From the long stretch of beaches in South County, to the more quaint island of Block Island, with over 400 miles of coastline, there are plenty of beaches for you to explore while you’re visiting The Ocean State!
You can find most of the beaches in Rhode Island in three main areas, Newport County, South County, and on Block Island.
Newport County
Newport County is home to many beaches. From large to small, surfers to family friendly, you will always find the perfect beach here! All beaches are only a short drive (or walk) from historic Downtown Newport.
The three most famous beaches in Newport County can be recognized by locals in the order they appear on Aquidneck Island, 1st, 2nd, or 3rd. However, we will refer to them using different names here.
Easton’s Beach (1st Beach) – Middletown, RI
Easton’s Beach is located only a mile from Downtown Newport and is a short walk from the famous Cliff Walk. If you’re looking for a family friendly environment, Easton’s beach is the place for you. They come fully equipped with everything a young family would need, playground, snack shack and even a carousel! Need a cool beverage? The Del’s Lemonade Truck is at Easton’s Beach every day!
Entry Fee: Free
Parking Fee: $10 weekday/$20 weekend
Sachuest Beach (2nd Beach) – Middletown, RI
Most tourists aren’t aware of Sachuest or 2nd Beach because it is hidden behind Purgatory Chasm, but we’re going to give you the inside scoop! Grab your surf boards and paddle boards and head down the road from Easton’s Beach to 2nd Beach! Sachuest Beach has almost 1.5 miles of shoreline and includes its very own “Surfer’s End” which is designated for all you water sports lovers out there! Don’t have any equipment? Join in on the fun and rent your board of choice from the Island Surf and Sport Truck that is stationed at Sachuest Beach every day. Never surfed before? Don’t worry! You can even take lessons with on of the Island Surf and Sports employees.
Entry Fee: Free
Parking Fee: $10 weekday/$20 weekend
3rd Beach – Middletown, RI
Don’t worry if you’re not into the big waves or surfing, follow us just down the road from Sachuest Beach and you’ll come upon 3rd Beach! Here, there are much calmer waves and smaller crowds, the perfect place to take small children for the day! Walk along the shore and you’ll enter Peabody’s Beach, a small locally owned beach. Although, Third Beach does not come equipped with a concession stand, Peabody’s beach does! Stop by here for hot dogs, burgers, and other summer treats. Continue down the beach and you’ll find what the locals call “Crab Town”, an area of rocks where you can find all sorts of sea creatures! The perfect place for children to explore.
Entry Fee: Free
Parking Fee: $10 weekday/$20 weekend
Gooseberry Beach – Newport, RI
If you’re staying in Newport for the weekend and are in search of a beach in walking distance to downtown, Gooseberry is the place for you! This small beach with calm waters is tucked away on the shore of beautiful Newport, RI, only a short distance from Ocean Drive. Gooseberry has a Snack Shack and umbrella rentals for your convenience.
Entry Fee: Free
Parking Fee: $20 daily
Reject’s Beach – Newport, RI
You don’t have to be a reject to come to Reject’s Beach in Newport. In fact, Reject’s is where many Newporter’s go if they’re looking for some sunshine and an ocean breeze. Only a short walk from Thames Street and with no parking, this is the perfect spot to go for an afternoon or only a couple hours. Reject’s is separated from the private Bailey’s Beach by a rope that extends into the water.
Entry Fee: Free
Parking Fee: No parking, walking only.
South County
South County has the most beaches out of any area in the entire state of Rhode Island! Many of the beaches in South County are larger and get a big crowd especially on the weekends, however there are always some quaint spots to find in Little Rhody. Let’s take a look at some of the breathtaking beaches South County has to offer.
Narragansett Town Beach – Narragansett, RI
Narragansett Town Beach is open to locals and tourists a like. With surfing lessons, a play ground and a concession stand, this beach has every amenity a beach go-er would hope for!
Entry Fee: $6
Parking Fee: $10 weekday/ $15 weekend
Salty Brine State Beach – Narragansett, RI
Although, one of the smaller beaches in South County, Salty Brine State Beach is still popular amongst all. Located conveniently near many restaurants and the Block Island Ferry. Come to this beach and watch all of the boats sail away throughout your day. Afterwards, enjoy a quick bite to eat at George’s of Galilee, Champlin’s Seafood or any of the other restaurants nearby.
Entry Fee: Free
Parking Fee: Non-residents: $20 weekday/$28 weekend & holiday
RI residents: $10 weekday/$14 weekend & holiday
Scarborough State Beach – Narragansett, RI
Another larger beach in Narrgansett, Scarborough beach offers large waves and a grass area where, oftentimes, families picnic while enjoying the summer sun.
Entry Fee: Free
Parking Fee: Non-residents: $20 weekday/$28 weekend & holiday
RI residents: $10 weekday/$14 weekend & holiday
East Matunuck State Beach – South Kingston, RI
Off the beat and path you’ll find East Matunuck State Beach in South Kingston, RI. This half mile long beach is a beautiful area that tends to not get too crowded! After your long day at the beach don’t forget to stop by the Matunuck Oyster Bar on your way home! It is one of the most popular Oyster Bar’s in Rhode Island.
Entry Fee: Free
Parking Fee: Non-residents: $20 weekday/$28 weekend & holiday
RI residents: $10 weekday/$14 weekend & holiday
Watch Hill Beach – Westerly, RI
You may have heard about Watch Hill since the famous pop-star, Taylor Swift, owns a house here. However, that is not the only attraction this area has to offer. Watch Hill Beach is the perfect place to go if you’re looking for a quiet get away. There are shops, an antique carousel and plenty of water sport rentals to keep you occupied!
Entry Fee: $8 for adults/$4 for children ages 13-17/$2 for children ages 2-12
Parking Fee: No beach parking lot, must park nearby.
Block Island
Take a trip on the Block Island Ferry for a day long get-a-way to this beach filled island. Block Island inhabits 6 beaches and plenty of other attractions that are sure to catch your eye. Whether you bring your bike or rent a bike or a moped there, you can travel the length of the island to see all sorts of landmarks such as Mohegan Bluffs and the South East Lighthouse. Having so much fun that you don’t want to leave? Stay at one of the Island’s cozy B&B’s or hotels.
Follow this link to Rhode Island’s Tourism website for a full list of all the beaches our beautiful state has to offer!
Did we miss your favorite beach? Let us know in the comments.
