The best beaches in Rhode Island

It's no surprise that Rhode Island has some of the best beaches in the USA – its nickname is the Ocean State, after all – and thanks to its 40-plus miles of stunning coastline, the smallest state is absolutely filled with saltwater gems.

The best part? Despite its incredibly gorgeous scenery and authentic local vibe, Rhode Island has remained relatively out of the limelight, with many visitors choosing the classic shores of Cape Cod or the glitzier sands of the Hamptons for their summer vacations instead. That means the state has managed to maintain its distinctive Little Rhody energy, which will satisfy your inner beach bum and leave you feeling like you stumbled upon a well-kept secret at the same time.

The only question is which beach to hit first. Some are best for surfers, others for sunset seekers and still others for those who want nothing more than an ice cream after a dip. These six are our picks for the best beaches in Rhode Island.

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1. Watch Hill Beach

Best beach town

Make no mistake, Watch Hill Beach is an incredible stretch of Atlantic coastline. The beach is wide, the sand is soft, the crowd is fun, and the waves are mild – all perfect qualities for pure relaxation. But the thing about Watch Hill is that it’s not just about the beach; it’s about the town itself.

This village calls to mind what people think of when they conjure up a charming New England destination: white picket fences, cute seaside shops with shell mobiles hanging in the windows and old-school restaurants that serve your food through a sliding screen door. (Be sure to get some ice cream at St Clair Annex, which has been open since 1887.) The area is so picturesque, it captured the heart of Taylor Swift, who bought a house here in 2013.

Planning tip: Get to Watch Hill early (the beach parking lot fills up pretty quickly), spend the morning and early afternoon getting your saltwater fix, then head out for a golden hour stroll through town, followed by a round of sunset cocktails at the Olympia Tea Room.

2. Goosewing Beach

Best beach for nature lovers

Part of Goosewing Beach Preserve, a 75-acre historic landmark on the Atlantic Ocean with unspoiled ponds, dunes and sand, Goosewing Beach is one of the most treasured eco-friendly spots in Rhode Island. Getting there requires a bit of effort, as there isn’t a direct entrance, but that’s part of its appeal.

Visitors must park in the lot for South Shore Beach, a rocky strand that tends to get quite crowded, and walk to the end of South Shore (about 10 minutes or so) before crossing a small stream that leads to Goosewing. The payoff is worth it: Goosewing feels more remote than South Shore, with wider, softer stretches of sand and heaps of beachgrass swaying in the wind.

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Planning tip: The beach preserve is the home of two rare types of seabirds: the piping plover and the least tern. Visitors can't enter the shorebirds' nesting areas, marked by signs and ropes. Dogs are prohibited from April 1 to September 1.

3. Narragansett Town Beach

Best beach for surfers

In-the-know surfers usually get to Narragansett Town Beach early in the morning, so they can enjoy the water before the crowds arrive at this stretch of sand where the Atlantic Ocean opens into Narragansett Bay. And there are definitely crowds: this is one of the most popular beaches in all of New England, let alone Rhode Island.

The waves here can get up to 4ft on a good day, which is perfect for people who want to learn the sport. Two local surf shops, Narragansett Surf & Skate and Warm Winds, even offer lessons and rentals. That said, if you’re not a surfer, this is still a great spot for a beach day. The surfers tend to stick to the south end of the beach anyway, leaving the rest of the area to families.

Planning tip: The beach is located right next to the heart of town, so it’s easy to pop out and grab a bite and a drink. There's a variety of beachy burger and seafood joints, and the rooftop at the Coast Guard House is especially nice for sunset cocktails. The beach pavilion has changing rooms and bathrooms, so you can get out of your wet swimsuit and transition into evening mode.

4. Mohegan Bluffs

Best beach for adventurers

Admittedly, this is not the best choice for those who want nothing more than soft sand, clear water and a spot to put their cooler. But for ocean lovers with a wild side, those who might appreciate a bit more rugged vibe, Mohegan Bluffs is for you.

This patch of 150ft-tall clay sea cliffs sits just past the Southeast Light on the southern tip of Block Island, which is only accessible by ferry (departing from either Point Judith, Rhode Island, or New London, Connecticut). The view from the top is stunning – on a clear day you can see Montauk, at the tip of Long Island, New York, across the water.

Planning tip: Reach the beach via the 141-step staircase – try not to think about the fact that you’ll have to walk back up on the return trip. The sand is a bit rocky, but it’s great for no-frills chilling out; most people don’t want to drag a bunch of beach gear down the stairs.

5. Misquamicut State Beach

Best beach for families

When trying to find a good beach for kids, there are a lot of factors to consider. Is the water calm? Are there good bathrooms? Are there lifeguards? Are there things to do in the area? Misquamicut State Beach at the state's southern reaches on the Atlantic Ocean checks all of those boxes, making it a perennial family favorite in Rhode Island.

There are also changing areas, food stands, a big pavilion and plenty of shaded areas for cooling off. Plus, the beach itself is gorgeous, with 3 miles of wide sand and fairly calm water.

Planning tip: For a break from the shore, nearby Atlantic Beach Park offers all sorts of kid-friendly entertainment, from a carousel to an arcade to a snack bar. Finish it off with a bite and a beer at the park’s Windjammer Surf Bar, which also hosts live music on the patio 1–5pm daily during the summer.

6. Easton’s Beach (First Beach)

Best beach for fun seekers

The area around Newport (including Middletown, right next door) has three main beaches that are colloquially referred to as First, Second and Third Beaches. All of them are great, but while Second and Third are both pretty chill – Second is located by the Norman Bird Sanctuary; Third has virtually zero waves – First Beach (officially Easton’s Beach) is geared toward amusements, with a free summer concert series and rentals available for beach chairs; umbrellas; surf, boogie and paddleboards; and wetsuits.

Planning tip: There are lots of great activities nearby for those bored with sunbathing. Easton’s Beach (on a bay of the Atlantic) sits right by the entrance to Newport's Cliff Walk, a 3.5-mile route along the cliffs with views of crashing waves on one side and Newport’s famous mansions on the other. Visitors can also check out the nearby Save the Bay Exploration Center and Aquarium to learn about Rhode Island’s native ocean life.