Best beaches in Rhode Island

Hey, are you a beach person? Are you planning for a perfect summer escape?

If yes, public beaches in Rhode Island are a perfect choice for all your future travels. Don your beach hat on and get set to soak in sunshine and chill in oceanic beaches’ warm, crystal clear waters.

Are you a first-time visitor? Read our guide on visiting Rhode Island. This guide will make your journey painless and help you plan everything in the first place.

Rhode Island is a small state situated in the England region of the North-eastern United States. The island shares its boundaries with Connecticut on the western side, Massachusetts on the eastern and northern side, and the Atlantic Ocean on the southern side. It also shares a minuscule maritime boundary with New York.

It has earned the name of the ‘Ocean State’ due to extensive coastal boundaries.

The state is a perfect blend of cultural and natural diversity. The ocean beaches have ample reserves for fishing, surfing, hiking, skateboarding, camping, or just sunbathing.

Prime attractions of these oceanic beaches include extensive and pristine shorelines, freshly sourced local seafood and breweries, rustic villages, modern outlays, beach activities equipped with modern amenities.

After reading all these, do you want to move to Rhode Island? Have a look at moving to Rhode Island advice. This is a perfect read for the movers who want everything perfectly.

Let’s then explore and experience the 10 best beaches in Rhode island in detail:

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1) Goosewing Beach

This beach is a perfect getaway for nature enthusiasts and wildlife explorers wanting to explore serenity and calmness away from the city’s hustle. Key Attractions include ‘Benjamin Environmental Centre’, ‘Goosewing Beach Reserve’, and grassy dunes. Nature walks are organized for tourists to explore the reserves.

Ideal for nature lovers and wildlife explorers.

Ranked#13 as the Best Public Beaches in Rhode Island as per reviews on TripAdvisor.

Explore other fun things you can experience in Rhode Island in our fun things to do in Rhode Island for adults.

Location – Near the shores of QuickSand pond in Little Compton Area.

You’ll find accommodations within 10 miles from Goosewing Beach. So, you do not have to worry about this factor. Following are the best accommodation points as per customers’ reviews:

1. Mill Street Inn
2. Hampton Inn & Suites
3. Sonesta Select

2) Misquamicut State Beach, Westerly

This beach is located along the lines of the Atlantic Ocean and was earlier referred to as the ‘Pleasant View’. It is famous for its surfing and other entertainment activities like fireworks, concerts, etc. It is a popular family destination and attracts many tourists during the summer months.

Prime locations and activity hubs are located along the eastern shore of the beach. Water Wizz is a popular water park for tourists to indulge in fun water activities. There are a lot of other beach parks like Atlantic Beach Park, Bayview Park, and Westerly Town beach.

Ideal for family outings and entertainment activities.

Location – Town of Westerly

Accomodations in terms of distance from the beach are listed below.

1. Point 1 Resort and Motel (0.6km from the beach)
2. La Quinta by Syndham (8.9km)
3. Taber Inn (13 km)

So at your convenience, you can take accommodation in any one of them.

Moreover, Misquamicut State Beach ranks 4th number as per top reviews on TripAdvisor.

3) East Beach

This beach is located in the swanky surroundings of Watch Hill and attracts many tourists during the summer months. There are very few exceptional amenities like restrooms, restaurants, and parking areas in operation.

Beautiful sunsets can be chased here, and the gorgeous views of tropical habitation are to die for.

Ideal for sunsets and gorgeous views.

Key attractions include Flying Horse Carousel and Watch Hill Lighthouse.

Location – Watch Hill, Rhode Island

Accommodations near to the beach are:

1. Pleasant View Inn
2. The Break Hotel
3. Holiday inn Express Mystic

In terms of ranking, you can spot this beach on the 15th number.

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4) Narragansett Town Beach,Narragansett

This beach is a popular surfing destination encompassing an area of 19 acres. It attracts a plethora of experienced surfers as the conditions for surfing are quite conducive here. Surfing gear is available for rental readily, and experienced professionals impart training to beginners full-time.

A good deal of basic amenities is available, attracting many tourists like popular food joints, changing bars, and restrooms.

This beach is less commercial and remote than other beaches in Newport.

Are you a person who enjoys surfing a lot? Narragansett Town Beach is ideal for surfing.

Location – Washington County

Prime accommodations within 10 miles from the beach are:

1. The Break Hotel
2. The Atlantic House
3. The Shore House

Ranked #1 in the category of public Beaches in Rhode Island.

5) Easton’s Beach

Popularly known as the ‘First Beach’. Easton’s Beach is located at Newport’s Cliff Walk and is known for offering entertaining activities for all age groups. It is a popular skateboard destination with play areas for children around the Beach. There are innumerable carousels across the Beach.

‘Save the Bay Exploration Centre and Aquarium’ is a prime attraction. Newport is considered to be the gem of Rhode Island.

Location – NewPort, Rhode Island

Accomodations within a radius of 10 miles are:

1. Town and Tide Inn
2. The Chanler at Cliff Walk.

Ranked #24 on the list of best beaches in Rhode Island.

6) East Mutunuck Beach, South Kingstown

This beach park encompasses an area of 144 acres and is a body-surfing and boarding hub. Lifeguard professionals are available for emergency support. Families visiting this beach are advised to exercise extra caution and attention.

Visiting in the wee hours of the morning can serve to be an added advantage in availing the best of services during the peak summer months as it tends to get extremely crowded.

Key attractions include Judith Harbor of Refuge, Port of Galilee, and Salty’s Burgers and Seafood.

Above all, if you are on the hunt for the best beaches in Rhode Island for shells, you must include East Mutunuck Beach in your to-visit list.

The best part is that it holds the 8th rank for must-see beaches in Rhode Island.

Location – Hazard Island,South Kingstown

Are you worried about accommodation near East Matunuck Beach? It is amongst the best things about this beach as it has several hotels and resorts that offer the best service.

Which accommodations should I pick in Matunuck RI?

Matunuck RI offers some of the best beach facing hotels and resorts.

1. Quintessential Cottage in Matunuck
2. Hotel Viking
3. Wayfinder Hotel
4. Brenton Hotel

7) Napatree Point Beach

This beach is the least crowded and has no basic amenities or facilities; it has unlimited access to natural habitation, ecosystem and wildlife. This beach is under the control of Watch Hill Conservancy.

Ideal for fishing and nature or wildlife enthusiasts.

Key attractions include Napatree Point conservation Tract, Long Island and Watch Hill Lighthouse.

Location – East of Watch Hill, Westerly

Accommodations in the vicinity of 10 miles included

1. Hilton Garden Inn
2. Point One Resort And Motel
3. The Whaler’s Inn

Due to its key attractions, it grabs 7th ranking in terms of the best beaches.

8) East Beach

This beach is situated between the Atlantic Ocean shoreline and the Ninigret Pond.

It is renowned for camping and kayaking activities. Not only this, another major attraction is fishing. Above all, lifeguards are available for emergency support. This beach is accessible via East Shore Road.

This beach is the least developed of all the ‘Ocean State’ beaches and is known for its natural serenity and tranquillity. However, only a few basic facilities or amenities are available.

Location – Charlestown, Rhode Island

In terms of accommodations, there are more than 10 hotels near East Beach where you can stay and visit the beach as many times as you want. Our best picks are;

• The Break Hotel
• Bellissimo Grand Hotel

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9) Mohegan Bluffs

This beach is situated about 200 m above sea level and is an explorer’s paradise. This point can only be reached by traversing through Mohegan Bluff and its trailing route.

Have you ever wondered about sitting at the beach and experiencing the beautiful sunrise and sunset? You can make your dream true as it is popular as the sunset and sunrise point.

Above all, it is widely known for adventurous trails and spectacular views from the top; this beach is a must-visit spot for all incoming tourists.

The only downside is no basic facilities like restrooms, and parking lots are available. SouthEast Lighthouse is a key attraction.

Placed in rank #3 under best beaches to visit in Rhode Island.

Location – Shoreham, Block Island

As a tourist, the first thing that concerns you is accommodation. Right? Mohegan Bluffs offers many nearby accommodations for your convenience; a few of them are The Atlantic House, The Inn at Spring House, and Hampton Inn Norwich.

10) Sachuest Beach

Sachuest Beach, also known as the ‘Second Beach’ site, attracts a bunch of tourists interested in beach activities and picnics. A whole range of facilities is available, like changing rooms, grills, parking lots, shower shades, and Port-a-Johns (portable restrooms).

Tourists interested in surfing can take lessons from experienced professionals here.

Seasonal passes are available from the month of April. Key attractions include Sachuest Point National Wildlife Range, Norman Bird Sanctuary, and Bird Conservation Centre.

Location – Middletown, Rhode Island

Nearby accommodations you’ll find are Ocean View, Sea Breeze Inn, Atlantic Beach Hotel Newport, etc.

It ranks on the 5th spot holding the popular beach title.

Best Beaches in Rhode Island FAQS

Authorities make inadequate efforts to maintain the cleanliness of these beaches. Certain rules and regulations are in place as well, like;

• Seasonal passes are issued to both residents and non-residents
• Beaches are under the control of authorities managed by their respective towns or states.
• Lifeguards are on duty for emergency support.

Several beach clean-up drives are conducted regularly, with several volunteers participating in several organised events.

Recommended – Are you one of those who want to spend their retirement peacefully? You should not skip our guide on the best places to live in Rhode Island for retirees.

Conclusion

Rhode Island is home to innumerable popular beaches and tourist destinations. There is a whole lot to explore in this small state of the US equipped with well-maintained and planned amenities. Rhode Island is for everyone, whether it be an adventurer, explorer, swimmer, surfer or nature lover. RI is a one-stop destination for all tourists.

The Ocean State attracts over 10,000 visitors during peak summer months. Prime activities include camping, surfing, skateboarding, sunbathing, fishing, shelling, and kayaking. Research well before setting off to any of these beaches for a hassle-free experience. Book parking slots and apply for seasonal passes for admission in advance. There are a lot of accommodations and options available for comfortable stays.

So, pack your bags and head to Rhode Island to soak in the sunshine, experience crisp and clear beach waters and take on surfing and skateboarding to a different next level.

Experience RI, Experience fun!!!

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