The first thing that everyone thinks about Newport is its rich history.
Newport was founded in 1639 and has since been a hub for maritime activity.
Today – It is one of the top visited summer locations by tourists from all over the world.
Its many bays and inlets make it easy to find a great place to swim and surf.
Below is a list of Newport’s top beaches for swimming and surfing.
Best beaches in Newport, Rhode Island, to swim and surf
Each beach in Newport, Rhode Island, has something different to offer.
You’ll never get bored due to its beautiful views, great waves, and wide range of amenities.
So, Newport’s got you covered if you are searching for a place to take a leisurely swim or an adrenaline-pumping wave to ride.
1. Easton’s Beach
There’s nothing quite like a summertime beach vacation at Easton’s Beach (also known as First Beach).
The water here is clean and clear, and the waves are just the right size to ride to the shore.
If you’re not a surfer, several beach activities, such as swimming and sunbathing, can keep you busy.
And if you’re looking to explore beyond the beach, there are sufficient options nearby.
A cliff walk with a 3.5-mile trail takes you along the coast, offering breathtaking views of the ocean.
But Easton’s Beach is more than just a pretty face; it is also home to the famous Easton’s Beach Carousel.
This is one of the country’s only remaining ocean-front carousels.
Amenities available include:
- Bathhouse
- Playground
- Several restaurants and cafes
- A wide variety of shops
- There are lifeguards on duty
- An elevator and beach wheelchairs make it handicapped accessible
There are several ways to enjoy the beach.
You can rent a chair and umbrella, which costs $8 per day or bring your own. Plenty of beach toys are available for rent, including boogie boards, paddleboards, and kayaks.
Good to Know – Access to the Beach is free, but you’ll pay to park your car $15 on weekdays and $25 on weekends and holidays.
2. Sachuest Beach (Second Beach)
Nestled in the town of Middletown, Rhode Island, Sachuest Beach is a dreamscape loved for its natural beauty and ideal surf conditions.
It is well known in the area, and for a good reason.
With its gentle waves, fine, soft sand, and warm, penned-in water, the beach is perfect for swimming, surfing, and boogie boarding.
A boardwalk is also running along the beach, making it excellent for a stroll.
The cliffs that line the beach are popular layover stops for various birds, including loons, Harlequin ducks, salt marsh swallows, and much more.
These birds nest on the Beach from May through August, and their presence is a reminder of the beach’s natural beauty.
Amenities available include:
- Entrance is free
- Snack bar
- A lifeguard station
- Restrooms
- Showers
- A picnic area
Keep In Mind – Parking fees are $20 on weekdays and $30 on weekends and holidays.
3. Third Beach
Newport’s Third Beach is one of the city’s best-kept secrets.
This secluded beach is usually reserved for locals. It is located east of Aquidneck Island and is only accessible by foot or boat.
Visitors to Third Beach will find a beautiful stretch of sand perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and exploring.
The beach is also an excellent spot for fishing, as there are plenty of rocks and reefs to cast a line from.
The third beach is a popular spot for local surfers, as the waves here are some of the best in Newport.
The serenity of the beach is unmatched.
Surfers will often find themselves sharing the waves with seals and dolphins, which makes for an unforgettable experience.
Amenities available include:
- Playground
- Pavilion
- Concession stand
- Fishing pier
- Beach volleyball court
- There are lifeguards available, but not after 5:30 pm.
- There are no showers or rooms for changing clothes
- There is no snack bar, so pack your lunch and drinks.
A few things to remember before visiting Third Beach are that there is a $15 fee for parking, and you need a local’s sticker before parking.
There is a fee of $25 per night for camping.
Alcohol is not permitted, and pets must always be on a leash.
We Recommend – A secret option for guests to experience Third Beach is to stay at the lovely Paradise Farmhouse on the Norman Bird Sanctuary.
4. Fort Adams State Park Beach
Enjoy scenic views of Newport Harbor and Narragansett Bay at Fort Adams State Park beach.
The beach is located on the fort grounds and is open to the public.
It is a popular destination for swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking as well as a perfect place to relax and watch sailboats catch the Bay breeze.
The beach is also a wonderful place to go for a stroll, run, or bike ride. It is accessible by car, bike, and foot.
Luckily, there are no packing or entrance charges.
The beach is well-maintained and offers plenty of amenities for visitors.
There are several lifeguard towers located along the beach, as well as a first-aid station.
Visitors can also rent beach chairs and umbrellas from the park office. The beach is accessible from dawn to dusk.
Amenities available include:
- Picnic area
- Showers
- Restrooms
5. Gooseberry Beach
Gooseberry Beach is one of the most picturesque and serene beaches in Newport, Rhode Island.
The beach is mostly known for its lush green vegetation and its unique rock formations.
Its name actually comes from the gooseberry bushes that grow on the dunes.
This secluded beach is located off Newport’s Ocean Drive and offers breathtaking scenes of ocean waves crashing against the shore, towering cliffs, and breathtaking sunsets.
What’s amazing about the beach is its dramatic cliffs, crystal-clear water, and soft sandy shore.
All this makes it the perfect place to busk under the sun, take a dip in the ocean or relax with a good book.
And if you’re feeling adventurous, Gooseberry Beach gives you everything you need for a fantastic surfing experience.
Its constant high-quality waves and perfect wind conditions make it a perfect place for beginner and experienced surfers to enjoy riding the waves.
Here are some things to know about Gooseberry Beach:
- The beach has snack bars, a playground, picnic tables, and a pavilion.
- There is a charge of $20 for parking.
- There are no lifeguards on duty.
- It is only open to non-members from 9 am to 5 pm.
- Beach chair and umbrella rentals are $10 each.
- There are outdoor showers to wash off the sand and public restrooms.
- Always keep your pet on a leash.
6. Narragansett Town Beach
There’s something about Narragansett Town Beach that makes visitors return year after year.
Maybe it’s the history of the place – it was once a popular spot for the wealthy elite to escape the city’s heat, and you can still see remnants today.
Or maybe it’s a natural beauty – the long stretch of sandy beach, the rocky cliffs, and the clear blue water.
Whatever the reason, Narragansett Beach is a must-visit for any tourist to Newport.
It’s just a 25-minute drive from Newport and is situated in a small cove, making it feel like your own private oasis.
The beach is one of the best-kept secrets of Rhode Island, serving you beautifully groomed sand, clean water, and some epic waves to fulfill all your saltwater desires.
It is also a great place to enjoy the views of Newport.
From the beach, you can see the Newport Bridge, a suspension bridge that spans Narragansett Bay.
The bridge is among the most photographed worldwide.
Here are some things to know about Narragansett Town Beach:
- There are restrooms and showers at the beach
- A snack bar is available
- Playground area
- It is a guarded beach with professional lifeguards on duty during summer.
- There is a fee to enter the beach. Daily admission is $12 per person per day (cash and credit card accepted) and is not transferable. It’s free for children 11 years and below.
- Seven (7) ADA surf chairs are offered at no charge on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Heads Up! Arrive early for your best chance at free street parking.
7. Sandy Point Beach
There’s an indescribable feeling people get when they visit Sandy Point Beach.
Perhaps it’s the sound of the waves smashing on the coast or the touch of the ocean breeze on your skin.
Whatever it is, there’s no denying this beach has a certain magic.
Sandy Point Beach is located on the Sakonnet River at the end of Sandy Point Avenue.
It’s a popular spot for both locals and tourists. The water is so clear that you can see the bottom, and the sand is as white as can be.
This handicap-accessible beach is ideal for people who wish to enjoy the sun and the sand without worrying about the crowds.
Sandy Point Beach is also great for families, as plenty of activities keep everyone entertained.
From swimming and sunbathing to picnicking and fishing, there’s something for everyone at Sandy Point Beach.
It is accessible to the general public from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
The beach does have an admission fee for non-residents of around $15 to $ 20 and a small parking fee.
Several beach equipment rentals are also available, such as beach chairs, umbrellas, and boogie boards.
Amenities available include:
- Changing rooms
- Restrooms
- Picnic site
8. Misquamicut State Beach
If you’re interested in an enjoyable and convenient beach vacation, then Misquamicut State Beach is the perfect spot.
Its convenient location and ample parking make it the best place to spend a day at the beach.
The beach is clean and well-maintained, and the water is perfect for swimming, windsurfing, boating, picnicking, and fishing.
There are also plenty of restaurants and shops nearby, making it easy to grab a bite or shop between beach activities.
The also beach offers surfing lessons for all levels of experience.
There is a modest parking fee that costs $10 on weekdays and $15 on weekends and holidays.
Visitors can also purchase a season pass for unlimited access to the beach.
Even Better – If you plan on staying for multiple days, there are discounts available for weekly and monthly passes.
There are also paddle boats and jet skis available for rent.
Please note that Misquamicut beach does not permit alcoholic beverages or consuming them while on the premises.
Amenities available include:
- Batting cages
- A carousel
- Water slides
- Electric Vehicle Charging
- Wheelchairs
- Playground
9. Fogland Beach
If you want to get away from the busyness and craziness of everyday life, Fogland Beach is your vacation getaway.
This secluded spot is the ideal place to relax and unwind.
It is a true oasis with its stunning ocean views and tranquil atmosphere.
The beach is located in Tiverton and is perfect for swimming, stand-up paddle boarding, kayaking, sunbathing, and fishing.
Waves here are among the best in the region, and there are plenty of options for beginners and experienced surfers.
Hence, it is excellent for windsurfing and kite surfing.
You can stroll along the scenic trail while enjoying the fresh ocean air and the stunning views of the Sakonnet River.
The beach is open all year round, and lifeguards are on duty from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm during the summer months.
There is a small fee for parking $10 for the resident’s season pass, visitors $20 on weekends and holidays, and $10 per day on weekdays.
You can also rent a Kayak and paddleboard.
It is also worth noting that there are no trash receptacles at Fogland Beach, so visitors are requested, as they depart, to take their trash with them.
Amenities available include:
- Showers
- Restrooms
- Playground
- Picnic spots
10. Grinnell’s Beach
Grinnell’s beach is one of the best family-oriented beaches in Newport.
It’s a wide, sandy beach with shallow waters, making it the perfect place for relaxing and having fun with kids.
There are plenty of lifeguards on duty from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. during the summer months to ensure everyone stays safe.
What to Expect? The beach offers stunning views of the Sakonnet River and Portsmouth and is the perfect place to bring your four-legged friend for a day of fun in the sun.
However, visitors are required to leash their dogs at all times.
The water is clean and clear with moderate surf and suitable for bodysurfing.
It is adjacent to Stone Bridge Pier, making it a popular spot for fishing. The beach is also famous for sunbathing and picnicking.
There are several picnic tables on the beach and concession stands for snacks and drinks.
The gate opens at 9 a.m. and closes at 10.
There is a small charge for parking from Memorial Day Weekend to Labor Day Weekend of around $ 10 for residents with a season pass, visitors $10 on weekdays, and $ 20 on weekends and holidays.
Amenities available include:
- Playground
- Sun-shade pavilion
- Food vendors
- Restrooms
- Showers and changing rooms
Final Thoughts
Newport beaches are the best for anyone looking for a place to relax, soak up the sun, or catch some waves.
The warm water and gentle waves make it a perfect spot for beginners and experienced surfers.
And with so many different beaches, you’re sure to find the perfect one.
