Misquamicut State Beach

Stretching along the southern Rhode Island coastline in Washington County, Misquamicut State Beach is one of New England’s most beloved summer destinations. At 51 acres, this state beach delivers a generous half-mile of wide, sandy shoreline facing Block Island Sound, where the water stays warmer and calmer than the open Atlantic — making it particularly appealing for families with young swimmers.

The beach is renowned for its consistent surf break, drawing bodyboarders and surfers alongside sunbathers and sandcastle builders. A paved parking area and well-maintained bathhouse with changing rooms and restrooms make for an easy day trip. The surrounding Misquamicut village adds to the experience with a strip of classic beach-town attractions — mini golf, arcades, seafood shacks, and ice cream stands — all within walking distance of the sand.

While the beach itself does not offer camping, Burlingame State Park sits just fifteen minutes north and provides over 700 campsites nestled among wooded trails near Watchaug Pond, giving visitors a solid base for multi-day coastal exploration.

The prime window runs from late June through Labor Day, when lifeguards are on duty and the water temperature climbs into the upper 60s and low 70s. Weekdays offer noticeably thinner crowds than weekends, when the parking lot can fill by mid-morning. Arrive early on hot Saturdays or plan for afternoon arrival when spots begin to open.

Expect salt air, reliable waves, and a shoreline that captures the unhurried spirit of a Rhode Island summer.

Explore Nearby

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• Gold Mine Bridge — Covered Bridge in Connecticut
• Connecticut State Route 169 — Scenic Byway in Connecticut
• Swamp Meadow Bridge — Covered Bridge in South Carolina