Best Beaches in Rhode Island
Rhode Island may be the smallest state in the U.S., but its shoreline is packed with some of the most beautiful beaches in New England. In fact, it's one of the few states where you could see all of the best beaches in just a few days because they are so close together.
In my ten years living here and exploring the area, I’ve enjoyed wide sandy stretches perfect for families, quieter coves ideal for a peaceful escape, and lively waterfronts where food, music, and ocean views come together. From romantic getaways to summer adventures and hidden gems, Rhode Island’s beaches have something for everyone. Here are the ones I recommend, and I think you’ll enjoy them too.
1. For Active beachgoers: Narragansett Town Beach
When I visited Narragansett Town Beach in Rhode Island, I found it to be the quintessential New England seaside escape. There is a long long crescent of golden sand, with ocean on one side and a boardwalk on the other.
Just a 40-minute drive from Providence, I think Narragansett Town Beach is one of the best beaches in Rhode Island. Why? The atmosphere here was vibrant yet relaxed. I walked along the wide shoreline, and admired the historic stone Towers that overlook the water.
After swimming and sunbathing, I strolled into the town center for lobster rolls, clam cakes, and Del’s frozen lemonade. We also capped the day with dinner at Coast Guard House, perched right above the surf before spending two nights at The 3-star Shore House.
- Location: Map & Directions
Watching surfers catch waves from Narragansett Town Beach for an hour (it’s one of the top surf spots in New England!) was my personal highlight.
2. For Fishing fans: Charlestown Breachway State Beach
Just 20 minute from Narragansett Town Beach, Charlestown Breachway State Beach was a quieter, more nature-focused seaside retreat in RI. The beach itself is broad and sandy, with a rugged beauty, but what really makes this spot special is its connection to the salt ponds and marshes that lie just beyond the dunes.
Charlestown Breachway is my top pick for combining oceanfront relaxation with wildlife watching. The setting was serene and uncrowded. I enjoyed long walks along the shoreline, and spotted herons and egrets in the salt pond estuary. The adjacent Breachway campground adds a rustic, coastal charm for those staying overnight. It's really nice but you need to book at least 2 months in advance to get a spot in the summer.
- Location: Map & Directions
I watched anglers casting from the rocks for about an hour with my son and it was my personal highlight.
3. For Birdwatchers: East Beach and Ninigret Conservation Area
From Charlestown Breachway, Chris and I drove just 5 minutes east (about 2 miles) along the barrier spit to East Beach, one of Rhode Island’s longest and most undeveloped strands.
East Beach and the Ninigret Conservation Area quickly became one of my favorite discoveries in Rhode Island!
I thought it was such a hidden gem, with miles of soft sand and rolling dunes that felt both wild and peaceful, making it one of the absolute best places for an affordable and refreshing weekend getaway.
We loved how unusual this beach felt compared to others in the area. It stretches for three miles, so even on busy summer days you can always find a quiet corner to yourself. That sense of space and serenity was pure coastal magic, and I couldn’t stop thinking of it as one of the most underrated beaches in New England.
- Location: Map & Directions
Local tip: The area is part of the Ninigret National Wildlife Refuge, an 858-acre site with diverse habitats. It's a haven for birdwatching (250 species). Look for local birds like the Piping Plover that nests on the beach (It's protected, so don't disturb the nests).
There are 7 miles of hiking trails within the refuge. I found a hidden secret garden during my stop at the Kettle Pond Visitor Center less than 2 miles from East Beach. We spent 30 minutes here and it gave me a different perspective of the natural environment here.
My son loved stargazing at Frosty Drew Observatory & Science Center in the Ninigret Park, definitely our personal highlight.
4. For Swimmers: East Matunuck State Beach
Just 15 minutes from Charlestown Breachway was East Matunuck State Beach. I think it's one of the best beaches in Rhode Island. Why? Established as a public beach in the mid-20th century, it sits just west of Point Judith, long known as one of New England’s busiest fishing ports.
East Matunuck State Beach has soft sand perfect for lounging which completely won me over. We watched fishing boats and sailboats coming in and out of the nearby Point Judith Harbor.
My favorite part was grabbing fresh seafood right after swimming at the famous Matunuck Oyster Bar.
- Location: Map & Directions
Where to Stay Nearby: For an easy overnight, look toward nearby South Kingstown or Narragansett. The Break Hotel ($399 in September) in Narragansett has great ocean ocean views but it's expensive. We spent two days at Hampton Inn South Kingstown ($178) which was more affordable.
5. For Boardwalk lovers: Misquamicut State Beach
We loved how lively the atmosphere was at Misquamicut State Beach, with music drifting from nearby snack bars, kids building sandcastles, and surfers catching the waves.
Less than 20 minutes south of Charlestown, we found Misquamicut State Beach in Westerly (population around 18,000). Once a string of private beach clubs, the area was developed into a state park in the 1950s and remains one of Rhode Island’s most popular stretches of sand.
You'll find ample parking, clean facilities, and plenty of food stands that make the day easy and affordable. That combination of convenience and spectacular ocean views made it one of my favorite Rhode Island beach experiences.
- Location: Map & Directions
You can stay at Misquamicut Beach Front Inn right on the beach. Rates start at $230 in September ($475 in August).
6. For Families with small children: Roger Wheeler State Beach
In the morning we checked out Roger Wheeler State Beach nearby. If was the perfect short overnight beach trip from NYC, just 3.5 hour drive.
Roger Wheeler State Beach is also special as a host to the Rhode Island Open Water Swim, an event that has raised millions for cancer research.
Where to Stay: Nearby Narragansett offers plenty of options. The 3-star Atlantic House sits right across from the seawall and my son, Chris and I loved it for easy beach walks.
Families with younger kids might prefer a vacation rental in Point Judith, where cottages come with porches, grills, and the sound of waves at night. All keep you within minutes of the sand.
- Location: Map & Directions
A downside? Because of its popularity with families, the beach filled quickly, and on peak weekends it felt more crowded than restful. I wished for a little more quiet to match the gentle surf.
Conclusion
While these beaches are close together, they each have their unique vibe. If you pick the wrong one for you, you can always toss your beach gear in the car and drive to the next one. That's why I love Rhode Island’s beaches so much. They make your beach days easy without too much planning required to have the perfect day on the sand.
Booking Checklist
1. Book Your Flight - I use Expedia because I like their mobile app with my itinerary. They've helped me re-book flights on many occasions. Once you reach their Gold tier, support is especially good.
2. Book Your Hotel - I use Booking.com or Expedia, depending on my destination.
3. Book Your Rental Car - I use Expedia.
4. Book your tours on Viator or Get Your Guide.
5. If you are planning to visit more than three national parks in the next 12 months, buy the America the Beautiful Pass.
