Best Beaches in Rhode Island

The best beaches in Rhode Island are as diverse as the people who go there. They range from family-friendly to very secluded, and from urban to rural. But each beach has something special that sets it apart, whether it’s a unique setting or a breathtaking view.

Six of Rhode Island’s beaches were included in Coastal Living’s list of “50 Dream Beaches”:

  • Watch Hill Beach (Watch Hill)
  • Scarborough State Beach (Scarborough)
  • Crescent Beach (Narragansett)
  • East Matunuck State Beach (South Kingstown)
  • Misquamicut State Beach (Charlestown)
  • Napatree Point (Little Compton)

Here is a list of some of the most popular destinations for sunbathing and swimming in The Ocean State:

Wickford State Beach

One of the oldest state parks in America, this sandy gem is only about an hour away from New York City. It offers great surfing opportunities on its 3 miles of shoreline and plenty of grassy space for picnics.

East Matunuck State Beaches

This 10-mile stretch is home to one of Rhode Island’s best-kept secrets. The white sand beaches are pristine, and the calm waters in Long Island sound provide great boating opportunities.

Scarborough State Beach

Offering another fantastic beach with easy access from Providence, Scarborough is a popular destination all year round due to its sandy shores and salt water pool. It’s also very family friendly with places for kids to play safely in the water.

Misquamicut State Beach

With 17 acres of beautiful coastline, this is an ideal destination during summer months when you want to beat the heat or when seasons change and you just want to watch the waves. Lifeguards are on duty during part of the day, and there’s a bathhouse, volleyball nets and playground for kids.

Napatree Point

A great place to picnic, sunbathe or do some bird-watching, this beach also has the distinction of being the eastern most point of Rhode Island. It’s just a short drive from Westerly and offers views of Block Island Sound and the Connecticut coast beyond it.

Watch Hill

Watch Hill is known as one of the premier surf spots in New England; in mid-August, it hosts the Watch Hill Surf Contest. Surfing lessons are always available at Watch Hill and the other beaches listed above.