There are a number of excellent beaches to enjoy in Newport, Rhode Island, and neighboring towns. These include public beaches and private beaches that have public swimming areas. Easton’s Beach and Sachuest Beach attract many of those looking for bigger surf for surfing, kitesurfing, boogie boarding, bodysurfing, and swimming. There are other area beaches that offer calmer waters for families with small children or those simply looking to unwind on a hot summer day in relative peace on the water. Here are some of the best beaches in the Newport, Rhode Island area to enjoy and explore.
Easton’s Beach: This is a Newport local favorite. It is often called First Beach. There’s plenty of sand and waves for you to enjoy a day of swimming, boogie boarding, and surfing. There is a 1950’s era carousel for the kids to enjoy. The beach is at the beginning of Cliff Walk. Everyone can stretch out their legs on the three and a half mile walk along the coast after a day on the beach. The walk will treat you to beautiful views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Gilded Age mansions. Lifeguards are on duty during the season on the beach.
Sachuest Beach: This beach, in neighboring Middletown, is another local favorite. It is often called Second Beach. It has a mile and a half of sandy beach for you, your friends, and your family to enjoy. Surfer’s End is at the head of the beach and is a great place for surfing, kayaking, and kitesurfing (surfing lessons and rentals are available). The beach rolls into Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge to the southeast. Here you can do a little bird watching and enjoy a walk through the nature trails. The refuge has the second largest population of wintering harlequin ducks on the Atlantic coast. Anglers also frequent the refuge, as it has a reputation for excellent saltwater fishing. Lifeguards are on duty 8:00am-5:00pm during the season on the beach.
Gooseberry Beach: If you’re looking for a quieter day on the beach, this Newport beach will fit the bill. Visitors must arrive by bike or scooter (or purchase a daily pass when arriving by car). Walk-on access is not allowed. You can enjoy a day on the public section of this private beach, amidst the mansions (it is known as “the beach among the mansions”). There are basic facilities at the public beach, the upper tier facilities are for members only. Gooseberry Beach is a family favorite, with calmer waters set back in a cove. Lifeguards are on duty 9:00am-5:00pm during the season.
Fort Adams State Park: There is a small 225 foot beach in this state park with a roped-off swimming area suitable for children. This Newport park is the perfect place for families and friends to enjoy a picnic and a quiet swim in the calm waters of Newport Harbor. The park also hosts a number of concerts during the summer: when the relative quiet gives way to the musical wanderings of the highly celebrated annual Jazz Festival and Folk Festival. Lifeguards are on duty 9:00am-6:00pm during the season on the beach.
Third Beach: This is another family favorite beach located in neighboring Middletown. The waves are relatively calm, as the beach is within a cove (much like Gooseberry Beach in Newport) but you can enjoy a little body surfing when the surf is up. Lemonade is available, thanks to Del’s Lemonade. Lifeguards are on duty 8:00am-5:00pm during the season.
The team at Teri Degnan Real Estate & Consulting looks forward to helping you find the perfect home in Newport or the surrounding areas of Rhode Island. We will make your home-buying experience fun, exciting and simple so you can get out to the beach and enjoy the water! Contact us today!
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