More than 400 miles of coastline affords beautiful beaches and sprawling sandy seasides here on our Classic Coast. Whether you're looking to bask in the water or sink into a beach chair with your toes in the sand, these beaches have just what you need: sand, sunshine and the perfect amount of sea breeze.
Jump to beaches in: Newport | Middletown | Portsmouth | Jamestown | Tiverton | Little Compton
NEWPORT
EASTON'S BEACH
Also known as First Beach, this 3/4 mile stretch of sand and ocean is the prime spot for whichever beach-day activity you desire. Rolling waves set the scene for surfing or boogie boarding. Bonus: It marks the beginning of Cliff Walk, just in case you find yourself yearning a scenic stroll.
CURRENT RESTRICTIONS
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Gates open at 9 AM If you're driving, be sure to arrive early as we anticipate lots to fill quick. Parking lot gates will close at 5 PM
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The West Lot #1 will be reserved for Newport residents only, so please be prepared to offer a form of proof of residency.
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If you're interested in purchasing a seasonal pass, beach stickers for Newport residents are available on the City's website at www.CityofNewport.com/BeachStickers. Please note that sticker applications are being processed by MAIL only and no stickers will be sold at the beach.
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At the present time, limited facilities available with both the Easton's Beach carousel and Save the Bay Aquarium both closed. Bath houses are also closed for the time being, however restrooms and beach concessions will be open.
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If you plan to use picnic tables, please bring your own table covering or sanitizing wipes and be mindful of those around you.
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And finally, as the beach fills up, please be sure to practice social distancing, leaving plenty of space between you and any neighboring groups. Masks should also be worn while walking to and from your vehicles or while visiting the snack bar and restrooms.
AMENITIES
- Lifeguards: Stationed daily 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM during the season.
- Public Restrooms (Wheelchair accessible)
- Picnic Area
- Concession stands
PARKING
Beach parking is available for both residents and visitors at a cost of $10 during the week and $20 on the weekends in the lot on Memorial Boulevard. Metered street parking is also available on a first come first serve basis.
RELATED: The Ultimate Guide to Parking in Newport
GOOSEBERRY BEACH
Gooseberry Beach is located along 10-mile Ocean Drive. Set in a cove, the beach provides a quiet, calm place to relax with minimal waves. The beach itself is open to the public, while the beach club remains private.
CURRENT RESTRICTIONS
- Practice social distancing, leave plenty of space between you and any neighboring groups
- Masks should also be worn while walking to and from your vehicles or while visiting the snack bar and restrooms
- Please check with Gooseberry Beach for all current restrictions.
AMENITIES
- Lifeguards: Stationed daily 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM during the season.
- Snack Bar
PARKING
Beach parking is available for both residents and visitors for $20-25 daily.
FORT ADAMS STATE BEACH
Located at Fort Adams State Park on Ocean Drive, this small 225-foot beach overlooks Newport Harbor with calm waters and a roped-off swimming area perfect for kids.
CURRENT RESTRICTIONS
- Practice social distancing, leave plenty of space between you and any neighboring groups
- Masks should also be worn while walking to and from your vehicles
- Please check with Fort Adams State Park for all current restrictions.
AMENITIES
- Lifeguards: Stationed daily 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM during the season
- Public Restrooms (Wheelchair accessible)
- Showers
- Picnic Area
PARKING
Free (Believe it!)
KING PARK BEACH
Another small beach overlooking Newport Harbor, King Park Beach is the perfect spot to pack a picnic to enjoy on the pavilion and spend the day in the sun.
CURRENT RESTRICTIONS
- Practice social distancing, leave plenty of space between you and any neighboring groups
- Masks should also be worn while walking to and from your vehicles
- Please check with King Park for all current restrictions.
AMENITIES
- Public Restrooms
- Picnic Area
- Playground
PARKING
Parking is available but limited along Wellington Avenue.
MIDDLETOWN
SACHUEST BEACH
CURRENT RESTRICTIONS
COVID-19 update as of June 2, 2020:
The Town will sell seasonal passes at the Gazebo next to Second Beach, weather permitting (payment by check preferred, no credit cards) – passes will be sold all summer long, we will not run out. There are no daily parking passes sold at the beach this summer.
The online sale of passes will be announced shortly.
Resident seasonal:
- Regular pass: $70.00
- Senior pass: $65.00
- Motorcycle pass: $30.00
- The issuance of a free second pass will be suspended for the season
Non-resident seasonal:
- Regular pass: $140.00
- Senior pass: $130.00
- Motorcycle pass: $60.00
At the Beach:
- Practice social distancing, leave plenty of space between you and any neighboring groups
- Masks should also be worn while walking to and from your vehicles
- Please check with the Town of Middletown for all current restrictions
Sachuest Beach in Middletown, otherwise known as Second Beach, is where you'll find locals. The longest stretch of sand in Rhode Island, second beach provides 1.5 miles of white sand stretching down to Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge. Here you'll find 2.5 miles of nature trails and more than 200 bird species throughout the year.
Head to Surfer's End for, you guessed it, surfing; plus, kayaking and kite flying. Large waves and ample space culminate the perfect beach scene.
AMENITIES
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Lifeguards: Stationed daily 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM during the season.
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Public Restrooms
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Picnic Area
THIRD BEACH
CURRENT RESTRICTIONS
Update as of June 6th, 2020: Both parking lots for Third Beach will be open for town residents only, but all residents will need to purchase a seasonal pass to park at any of the beach parking lots. Please check with the Town of Middletown for any updates or further details.
- Practice social distancing, leave plenty of space between you and any neighboring groups
- Masks should also be worn while walking to and from your vehicles
Located down the road from Second Beach and fairly off the beaten path, Third Beach provides a quiet oasis for those looking to unwind. Much like Gooseberry Beach, Third Beach is set in a cove, so there aren't many waves, but don't worry, the breeze is still plenty.
AMENITIES
- Lifeguards: Stationed daily 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM during the season.
- Public Restrooms
- Picnic Area
PARKING
Beach parking is available for residents only at a cost of $15 during the week and $25 on the weekends in the lot.
PORTSMOUTH
SANDY POINT BEACH
This quiet and sheltered beach is located on the Sakonnet River at the end of Sandy Point Avenue and is great for families. Admission is $10 during the week and $15 on weekends.
CURRENT RESTRICTIONS
All visitors to Sandy Point Beach are required to wear face coverings when they are unable to maintain at least 6 feet of distance from other persons at the beach. All groups must be limited in size in accordance with current RI Department of Health and state guidelines, and every group must be a minimum of 6 feet apart from other groups. Visitors are also required to practice physical distancing wherever possible while swimming or doing other water-based activities.
- Resident Beach Pass parking only:
- Transfer Station Sticker holders do not require a beach sticker.
- To allow time for residents to obtain for free stickers from the Town Clerk Office, proof of residency is acceptable.
- Stickers must be placed on the lower, inside corner of the driver’s side windshield.
- The Beach parking lot capacity is limited to 65 cars, or 150 patrons.
- There will be no lifeguards on duty, so visitors should proceed with caution while in the water and swim at their own risk.
- The restroom will be closed for cleaning ten minutes each hour.
- Entrance and exit routes to the beach will be posted in accordance with RI DEM guidance.
- Sigourney Road is limited to resident only parking. Parking permits are being distributed to residents on Sigourney Road.
RELATED: Family-Fun Itinerary For a Weekend in Newport
JAMESTOWN
MACKEREL COVE
A calm, quiet cove in Jamestown, Mackerel Cove is about a half-mile long, and is close to neighboring attractions like Beavertail State Park. Plus, most days brings Del's Lemonade Truck in the parking lot.
CURRENT RESTRICTIONS
- 2020 Dates of Operation To Be Determined due to COVID-19 Restrictions. Please check with the town of Jamestown for all current restrictions.
AMENITIES
- Lifeguards
- Public Restrooms
PARKING
Parking is $15 per day.
TIVERTON
FOGLAND BEACH
Fogland Beach is the perfect spot for windsurfing, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and kite surfing, all complemented by beautiful views of the Sakonnet River. Bonus: Fogland Beach is dog-friendly, as long as they are leashed.
CURRENT RESTRICTIONS
- Parking: Space for approximately 200 cars. Please note that the parking lot capacity will be reduced in accordance with the RI State COVID Guidelines.
- Please check with the town of Tiverton for all current restrictions.
AMENITIES
- Lifeguards
- Public Restrooms
- Changing Rooms
- Kayak and paddleboard rentals
- Showers
- Picnic Area
- Playground
PARKING
Parking Fees (Memorial Day - Labor Day Weekend):
Tiverton Residents: No Fee (resident sticker available at beach)
Non-Tiverton Residents: $10 per day on weekdays.
$15 per day on weekends and holidays.
$5 per day for motorcycles.
RELATED: Things Your Dog Will Love About Newport
GRINNELL'S BEACH
A small, family-oriented beach located on the Sakonnet River, Grinnell's Beach offers a small crescent of sand and sun with a children's play area and a designated swimming area. Much like Fogland Beach, Grinnell's is dog-friendly, just make sure your four-legged friend is leashed.
CURRENT RESTRICTIONS
- Parking: Space for approximately 50 cars, including 2 handicapped parking spaces. Please note that the parking lot capacity will be reduced in accordance with the RI State COVID Guidelines. Gate open at 9 AM, closed after 10 PM.
- Please check with the town of Tiverton for all current restrictions.
AMENITIES
- Lifeguards
- Public Restrooms
- Showers
- Changing Area
PARKING
Parking Fees (Memorial Day Weekend - Labor Day Weekend)
Rhode Island Residents: No Fee.
Non-RI Residents: $10 per day on weekdays.
$15 per day on weekends and holidays.
$5 per day for motorcycles.
LITTLE COMPTON
SOUTH SHORE BEACH
Located on Shore Road, this small, rocky beach offers beautiful views of the ocean.
CURRENT RESTRICTIONS
Starting Saturday June 20th and running till Monday September 7th South Shore Beach will be operating under the following guidelines:
- Opening: 5 AM the gate on South Shore Road will be opened. Residents and beach sticker holders only from 5 AM to 8 AM
- Ticket shack opening: 8 AM till 4 PM. Residents and non-residents will be admitted. Nonresidents will pay the daily rate. Resident and season stickers will be available from 9am to 3pm. No fire permits or campers will be allowed. Cars will be limited to 125. The first 100 will be residents and non-residents. The last 25 will be residents only. Anyone entering the beach will be informed that they must be off the beach by 11pm, when the gate will be locked.
- Ticket shack closing: 4 PM beach employees will turn over admission responsibilities to a 2-man security detail and will enforce the 125-car limit. The security detail will only allow residents and beach sticker holders after 4 PM. The security detail will inform all vehicles entering the beach that they must be off the beach by 11pm, when the gate will be locked. The security detail will enforce beach rules (no fires, no campers, etc.).
- Inclement weather: South Shore Beach is not normally manned during inclement weather. In that event the gate will be left open. Staff will return at 11 PM, when the gate will be locked.
AMENITIES
- Lifeguards
- Public Restrooms
- Camping
PARKING
Parking costs $15 during the week and $20 on weekends. Little Compton residents can park free.
GOOSEWING BEACH
Goosewing Beach is a small beach maintained by The Nature Conservancy. Though it's small, it offers scenic views and a lovely spot to relax. To access, park at South Shore Beach and walk over.
CURRENT RESTRICTIONS
- See above for South Shore Beach restrictions
AMENITIES
- Lifeguards
PARKING
There are no parking spaces here. Park at South Shore Beach and walk over.
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