Rhode Island Beaches

You will find many excellent reasons to go to a a beach in Rhode Island, RI. Spending time swimming, grilling on the beach, throwing the frisbee, flying a kite, fishing, or simply soaking up the sun, beaches are a host to many different fun activities.

Locating a great swimming beach in Rhode Island with plenty of space for beach activities is fairly straightforward. Below is a collection to help you find a beach near you. Get started, by entering a zip code using the following search box above the table.

Beaches Near Rhode Island

Beaches may be periodically shut down due to water quality issues caused by unexpected events like bacteria, stormfall runoff, or flooding. Review the beach’s website before leaving for the beach for updates on water quality.

The majority of beaches in Rhode Island, RI are accessible to everyone but many are on private land. Be sure to check their website to find out if it’s possible to go to the beach without breaking any rules. Frequently beaches will only stay open during specific months of the year or for certain times of the day.

Rhode Island, RI Beach Rules

While each beach in Rhode Island will have unique rules for attending their beach, be prepared to abide to these common rules for any beach in Rhode Island that you visit.

  • Only visit the beach when it is open.
  • Always listen to the lifeguard on duty. If they ask you to do something, then you must do it.
  • Do not drop trash on the beach – Take with you everything you pack in.
  • Look for signs for guidance on beach fires as they may be not permitted or you have to follow specific fire rules.
  • Do not swim beyond the specified swim region.
  • Alcohol may not be allowed.

Rhode Island Beach Travel Tips

  1. Remember the towels. Fresh towels are a necessity for a great time at the beach. A good rule of thumb is beach on the ocean or an area which sees rip tides. Learn the indicators and know how to escape if you are stuck in one.
  2. Avoid Littering. Do not contribute to the issue of garbage on the beach. When you take stuff to the beach, you are expected pick up collect your things. Make sure that you throw away your trash in an appropriate waste or recycling can.
  3. Avoid a sunburn. Even if the weather forecast doesn’t predict sunshine you should still use your sunscreen – because you can get sunburned even when it isn’t sunny.
  4. Avoid the crowds. Rhode Island beaches will be busy, particularly during weekends in the summer. Be sure to arrive at the beach before the crowds show up if you can.
  5. Find a shady area. If you think that locating shade could be hard to come by, or if you think that there probably will not be many shady areas around, pack your own shade! Use a beach umbrella, shaded tent, or some sort of equipment that provides shade. Be sure that you bring something that provides great ventilation.
  6. Will there be a lifeguard? Many sizeable beaches in Rhode Island staff a lifeguard supervising, however you should never count on a lifeguard being there. On your way to the beach, search for beach warning signs. Sometimes they display lifeguard hours.
  7. Know that there are restrooms. Restroom locations are likely the least of your concerns before you plan out your beach visit. But you never want to be stuck in a situation when you gotta find a bathroom soon but there isn’t one open. If you’re unable to find restroom information on the beach’s website, then you should assume that a public bathroom or porta potty is not open. Make sure that you go to the bathroom prior to leaving for the beach.
  8. Watch out for insects. If you want to go to the beach early in the day or late in the day, you should anticipate that mosquitos, horse flies, beach hoppers and other nuisance bugs may ruin your beach experience.