Rhode Island, the smallest US state, packs extraordinary variety into 1,545 square miles: the Gilded Age mansions of Newport, the creative dining scene of Providence, sweeping barrier beaches in South County, and Block Island's untouched bluffs. Despite its size, the Ocean State offers world-class sailing, colonial history dating to 1636, and some of New England's finest seafood.
Top beaches
A ranked editor’s shortlist of the coastline worth planning a day around in Rhode Island.
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- Lifeguards (Memorial Day–Labor Day)
- Restrooms
- Outdoor showers
- Concession stands
- Pavilion
- Beach chairs/umbrella rentals
Narragansett Town Beach
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- Lifeguards (peak season)
- Restrooms
- Outdoor showers
- Parking lot
- Amusements and arcades nearby
- Concession stands
Misquamicut State Beach
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- No lifeguards
- Natural dune backdrop
- Quiet and undeveloped
- Bike access via East Beach Rd
East Beach, Block Island
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- Lifeguards (Memorial Day–Labor Day)
- Restrooms
- Concession stands
- Wheelchair-accessible boardwalk
- Parking
Scarborough State Beach
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- Lifeguards
- Restrooms
- Aquarium
- Merry-go-round
- Concessions
- Parking
Easton's Beach (First Beach)
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- Lifeguards
- Restrooms
- Outdoor showers
- Parking
- Surfing area designated
Second Beach (Sachuest Beach)
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- No lifeguards
- Undeveloped natural preserve
- Piping plover nesting area
- Parking at trailhead
Goosewing Beach Preserve
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- Freshwater-adjacent swimming
- Picnic areas
- Horseback riding trails
- Restrooms
- Boat launch
Goddard Memorial State Park Beach
What to bring
A short packing list for a comfortable beach day — adjust for season and the specific spot.
- Sun protectionHigh-SPF sunscreen, hat, polarised sunglasses, light long-sleeve cover-up.
- HydrationReusable bottle, salty snacks for longer days, electrolyte sachets if it’s hot.
- FootwearWater shoes for pebble or rocky entry, flip-flops for sand, dry pair for the trip home.
- Swim & coverQuick-dry towel or sand-resistant mat, change of swimwear, light cover-up for restaurants.
- Cash & valuablesSmall notes for beach clubs and rentals; waterproof pouch for phone, keys, cards.
- ExtrasReef-safe sunscreen near protected coastline, a book, a small first-aid kit for jellyfish or scrapes.
Beach safety
Hard-earned guidance — read this before you swim, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the coast.
Critical
Swim where lifeguards are posted and follow flag warnings — green is safe, yellow is caution, red means no swimming. Rip currents are the leading beach hazard worldwide.
Caution
Watch for tide changes and marine life — jellyfish blooms, sea urchins on rocky entries, occasional shark or stingray advisories. Don’t swim alone, especially at dawn or dusk.
Tip
Reapply sunscreen every 90 minutes and after every swim. Take shade between 11 am and 3 pm — the sun is harsher than people expect, even when the air is cool.
Practical
Keep valuables out of sight or back at the accommodation. Beach theft is a small-but-real risk at busy beaches; never leave bags unattended while you’re in the water.