The Best Newport Rhode Island Beaches
Newport Rhode Island Beaches
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Rhode Island is known as the Ocean State and Newport Rhode Island beaches prove this name to be accurate. Since Newport is located on Aquidneck Island, along with Middletown and Jamestown, the area is surrounded by beaches. This strategic location made Newport an important part of Rhode Island’s history.
The Historic City of Newport, RI
Newport is located in the southeastern part of Rhode Island, USA. It was founded in 1639 by a group of settlers from Massachusetts Bay Colony, and was originally named “Aquidneck” after the island on which it is located. In 1658, the town was renamed “Newport” after the English city of the same name.
During the 18th century, Newport became a major center of trade and commerce, with a thriving port and a large number of wealthy merchants and shipowners.
Newport played an important role in the American Revolution. In 1776, the British occupied the city, and it served as a base for their naval operations throughout the war. After the war, Newport regained its status as a major trading port. In the 19th century, it became a popular summer destination for wealthy families from across the United States escaping the summer heat of the big cities.
The historical architecture is clearly evident when you drive around the island as you explore the beaches.
With it’s location on the Atlantic Ocean and Narragansett Bay, the island is chock full of beach choices. Let’s take a look at the Newport Rhode Island beaches open to the public.
The Newport Rhode Island Beaches for the Public
Newport, Rhode Island is home to a collection of beautiful beaches that attract visitors from around the world. Many beaches are exclusively private and not included in this list. Unfortunately, you will not get to experience those amenities or plush changing rooms unless invited by a well-connected friend. If it’s any consolation, I haven’t been to a private beach either. Instead, enjoy one of these public access beaches with the same amazing views and cool Atlantic water.
First Beach (Easton’s Beach)
First Beach, also known as Easton’s Beach, is a popular beach situated on the eastern end of the Newport peninsula on the Atlantic Ocean. The beach is a long, sandy beach that stretches for about a mile, making it a great spot for swimming, sunbathing, and other beach activities.
Another perk of this beach is the close proximity to the Cliff Walk. This walk wanders along the rocky cliffs at the backs of the summer cottages built by wealthy industrialists. If you look up to the right from the beach, the Cliff Walk is within sight and the entrance up the road from the beach. The Cliff Walk is a major tourist attraction and can make this area close to the beach quite crowded during the peak summer season.
First Beach also offers a variety of amenities and activities for visitors. There is a large pavilion with restrooms and showers, as well as a boardwalk with food vendors and shops. The beach is also home to a playground, a skate park, and a beach volleyball court. During the summer months, there are often events and concerts held at the beach.
Beach wheelchairs are available if needed for persons with disabilities.
During peak season (May 1st – October 31st) there is a fee to park at the beach. Season and daily passes are available, but parking is on a first-come, first-served basis. Check out the fee schedule here.
Second Beach (Sachuest Beach)
Second Beach is located just a few miles from Easton’s Beach in Middletown. It is a bit quieter and less crowded than First Beach. There are sand dunes, clear water, and great waves for surfing.
Second Beach is a long and wide beach that spans about 1.5 miles, making it a great spot for beachgoers to spread out and relax.
The beach offers a variety of amenities, including restrooms, showers, and picnic areas. There are also concession stands and a playground for children. Additionally, Second Beach is a popular spot for surfing, windsurfing, and kiteboarding, and there are several surf shops nearby where visitors can rent equipment or take lessons.
One of the unique features of Second Beach is the Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge, which is located at the eastern end of the beach. This 242-acre refuge provides a natural habitat for a variety of bird species. Visitors can take a hike along the refuge’s trails to see the wildlife and take in views of the ocean and surrounding landscape.
Payment is required for parking during beach season of Memorial Day through Labor Day. More information is available here.
Third Beach (Middletown)
Third Beach is a relatively small beach on the eastern side of Aquidneck Island, but it is well-maintained and offers plenty of amenities for visitors. Actually located in Middletown, there is a large parking lot nearby, as well as restrooms, showers, and changing rooms. Parking fees apply during beach season just like Second Beach and are available here. The beach is also wheelchair accessible, with a ramp leading down to the sand. The waters are calm and make this a great beach for children.
One of the unique features of Third Beach is the presence of a rocky outcropping at one end of the beach, which is a popular spot for fishing and exploring. The beach is also a great place to watch the sunset over the water, and many visitors enjoy picnicking on the grassy area near the parking lot.
King’s Park Beach
King’s Park Beach is a small, rocky beach. It is situated on the eastern side of King Park, a waterfront park that offers beautiful views of Newport Harbor and the Newport Bridge. The park has grassy areas excellent for relaxing and taking in the views and the breeze.
The beach itself is relatively small and narrow, with pebbles and rocks lining the shore. Water shoes are definitely recommended. The water is calm and relatively shallow, making it a good spot for swimming, kayaking, and paddle boarding. There is also a small dock at the beach that is popular for fishing and crabbing.
One of the highlights of King’s Park Beach is its location. It is located in the heart of Newport, just a short walk from many of the city’s best restaurants, shops, and attractions. Visitors can easily spend a day at the beach and then head into town for dinner or drinks.
While King’s Park Beach may not be the best swimming beach, it is a good choice for relaxing in front of the harbor. You can allow the kids to run around while you sit enjoying the view and the breeze across Newport Harbor.
Parking is along the street and there are no fees. Due to this, parking can be limited.
Fort Adams State Beach
Fort Adams State Beach is a popular public beach located in Newport, Rhode Island. The beach is situated on the southern end of the Fort Adams peninsula, next to Fort Adams State Park. This historic site played a vital role in the defense of Narragansett Bay and the United States.
Fort Adams State Beach features a long stretch of sandy shoreline that is perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and beachcombing. The beach is relatively uncrowded and offers fantastic views of the bay and the surrounding cliffs. The beach also features several amenities, including a bathhouse, showers, restrooms, and picnic tables.
One of the unique features of Fort Adams State Beach is the opportunity to explore the historic Fort Adams State Park. Visitors can take a guided tour of the fort, which was built in the mid-19th century to protect the entrance to Narragansett Bay. The park is also home to several hiking trails and a fishing pier.
Fort Adams State Park is the home of the Newport Jazz Festival. This huge event is celebrated during the summer and you might want to check the dates to avoid any conflicts. In 2023, it is scheduled for August 4th – 6th.
Fort Adams State Beach is a popular destination for families, couples, and outdoor enthusiasts. The beach is open to the public from Memorial Day through Labor Day and charges a small entrance fee.
Brenton Point State Park
Brenton Point State Park is a beautiful coastal park located on a rocky peninsula overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. It offers stunning views of the coastline and the iconic Newport Bridge.
Brenton Point State Park covers an area of approximately 88 acres and features a variety of outdoor recreational activities for visitors to enjoy. There are several walking trails that wind through the park, providing opportunities for visitors to explore the natural beauty of the area. The park is also a popular spot for picnicking, with several picnic tables and grills available for use.
Another popular feature of the park is the large open grassy area called the kite field. This is a popular spot for flying kites, and visitors can often be seen enjoying the breeze and the beautiful views while flying their colorful kites. Make sure to bring a kite of your own and try your luck flying it in the Atlantic breezes.
Brenton Point is not a true swimming beach. You can get down close to the water and explore the little pools of water created amongst the rocks. The view across the ocean is breathtaking and it’s an excellent spot for watching the sailboats skimming across the waves.
Rejects Beach
Located near the intersection of Coggeshall and Bellevue Avenue, this little beach is a local favorite. Hidden away from view, with no parking or bathrooms available, local residents go here to avoid the tourist crowds.
Rejects Beach is a small 100 foot strip of beach accessible only on foot. It offers privacy and breathtaking views across the Atlantic Ocean.
Gooseberry Beach
This small beach is located on Ocean Drive in Newport and offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. Gooseberry Beach is a popular spot for swimming and sunbathing and features clear water and soft sand.
It is situated on a small peninsula and offers stunning views of the ocean and nearby mansions. The beach offers restrooms and showers along with changing rooms and a snack bar. Beach chairs and umbrellas are available for rent.
A large parking lot is available, but it can get crowded on weekends and holidays. During peak summer season, Gooseberry Beach has an admission fee that varies based on the day of the week and the age of the visitor. Children under the age of five are free.
The scenic Ocean Drive turns the corner right after the beach and becomes Bellevue Avenue, home to many of the historic Newport mansions. Make sure to check these magnificent homes out before you leave Newport or participate in other activities sure to please everyone in the family.
Activities Near the Newport Rhode Island Beaches
If you’re looking to do more than relax at the beach all day, there are plenty of other activities in the Newport area. Here are 5 activities for you to explore:
Trolley Tours of Newport
Experience the sights of Newport driving past 150 points of interest on Ocean Drive, Bellevue Avenue, and the famous Cliff Walk. Relax in the trolley and don’t worry about traffic or parking.
The tour includes admission to The Breakers. Visit this historic Gilded Age mansion, summer home to the Vanderbilts situated along the Cliff Walk and the ocean.
Enjoy a fully narrated trolley tour of the Ocean Drive Historic District during your visit to Newport. See the residences of prominent people and catch a glimpse of seventeenth-century buildings and mansions along Ten-Mile Ocean Drive and Bellevue Avenue. Learn about Newport’s history and see the nation’s first public library, the oldest surviving synagogue, and John F. Kennedy’s unofficial Summer White House.
Boat Cruises and Walking Tours in Newport
Explore Newport’s past from the water. Relax with a mimosa as your guide shares tales of the New England lighthouses, mansions, and churches along the harbor. Hear about the history and importance of Fort Adams while cruising Newport Harbor. Bring your camera!
Combine history and food culture as you visit five restaurants in Newport. Learn about Newport from the colonial times, the Gilded Age, and up through the present times. All while experiencing food and drink tastings, so make sure to bring your appetite.
Take a self-guided audio walking tour as you bask in the breath-taking views of the Atlantic Ocean. Learn about the elegant mansions along the Cliff Walk including The Breakers, Rosecliff, and Rough Point.
The tour uses an app and instructions are sent once booked. Directions are included to the starting point of the Cliff Walk.
How to Get to Newport
There are several ways to get to Newport, RI depending on where you’re starting from and how you want to get here:
🚗By car: Newport is easily accessible by car and is located approximately 1.5 hours from Boston, MA, and 3 hours from New York City, NY. From the north, take I-95 south to exit 3A in Rhode Island, and follow RI-138 east into Newport. From the south, take I-95 north to exit 3A in Rhode Island and follow RI-138 east into Newport.
🚌By bus: Several bus companies operate services to Newport from various locations including Boston and New York City. Greyhound, Peter Pan, and Megabus are some of the popular bus services available.
🚂By train: Amtrak trains serve the nearby city of Providence, RI, which is approximately 30 minutes from Newport. From Providence, you can take a taxi, rental car, or bus to Newport.
✈️By plane: The nearest airport to Newport is T.F. Green Airport in Providence, RI. From there, you can take a taxi or rental car to Newport. Alternatively, Logan International Airport in Boston is approximately 1.5 hours away by car, and offers a wider range of flight options.
⛴By ferry: In the summer months, you can take a ferry to Newport from various locations in Rhode Island and nearby states such as Connecticut and Massachusetts. The Block Island Ferry and the Viking Fleet are popular ferry services to Newport.
In Conclusion: Newport Rhode Island Beaches
Today, Newport is a popular tourist destination known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and beautiful beaches. There are also plenty of museums, galleries, and cultural institutions, as well as several prestigious universities to visit. Don’t forget the summer “cottages” along Bellevue Avenue.
Come visit Newport and see for yourself all of the activities that will keep everyone happy.