Two types of beaches exist side by side in the state.  First are the protected beaches along Narragansett Bay.  These are breakwater barrier protected beaches and the waters here are suitable for novice swimmers and small children.  On the Atlantic side the waves come roaring in, making surfing and surf fishing an enjoyable summer vacation pastime.  The beaches are perfect for building sandcastles or for beachcombing.

Because of the many areas where there is access to water activities, you can easily add kayaking, canoeing, fishing and boating to your beach activities.

Although over one hundred beaches are available to Rhode Islanders, mostly located in South County, Newport County, and Blackstone Valley, four beach sites are of particular interest to the visitor and to the locals alike. 

Crescent Beach on Block Island extends for 2.5 miles on the east side of the island from Old Harbor to Clay Head and joins with two other northern beaches, Scotch and Mansion Beaches.  Block Island is a Victorian style summer beach resort town known as the “Bermuda of the North”.  Mopeds or bicycles are the favored transportation.  Access to the beach costs nothing, a refreshing change from beach tags.  There are no concession stands on the beach, so beachgoers have the perfect excuse for visiting the many fine restaurants in Old Harbor.

Easton’s Beach at Newport is the perfect family beach.  The variety of recreational activities available is sure to please every member of the family.  Surfboards and windsurfing is allowed in some areas, boogie boards on all parts of the beach.  Children can ride the bumper cars and the carousel.  An updated boardwalk, bath houses, showers, restrooms facilities and concession stands, plus a new carousel building are all new for the 2007 season.  Easton’s Beach also is the head of the 3.5 mile recreational walk, known as Cliff Walk.  This National Recreation Trail passes by some of the grand Victorian mansions with beautiful landscaping which line the ocean.  Family Night and Children’s Night on Tuesday’s and Thursday’s respectively feature live music, puppet shows, magic shows and other entertainment.

East Beach at Charlestown is a fairly well hidden barrier beach, which stretches three miles near the Ninigret Conservation Area.  Nearby Ninigret Pond, one of Rhode Island’s best windsurfing areas allows windsurfers to practice their art alongside soaring birds and pond wildlife.  East Beach itself is delightfully unspoiled and uniquely edged by grass covered dunes and perfumed beach roses.

Sachusett Beach at Middletown is a 1.5 mile long crescent-shaped sweep of sand with modern bath houses, concession stands and summer lifeguards on duty. This beach located on Aquidneck Island is within walking distance of the 450 acre Norman Bird Sanctuary with its miles of walking trails and wildlife observation opportunities.