What are the most popular beaches in Rhode Island?
Rhode Island might be the smallest state in the U.S., but they have no shortage of great beaches. With plenty of coastal shore, Rhode Island has many popular beaches with sandy shores for visitors to enjoy. Whether you’re looking to surf, swim, or just relax in the sand, Rhode Island has a beach to fit your preferences.
Top beaches in Rhode Island
1. Easton’s Beach
2. Scarborough State Beach
3. Narragansett Town Beach
4. Watch Hill Beach
5. East Beach
6. East Matunuck State Beach
7. Crescent Beach
8. Misquamicut State Beach
9. Napatree Point Beach
10. Mohegan Bluffs
Rhode Island Beaches
With so many popular beaches to choose from it was hard to narrow it down. But here some 10 of our favorite Rhode Island beaches to add to your next RV itinerary.
1. Easton’s Beach
Also known as First Beach, Easton’s Beach is Newport, Rhode Island’s largest beach. The sandy shores are perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and surfing. You can rent umbrellas and boogie boards from the stand, and there are restroom and shower facilities available.
Things to do near Easton’s Beach: The famous Newport Cliff Walk starts at the beach and is not to be missed if you’re looking for a stroll along the shore to view some of the area’s impressive mansions. And the Save the Bay Exploration Center and Aquarium is right next to the beach and teaches about conservation efforts of the Narragansett Bay. Need an RV? We’ve got you covered with local rentals.
2. Scarborough State Beach North
There are actually two great beaches here, Scarborough State Beach North and Scarborough State Beach South. The beaches have large pavilions with restrooms, concessions and gifts, and rentals. There’s also a boardwalk, observation tower, and picnic tables. And of course there’s the beautiful sandy beach to enjoy!
Things to do near Scarborough State Beach: The beach is located in the town of Narragansett, which is worth exploring. And you’re also 30 miles south of Providence.
3. Narragansett Town Beach
Want to learn to surf? Narragansett Town Beach is known for great surfing, and you can even rent boards and sign up for lessons! But even if you’re not a surfer, this one mile beach has sandy shores with plenty of room to relax. The beach is also located at the edge of Narragansett, which makes it easy to walk into town for lunch or shopping. But if you don’t want to leave the beach, there are concessions, restrooms, and changing rooms all by the shore.
Things to do near Narragansett Town Beach: Once you’ve had enough of the beach, explore the coastal town of Narragansett. Scarborough State Beach and Point Judith Lighthouse are also a short drive away.
4. Watch Hill Beach
Located in Westerly on the south end of Rhode Island is Watch Hill Beach. This soft, sandy beach is known for the sunsets and plenty of room to spread out and play in the sand. There are restroom and shower facilities at the beach, and it’s an easy walk to the Watch Hill Lighthouse. It’s also a nice beach for kids as the surf is calm and easy to wade in.
Things to do near Watch Hill Beach: Explore the town of Watch Hill, which is known for the Flying Horse Carousel built in 1867. It’s the only surviving flying horse carousel in the country and the oldest continuously operating merry-go-round in the United States.
5. East Beach
One of the least developed beaches in Rhode Island, East Beach in Charlestown offers visitors three miles of sandy shoreline. East Beach is a barrier beach that separates the ocean from Ninigret Pond and is surrounded by conservation areas. There are a few changing rooms and restrooms, but the rest of the beach is undeveloped and ready to be enjoyed. Lifeguards are on duty seasonally if you want to swim and the soft sand is perfect for relaxing with a book. The parking lot is small and fills up quick, so be sure to get here early if you’re looking to enjoy this beach!
Things to do near East Beach: Burlingame State Park is nearby, with campgrounds and plenty of activities to do with your RV. We’ve got you covered with local RV rentals.
6. East Matunuck State Beach
Surfers will want to stop by East Matunuck State Beach in South Kingstown. The stretch of sandy beach is perfect for relaxing or having a picnic, and the stronger surf make it a great beach for surfing and boogie boarding. The beach offers public restrooms, outdoor showers, food and gift concessions, and shaded gazebos. There are lifeguards on duty during the summer, but because of the larger waves, this isn’t the best place to swim for inexperienced swimmers. But if you’re looking to lay on the beach or catch a wave, this is a great stop on your road trip.
Things to do near East Matunuck State Beach: Explore nearby Charlestown and South Kingstown, or head to Trustom Pond National Wildlife Refuge for some hiking and wildlife watching.
7. Crescent Beach
This beautiful beach is located on the east side of Block Island and is only accessible by ferry. It’s worth the trip, as the white sandy beach stretches for two and a half miles, and is the perfect place to swim, lay on the sand, or boogie board in the surf. About halfway up the beach is the Frederick J. Benson Pavilion, known as “Town Beach” where you can rent cabanas, chairs, and umbrellas. The pavilion has restroom and shower facilities, as well as concession stands. There are also lifeguards posted here during the summer months.
Things to do near Crescent Beach: Explore the rest of Block Island! There are several fantastic beaches and lighthouses located around the island, and bike and moped rentals are available near the ferry.
8. Misquamicut State Beach
The half mile long Misquamicut State Beach is full of soft sand, gentle waves, and plenty of beach activities for kids and adults alike. Beach amenities include changing areas, restrooms, concession stands, and picnic areas. And entertainment and events happen throughout the summer, making this a popular destination for both locals and tourists. There are lifeguards posted, making this a great swimming beach, but there are also plenty of activities on land such as the playground and large pavilion.
Things to do near Misquamicut State Beach: Watch Hill is nearby and has several other beaches and a light house to explore. The next beach on our list is also a short drive away!
9. Napatree Point Beach
For those looking for an undeveloped beach full of wildlife, check out Napatree Point Beach in Westerly. The beach starts at the entrance to the Napatree Point Conservation Area and has no amenities or facilities. It also doesn’t have the crowds that other nearby beaches have and it’s perfect for birdwatching. There are no lifeguards on duty, so be careful if you decide to swim, but it’s a must see for anyone craving quiet and nature. And as a bonus, it has beautiful sunrises and sunsets!
Things to do near Napatree Point Beach: The Napatree Point Conservation Area Trail is a loop that is just over 3 miles and is a great way to see the conservation area and watch for birds and wildlife. You can also explore nearby Watch Hill and Westerly for fun shopping, dining, and entertainment options.
10. Mohegan Bluffs
For those who love to explore, a trek to Mohegan Bluffs is a must. This beach on Block Island is accessible from the Mohegan Bluffs Trailhead, so park your car or truck and head out on the trail. You can walk down to the shore, or head to the top of the bluffs for some spectacular views over the Atlantic ocean. It’s a bit of a climb down to the beach with 141 steps, but once you’re there it’s the perfect spot for walking along the shore and enjoying nature.
Things to do near Mohegan Bluffs: Explore the rest of Block Island with 17 miles of public beaches and plenty of shopping and dining. There are also plenty of outdoor activities to do such as bike riding, hiking, horseback riding, bird-watching, fishing, kayaking and sailing.
Planning an RV trip to Rhode Island
There are so many fantastic beaches to choose from in Rhode Island, and an RV is a great way to explore them. We’ve got all the resources you need to plan a perfect beach vacation. As you explore, be sure to check out our resources on traveling in the state.
Here are guides to some of the best state parks in Rhode Island, as well as all the national parks in the country. RVshare is also the perfect one-stop-shop to help you find an RV rental and get all the information you need for your trip.
