The sands of Scarborough State Beach sit beside the slightest indentation of Rhode Island's Atlantic Ocean coast that it's difficult to even call it a bay. Running almost perfectly straight for the majority of its half-mile plus length, the beach is sometimes divided into north and south sections, the latter being a 1980s extension of the original beach dating from 1937.
The length and breadth of Scarborough State Beach means sunworshippers and sand castle builders never have very far to go. Lifeguards keep an eye on swimmers during the summer months… read more »
Set within the Lincoln Wood's State Park, just to the north of Providence, this lakeside beach is actually one of the most popular in Rhode Island.
Great for swimming, sunbathing and fishing,the beach has plenty of sand and is equipped with showers, restrooms, and a concession stand.
Frank Moody beach is named after a local lifeguard and water safety instructor in recognition for his 60+ years of dedication to his job and community.
Southeast facing East Beach lies in the southern suburbs of the town of Westerly, close to the state lines with Connecticut and New York State. It's one of Rhode Island's least developed beaches, meaning its broad sweep of golden sand provides a relaxed space in which to enjoy the sea air.
Despite this fact, East Beach still offers visitors a gravel parking lot, composting toilets and public changing rooms. There is also a small campsite containing 20 pitches. However, most people visit East Beach on a day trip to soak… read more »
Also known as Second Beach, Sachuest Beach is a south facing beach tucked between Newport and Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge. Made up of soft sand, it runs for approximately 1.5 miles along Rhode Island's Atlantic Ocean coastline.
Given its size, it's difficult for Sachuest Beach to ever feel particularly crowded, even on the warmest of summer days. Picturesque into the bargain, its sands are free of both litter and stones, although there are plenty of shells to pick up and admire.
As a family friendly beach, Sachuest's main type of visitor… read more »
Easton's Beach is an urban beach uniting the east and west sides of Newport across the Easton Bay basin. Almost a mile long, Easton's Beach is Rhode Island's largest ocean beach, and consists of a broad expanse of off-white sand.
Also going by the name of First Beach and Newport Beach, Easton's Beach provides a city centre spot for swimming, and is also possibly the closest spot to a city anywhere in the continental US where it's possible to surf.
Day-trippers from the city will find facilities including restrooms and changing rooms,… read more »
Tappens Beach lies at the end of a rocky cove on the eastern stretches of Rhode Island in Little Compton. Between the natural rock formations, visitors to this quiet Atlantic offering will find a modest area of sand not much over 100 yards long and only loosely speckled with stones and seashells.
A little overlooked by nearby homes on the rocks, Tappens Beach nonetheless makes for a worthy detour for nature lovers. Not only is the scene close to idyllic, but the sunsets can be glorious, and this area of coast… read more »
Goosewing Beach is a pristine coastal preserve located in Little Compton. This protected stretch of sand, part of the Goosewing Beach Preserve managed by The Nature Conservancy, offers an unspoiled retreat along the Atlantic shoreline. Known for its soft pale-golden sand, rolling dunes, and sweeping ocean views, it is one of the most scenic and ecologically important beaches in the Rhode Island.
The beach is a haven for wildlife, particularly shorebirds such as herons, piping plovers and least terns, which nest in the dunes during the summer months. The… read more »
Set on a narrow spit of sand jutting out towards Connecticut is Napatree Point beach - a lovely arc of near-white sand is backed by low grassy dunes and a small lagoon. The beach sits just to the west of Rhode Island's exclusive Watch Hill and the bay is overlooked by Watch Hill Lighthouse.
Now a nature reserve the headland here was once the site of an artillery installation. Today all that remains of Fort Mansfield are a couple of ruined gun emplacements.
There's plenty of wildlife to spot on Napatree Point.… read more »
