BEACHES > RHODE ISLAND

East Beach (Ninigret Conservation Area)
Charlestown, RI (map)
401.322.0450
http://www.riparks.com/eastbeach.htm

Off East Beach Rd, this beach is a popular site for fishing, camping, and bird watching. Portable toilets available. Non-resident parking $12, $14 weekends. Open daily from 7 am to 11 pm until Oct 31. Sand trail closed until Sept..

East Matunuck State Beach
950 Succotash Rd, South Kingston, RI (map)
401.789.8585
http://www.riparks.com/eastmatunuck.htm

Take the East Matunuck exit off of Rte 1. A family-oriented beach, with sand dunes and a view of Block Island. Picnic tables, a snack bar, and a bathhouse available. Lifeguards on duty daily from 8 am to 6 pm. Parking is $12, $14 on weekends. Open daily from 9 am to 6 pm.

EastonÆs Beach
Memorial Blvd, Newport, RI (map)
401.845.5810
http://www.cityofnewport.com/4538.aspx

Equipped with an aquarium, fitness center, snack bar, beach store, playground, and skateboard park, this beach is one of the most popular in the area for families with children. Beach chairs, boogie boards, umbrellas, and surfboards can be rented daily. Parking $8 per day, $10 to $15 per day on weekends.

Fred Benson Town Beach
Corn Neck Rd, Block Island, RI (map)
401.466.7717
http://www.visitrhodeisland.com/

Known as Crescent Beach to locals. Ferries from Port Judith, RI, to the island leave from Galilee State Pier in Narragansett year-round, but expect a long ferry ride. Taxis are available for a small fee at the Block Island dock, and you may want the lift -- it can be a trek to the beach. The snack bar features salads and mouthwatering burgers. Beach chairs, umbrellas, and boogie boards available for rent. Lifeguards on duty from 10 am to 5 pm. Handicap accessible and beach wheelchairs available (call in advance).

Misquamicut State Beach
257 Atlantic Ave, Westerly, RI (map)
401.596.9097
http://www.riparks.com/misquamicut.htm

A strong undertow and crosscurrents make this a beach best reserved for strong swimmers. Arrive early -- Misquamicut is popular for its white sands and clear water, and can get very crowded. Amenities include restrooms, a bathhouse, and a picnic area. Lifeguards on duty. Handicap accessible, beach wheelchairs available. Warning signals for the visually impaired, fire-alarm signals for the deaf. Non-resident parking $12, $14 weekends. Open weekends starting Memorial Day and daily from June 20 to Labor Day, from 9 am to 6 pm.

Narragansett Town Beach
170 Clarke Rd, Narragansett, RI (map)
401.782.0658
parks@narragansettri.com
http://www.narragansettri.com/parks/beach.htm

Located in the heart of Narragansett are miles of fine white sand with long-breaking waves ideal for body-surfing and surfboarding. Lifeguards are on duty. Restrooms, a snack bar, a bathhouse, pavilions, and a cabana available. Parking for residents only.

Roger W. Wheeler State Beach
100 Sand Hill Cove Rd, Narragansett, RI (map)
401.789.3563
http://www.riparks.com/wheeler.htm

Take Rte 1 to Sand Hill Cove Rd.. Gentle surf and a very gradual drop-off (perfect for wading). Playground, picnic area, and hot showers available. Handicap accessible beach and restrooms. Lifeguards on duty. Open daily beginning Memorial Day, from 9 am to 6 pm. Parking is $12, $12 on weekends.

Scarborough State Beach
Ocean Rd., Narragansett, RI (map)
401.789.2324
http://www.riparks.com/scarborough.htm

Take I-95 South to Rte 108 South. Beautiful, long beach, backed by dunes and marshes. Lots of big hair, gold chains, and tight swimwear on display here. Lifeguards on duty. Scarborough State Beach offers a pavilion, picnic tables, hot showers, and a concrete boardwalk with gazebos and an observation tower. Handicap accessible beach and restrooms. Open daily beginning Memorial Day from 9 am to 6 pm. Parking is $12, $14 weekends.