Search
>
>
>
>
>

Rhode Island Beaches: Hidden Gems and Secluded Shores

Looking to escape the crowds and discover Rhode Island as locals do? The Ocean State is home to some stunning hidden gem beaches—unspoiled, uncrowded, and perfect for savoring a quiet, sun-soaked escape. Travelers willing to wander off the beaten path will be rewarded with beautiful coastal spots where relaxation and solitude come naturally.

Don’t miss Goosewing Beach Preserve in Little Compton a sanctuary of rolling dunes, rare wildlife, and wide, sandy shoreline set apart from the bustle. Farther west, East Beach in Charlestown stretches for miles, offering room to roam, gentle surf, and a tranquil setting beloved by in-the-know Rhode Islanders. For those wanting a taste of rural simplicity and calm, head to Sachuest Beach (Second Beach) in Middletown arrive early or visit off-hours and you’ll find stunning views and soft sand with far fewer people than some of the state’s larger beaches.

Rhode Island’s hidden beaches are perfect for those who value peace and natural scenery. Most offer only basic facilities, so bring everything you need for a relaxing day. These secret spots are ideal for quiet picnics, reading a book by the waves, or simply soaking in the beauty of the coastal landscape.

Ready to discover the quieter side of the Ocean State? Explore these hidden gem beaches and turn your next seaside outing into a real Rhode Island adventure

COONEYMUS COVE, BLOCK ISLAND

Why it’s a hidden gem: One of the furthest beaches from town and secluded on the west side of Block Island, Cooneymus Cove is too rocky sunbathing and the surf is too unpredictable for swimming. However, this secluded cove is an excellent place for walking, hiking, fishing and beachcombing. It makes a sweet spot for a private sunset picnic.

EAST BEACH/ NINIGRET CONSERVATION AREA, CHARLESTOWN

Why it’s a hidden gem: This spectacular barrier beach takes up three miles of prime beach shoreline but is the least developed of all Rhode Island’s state beaches. It has limited parking, as well as a 20-site campground. It's a beautiful spot for a walk along the beach, and as you head toward the breachway you'll see the dune grass that's home to the Piping Plovers during nesting season. Avoid the nesting areas, but enjoy watching the birds feed at the water's edge. The 2.6-mile  East Beach/ Ninigret Conservation Area Trail is a nice hike that affords wildflower views and bird watching opportunities.

NAPATREE POINT BEACH & CONSERVATION AREA, WATCH HILL

Why it’s a hidden gem: It’s a stunning, sandy stretch between the Bay and the ocean that’s great for a relaxing stroll or a hike. It’s also a great spot for watching the shorebirds in summer and fall and Hawks in late summer and early fall. Sandy Point, once part of the Napatree Point Peninsula, was made an island by storm surge during The Great Hurricane of 1938. Napatree Point is also home to the ruins of Fort Mansfield which was built in 1883 to protect New York City via Long Island Sound.

SOUTH SHORE BEACH, LITTLE COMPTON

Why it’s a hidden gem: This secluded and peaceful (and rocky) spot features white sand and crashing waves. There’s limited parking, so the lot does fill up in the summer. There’s also camping available by application, but no campground.

TEDDY'S BEACH, PORTSMOUTH

Why it’s a hidden gem: It’s pet friendly! Near the northern tip of Aquidneck Island, this state-owned beach has no lifeguards or restrooms available, but leashed dogs are welcome on this curved peninsula that surrounds Blue Hill Cove.

THIRD BEACH, MIDDLETOWN

Why it’s a hidden gem: Small and relatively quiet, this beach is east-facing and overlooks Third Beach Harbor. Features include shallow water, minimal waves, grills, picnic tables, a boat ramp, port-a-potties, and a Del’s Lemonade cart. The winds over the water make it popular with windsurfers.

WARWICK CITY PARK & BUTTONWOODS BEACH, WARWICK

Why it’s a hidden gem: It’s a 126-acre beach park featuring a long, sandy beach and swimming area, picnic area, bike paths, ball fields, playground, restrooms and a dog park.

VIALL BEACH, BLOCK ISLAND

Why it’s a hidden gem: It’s rocky and very secluded – accessed by a dirt path to the bottom of a hollow. Swimmers should be cautious because the surf is rough, and the shallows are rocky. Vaill Beach is known for fantastic sunsets, a great view of the Block Island Windfarm, as well as excellent beach combing and good surfing.

WUSKENAU BEACH, WESTERLY

Why it’s a hidden gem: Smaller and less busy than its big sister, Misquamicut State Beach, Wuskenau Beach offers soft sand, good waves and proximity to food and attractions. Parking is available for a fee, lifeguards are on duty Memorial Day to Labor Day and there are bars, restaurants, a drive-in theater, water slides and a carousel nearby.  

Filter by: Clear Filters

Regions

    All efforts have been made to ensure the accuracy of the information on this website, however it is subject to change. Information is updated in an ongoing manner in partnership with local tourism offices, individual businesses and organizations and via a direct feed from goprovidence.com, discovernewport.org, southcountyri.com and Yelp.com.