Rhode Island is the smallest state of the US, marked by a long 40-mile coastline. From white sandy beaches to soft golden sand stretches, you will discover lovely shores in this ocean state. Be it the East Matunuck State Beach in South Kingston or the Easton’s Beach in Newport, you will have a great day, at the end of which you will feel relaxed and refreshed. Take a look at the top beaches in Rhode Island that are a great choice for all-day sunning and surfing.   

1. Crescent Beach, Block Island 

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The 2.5 mile-long Crescent Beach is considered to be one of the most photographed beaches in Rhode Island. Starting from Clay Head Preserve to the Old Harbor in Block Island, this lovely white sandy stretch gives you plenty of opportunities to soak in the beach-y vibes. Some visitors also refer to this as the Fred Benson Town Beach since The Frederick J. Benson Pavilion can be found right in the middle of this beach. Besides finding the basic facilities such as bathrooms and showers at Crescent Beach, you can also rent cabanas, chairs, umbrellas, and boogie boards at the concession stand near the harbor.       

2. East Matunuck State Beach, South Kingston 

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Grab your surfing boards and head towards East Matunuck State Beach for here the waves welcome beginners as well as skilled surfers. The beach that gets crowded during summer weekends has lifeguards to monitor visitors during the peak season. Concession stands, restrooms, changing stalls, and parking lots are the facilities that you will find here. While picnicking and ocean swimming are the popular beach activities here, there is nothing like taking a leisurely stroll along the silky golden curve of East Matunuck State Beach. 

3. Watch Hill Beach, Westerly 

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Watch Hill Beach in Westerly is one of the best beaches in Rhode Island to visit with family and kids, and why wouldn’t it be when there is a ‘flying-horse’ carousel nearby! The soft golden sand draws in a lot of crowds but with miles of sandy stretches, you wouldn’t find it to be too crowded. Watch Hill Beach has also fetched attention thanks to the Relais & Chateaux Ocean House hotel and Taylor Swift’s beachfront mansion. While you are at the beach, do walk to the Watch Hill Lighthouse that offers some spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean.    

4. East Beach, Charlestown 

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East Beach in Charlestown is popularly known to be one of the calm Rhode Island beaches where you can enjoy peace and quietude. The three-mile-long stretch continues to stay amongst the underdeveloped beaches in the state. Lying between the Atlantic Ocean and Rhode Island’s largest salt pond - Ninigret, the beach offers you some of the most mesmerizing views of the endless expanse of water. The shoreline park also has around 20 campsites, allowing you to camp under stars while listening to the sound of waves.   

5. Misquamicut State Beach, Westerly 

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Misquamicut State Beach in Westerly is one of the most popular beaches in Rhode Island, drawing in large crowds during the summer weekends. The half-mile golden sand here is ideal for a day of sunbathing. Paddle boating, surfing, and jet skiing are a few other water sports that you may enjoy while you are this beach. There is a bathing pavilion here which has a bathhouse building, a lifeguard tower, sheltered gazebos, and a concession building with a gift shop and offices. Misquamicut State Beach is also surrounded by a number of attractions such as Water Wizz Water Park and Atlantic Beach Park that attract more families.     

6. Goosewing Beach, Little Compton 

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Goosewing Beach in Little Compton is also known as South Shore Beach and it is a part of the 75-acre Goosewing Beach Preserve. Located between Quicksand Pond and the Atlantic Ocean, the beach is a great place to observe seabirds like the piping plover and least tern. It is a crescent-shaped beach with tidal pools for clamming. As the waves here aren’t very huge, kids can be seen boogie boarding and skimboarding. Parking lots, changing rooms, and toilets are a few of the facilities available at Goosewing Beach.   

7. Easton’s Beach, Newport 

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Easton’s Beach is one of the family-friendly beaches in Rhode Island and is the largest surf beach in Newport. The three-quarter-mile beach has a 1958 carousel that pulls many families with kids to the sandy stretch. You can rent boogie boards and umbrellas from a boutique named Rosie’s to spend a laid-back afternoon on the beach. Easton’s Beach, which is also called the First Beach by some, is equipped with a number of facilities, including restrooms, showers, picnic areas, and propane grill areas. 

8. Narragansett Town Beach, Narragansett 

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With waves rising as high as four feet, Narragansett Town Beach stands amongst Rhode Island’s best surfing beaches. Offering a classic New England beach experience, it enjoys a mile-long shore which welcomes almost 10,000 visitors every summer weekend. Most of the beachgoers can be seen enjoying a walk towards the Pettaquamscutt River, while families and lazy bums can be found relaxing in the middle of the sandy stretch. Narragansett Town Beach is equipped with a few facilities including a parking area, restrooms, first-aid office, and lifeguards.    

9. Napatree Point Beach, Westerly 

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Napatree Point Beach is protected by the Watch Hill Conservancy and is a result of the phenomenon called longshore drift. This 1.5 miles of long shore is a paradise for birdwatchers as the surrounding habitat is home to a variety of bird species. The sandy pit, that separates the Atlantic Ocean from Watch Hill's Little Narragansett Bay, used to once be very logged. But, it is now an ideal place to lay down your towels for a day of sunning. You can also go swimming in the waters or a walk along the shore always proves to be a great recreational activity here.  

10. Reject’s Beach, Newport 

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Reject’s Beach is considered to be one of the hidden beaches in Rhode Island. You will find it beside the Bailey Beach, owned by a private club, at the Cliff Walk’s western end. As there is no parking at the beach, the best way to reach it is on foot. Reject’s Beach is usually uncrowded, allowing you to have the 100-foot sandy stretch all to yourself. Blanketed in white sand, this beach is ideal for those who wish to spend a day out to enjoy the sun, sand, and sea. The beach abuts a large cliff face that allows it to hide from the nearby roads. It should be noted though that Reject’s Beach is not equipped with all the convenient amenities.    

11. Ballard’s Beach, Block Island 

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Ballard’s Beach is one of the happening beach destinations in Rhode Islands. This Block Island beach is located not far from the ferry dock, and you can reach it easily on foot. Oceanfront dining, tiki bars with full service, live music, and beach volleyball are a few of the attractions that pull beach lovers to this place. After a good dip in the waters, you can rent a beach chair and umbrella to just lie down and relax by the Atlantic Ocean. After spending a beautiful day drinking in the mesmerizing surrounding views, you can also enjoy a private bonfire that is offered at Ballard’s Beach. 

12. Sachuest (Second) Beach, Middletown 

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Located just a stone’s throw away from Easton’s Beach, the Sachuest Beach is a favorite alternative amongst locals as well as outsiders during the summer months. Popularly known as the Second Beach, it primarily attracts the surfers with the steady waves. This is a crescent-shaped sandy shore, stretched for a mile, and ideal for all kinds of recreational beach activities. Be it swimming, sunbathing, or surfing, this beach lets you choose how you wish to spend your day here. In case you wish to learn surfing, you will also find a surf school at the Second Beach.  

13. Charlestown Town Beach 

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Charlestown Town Beach is one of Rhode Island’s great little beaches. The sand along this shoreline is not ideally soft and is a lot coarser with pebbles. Due to this, fewer beachgoers prefer this beach, leaving it less crowded. One of the best things to do at Charlestown Town Beach is snorkeling, so do not forget to get your gear. Also, it is advised to come prepared as there are no amenities provided at this beach. During your visit to this beach, stay until sunset to witness the magnificent vistas. With a parking facility available, you can reach the beach by bike or car.      

14. Scarborough State Beach 

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Scarborough State Beach is one of the most favorite beaches amongst beachgoers during the summers. Surfers with moderate to high skills must visit this beach to carve the waves. With a strong undertow, it is recommended to be careful while swimming at Scarborough State Beach. There is a boardwalk here that is just right for a casual stroll on a fine evening and for observing spectacular vistas. The beach is equipped with all the usual amenities, including restrooms, showers, and picnic areas. During summer months, you will see lifeguards on duty for the safety of the visitors. 

Now, with this list of all the best beaches in Rhode Island, all you gotta do is pack and head out for a sandy sojourn.