A crescent-shaped beach on Conanicut Island (Jamestown) featuring clear waters and scenic views. Popular for swimming and kayaking with a family-friendly atmosphere and seasonal lifeguards.
Mackerel Cove
Rhode Island
Beaches for Swimming
Watch Hill Beach
Rhode Island
A pristine beach in an upscale coastal village featuring the Flying Horse Carousel (oldest operating carousel in America). Surrounded by historic buildings, shops, and restaurants with a charming atmosphere.
Sandy Point Beach
Connecticut
A beach and bird sanctuary at the mouth of New Haven Harbor accessible via a walkable sand spit. Important habitat for nesting shorebirds with excellent views of Long Island Sound and New Haven.
Mansion Beach
Rhode Island
Named for a mansion that once stood nearby, this Block Island beach features pristine white sand and excellent swimming conditions. Offers a more secluded experience than the town beaches with good surfing.
Oakland Beach
Rhode Island
A small city beach on Greenwich Bay known for its many seafood restaurants and clam shacks. Features a boat ramp, fishing area, and the famous Oakland Beach clam cakes and chowder tradition.
Ballard’s Beach
Rhode Island
A private beach on Block Island (but open to the public) with full-service amenities including beach chair and umbrella service, restaurant, and bar. Features live music and entertainment during summer months.
East Matunuck Town Beach
Rhode Island
A town-operated beach adjacent to the state beach with similar amenities but often less crowded. Popular with locals for swimming, surfing, and fishing with views of Block Island on clear days.
South Shore Beach
Rhode Island
A town beach in rural Little Compton adjacent to Goosewing Beach Preserve. Features a mix of sand and stones with a natural, uncrowded atmosphere and beautiful coastal landscape.
King’s Beach
Rhode Island
A free public beach along Ocean Road in Narragansett with interesting rock formations and good surf conditions. Less developed than nearby state beaches but offers scenic views and easy access.
Third Beach
Rhode Island
A gentle beach on the Sakonnet River with calm waters perfect for families with small children. Popular for windsurfing, kayaking, and other water sports with boat launch facilities available.