Whether you’re seeking a bustling, family-friendly spot or a peaceful hidden cove, there’s a perfect beach for everyone in Newport County. From catching waves at South Shore Beach to discovering tide pools at Gooseberry, each beach offers its own unique vibe. Here’s your go-to guide to the best public beaches in the area, with tips on where to park so you can get to the fun faster.
Newport Beaches
Easton’s Beach (“First Beach”)
The Vibe: Classic, busy, family-friendly. Great for people-watching and soaking up the sun.
Parking: Paid public parking is available daily in Lots 1 and 3 (credit or debit card only). Rates vary for weekdays and weekends. Newport residents with a city-issued Residential Parking Sticker can park for free year-round. In July and August, the lots tend to fill up by late morning, so plan to arrive early.
Hours: Weekdays: 9 am – 9 pm / Weekends & Holidays: 8 am – 9 pm, April 1 – November 30
Pro tip: Arrive before 9:30 am for the best spots, or come late in the afternoon (around 3:30 pm) when day-trippers clear out.
Gooseberry Beach
The Vibe: A tucked-away cove with a private beach club feel—no membership required. The calm, gentle waves make it ideal for a relaxing swim. Grab a bite from the Snack Shack (open 11 am to 5 pm, weather permitting; cash only). Beach chair and umbrella rentals are available for a laid-back day in the sun. Explore its rocky shoreline and tide pools that are especially accessible at low tide. You can find various marine life, including small crabs, snails, and sea stars.
Hours: Daily 9 am – 5 pm, mid-June to Labor Day
Parking: Paid parking is open to members and daily non-member parking pass holders. Drop offs/walk-ons are not permitted.
Pro tip: Skip the car altogether. Bike the scenic Ocean Drive and lock up at the entrance for a small fee.
Reject’s Beach
The Vibe: A locals’ secret with a rebellious streak. While not an official beach, it’s a public spot tucked at the very end of the Cliff Walk—technically the tail end of private Bailey’s Beach, but open to all. Rugged and raw with zero amenities—just a stretch of sand and sea where locals come to soak up the sun.
Parking: No lot. Street parking along Ocean Drive (free but extremely limited), or park near Bellevue Avenue and walk.
Hours: Open year-round from sunrise to sunset. There are no posted entry or exit times—just come and go with the sun.
Pro tip: Pack light. It’s a 10 to 15 minute walk from anywhere you park.
Middletown Beaches
Sachuest Beach (“Second Beach”)
The Vibe: Wide, sandy, and very popular — this is the busiest beach on Aquidneck Island. Families, groups, and surfers (at the western end) all love it. Expect a lively, crowded scene on summer weekends. Equipment rental is available and the beach has a popular concession stand.
Parking: Daily paid parking with a discounted rate for motorcycles and scooters. Middletown residents get discounted parking with a town sticker. There’s also an overflow gravel lot across from Surfers’ End, but it usually fills up by mid-morning on sunny weekends.
Hours: 8 am – 6 pm, Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day weekend
Pro tip: Arrive before 9 am on weekends if you want an easy spot and a prime patch of sand. Otherwise, plan for a later afternoon visit.
Third Beach
The Vibe: Calm, shallow waters perfect for little kids, paddleboarding, and launching kayaks. Near the boat ramp at the south end, you’ll find a few handy extras: a picnic table, some grills, and a shaded pavilion. There are also port-a-johns in the parking areas, plus a small rental stand for beach gear, and if you’re lucky, a Del’s Lemonade cart parked nearby for the ultimate summer treat.
Parking: This beach is only for Middletown residents. Seasonal parking stickers are on sale daily at Second Beach 8 am – 4 pm. Also available for sale online at Beautiful Beaches.
Hours: Daily 8 am – 6 pm
Pro tip: Mornings here are especially beautiful, with glassy water perfect for paddleboarding.
Portsmouth Beach
Sandy Point Beach
The Vibe: Small, family-friendly, and laid-back, this beach is a local favorite for a peaceful day by the water. The gentle surf and shallow shoreline are perfect for younger kids, and amenities like seasonal lifeguards, restrooms, picnic tables, an ADA-accessible entrance, and a beach wheelchair (available upon request) make it easy for everyone to enjoy.
Parking: Paid parking for non-residents; free for Portsmouth residents with a Portsmouth beach sticker. Pick one up at Portsmouth Town Hall.
Hours: 9 am to 5 pm, Memorial Day through Labor Day
Pro tip: Bring lunch or snacks with you. There’s no concession stand, but nearby Clements’ Market has everything you need for a beach picnic.
Jamestown Beach
Mackerel Cove
The Vibe: A lovely crescent-shaped beach with gentle waves and clear water, Mackerel Cove is a popular spot for both locals and day-trippers. Its close proximity to town makes it an easy and relaxing stop. You’ll often find a Del’s lemonade truck parked in the lot, offering a refreshing treat to enjoy while soaking up the sun.
Parking: Paid parking for non-residents; free with a Jamestown beach pass.
Hours: 9 am to 5 pm during the summer season
Pro tip: After your beach visit, take a short drive to Beavertail State Park, just a few minutes away. It’s a perfect spot for a scenic walk or to catch a breathtaking sunset.
Tiverton Beaches
Fogland Beach
The Vibe: Quiet, breezy, and a little off the beaten path, this beach is a favorite for windsurfers and kayakers. It’s also a great option for families who prefer a more natural setting, with restrooms, seasonal food and beverage vendors, picnic tables, and a playground for the kids. Nearby salt marsh trails are perfect for birdwatching, making it a peaceful escape for all.
Parking: Paid parking for non-residents; discounted passes for Tiverton residents and free passes for veterans and active-duty members.
Hours: 9 am to 10 pm, Memorial Day through Labor Day
Pro tip: Bring your binoculars. Fogland is a great place to spot shorebirds, especially at low tide.
Grinnell’s Beach
The vibe: A small, family-friendly beach nestled along the Sakonnet River, Grinnell’s offers a laid-back atmosphere with gentle waters, making it perfect for families with young children. Enjoy scenic views of the river and the Portsmouth shoreline while taking advantage of amenities including a sun-shade pavilion, seasonal food and beverage services, and restrooms with showers and changing rooms.
Parking: Paid parking for non-residents; discounted passes for Tiverton residents and free passes for veterans and active-duty members.
Hours: 9 am to 10 pm, Memorial Day through Labor Day
Pro tip: After your beach visit, take a stroll along the newly paved promenade extending 200 yards into the Sakonnet River for picturesque views.
Little Compton Beaches
South Shore Beach
The Vibe: A beautiful, windswept stretch of beach that feels like a secret. Exposed to the open waters of Rhode Island Sound, this shoreline is one of the few spots on the Bay where you can go surfing. Little Compton Surf Camp hosts private surfing lessons here during summer months.
Parking: Paid parking for non-residents; free for Little Compton residents with a beach sticker.
Pro Tip: Pack a picnic and enjoy the low-key atmosphere. If you can, stay through sunset — the views are incredible.
Goosewing Beach
The Vibe: Untouched and serene, Goosewing Beach is both a small beach and a protected nature preserve maintained by The Nature Conservancy. Located just beyond South Shore Beach, it feels wonderfully remote and is perfect for nature lovers and those craving a quiet stretch of sand. You’ll find sweeping coastal views, dune habitats, and a peaceful atmosphere.
Parking: Park at South Shore Beach and walk over. There’s no separate lot, and the walk is short but sandy.
Pro tip: Wear comfortable shoes for the walk. It’s a little effort, but the peace and beauty of the beach make it absolutely worth it.
The Takeaway
No matter what kind of beach day you’re after, Newport County has something for everyone. With serene shores and scenic vistas, there’s no better place to spend a sunny day. Our best tip? Skip the crowds and head to your favorite beach in the late afternoon, grab a picnic, and stay to watch the sunset—it’s the perfect way to end a day by the water.
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