Summer is winding down, but there’s still time to hit the beach for some fun-in-the-sun. Pack a picnic lunch, grab the sunscreen, and visit one of our favorite local beaches.
Crescent Beach, Block Island
Block Island is a favorite, because all beaches are free and open to the public. Crescent Beach stands out for its spectacular stretch of sand running for almost 3 miles. Each section of the beach has its’ own name, and dedicated visitors. You can park near the Old Harbor ferry dock, and you’ll find concession stands and beach chair rentals if you don’t want to carry everything with you.
East Beach, Charlestown
The east beach in the Ninigret Conservation area is a great place to feast your eyes on local wildlife. You won’t find much development here, but you will find a long sandy beach, a large salt pond, and the ideal environment for birds, fish, and small animals.
Bring a kayak and paddle the coastal lagoon, or take a long walk over the sweeping sands. You’ll need to bring everything you need, because this beach is relatively untouched.
Narragansett Town Beach, Narragansett
If you’re looking for a livelier beach, Narragansett’s town beach is the place. It’s busy, but clean and accessible. It is smack dab in the center of town and a popular spot for surfers and walkers. You’ll find plenty of parking, food, and restrooms, but it may host up to 10,000 people per day, so it’s usually bustling.
Reject’s Beach, Newport
This tiny beach is the hidden gem of Newport. It’s quiet and pristine, and right beside the private Bailey’s Beach. It isn’t officially a separate beach, but part of Bailey’s. However, you can easily see where the private area begins, because there’s a fence dividing the two areas.
You can walk or cycle to this beach, but parking can be an issue. Regardless, it’s well-worth the trip. You could have this beach to yourself, and since its at the end of the Cliff Walk , you’ll certainly have a good view.
Napatree Point, Westerly
Napatree Point is an isolated, spacious sandy spot, with easy access by boat. It is actually a Wildlife Management Area, so you won’t find snack bars, lifeguards, or oodles of parking. However, it is well-worth coming ashore, anchoring your boat and then walking over the dunes to take in the spectacular views and to catch a glimpse of dozens of rare migratory birds. It’s a great swimming spot and good for boarding, too.
While you’re there, make sure you spend some time checking out the ruins at “Watch Hill”, a military predecessor to Fort Mansfield, also in the area.
Sachuest Beach (Second Beach), Middletown
As you might have guessed, a “First” Beach does exist, but it is more crowded. Second Beach is beautiful, clean and equipped with restrooms and showers. Come after 4pm for a picnic and the beach is free, but you’ll still need to pay for parking. Nonetheless, Second Beach is worth a visit, because it’s unlike any other beach on Rhode Island.
The water’s warm and it’s nestled between the Cliff Walk and the Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge, both worthy of visits. You can also make a quick stop at Purgatory Chasm, a unique rock formation at one end of the sandy expanse.
Warren Town Beach, Warren
Going to the beach doesn’t necessarily mean that you must swim in the ocean. Warren offers a family-friendly beach on the Warren River complete with a historic recreational site, picnic areas and views of the Narragansett Bay.
Plenty of recreational activities exist such as boating, kayaking, and hiking and the town itself offers historic homes, quaint shops, and clam chowder.
Rhode Island has dozens of beaches, so why not venture out and explore a new area?
