Rhode Island, which spans less than 50 miles at its widest point, has an incredible 384 miles of shoreline. The state’s beaches have a reputation as some of the finest in New England, with impressive surf, wide-open vistas and generous expanses of sand. From the sheltered coves of Narragansett Bay to the booming surf of Block Island, visitors and residents of Rhode Island can explore beaches across five diverse areas.
Blackstone Valley and East Bay
- The sole public beach in Rhode Island’s Blackstone Valley lies on the shore of Georgiaville Pond in Smithville. This freshwater beach, which requires a day-pass for entry, has a sandy area and restroom facility. East Bay has notable beaches in Barrington and Warren. Barrington Town Beach encompasses 4 acres, with views of Narragansett Bay. Warren Town Beach, which has shallow water and playground equipment, is ideal for families with small children.
Newport County Beaches
- In 2010, CNN honored Goosewing Beach in Newport County by naming it one of the world's best eco-friendly beaches. Maintained as a shorebird preserve, Goosewing Beach presents a rich spectacle of rolling dunes and coastal ponds. South Shore Beach in Little Compton, located next to Goosewing, has the added benefit of lifeguards. Newport’s Easton’s Beach has a range of attractions, including a beachside aquarium and skate park. The nearby Sachuest Town Beach in Middletown offers a calm environment, with a long stretch of sand and promontory views.
- South County Beaches
- South County has the most public beaches of any Rhode Island county. Watch Hill Beach in Westerly offers an antique carousel, private bathhouses and Napatree Point, a secluded sandy stretch bounded with water on three sides. The high surf at Narragansett Town Beach lures water sports enthusiasts, while Scarborough Beach, also in Narragansett, caters to a youthful crowd and offers excellent people-watching. Misquamicut State Beach has a boardwalk, thrilling surf and a vibrant, lively atmosphere.
West Bay Beaches
- The city of Warwick on the picturesque West Bay has an array of public beaches. Conimicut Point Beach treats visitors to bracing ocean air and views of the Conimicut Lighthouse. Gorton Pond on Post Road has a small beach area with a fishing pier. Oakland Beach, a saltwater bay inlet beach, welcomes visitors with calm waters and adjacent restaurants. Boaters can make use of a ramp on nearby Bay Avenue.
Block Island
- Block Island preserves an identity all its own, defined by its residents’ pride of place and commitment to natural conservation. Visitors from Rhode Island can take the ferry from Narragansett to explore Block Island’s 17 miles of beaches. Fred Benson Town Beach, a crescent-shaped expanse of luxuriant sand, won recognition from Coastal Living in 2012 as one of the 21 best beaches in the United States. Mansion Beach, named for the picturesque ruins of an old house, is located in a secluded cove on the island’s north shore.
