Top Things to do in Rhode Island
Top 10 Beaches in Rhode Island, United States
With the perfect combination of great seaside views, colorful local culture, and endless family activities, Rhode Island is a big vacation destination in a small package. Whether you are into art and culture, beautiful seaside sights, or great family-friendly activities, there is sure to be something for you in Rhode Island. If you're staying in Newport, try a breathtaking tour of the harbor in the Schooner Madeleine, or enjoy a bit of history at Fort Adams State Park. The Newport mansions are one of the most popular attractions around, and the nearby Cliff Walk is a great place for a hike. Narragansett is home to the lovely Narragansett Town Beach and Point Judith Lighthouse, and if you hop on the Block Island Ferry you are only a short trip away from Block Island, where you can enjoy the sights of the Mohegan Bluffs or party it up at Capt. Nick's Rock and Roll Bar. Take a drive up to Providence for some great shopping at Providence Place Mall and to visit the unforgettable Roger Williams Park Zoo.
Restaurants in Rhode Island
1. Mohegan Bluffs
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 718 reviews
Two-hundred-foot cliffs with great views of the Atlantic.
Reviewed By stevendO6647JP
Beautiful! We got there at 10am only a few people there but right after that people kept constanlty coming (probably because the ferry arrives around this time which i believe is the first of the day). Honestly, even with more people its pretty big and its not crowded. Tip - keep walking right or even left to walk along shoreline and away from people. It is very rocky (small uneven rocks) so wear good shoes. As a billion other people said, there is alot of stairs but unless you have difficulty with normal stairs, this will be fine for you. Going up is of course more tiring but will only take a few minutes if you go at a slightly brisk pace. There are plenty of taxis from the ferry to take you there. I believe it was 16 or so around there bucks one way for 2 people and only takes like 5-10 minutes to get there. It is got friendly, the taxis are dog friendly and the ferry is dog friendly. **If you have a drone and want to fly it here such as a DJI drone you have to do special authorization before flying. I did not and could not fly it here due to airport nearby. Only place i could fly my drone was the northern part of the island where the other lighthouse is (there is southeast lighthouse by Mohegan bluffs) and they have a nice quiet beach area up this way too. Have fun!!
2. Goosewing Beach Preserve
3. Kelly Beach
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 5 reviews
4. Sachuest Beach (Second Beach)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 356 reviews
One of Newport's most popular beaches.
Reviewed By NorthStar696719
Love this beach. The sand is soft and clean and the beach is usually not as crowded as some of the other beaches in the area. The rest rooms are clean. The parking price is reasonable and you can usually get a spot even if you get there after lunch.
5. Third Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 81 reviews
Calm waters and a wide sandy area make this a favorite spot for families with children.
Reviewed By Louetta - Georgetown, United States
I went on a week day in September and was practically alone, which is what I wanted. No trouble social distancing. Water is calm and a tad coolish but nice. I was able to take my top off which is always a plus. Saw no facilities except portable toilets. Make sure you bring your fluids and food if you want it.
6. Narragansett Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 538 reviews
Long flat beach, ideal for surfing.
Reviewed By T3482MMsamanthac - Greenwich, United States
So we just got got back from our trip. We spend 2 days on Narragansett town beach. I was worried about parking, you can't park in the beach parking lots this year (residents only) but both days I found free street parking pretty easily. It's a 2 hr slot, but this ends at 4. We got there at 2 on one day and stayed until 5 and another day got there at 3. I think going later may help find parking. It was a short walk to the beach from the parking. On the beach my son decided he wanted to rent a boogie board and there was a tent in the parking lot where you can rent surf or boogie boards so we did that. The next day he got a surf lesson, it was 60 for an hr. He loved it. When I called they said they were full. But when we arrived at the beach they said come back in an hour to see us and he can have a lesson. A short drive down from this beach is Monahan's Clam Shack. Order online and pick up or go and sit outside. Great food.
7. Roger W. Wheeler State Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 188 reviews
Named for the developer of the state life-saving system, this beach features a new bathhouse and playground.
Reviewed By Homerpigeon1 - Narragansett, United States
Have taken my kids and grandchildren here many times. Extensive beach protected by breakwater so no fear of child being “swept away.” Teenagers and college students shun this beach so you won’t be bothered by the posturing. Swings and slides available. Good beach to acquaint toddlers to ocean. There is a charge but a good day for children.
8. Fred Benson Town Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 134 reviews
Crescent beach on Block Island
Reviewed By CPlayer - Grafton, United States
One of the cliches about the self-descriptions found on dating web sites and in classified ads are all those people who like to go on long walks. Well, Crescent Beach was created just for those people! This beach is miles long. The sand is clean with just the right amount of seaweed and "stuff" coming from the ocean. My understanding is that September is still considered high season on Block Island. That being the case, I never felt crowded on this beach. More than enough room for everyone, especially those who like to go on long walks. The only difficulties one might have is at high tide, when there is no space between the water and the rock pile retaining walls behind the beach. This beach alone makes a trip to Block Island worthwhile.
9. Mansion Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 141 reviews
Secluded beach on Block Island.
Reviewed By heathergE7566KN - Boston, United States
Clean water and socially distanced beachgoers. Very respectful and chill atmosphere. Lots of families and good waves.
10. East Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 84 reviews
Reviewed By rockfender - Somerville, United States
We arrived at just before 3pm on a cloudy Saturday in July and was able to park fine. $14 for out of state visitors, paid cash. There was a sign farther up the road saying the lot was full, but we took a chance figuring that other people had left and, sure enough, there were spaces available. I think the beach is above average for the area. The beach was wide, clean, and long, with enough room to have plenty of space between groups. The water was refreshing and pretty choppy, which is the way I like it; more fun than the calm CT beaches farther west on the Sound. There is no housing or commercial development so only dunes were behind us, making for a very relaxing atmosphere. No amenities beyond some composting toilets and port-a-potties in the parking lot. We'd definitely come back!
