LOCAL PUBLIC BEACHES

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This popular beach is sandy in most places, but pebbly in a few spots; depending on how recent tides and winds have shifted the sand. Despite large rocks that line the shore in many spots, the beach is a very popular spot for surfers year-round.  Access to the beach is confined to several entry points at the south end by the town, or via The Dunes club with membership. Lifeguards patrol only the town controlled portion and a very small section over at The Dunes.  There are parking spaces available curbside, but they fill up quickly. Most visitors will have to pay the parking/access fee.

• PAVILIONS W/SNACKS
• CHANGING ROOMS
• SHOWERS, RESTROOMS
• GREAT SURFING​
• INFO:  401-782-0658

 Fine sand and a friendly surf make this a family favorite.  Resident passes and cottage passes are accepted. Senior discount. Cash and personal checks are accepted. Bathroom facility with cold-water rinsing stations. Fees are for parking only and are per vehicle. Alcohol prohibited, no pets, smoke free facility but smoking areas available.  Limited concession stand.  For daily weather/surf conditions call the Charlestown Town Beach.

• MODEST SURF
• BATH HOUSE
• HANDICAPPED ACCESSIBLE
• INFORMATION:  401-364-1208 EXT. 364

Originally developed in 1937, Scarborough Beach is Rhode Island’s most well known beach. Located 35 miles south of Providence on Ocean Road in Narragansett, it is a 26 acre facility with 2,325 ft of frontage. Newly renovated pavilion and expanded beach area along with renovations to community sections.  These areas, now referred to as the Scarborough South Complex, offer a wide range of beach related activities. Swimming with lifeguards on duty from 9am to 6pm.  Popular beach for all ages.

• SITTING AREA, BOARDWALK  
• LIFEGUARDS
• CONCESSIONS
• RESTROOMS, COIN SHOWERS
• INFO:  401-789-2324 (North)

Naturalists will love to take a stroll on this undeveloped stretch just off Watch Hill.  It is a 1.5 mile barrier of sand that starts at the Watch Hill business district in Westerly and separates the Little Narragansett Bay from the Ocean. It is a wildlife refuge and ecological preserve. Locals come here frequently to swim at the public beach, and bird watchers will find a variety of species here.The beach entry is free, but you will find no services along the beach.  Visitors should also be advised that the area flora is infested with ticks. 

• LIMITED PARKING
• TICK WARNING
• ​FAVORITE SPOT FOR HIKERS
• BIRD WATCHERS
• INFORMATION:  800-732-7636

Misquamicut has always enjoyed a summer population balanced by Westerly area locals and lots of Connecticut residents. Misquamicut is one of the state's most popular beaches with over a half mile of beach front. The strip of Atlantic Ave. hosts  many local attractions. The pavilion includes outside showers, and composting toilets. Festivals and concerts often use the lot for festivities.  The beach often fills to capacity during sunny summer weekends. The community type structure includes a bathhouse building, a concession building that includes a gift shop and offices, a lifeguard tower and shade gazebos. In October 2012, Misquamicut Beach was devastated by Hurricane Sandy. With help from the community and visitors, the beach unbelievably reopened to the public in May 2013.

• MEDIUM SURF
• PAVILION & FOOD
• BATH HOUSE
• LARGE PARKING LOT
• INFORMATION:  401-596-9097

East State Beach in Charlestown consumes 3 miles of prime shoreline. It is the easterly extension of Quonochontaug Neck. One of the least developed of the Rhode Island state beaches, it has limited parking. Nevertheless, it is one of Rhode Island’s spectacular seaside treasures.

This barrier beach also has 20 primitive campsites, which require special vehicle requirements/passes. Parking is very limited and fills up early. A portion of the beach is staffed with lifeguards on a seasonal basis.

• LARGE SURF
• COMPOST TOILETS
• BEACH BARRIER ACCESS
• CAMPING
• LIMITED PARKING
• LIFEGUARDS
• INFORMATION:  401-322-8910

Watch Hill has been described as a visual paradise.  The entire area is known for it's beautiful beaches, magnificent homes, surfing, fishing, sailing, bird-watching, and majestic sunsets.  Watch Hill is tranquil, secure and easily accessible by car, boat, Amtrak, and air. The town is full of history, shops, and glorious Victorian architecture. A short stroll from the beach you can find shops with delights ranging from ice cream to antiques. Take time to stop at the Ninigret Statue and historic Watch Hill Carousel

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• THE CAROUSEL
• POPULAR WITH FAMILIES
•  PARKING AVAILABLE
• BATHHOUSE
• SHOPS NEARBY
• ​INFORMATION:  401-348-6007 

Located at the end of East Beach Road, the Sam Ferretti Blue Shutters Town Beach has proven be to be a hit with Burlingame campers.  Ample parking is available with a daily entrance fee during the week of $15.00 and $20.00 on weekends & holidays. Additionally, cottage passes, resident stickers, and nonresident stickers are accepted at the beach.  Seasonal hours of operation are 9-5 weekdays and 8-5 weekends and holidays. Lifeguards are on duty during those hours (weather permitting).

• LIFEGUARDS
• SHOWERS & RESTROOMS
• CHANGING ROOMS
• CONCESSIONS
• PICNIC TABLES
• INFORMATION:  401-364-1206

Salty Brine State Beach was acquired by the state Division of Parks and Rec by the Division of Harbors and Rivers in 1954. Harbors and Rivers Dept. had been responsible for developing the breach way at Galilee in the Town of Narragansett as a harbor area for commercial and recreational fishermen. A number of seafood processing plants dotted the entrance into one of Rhode Island’s great salt ponds, Point Judith Pond. The port area is also the state’s major terminal for the renown Block Island Ferry. This state beach is tucked alongside some of RI's most famous seafood restaurants. 

• TINY BEACH
• PROTECTED FROM STRONG SURF
•  GREAT FOR KIDS
• GREAT SCENERY
• BATH HOUSE
• INFO:  401-789-8374

Captain Roger W. Wheeler was the creator of the Rhode Island State Life-Saving System.  It wasn’t until at least 1955, that the first modern bath house and parking facilities were put on the site.  In the late 90s, redesign and renovations of the beach facilities at Roger Wheeler produced a new pavilion, coin-operated hot showers, a playground, concession building, a life-guard tower, and an environmental educational area.

• PLAYGROUND AREA
• PICNIC TABLES
• BATHHOUSE
• GENTLE SURF
• INFORMATION:  401-789-3563

Westerly Town Beach, and Wuskenau Town Beach a.k.a. The Westerly New Town Beach are a smaller alternative to Misquamicut.  You'll enjoy the same sun, sand, and surf as the neighboring state beach. Open to the public with paid parking. Season passes are available to both residents and nonresidents.  Within walking distance to each other, as well as amusements on Atlantic Ave., this beach is always good for families with small children. 

• PLAYGROUND AREA
• PICNIC TABLES
• BATHHOUSE
• GENTLE SURF
• PARKING FEE
• INFORMATION:  401-789-3563

From the Hurricane of 1938 through successive storms in 1954 and 1955, both light-weight and well-built structures along this coastline were from time to time swept away with the tide. Beginning in 1956 the State Department of Public Works began acquiring storm-ravaged land by public condemnation.  Additional purchases occurred in 1967. A modern beach facility was built totaling more than 144 acres.

• VERY STRONG SURF
• LARGE PARKING LOT
• BATH HOUSE
• HANDICAPPED ACCESSIBLE
• INFORMATION:  401-789-8585

Charlestown Breachway was a direct result of arguments from locals that the natural breach was filled in by the tides depositing sand thereby creating a barrier that separated the pond from the ocean. They wanted a permanent breach which would prevent the water in local ponds from becoming brackish and unfit for the cultivation and harvesting of oysters, an industry important to this area. Located on the east side of "The Breachway" is a camping area for self contained RV's, a state beach, some of the best salt water fishing in South County and a panoramic view of Block Island Sound. This location also has a boat launch with limited parking.

• PLAYGROUND AREA
• PICNIC TABLES
• BATHHOUSE
• GENTLE SURF
• INFO:  401-789-3563

Burlingame State Campground and State Park rec area both have small beaches on opposing shores along the 573 acre Watchaug Pond.  Shallow water and no waves make for a child friendly experience. Updated boat ramps, fishing, and canoe rentals share the beachfront area.

• LIFEGUARDS
• BATHROOMS
• NO SURF
• RESTRICTED AREA
• KID FRIENDLY
• CROWDED ON WEEKENDS
• INFO:  401-322-7337