 |
| Getty |
By Alyssa Giacobbe, TOWN&COUNTRY
When it comes to beaches, it’s hard to beat the variety—or the opportunity—in Rhode Island, where 40 miles of coastline offer something for every kind of beach goer: big surf, small surf, peace and quiet, water slides and cotton candy, Taylor Swift and Karlie Kloss, and all the “biggest little state in the union” summer food staples (clam cakes, stuffies, doughboys, Del’s) you and the overstuffed seagulls trailing you could eat. To do it like a local, bring a beach chair, a cooler of Narragansetts and some coozies, and lots of SPF. You won’t get much in the way of shade—unless, of course, you make fun of the accents.
1.
Goosewing Beach, Little Compton
When it comes to beaches, it’s hard to beat the variety—or the opportunity—in Rhode Island, where 40 miles of coastline offer something for every kind of beach goer: big surf, small surf, peace and quiet, water slides and cotton candy, Taylor Swift and Karlie Kloss, and all the “biggest little state in the union” summer food staples (clam cakes, stuffies, doughboys, Del’s) you and the overstuffed seagulls trailing you could eat. To do it like a local, bring a beach chair, a cooler of Narragansetts and some coozies, and lots of SPF. You won’t get much in the way of shade—unless, of course, you make fun of the accents.
1.
Goosewing Beach, Little Compton
 |
| Alamy |
BEST FOR... A QUIET PICNIC
[post_ads]One of the few Little Compton beaches open to the public, and under the protection of the Nature Conservancy, Goosewing is a pristine, crescent-shaped alcove with grassy dunes, tidal pools for clamming, a host of protected shore birds, and families who arrive toting bags full of goods from local farm stands. Subdued as it is, the scene often lasts well past sunset, when the pebbly shore becomes dotted with campfires.
[post_ads]One of the few Little Compton beaches open to the public, and under the protection of the Nature Conservancy, Goosewing is a pristine, crescent-shaped alcove with grassy dunes, tidal pools for clamming, a host of protected shore birds, and families who arrive toting bags full of goods from local farm stands. Subdued as it is, the scene often lasts well past sunset, when the pebbly shore becomes dotted with campfires.
2.
Misquamicut State Beach, Westerly
Misquamicut State Beach, Westerly
 |
| Alamy |
BEST FOR... THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS
The 7-mile long stretch of sand is the state’s longest, and possibly most action-packed, with paddle boats and jet skis to rent, surf lessons on offer, and nearby bumper boats, batting cages, a carousel, and water slides enjoyed by the young, the youngish, and, inevitably, someone’s crazy Auntie Roberta. By night, find beach concerts and karaoke. Buy a tacky t-shirt and go wild; rest assured everyone else is drunker than you.
3.
East Beach, Watch Hill
East Beach, Watch Hill
 |
| Getty |
BEST FOR... STAR-SPOTTING
[post_ads_2]
Adjacent to the Ocean House’s private beach, and in the shadow of Taylor Swift’s summer retreat (if you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of her and any number of her famous pals sprawled out on her sprawling lawn), East Beach is a windy, old money-new money hangout with a view of Block Island and local teens who come to hang out on the East Beach Wall and watch each other attempt to catch waves.
[post_ads_2]
Adjacent to the Ocean House’s private beach, and in the shadow of Taylor Swift’s summer retreat (if you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of her and any number of her famous pals sprawled out on her sprawling lawn), East Beach is a windy, old money-new money hangout with a view of Block Island and local teens who come to hang out on the East Beach Wall and watch each other attempt to catch waves.
 |
| Getty |
BEST FOR... A SURFER SCENE
The state’s surfer go-to, with swells up to four feet, especially in the early morning. Rent a board (and take a lesson) from Narragansett Surf & Skate, or be prepared to be rescued from the cuties in lifeguard Chair 5, around which all the cool kids hang (find the beach moms and their broods closer to Chair 1). To really work on your tan, book a few nights at The Break, a 16-room hotel with a roof deck that made Narragansett into a weekend destination with its arrival a few years back. It's no wonder Narragansett is one of the best New England beaches to visit.
The state’s surfer go-to, with swells up to four feet, especially in the early morning. Rent a board (and take a lesson) from Narragansett Surf & Skate, or be prepared to be rescued from the cuties in lifeguard Chair 5, around which all the cool kids hang (find the beach moms and their broods closer to Chair 1). To really work on your tan, book a few nights at The Break, a 16-room hotel with a roof deck that made Narragansett into a weekend destination with its arrival a few years back. It's no wonder Narragansett is one of the best New England beaches to visit.
5.
Easton's Beach (First Beach), Newport
Easton's Beach (First Beach), Newport
 |
| Getty |
BEST FOR...FAMILIES
Newport’s only ocean beach is ideal for families, with a playground and on-site Save the Bay Exploration Center (go ahead—drop ‘em off) plus cabanas, chairs, and boards (surf, boogie) to rent. Leave the packed lunch at home and prepare to drop some cash on a coupla twin lobster rolls at Easton’s Beach Snack Shop.
Newport’s only ocean beach is ideal for families, with a playground and on-site Save the Bay Exploration Center (go ahead—drop ‘em off) plus cabanas, chairs, and boards (surf, boogie) to rent. Leave the packed lunch at home and prepare to drop some cash on a coupla twin lobster rolls at Easton’s Beach Snack Shop.
6.
Ballard's Beach, Block Island
 |
| Getty |
BEST FOR... GOLD CHAINS AND DROPPED "R"s
[post_ads]Sure, it errs on the cheesier side. But that’s fully part of the charm. Block Island’s no-cover private beach is a short walk from the ferry docks and a perfect microcosm of all of Rhode Island, a place where salty old locals come to drink alongside barely-legals and the ladies’ day out contingent. Just like a Caribbean resort (with freezing cold water and more Italian-Americans in one place than most non-Rhode Islanders have ever seen).
7.
East Mutunuck Beach, South Kingstown
[post_ads]Sure, it errs on the cheesier side. But that’s fully part of the charm. Block Island’s no-cover private beach is a short walk from the ferry docks and a perfect microcosm of all of Rhode Island, a place where salty old locals come to drink alongside barely-legals and the ladies’ day out contingent. Just like a Caribbean resort (with freezing cold water and more Italian-Americans in one place than most non-Rhode Islanders have ever seen).
7.
East Mutunuck Beach, South Kingstown
 |
| John McQuaid/Flickr |
BEST FOR... OYSTERS AND ROSÉ
East Matunuck’s 102 acres of saltwater beach with limited parking means limited crowds. The bliss continues with low-stress waves, relatively warm water, an abundance of seashells, and—huzzah!—on-site showers. (There’s also the occasional morning yoga class). Afterwards, head to the Matunuck Oyster Bar, where all oysters—and most everything else on offer, aside from the wine, thankfully—are local. Because this is Rhode Island, variety abounds, and if it’s bikers, canned beer, and the cover-ups-and-no-shoes scene you’re after, you’ll find your happy place at the Ocean Mist.
East Matunuck’s 102 acres of saltwater beach with limited parking means limited crowds. The bliss continues with low-stress waves, relatively warm water, an abundance of seashells, and—huzzah!—on-site showers. (There’s also the occasional morning yoga class). Afterwards, head to the Matunuck Oyster Bar, where all oysters—and most everything else on offer, aside from the wine, thankfully—are local. Because this is Rhode Island, variety abounds, and if it’s bikers, canned beer, and the cover-ups-and-no-shoes scene you’re after, you’ll find your happy place at the Ocean Mist.
