When most people think about Rhode Island beaches, they picture long stretches of sand and busy boardwalks. While you’ll certainly find those here, one of the things we love most about staying in Westerly is the variety.
Within a short drive of our New England bed and breakfast, you can spend the morning walking a quiet nature preserve, the afternoon swimming at one of the state’s most popular beaches, or discover a secluded stretch of shoreline where the only sounds are the waves and shorebirds. Every beach has its own personality, which is one of the reasons we never get tired of exploring this stretch of coastline.
Whether you’re planning your first trip to the Ocean State or returning for another summer by the water, these are the Rhode Island beaches we find ourselves recommending most often to our guests.
Watch Hill’s East Beach
Watch Hill’s East Beach combines soft sand, clear water, and beautiful coastal scenery without feeling overly commercial. It’s the kind of beach where families spread out for the day, couples take long walks along the shoreline, and everyone seems to move at a slower pace. You might recognize the coastline from photos of a certain famous neighbor’s house on the bluff.
After a few hours on the sand, stroll into the village of Watch Hill for lunch, browse the boutiques, grab an ice cream at St. Clair Annex, or take a photo by the historic Flying Horse Carousel before heading back to the beach.
Napatree Point Conservation Area
From Watch Hill’s East Beach, walk down the main street of the village and follow the harbor out to the start of the Napatree Point path. It’s about a mile walk each way, but it’s one of those places we always tell our guests to visit if they want to see the Rhode Island coast at its most raw and beautiful.
Napatree is a narrow spit of land jutting out into Little Narragansett Bay, acting as a wild barrier between the open ocean waves on one side and a perfectly quiet harbor on the other. There are no boardwalks, loud beach games, or restaurants out here. Instead, it’s just rolling dunes, swaying beach grass, and shorebirds nesting in the sand. From the path, you’ll have views of Watch Hill Lighthouse, Montauk on Long Island, exclusive Fishers Island, and the coastline of Stonington, Connecticut.
It’s the kind of spot where you go for a long walk to clear your head, do some casual beachcombing, or just sit and watch the sailboats drift past. If you stay late enough, the sunset views from the point are, hands down, some of the absolute best in the state.
Because it’s a conservation area, there are no public restrooms or concession stands, so throw a water bottle in your bag and wear comfortable shoes. It requires a little more preparation than a standard afternoon at a public beach, but the peace you find out there makes it entirely worth it.
Misquamicut Beach
Looking for the classic Rhode Island beach experience? Head to Misquamicut Beach.
With nearly seven miles of shoreline, it’s one of the state’s most popular beaches, especially during the summer months. Wide sandy beaches, gentle surf, seasonal entertainment, restaurants, ice cream stands, and beach shops make it a favorite for families spending the entire day by the water.
It draws big crowds, especially on summer weekends, and has more of a lively, boardwalk atmosphere than some of the quieter beaches nearby. If that’s what you’re looking for, arrive early to snag parking. If you prefer something a little more low-key, keep reading.
Blue Shutters Beach
Located in Charlestown, Blue Shutters Beach is one of the most peaceful beaches on the coast.
It’s managed by the town of Charlestown and features great, clean facilities, a large pavilion, and incredibly soft sand. Because it sits away from the main commercial strip, you won’t find the loud boardwalk energy or souvenir shops here. People come to Blue Shutters specifically to disconnect, read a good book, and enjoy a slower afternoon by the Atlantic.
Parking Tip: Non-resident parking is a flat daily rate, and the lot is pretty spacious, making it a reliable bet even on prime summer weekends.
East Beach State Beach
If you’re chasing that completely untouched, wild coastal feeling, East Beach in Charlestown is absolutely worth the drive. Located on a narrow barrier peninsula, this is one of the last truly undeveloped stretches of shoreline in the state. There are no hotels or restaurants out here. Just three miles of sweeping sand, rolling dunes, and the salt ponds on the back side. It’s a massive favorite for anyone looking to beachcomber, surf, or escape the summer crowds. It’s especially popular with beachgoers looking to fish, walk, surf, or simply escape the crowds.
Because it’s a protected conservation area, parking is heavily restricted to just a fraction of what normal state beaches allow, and the tiny lot fills up fast. If you aren’t at the gate early in the morning, you will likely get turned away. Also, the surf can get quite strong here, so keep that in mind if you’re planning a swim.
East Matunuck State Beach
East Matunuck has long been a go-to for locals who want a fantastic swimming beach with clear views out toward Block Island Sound. There is plenty of room to spread out your blanket for the day, but the absolute best part about an afternoon here is its proximity to Matunuck Oyster Bar. It’s just a two-minute drive from one of the most famous “pond-to-plate” seafood spots in New England, where you can sit by the water and eat oysters harvested directly from the pond right next to your table. If you go, pack a change of clothes for dinner and plan to stay through sunset. The western-facing views over the water are spectacular.
Narragansett Town Beach
If you feel like exploring a bit further up the coast (about 40 minutes from Westerly), Narragansett Town Beach is Rhode Island’s most popular beach, and it’s easy to see why.
Known for its wide, sweeping sandy shoreline and consistent waves, it’s the unofficial hub for local surf culture and beginner surfers. The real charm here is the setup: the iconic stone towers sit right near the sand, and you can easily walk straight off the beach to grab an iced coffee, lunch, or a casual dinner at the cafés and restaurants lining the strip. It makes a fantastic anchor destination for a full-day coastal road trip.
Crescent Beach, Block Island
If you’re looking for a full-day trip, consider taking the ferry to Block Island out of nearby Point Judith, or fly direct from Westerly State Airport, just three miles from the inn, and you’ll be on the island in 12 minutes.
Crescent Beach stretches for more than two miles along the island’s eastern shore, offering soft sand, gentle surf, and plenty of room to spread out. It’s one of the most beautiful beaches in New England and surprisingly easy to reach from Westerly.
Check out our Block Island Day Trip guide covering everything from ferry schedules to restaurants and the best things to do once you arrive, before planning your trip.
Which Beach Is Right for You?
If you’re looking for…
- Classic New England charm: Watch Hill’s East Beach
- Nature, walking, and sunsets: Napatree Point Conservation Area
- A lively summer beach day: Misquamicut Beach
- A peaceful escape: Blue Shutters Beach
- Natural, undeveloped shoreline: East Beach State Beach
- Swimming and seafood: East Matunuck State Beach
- Surfing and a lively atmosphere: Narragansett Town Beach
- An unforgettable day trip: Crescent Beach on Block Island
Stay Close to Rhode Island’s Best Beaches
One of the best parts of staying at Margin Street Inn is that you don’t have to choose just one beach. Spend the morning watching shorebirds at Napatree Point, cool off with a swim at Watch Hill’s East Beach, or venture a little farther to discover another stretch of Rhode Island coastline.
At the end of the day, you’ll come back to a quiet riverside property, relax on the porch, and wake up to another homemade breakfast before doing it all again.
Book your stay and discover why so many guests return year after year to explore the beaches of Westerly and beyond.