Rhode Island beach guide · Reviewed October 2026
The best beaches in Rhode Island include Misquamicut in Westerly, Scarborough and Narragansett Town Beach in Narragansett, East Matunuck in South Kingstown, Easton’s and Second Beach on Aquidneck Island, and Crescent Beach on Block Island. The Ocean State has a beach for every style of trip, from big surf and boardwalks to calm, shallow water for small kids. This guide covers 12 favorites, what each one is best for and how parking works.
Rhode Island beaches at a glance
| Beach | Town | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Misquamicut State Beach | Westerly | Big, busy summer beach with full facilities |
| Scarborough North State Beach | Narragansett | Boardwalk, pavilion and heated showers |
| Narragansett Town Beach | Narragansett | Classic town beach and beginner surfing |
| East Matunuck State Beach | South Kingstown | Strong surf and ferry views |
| Roger Wheeler State Beach | Narragansett | Calm water for young kids |
| East Beach | Charlestown | Quiet, undeveloped barrier beach |
| Easton’s Beach (First Beach) | Newport | Boardwalk at the start of the Cliff Walk |
| Second Beach (Sachuest) | Middletown | Wide sand and a well-known surf break |
| Crescent Beach | Block Island | Calm water near the ferry |
| Mansion Beach | Block Island | Quieter, with bigger waves |
| Goddard Memorial State Park | Warwick | Bay beach inside a large park |
| Moonstone Beach | South Kingstown | Wildlife refuge beach for birders |
The best beaches in Rhode Island, ranked by trip type
Rhode Island’s ocean beaches mostly line the south coast between Westerly and Narragansett, with more on Aquidneck Island around Newport and on Block Island. The state runs eight surf beaches, and towns run the rest. Here are the 12 we would plan a trip around.
1. Misquamicut State Beach, Westerly
RI State Parks calls Misquamicut the state’s most popular beach. It runs about half a mile and has heated indoor showers, a playground, a pavilion, concessions and lifeguards. The lot often fills on sunny summer days, and it has the highest daily parking rates of the state beaches, so arrive early. Misquamicut on RI State Parks.
2. Scarborough North State Beach, Narragansett
Scarborough North has more than 2,000 feet of beachfront, a boardwalk, a large pavilion, heated showers, concessions and a big parking lot with an overflow lot and EV charging. It is a good all-round pick for groups. Scarborough North details.
3. Narragansett Town Beach
The town beach is the classic Narragansett scene, with two pavilions, cabanas and free ADA surf chairs. It is also a known spot for beginner surfers. In 2026 the town charged $12 per person per day in season, with kids 11 and under free, plus separate parking. It was free after Labor Day. Narragansett town website.
4. East Matunuck State Beach, South Kingstown
East Matunuck is a natural beach the state describes as known for strong surf. You can watch the Block Island ferries and Galilee fishing boats go by. It has heated showers, concessions and lifeguards, and the lot fills fast on weekends.
5. Roger Wheeler State Beach, Narragansett
If you have little kids, start here. A breakwater keeps the water calm, the sand is fine and the bottom drops off gently. There is a playground, heated showers, concessions and a large lot.
6. East Beach, Charlestown
East Beach is a three-mile barrier beach in the Ninigret Conservation Area and the least developed of the state beaches. Facilities are basic (composting toilets and changing rooms), and the small gravel lot fills early. It is the pick for space and quiet.
7. Easton’s Beach (First Beach), Newport
Newport’s main beach is about three-quarters of a mile long, with a boardwalk, bathhouses and lifeguards, and it sits right at the start of the Cliff Walk. In 2026, non-resident parking was $25 on weekdays and $35 on weekends, plus tax. Easton’s Beach on the City of Newport site.
8. Second Beach (Sachuest), Middletown
Second Beach is a long, wide beach next to Sachuest Point, with a pavilion, concessions and a campground. The Surfer’s End area is a well-known surf break. From July 1, 2026, parking was $30 on weekdays and $40 on weekends, and walk-ins were free. Middletown beach basics.
9. Crescent Beach (Fred Benson Town Beach), Block Island
Crescent Beach curves north from Old Harbor and is about a mile from the ferry. The Benson Pavilion has lifeguards, showers, concessions and chair and umbrella rentals, and there is no parking fee. The water is usually calm, which makes it a good family beach. See our guide on how to get to Block Island.
10. Mansion Beach, Block Island
North of Crescent Beach, Mansion Beach is less crowded and tends to have bigger waves for bodysurfing. Most people get there by bike, moped or taxi.
11. Goddard Memorial State Park, Warwick
Goddard is a large state park with a saltwater beach, a bathhouse and seasonal lifeguards, plus a nine-hole golf course. RI State Parks says beaches inside state parks have no fee, which makes it an easy, low-cost pick near Providence.
12. Moonstone Beach, South Kingstown
Moonstone sits inside Trustom Pond National Wildlife Refuge and offers about two miles of quiet beach. Parts close during piping plover nesting season, and summer parking needs a town sticker or a ParkMobile day pass.
Rhode Island state beach parking and passes
State beach parking is charged per car based on where the car is registered. RI State Parks lists daily rates of $6 on weekdays and $7 on weekends for Rhode Island plates, and $12 and $14 for out-of-state plates, with higher daily rates at Misquamicut. Season passes are $30 for residents and $60 for non-residents and cover all eight state beaches, though they do not guarantee a space. Seniors 65 and older get half off. Your license plate works as the pass, and passes are sold online, not at the gate. Confirm current prices on the state beach parking FAQ before you go.
Best Rhode Island beaches for surfing, kids and dogs
- Surfing: Narragansett Town Beach is a sandy break good for beginners. East Matunuck, Scarborough, Easton’s and Second Beach also draw surfers, and Point Judith is a rocky break for experts only.
- Young kids: Roger Wheeler for calm water, Crescent Beach on Block Island, and Misquamicut for its playground and facilities.
- Dogs: State rules ban dogs from designated swim areas from April 1 to September 30. Middletown allows leashed dogs on Second Beach early in the morning in season. For trips with a dog, see our pet-friendly hotel guide.
Where to stay near Rhode Island beaches
Newport is a good base if you want beaches plus restaurants, mansions and nightlife. Easton’s, Second Beach, Gooseberry Beach and Bailey’s Beach are all close, and the South County beaches make an easy day trip by car.
The Chanler at Cliff Walk
A luxury mansion hotel on Memorial Boulevard, a short walk from Easton’s Beach and right on the Cliff Walk. Check The Chanler rates and availability →
Castle Hill Inn
An oceanfront inn on its own peninsula along Ocean Drive, near Gooseberry Beach. Check Castle Hill Inn rates and availability →
Newport Harbor Island Resort
A waterfront resort on Goat Island with pools and a marina, a short drive to Newport’s beaches. Check Newport Harbor Island Resort rates and availability →
Ocean House, Watch Hill
For South County beaches, this Forbes Five-Star resort sits on the bluffs above the beach in Watch Hill. Wondering about the village’s famous visitor? Read does Taylor Swift have a house in Newport, RI. Check Ocean House rates and availability →
See all our Newport hotels near the beach, the full Newport beaches guide, best hotels in Rhode Island and current reader deals.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best beaches in Rhode Island?
Popular picks include Misquamicut State Beach in Westerly, Scarborough North State Beach and Narragansett Town Beach in Narragansett, East Matunuck State Beach in South Kingstown, Easton’s Beach in Newport, Second Beach in Middletown and Crescent Beach on Block Island.
What is the best beach in Rhode Island for families?
Roger Wheeler State Beach in Narragansett is a top family choice because a breakwater keeps the water calm and the bottom slopes gently. It also has a playground, showers and concessions.
How much is parking at Rhode Island state beaches?
RI State Parks lists $6 weekdays and $7 weekends for Rhode Island plates and $12 and $14 for out-of-state plates, with higher rates at Misquamicut. Season passes are $30 for residents and $60 for non-residents. Check the state parking FAQ for current prices.
When do Rhode Island beaches open?
In 2026, the eight state beaches opened on May 23 for Memorial Day weekend, with lifeguards and facilities through Labor Day. The parking lots stay open after Labor Day except in extreme weather.
Are dogs allowed on Rhode Island beaches?
Dogs are not allowed in designated swim areas at state beaches from April 1 to September 30. Some town beaches have limited dog hours, such as early mornings at Second Beach in Middletown.
Which Rhode Island beach is closest to Newport?
Easton’s Beach (First Beach) is in Newport at the start of the Cliff Walk, and Second Beach is just east in Middletown. Gooseberry Beach and Bailey’s Beach are along Ocean Drive and Bellevue Avenue.
More Newport guides
- Newport RI Beaches
- Newport Hotels Near the Beach
- Gooseberry Beach Guide
- Newport Cliff Walk Guide
- Fun Things to Do in Rhode Island
- How to Get to Block Island
- Best Hotels in Newport, RI
- Reader Deals
- All Newport Blog posts