The 15 Best Beaches in Rhode Island

Are you looking for a beautiful beach in Rhode Island to beat the summer heat? Perhaps you’re in pursuit of a quiet lake to relax and read a book. Whatever you’re searching for, Rhode Island has plenty of beaches with something for everyone. 

Despite being the smallest state in the nation, Rhode Island is no stranger to beaches. We’ve done the research for you and found the best of the best! 

1. Ballard’s Beach

This list is starting with the perfect summer party destination! Easily accessible only a short distance from the ferry dock is Ballard’s Beach. Ballard’s, the seaside hotel of the same title, offers all amenities. 

Day guests are invited to make use of the opulent gazebos with private dining services from the hotel. There are also chair and umbrella rentals. Every summer, beach bonfires that burn throughout the night are accompanied by live music. 

There is no cover fee to enter Ballard’s Beach and you can get there by walking through the restaurant. There are paths on the sides of the building that provide a quieter area if you need a break from the lively crowd.

2. Napatree Point Beach

Calling all birders! Napatree Point Beach is a paradise for bird-watching! Napatree Beach is less congested and has fewer attractions than the adjoining Watch Hill Beach. Yet, what you get by going here instead, is a plethora of animals, notably migrating birds that frequent the dune areas. 

The Watch Hill Conservancy manages this protected area. This makes it the perfect destination for a peaceful day spent in untouched nature. Nothing beats a warm summer afternoon spent in nature with a pair of binoculars! 

3. Misquamicut State Beach

Misquamicut State Beach is located on a short sliver of land separating Winnapaug Pond from the ocean. Due to the steady drop-off, moderate surf, and variety of local events, this spot is a favorite among Rhode Island residents.

During summertime, lifeguards remain on duty. Beachfront services include restrooms, changing rooms, food vendors, a sizable pavilion, and covered picnic spots. There are plenty of additional things to do here for visitors. At night there are frequent parties, events, fireworks, and more! 

4. Easton’s Beach/First Beach

First Beach, also known as Easton’s Beach, is bustling with activities. With playground equipment, an antique carousel, games, attractions for little ones, and a skateboarding ramp, this is a favorite among families with children of every age group. It is situated where Newport’s Cliff Walk first begins. 

A comprehensive range of amenities is available, such as barbecues, picnic tables, showers, and a concession stand. One of the best parts of Easton’s Beach is that there are beach wheelchairs provided so that everyone can enjoy the sand. 

Lastly, guests can learn about the area’s ocean ecosystem and marine creatures at the Save the Bay Exploration Center and Aquarium.

5. Reject’s Beach

We know, the name is less than inviting but trust us, Reject’s Beach is a must-see. It is one of Newport Counties’ hidden areas that makes a perfect location for someone wanting a private getaway. 

Rejects Beach, a favorite among residents, is located at the end of Cliff Walk, at the junction of Bellvue and Coggshell Avenues. This 100-foot stretch of shoreline is adjacent to the upscale Bailey’s Beach private club. 

Rejects is open to the public for free. It’s reachable through a footpath, however, it lacks amenities like bathrooms, parking, and lifeguards. The expansive white sand beach is bordered by a huge cliff wall. This shields it from surrounding traffic and creates stunning coastline views.

6. Narragansett Town Beach

Are you looking for a great place to surf some waves? The one-mile-long shoreline at Narragansett Town Beach, which spans about 20 acres, draws thousands of visitors on a sweltering weekend day. 

Skilled surfers typically arrive at the beginning of the day to take advantage of the beach without the crowd It’s a great area to pick up how to surf because the waves here can be up to four feet high. 

There is a neighborhood surf store within walking distance. This place offers rentals and equipment, and beginners or those searching for advice from the pros can schedule lessons as well. If surfing isn’t your thing, there is a separate area at Narragansett Town Beach for swimming and sunbathing. 

7. Watch Hill Beach

Watch Hill Beach, in Westerly’s affluent Watch Hill district, is well-known for its vintage 1867 Flying Horse Carousel and breathtaking sunsets. This is such a cool place for the entire family to visit! 

The beach offers a long stretch of soft sand. It’s home to several events during the year and provides public amenities such as bathrooms and showers. On one part of the beach, Watch Hill Point juts south into the Atlantic, and visitors can quickly get to Watch Hill Lighthouse by taking a brief stroll.  

There are numerous hiking routes along this peninsula’s miles-long shoreline. After a day spent here outdoors, check out one of the town’s unique stores! 

8. East Matunuck State Beach

Due to its large waves, East Matunuck Beach is very well-liked by surfers. This location is also excellent for all sorts of water activities! Even though lifeguards are on duty throughout the summer, parents should be warned that the waves can be rather high. This makes this location unsuitable for anyone with little ones or novice swimmers.

Although there is lots of space to sprawl out on the beach, parking spots can fill up quickly, so it is advisable to get there early! Showers, bathrooms, and changing areas are available at the beach pavilion. A restaurant called Salty’s Burgers serves refreshments with an assortment of offerings to satisfy your beach-side cravings! 

9. Crescent Beach

Crescent Beach is a stretch of white sand, which is only reachable by ferry and is worth all the effort it takes to get there. It is situated on Block Island’s eastern shore and is only accessible by ferry. 

Guests can rent gazebos, water toys, seating, and sun umbrellas along with snacks and beverages. Lifeguards are stationed throughout the beach during the hot weeks of summer. There is a pavilion that offers a complete bathroom and shower facilities.

Rentable bicycles and mopeds are available close to the ferry landing for visitors who want to see the island beyond the sand.

10. East Beach

This next beach is situated on a sliver of land that separates the Atlantic Ocean from the coastal salt pond known as Ninigret Pond. This is among the state’s most unpolluted beaches, encircled by protected areas and a wildlife refuge.

When visiting, arrive early in the morning as there is limited parking that provides easy access to the beach. This is a supreme pick for those wanting privacy with the convenience of amenities. 

Given its remote location, the three-mile stretch of the beach has restrooms and change rooms, and throughout the summer, it is patrolled by lifeguards.

The region is perfect for paddling in Ninigret Pond, watching wildlife, fishing, and other outdoor activities in addition to swimming and sun tanning. There’s a cozy campground near the beach, making it a perfect weekend destination! 

11. Second Beach/Sachuest Beach

Are you looking for a great place to take the kids on a warm summer day? Sachuest Beach, sometimes referred to as Second Beach, is an excellent place for families. It is situated near Middletown only a short drive from Newport. 

The beach has a full variety of features, such as bathrooms, changing facilities, and showers. If you forgot to pack your favorite snack – no worries – there are concessions here as well! The covered picnic spaces provide a shaded place to enjoy a meal.  

Another bonus of Sachuest Beach is that it is less busy than many of the other locations. People who don’t want to carry their equipment with them can rent a surfboard at a local shop, which is located at the west end of the shore. 

12. Mohegan Bluffs

Mohegan Bluffs’ beaches are a great option for those looking for an outdoor adventure. It’s not an ideal choice if you’re looking for a place to play in the sand. Easily reached on foot, the Mohegan Bluffs Trailhead offers guests the choice of hiking up the higher trail to the top of the bluffs, which are 150 feet above the water, or descending to the sea on a trail. 

Some of the paths in the area also go to the South East Lighthouse, a magnificent brick and granite building constructed in 1875 that is extraordinarily preserved in time. The lighthouse has miles-long views, making it a well-liked location to watch both sunrises and sunsets.

13. Goosewing Beach

Discover one of Rhode Island’s most beautiful coastal habitats at Goosewing Beach Preserve in Little Compton. This place is a barrier beach with sand that runs across lush dunes and Quicksand Pond’s waters. 

This coastal nature park feels like a well-kept secret despite being only a short distance from the well-liked South Shore Beach, which is owned by the town. Believe it or not, it is peaceful and quiet even in the height of summer. 

Spend the whole day swimming, exploring the beach, or fishing along the coastline, which is dotted with boulders that the glaciers created all those years ago. Enjoy a stroll along the pathways near Quicksand Pond’s southern end to see sandy beaches and cloudless skies.

14. Charleston Beach

If you’re looking for a more isolated beach that won’t have droves of people on warm summer days, consider Charleston Beach. It is situated on the western side of Block Island and will appeal to those searching for a less congested beach that is ideal for walking.  

Because it’s not a great place for swimming, you won’t see hordes of children here, but you will see artists and birdwatchers there for the breathtaking views and uninhabited shore.

Make sure to have a pair of water shoes if you plan to wade in the ocean because the sand isn’t as smooth as other places in Rhode Island. 

Additionally, the shoreline is full of rocks. There are no amenities, but this is a great spot for a nice lunch and a romantic place to watch the sunrise. You can also go fishing or watch the ships as they come and go.

15. Roger W. Wheeler State Beach

Another option that’s perfect for the entire family is Roger W. Wheeler State Beach. This beach boasts smooth white sand, and gentle surf, and is surrounded by a three-mile seawall on the southern shore of Point Judith in Narragansett. 

There is plenty of parking, as well as a shaded area with snacks, bathrooms, and showers. Additionally, the area has an excellent play area for little ones, and lifeguards are employed periodically at the beach. 

A much smaller area right next door is Salty Brine State Beach. It is well known for being close to the Block Island Ferry route and fishing boats. It’s a fantastic place to unwind and observe them as they go by.

Final Thoughts

There you have it! These are some of the best beaches in Rhode Island. There are plenty of options for families, those looking for some peace, and even vibrant party spots! Now pack your cooler, and plenty of sunblock, and get ready to have an amazing summer!