Rhode Island destinations, parks and attractions

Are you going on a beach road trip to Rhode Island, looking for tips about the destinations so you and your party can enjoy it, be comfortable and not spend a fortune?

Here are some of the top beach destinations in Rhode Island and tips about visiting them

Rhode Island State Beaches

State Beach Parking - Check here for the near real-time status of parking lots at our busiest state beaches. Get A State Beach Pass

Saltwater Beaches

The Ocean State has beautiful state beaches, each with its own unique charm and amenities. Whether you're into swimming, sunbathing, building sandcastles, picnicking or people-watching, there's a lovely spot just waiting for you. So, grab your sunscreen and enjoy!
Charlestown Breachway - Map and directions. Charlestown Beach Road, Charlestown. This golden sand beach offers a panoramic view of Block Island Sound and is known as one of the best salt water fishing areas in South County. LEARN MORE
East Beach - Map and directions. East Beach Road, Charlestown. The least developed of the state beaches, with limited parking and a half dozen changing rooms, East Beach is one of RI’s spectacular seaside treasures. LEARN MORE
East Matunuck - Map and directions. 950 Succotash Road, South Kingstown. Noted for its strong surf, East Matunuck State Beach totals almost 150 acres and sports a modern beach pavilion with hot showers and concessions. LEARN MORE
Misquamicut - Map and directions. 257 Atlantic Avenue, Westerly. One of the state's most popular beaches with over a half mile of beach front, Misquamicut State Beach features a modern pavilion, playground, and shade gazebos. LEARN MORE
Roger Wheeler - Map and directions. 100 Sand Hill Cove Road, Narragansett. Popular among families with small children, this beach features a playground and modern beach pavilion and an environmental educational area with local marine animals. LEARN MORE
Salty Brine - Map and directions. 254 Great Island Road, Narragansett. Salty Brine State Beach is a tiny beach, barely 100 yards long, with gentle surf set close to the busy Galilee docks and several seafood restaurants. LEARN MORE
Scarborough North - Map and directions. 970 Ocean Road, Narragansett. Scarborough North features a large parking area, pavilion with concessions, shaded shelters, boardwalk, and an observation tower. LEARN MORE
Scarborough South - Map and directions. 970 Ocean Road, Narragansett. Adjacent to Scarborough North, Scarborough South adds an additional 16 acres with over 1,000 feet of beach frontage. LEARN MORE

Freshwater & Non-Surf Saltwater Beaches

Burlingame Picnic Area - Map and directions. Sanctuary Road, Charlestown. This popular freshwater swimming area on Watchaug Pond offers picnic area, beach, and a nearby boat launch for boating and fishing. LEARN MORE
Fort Adams State Park - Park maps. Harrison Avenue, Newport. Situated at the mouth of the Newport Harbor, Fort Adams State Park offers saltwater swimming with panoramic views of Narragansett Bay. LEARN MORE
Goddard Memorial State Park - Park maps. Ives Road, Warwick. Visitors to Goddard Memorial State Park can enjoy saltwater swimming and fishing at the public beach. LEARN MORE
Lincoln Woods State Park - Park maps. Manchester Print Works Road, Lincoln. Enjoy freshwater swimming at Olney Pond with a modern beach pavilion that features hot showers, restrooms, and food concessions. LEARN MORE
Pulaski State Park - Park maps. Pulaski Road, Chepachet. Nestled within the George Washington Management Area, this 13-acre recreational area offers trout fishing and swimming at Peck Pond LEARN MORE
There are no fees to access beaches within state parks. Lifeguards are on duty seasonally from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Rhode Island Seasons, bugs, topography and climate

Rhode Island has humid, warm summers and cold, less humid winters. The lowest recorded temperature in Rhode Island was −23 °F (−31 °C) on February 5, 1996, in Greene. Monthly average temperatures range from a high of 83 °F (28 °C) to a low of 20 °F (−7 °C).!

Rhode Island Camping tips

Rhode Island DEM's Division of Parks and Recreation manages 8,200 acres of land, including parks, beaches, campgrounds, bike paths, historic sites, picnic areas, trails, athletic fields, and fishing access.

There are both state parks and private campgrounds in Rhode Island.

Campgrounds

Burlingame - Map. 1 Burlingame Park Road, Charlestown. Situated next to Watchaug Pond, this spacious campground features 700 rustic campsites, as well as 20 rustic cabins. LEARN MORE
Charlestown Breachway - Map. Charlestown Beach Road, Charlestown. Camp along the breachway with spectacular ocean views and some of Rhode Island's best saltwater fishing. LEARN MORE
East Beach - Map. East Beach Road, Charlestown. Specialty camping at East Beach is offered in two areas that can only be accessed by 4-wheel drive vehicles. LEARN MORE
Fishermen's Memorial - Map. 1011 Point Judith Rd., Narragansett. Camping in a "seaside village" atmosphere, complete with neatly trimmed grass, tree lined paths and activities for the entire family. LEARN MORE
George Washington - Map. 2185 Putnam Pike, Chepachet. Enjoy forest camping overlooking Bowdish Reservoir with a multitued of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. LEARN MORE