Newport RI has been spoiled by not only miles of coastline and sandy beaches, but warm ocean waters as well. As one of the last stops for the Gulf Stream current that starts in the Florida straits and juts out across the Atlantic to southern England, Newport's water temperatures often rise above 70 degrees on the beaches in the months of July and August. Sometimes it even warms enough to swim by Memorial Day! At the end of the season in September and October, the ocean water is often still in the mid 60's and many people swim the beaches until the last weeks of October.
Area beaches range from small intimate coves to mile-long stretches of gray-white soft sand beach with varying degrees of surf. The highest waves on Newport's beaches often occur away from the beaches themselves and closer to the rocky outcroppings of The Cliff Walk, Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge, and Brenton Point State Park where you may find small sandy areas to enjoy the water and surf. Newport's beaches tend to lie in more protected inlets, offering decent waves for both surfers and families looking to have fun in the waves. Expect to find wave heights anywhere from less than a foot to about four feet preceeding coastal storms with a strong onshore flow or the day after a storm departs the area.
Visitors to the beaches in Newport RI can enjoy a varying level of services, from nothing at some to full concessions, parking and bath houses at others. The list below can help you decide which is the best beach in Newport for you. An important thing to know is that most beaches don't allow alcohol or pets, especially during the active summer season. Some beaches in Newport relax the pet policy in the off-season on a beach-by-beach basis. Cars are also prohibited on all beaches, and for good reason. The sand tends to be deep and very soft, fun for the toes but not so good for car tires. Although you will find most Newport beaches packed throughout the warm sunny days of summer, after 6pm is a great time to stop by for a swim or a walk. Most beaches stop charging for parking at that time. What a great(and FREE) way to spend a couple hours after your day's activities around Newport.
The best kept secret about exploring our beaches is that the best time to experience them is AFTER Labor Day, when the crowds (and the parking fees) have gone. The ocean is still quite warm and swimmable, the sun still strong and there may only be a few people on a mile stretch of sand. It really takes enjoying the beach to a whole new level.
The beaches we've listed below each have something special, depending on what you want to do. No matter what you choose, Newport definitely has you covered in the beach department: young, surfers, family with kids, romance and more! Three of the beaches in Newport lie in a row, separated by peninsulas of land and rock that jut out into the sea. As a result, many local people refer to the beaches as 1st, 2nd and 3rd. They are noted below to help you get to the right beach when you're here!
Newport's largest beach and recreation area. This beach has rentable beach houses and food concession area. Known for its twin lobster rolls, served up daily at a price that can't be beat! Great for kids and families with all the extra activities and food options. Parking fees are charged from May 1 to October 31 each year and range from $15 on weekdays to $25 on weekends/holidays and season passes are $50 for residents / $100 for nonresidents. Motorcycles and mopeds/scooters are $5 on weekdays and $10 on weekends. About a 15-minute walk from downtown Newport or a 5-minute bike or taxi ride.
NOTE: This beach's buildings are slated for major updates in 2024 dues to coastal erosion and age. Check their website for updated information and news about construction.
Clementine's Homemade Ice CreamLocated across the street from Easton's Beach on Wave Avenue, this place has become a local's favorite in a very short amount of time. Besides the classics, Clementine's offers cool new flavors like banana, bubblegum, coffee heath bar and peach. Frozen yogurt and even sorbet are available. This is homemade ice cream at its finest! Highly recommended.
This is a very small beach sometimes referred to as "rejects beach" located at the intersection of Bellevue Avenue and Ocean Drive. Accessible only by foot or bike, it is a great place to stop on a bike ride and relax and watch the surf. The larger area of the beach past the rocks is private and part of the Spouting Rock Beach Association. FREE! About a 15-minute bike ride from downtown Newport or a 10-minute taxi ride. Please Note: there is NO parking anywhere in the near vacinity for vehicles. Bikes and scooters may find a spot right at the beach.
Located just beyond Bailey's Beach on Ocean Drive, Gooseberry is a great family beach because it lies in a protected cove away from high surf. This beach tends to be a little less crowded than the large beaches in Middletown and is a shorter drive with less traffic too, especially on summer weekends. Fees are $30 for parking or $350 for season pass. A season pass for a bicycle is $100. About a 15-minute bike ride from downtown Newport or a 5-minute taxi ride.
Of all the Newport RI beaches, Second Beach is the largest and boasts the greatest surf. Composed of fine sand, the beach concession area offers visitors food, bathrooms and showers. Popular with both families and singles, this beach abuts the Norman Bird Sanctuary and Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge. Parking fees start on Memorial Day Weekend and end Labor Day; they range from $20 on weekdays to $30 on weekends/holidays and season passes are $70 for residents / $140 for nonresidents. About a 15-minute bike ride or 5-minute car/taxi ride from downtown Newport.
NOTE: Only residents with a season pass will be able to access parking at Surfer's End and Third Beach. Non-resident passes will have access to the main portion of 2nd Beach.
Situated on the other side of Sachuest Point lies Third Beach, a favorite of windsurfers and families. Set in a cove, expect to find low surf at this beach with just the right wind offshore for kitesurfing and windsurfing. Parking fees start on Memorial Day Weekend and end Labor Day; they range from $20 on weekdays to $30 on weekends/holidays. Season pass access for Middletown residents only.