Scarborough Beach State Park

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Welcome to the charming and scenic Scarborough State Beach in Rhode Island! This expansive beach is a perfect destination for a relaxing day out in the sun, sand, and sea. Located in the town of Narragansett, Scarborough Beach has been the beach of choice for more than a century.

History of Scarborough Beach State Park

Scarborough Beach is a popular seaside destination located in the southern part of the state. The history of Scarborough Beach State Park dates back to the late 19th century when it was first developed as a vacation spot for wealthy New Englanders.

In the 1870s, wise developers built the Narragansett Pier Railroad. This made it easier for tourists from Boston and Providence to reach the area. Soon after, several hotels and boarding houses appeared along the beachfront. These included the luxurious Narragansett Pier and Casino, which attracted wealthy visitors from all over the country. The original building burned in 1900 but the solid granite towers still stand today.

Scarborough Beach North itself was officially established in the early 1900s. The State of Rhode Island purchased the land and began developing it as a public beach. The beach quickly became a popular destination for families and tourists. By the 1920s, it had become one of the most popular beaches in the region.

Expansion of Scarborough Beach State Park

The state added the southern part of the beach in 1981 with the purchase of the seven acre Lido’s Beach. Even more was added with the acquisition of the nine acre Olivo’s Beach in 1986. The names of Scarborough Beach North and South now joined as one larger connected beach. Extensive renovations completed by 1987 brought all parts of the beach together into one of the busiest beach destinations in Rhode Island.

Amenities at the Beach

Scarborough Beach has plenty of amenities to ensure your visit is comfortable and enjoyable. This makes it a perfect place to just go and not have to worry about bringing everything with you.

The beach is wheelchair accessible on the boardwalk and beach wheelchairs are available.

Restrooms and Changing Areas

There are several bathhouse buildings that contain restrooms, changing rooms, and showers. Outdoor showers to rinse off the sand are located outside of the restrooms up on the boardwalk area.

Food and Rentals

Salty’s Burgers and Seafood offers traditional New England seafood treats as well as breakfast and classic sandwiches and burgers. Coffee and tea, ice cream, and “The Best in Galilee” twin lobsters rolls are served when open. Salty’s is closed on rainy days.

If you need a beach chair, boogie board, or umbrella, rentals are available at Salty’s as well.

The Boardwalk

This large boardwalk runs the length of the beach and is where you gain access from the parking lot. The restrooms, outdoor showers, and concession stand are located on the boardwalk.

Picnic and Seating Areas

Picnic tables are located on the boardwalk outside of the concession stand. You can enjoy the view without baking in the sun under the shaded pavilions.

Lifeguards

Certified lifeguards are on duty throughout the week and on the weekend during the summer season. Their hours are 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM during the week and 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM on weekends and holidays.

The exact dates and hours of lifeguard coverage may vary depending on weather conditions and other factors. Typically, lifeguards are on duty from late May through Labor Day. It’s always a good idea to check with the beach’s official website or local authorities for the most up-to-date information on lifeguard coverage and other beach-related matters.

Fishing

Saltwater fishing is allowed at the beach during off-hours only. You must have a valid Rhode Island fishing license if over age 15. You can find the regulations and apply for a saltwater fishing license here.

Electric Vehicles

Charging stations are available for electric vehicles. Charging is a maximum of four hours while enjoying the beach. They cannot guarantee a charging spot and availability is on a first-come basis. Parking fees required when the beach is collecting the beach fees.

Parking at the Beach

Scarborough Beach State Park has a large parking lot that can accommodate over 1,000 vehicles and an overflow lot across the street. However, during peak season, especially on weekends and holidays, the parking lots can and will fill up quickly.

Parking Fees

Seasonal passes are available that allows access and parking into all eight of Rhode Island’s public beaches. The rates vary for Rhode Island residents and non-residents. Check out the rates here.

Daily fees are charged if you do not have a seasonal pass and can vary based on week day or weekend rates. It is higher on weekends and holidays. The price changes based on state residence and senior citizens receive a discount.

Make payment by cash or a credit or debit card. To keep the traffic moving as quickly as possible, please have the money ready when you get to the ticket window.

Designated accessible parking spaces are close to the beach entrance. Accessible restrooms and beach wheelchairs are available to rent.

It’s definitely recommended to arrive early, especially during peak season, to secure a parking spot at Scarborough Beach.

Driving Directions to the Beach

There are several ways to get to Scarborough Beach State Park in Rhode Island, depending on your starting location and mode of transportation.

🚗By Car: If you are driving, the easiest way to get to Scarborough Beach is to take Route 1 to Narragansett. From there, follow signs for the beach, which is located at 970 Ocean Road. The beach has a large parking lot, which can fill up quickly during peak season, so it’s recommended to arrive early.

🚌By Public Transportation: If you are traveling by public transportation, you can take a bus to Narragansett and then transfer to the RIPTA (Rhode Island Public Transit Authority) bus Route 66 or 14, which both stop at Scarborough Beach. The bus runs frequently during the summer months, but schedules may vary in the off-season, so it’s best to check ahead of time.

🚲By Bike: If you are biking, there are several bike paths that lead to Narragansett, including the William C. O’Neill Bike Path, which runs from Warwick to East Greenwich. Once you reach Narragansett, you can follow Ocean Road to Scarborough Beach.

👣By Foot: If you are staying in the Narragansett area, you can also walk to Scarborough Beach via Ocean Road, which offers scenic views of the coastline.

What is Not Allowed on the Beach?

To ensure the safety and enjoyment of all visitors, there are certain restrictions in place at Scarborough Beach State Park in Rhode Island. Here are some of the restricted things at the beach:

🚫Alcohol: The consumption of alcoholic beverages is strictly prohibited on the beach and in the parking lot.

🚫Glass containers: Glass containers are not allowed on the beach or in the parking lot for safety reasons.

🚫Smoking: No smoking allowed on the beach or in the parking lot.

🚫Pets: Dogs and other pets are not allowed on the beach during the summer season (May 15 to September 15). Outside of these dates, dogs are allowed on the beach but must be on a leash at all times.

🚫Littering: Littering is strictly prohibited at the beach. Visitors are encouraged to dispose of their trash in the designated receptacles.

🚫Fires: No fires on the beach or in the parking lot, except in designated areas and with a permit.

🚫Overnight camping: No overnight camping allowed on the beach or in the parking lot.

🚫Metal detectors: They not allowed on the beach without a permit from the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management.

By following these rules and regulations, visitors can help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.

When is Scarborough Beach State Park Open?

Scarborough Beach is generally open to the public from Memorial Day weekend (late May) through Labor Day (early September). However, the exact dates and hours of operation may vary depending on weather conditions, maintenance, and other factors.

During the summer months, the beach is typically open daily from early morning until sunset. Some areas may close earlier due to tidal changes or other safety concerns. It’s always a good idea to check the official website or local authorities for the most up-to-date information on beach hours and closures.

The smooth sandy beach at Scarborough.

Outside of the summer season, the beach may be open on weekends or during specific events, but it is generally closed to swimming and sunbathing due to cooler temperatures and rougher waters.

Places to Stay in Narragansett

There are several lodging options near Scarborough Beach in Narragansett, Rhode Island. Here I have listed a few:

Scarborough Beach Motel: This motel is located right across the street from Scarborough Beach and offers comfortable accommodations at an affordable price.
The Break Hotel: This boutique hotel is located about a mile from Scarborough Beach and offers stylish rooms with ocean views, as well as a rooftop bar and restaurant.
The Tower House Bed and Breakfast: This charming bed and breakfast is located about a mile from Scarborough Beach and offers cozy rooms, a beautiful garden, and a delicious breakfast each morning.
Anchor Motel: This motel is located about 3 miles from Scarborough Beach and offers clean and comfortable rooms at an affordable price.

There are many other lodging options available in the area, including hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts, vacation rentals, and campgrounds. It’s always a good idea to book your accommodations well in advance, especially during the summer months when the area can be quite busy.

Durkin Realty is a real estate agency located in nearby Narragansett. The agency specializes in both vacation and year-round rentals.

Durkin Realty has a wide variety of rental properties available, including cottages, beach houses, and apartments, many of which are located within walking distance of the beach. They offer rentals for both short-term and long-term stays and have properties that can accommodate groups of various sizes. Contact them for more information on availability.

Nearby Beaches Within 10 Miles

Roger W. Wheeler State Beach, also known locally as Sand Hill Cove, is a great family beach. This beach is located less than 3 miles south of Scarborough Beach and is popular for its child-friendly atmosphere. Protected by a stone breakwater, Sand Hill Cove has calm waves and offers playground equipment for the kids.

Salty Brine State Beach: Located just 3 miles from Scarborough Beach, Salty Brine beach is in the fishing village of Galilee. This is the departure point for the Block Island Ferry and home to plenty of delicious fresh seafood. Salty Brine Beach is also protected by the breakwater and the waves are minimal.

Salty Brine beach on a foggy summer day. Located about 5 miles from Scarborough Beach. — Salty Brine State Beach

Narragansett Town Beach: This beach is located about 4 miles north of Scarborough Beach and located in the center of Narragansett. The beach lots offer ample parking for the nearly 5,000 daily visitors during peak summer season.

East Matunuck State Beach: Check out this beach for surfing opportunities. This beach is located about 10 miles southwest of Scarborough Beach. Watch the ferry sailing by on its way to Block Is and and get there early to get a parking spot.

Rhode Island’s nickname is The Ocean State. Even though it is the smallest state, Rhode Island has plenty of beaches for you to explore.

10 Activities to Do in the Area

There are plenty of things to do near Scarborough Beach State Park when you’re tired of soaking up the sun at the beach.

Visit Block Island: Take a ferry from nearby Galilee to Block Island for a day trip to explore the island’s beaches, hiking trails, and historic sites.
Explore historic Newport: Take a short drive to Newport and explore the city’s historic mansions, stroll along the Cliff Walk, or visit the International Tennis Hall of Fame.
Go fishing: Try your luck at fishing by taking a charter boat or surfcasting from the beach.
Visit the Point Judith Lighthouse: Take a short drive to Point Judith and visit the historic lighthouse, which offers panoramic views of the ocean.
Enjoy local seafood: Sample some of the delicious seafood that Rhode Island is famous for at one of the many local restaurants.
Go kayaking or paddleboarding: Rent a kayak or paddleboard and explore the nearby salt ponds and waterways.
Take a bike ride: Rent a bike and explore the nearby bike trails, including the scenic South County Bike Path.
Go shopping: Check out the local shops and boutiques in nearby towns like Narragansett and Wakefield.
Attend a local event: Check the local event calendar for festivals, fairs, and concerts in the area.
Relax on the beach: One of the best things to do near Scarborough Beach is simply to relax on the beach and enjoy the beautiful scenery.

Where to Eat Near Scarborough Beach State Park

There are many great restaurants near Scarborough Beach in Rhode Island. Check out a few of these options.

Aunt Carrie’s: A classic Rhode Island seafood shack that has been serving up fried clams, lobster rolls, and clam cakes since 1920.
Matunuck Oyster Bar: A popular seafood restaurant that specializes in locally-sourced oysters and other fresh seafood dishes, with stunning views of the salt pond.
Coast Guard House: A historic restaurant and bar that offers stunning views of the ocean, as well as a variety of seafood dishes and other classic American fare.
Brickley’s Ice Cream: A local favorite for homemade ice cream, with a variety of flavors to choose from.
Iggy’s: Considered a Rhode Island tradition, Iggy’s has been serving clamcakes and chowder to hungry visitors since 1989. Make sure to try a doughboy!

These are just a few of the many great restaurants in the area. There are also plenty of options for coffee shops, bakeries, and other casual dining spots.

In Conclusion: Scarborough Beach State Park

Scarborough Beach State Park is a fantastic starting point for a summer day. Centrally located near many attractions, accommodations, and local restaurants, Scarborough Beach can be the place you decide to make summer memories in Rhode Island.