read more »
-
10. Easton's Beach
Dennis Heller Great for:- Family
- Swimming
- Surfing
Easton's Beach is an urban beach uniting the east and west sides of Newport across the Easton Bay basin. Almost a mile long, Easton's Beach is Rhode Island's largest ocean beach, and consists of a broad expanse of off-white sand.
Also going by the name of First Beach and Newport Beach, Easton's Beach provides a city centre spot for swimming, and is also possibly the closest spot to a city anywhere… read more »
-
11. Goddard Memorial State Park Beach
Joe Bar Great for:- Family
- Swimming
Goddard Memorial State Park Beach sits on the northern side of the club-shaped peninsula pushing into Greenwich Bay from the south. This sand beach is widest at its midpoint, where there's parking and public access, before narrowing to either side.
Backed by dense woodland, Goddard Memorial State Park Beach has a total length of a little over half a mile. Well-known as a swimming beach, facilities range from restrooms to public… read more »
-
-
12. Goosewing Beach
Will_y_theweatherguy473737 Great for:read more »- Surfing
