It’s no secret Rhode Island has some of the best beaches in the US; its nickname is the Ocean State, after all, and thanks to 40-plus miles of stunning coastline, it’s absolutely filled with saltwater gems.

Moreover, 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 the Cape or the glitzier sands of the Hamptons for their beach vacations instead. This means that the state has managed to maintain its distinctive “Little Rhody” energy, which satisfies your inner beach bum while leaving you feeling like you’ve stumbled upon a well-kept travel secret.

The only question is which beach to hit first. For the smallest state in the country, Rhode Island (which is not actually an island, by the way!) offers an overwhelming number of options. Some beaches are best for surfers, others for sunset seekers, and still others for those who simply want a cold, dripping ice-cream cone after their last dip. Read on for the best places to enjoy the ocean in the Ocean State.

Watch Hill Beach – Westerly

Best beach for après-beach fans

Watch Hill Beach boasts an incredible stretch of coastline. The sand is wide and soft, the crowd is fun, and the waves are mild—all perfect qualities for pure relaxation. However, it’s not just about the beach; it’s also about the town itself.

This is what comes to mind when people think of charming New England: white-picket fences, quaint seaside shops with shell mobiles hanging in the windows, and old-school restaurants serving food through a sliding screen door. Be sure to grab some ice cream at St Clair Annex, which has been open since 1887. The area is so picturesque that it even captured the heart of Taylor Swift, who purchased a house here in 2013, making it the most expensive private home in Rhode Island today.

Your move? Get to Watch Hill early (the beach parking lot fills up quickly), spend the morning and early afternoon soaking in the saltwater, then take a golden-hour stroll through town followed by a round of sunset cocktails at the Olympia Tea Room.

Goosewing Beach – Little Compton

Best beach for nature lovers

As part of Goosewing Beach Preserve, a 75-acre historic landmark filled with unspoiled ponds, dunes, and sand, Goosewing Beach is one of the most treasured eco-friendly spots in Rhode Island. While getting there requires a bit of effort, that’s part of its charm.

Visitors must park at South Shore Beach, a rocky strand that tends to be quite crowded. After a short walk (about 10 minutes), you will cross a small stream that leads to Goosewing. The payoff is worth it; Goosewing feels more remote, with wider, softer stretches of sand and heaps of beachgrass swaying in the wind.

The beach preserve is also home to two rare seabirds, the piping plover and the least tern. Those interested in the surrounding wildlife can head to the Benjamin Family Environmental Center for a guided nature walk.

Narragansett Town Beach – Narragansett

Best beach for surfers

In-the-know surfers usually arrive at Narragansett Town Beach early in the morning to enjoy the water before crowds take over. This beach is one of the most popular in New England and certainly in Rhode Island.

The waves can get pretty tall, reaching up to 4ft on a good day, making it perfect for those looking to learn surfing. Local surf shops, Narragansett Surf & Skate and Warm Winds, offer lessons and rentals. Even if you’re not a surfer, this is still a great spot for a beach day. Most surfers tend to stick to the south end of the beach, leaving the rest of the area for families and beach enthusiasts.

The beach is conveniently located right next to the heart of town, making it easy to grab a bite to eat or a drink. A variety of beachy burger and seafood joints can be found nearby, with the rooftop at the Coast Guard House being especially popular for golden-hour cocktails. The beach pavilion features changing rooms and bathrooms, so you can easily transition into evening activities.

Mohegan Bluffs – Block Island

Best beach for adventurers

While this isn’t the ideal spot for traditional beachgoers seeking soft sand and clear waters, it’s perfect for ocean lovers with a wild side. Mohegan Bluffs is a stunning stretch of sea cliffs located just past the Southeast Light at the southern tip of Block Island, accessible only by ferry from either Point Judith, Rhode Island, or New London, Connecticut.

At approximately 150ft tall, the clay cliffs resemble the Cliffs of Moher in Ireland, and the view from the top is breathtaking—offering a glimpse of Long Island, specifically Montauk in the Hamptons, across the Atlantic.

The beach at the base of the bluffs is one of Rhode Island’s most picturesque spots. To get there, take the 141-step staircase leading down, while trying not to think about the walk back up afterward. The sand is a bit rocky, ideal for those looking to chill without the hassle of beach gear; a towel and a drink will suffice, and don’t forget to snap some photos as the stunning sea cliffs make the perfect backdrop!

Misquamicut Beach – Westerly

Best beach for families

When searching for a great beach for kids, various factors come into play. Is the water calm? Are there good bathrooms? Is there a lifeguard on duty? Misquamicut State Beach checks all these boxes, making it a perennial family favorite in Rhode Island.

The beach offers bathrooms, changing areas, food stands, and a large pavilion, along with plenty of shaded areas for cooling off. Additionally, the beach itself is beautiful, featuring 3 miles of wide sand and relatively calm waters.

For a change of pace, nearby Atlantic Beach Park provides a range of kid-friendly entertainment options, from a carousel to an arcade and a snack bar. Wind down with a bite to eat and a drink at the park’s Windjammer Surf Bar, which often features live music on the patio and kid’s movie night on the beach every Tuesday.

Easton (First) Beach – Newport

Best beach for fun seekers

The Newport area, including Middletown, has three main beaches commonly referred to as First, Second, and Third Beaches.

While all three beaches are great, Second and Third offer a more relaxed vibe—Second is located near the Norman Bird Sanctuary, while Third features virtually zero waves. In contrast, First Beach is filled with activities, including summer carnivals, concerts, a boardwalk, a vintage carousel, and a skateboard park. If you prefer not to bring beach gear, rentals for chairs, umbrellas, and boogie boards are available.

Moreover, there are plenty of activities nearby for those who need a break from sunbathing. First Beach is right at the entrance of Newport’s famous Cliff Walk, a 3.5-mile scenic route featuring views of crashing waves on one side and Newport’s famous mansions on the other. Additionally, visitors can discover the nearby Save the Bay Exploration Center and Aquarium, which provides insights into Rhode Island’s native ocean life.

This article was first published on Apr 12, 2021, and updated on May 3, 2022.