When most people think about beaches, they picture lying out on a towel soaking up the summer sun, then diving in the water when it gets too hot. In Rhode Island, though, peak beach season goes by all too fast, and during those months the beaches are all so crowded with tourists and out-of-towners.
True Rhode Islanders know that beach magic doesn't need to end in the summer – in fact, there's a particular stark New England beauty that you'll only find on our beaches during the colder months, when the beach grass is coated in frost and a cold wind blows away less-determined visitors. If you bundle up and take a beach walk in the off-season, you'll be amply rewarded with the most gorgeous and unobstructed views. Here are a few of our favorite spots to explore all year long.
1. Goosewing Beach Preserve, Little Compton
This gorgeous beach preserve is owned by the Nature Conservancy, and it's one of the most stunning spots in the Ocean State. It's home to a number of wild bird species, so it's a perfect spot to observe flocks mid-migration.
2. Sachuest Beach, Middletown
Also known as Second Beach, this is the perfect place to watch the sun set over Newport, and the 1.25 mile beach is perfect for a long stroll.
3. East Matunuck Beach, South Kingstown
This beach is hard to visit in the summer due to limited parking, but in the off season you should have no problem. The dunes might even be more beautiful in the fall and winter than the summer.
4. Clay Head Preserve, Block Island
This Nature Conservancy wildlife preservation on Block Island has some of the most beautiful waterfront you can find anywhere - and you might even find some adorable animals as you explore. You'll need to walk the Clay Head Trail to get to the beach, but it's worth the journey!
5. Narragansett Town Beach, Narragansett
This beach is wildly popular, but the crowds die down in the winter and you can finally walk the beach without bumping into other people. Come as the sun goes down for gorgeous colors.
6. East Beach, Watch Hill
With views of Block Island and of neighboring mansions, this beach is scenic all year round. It's another one with difficult parking in the high season, so in the colder months you can enjoy its beauty without that stress. Find it in Watch Hill in Westerly.
7. Misquamicut Beach, Westerly
In the summer, this spot is absolutely buzzing with arcade goers, kids playing on the beach, and of course plenty of sunbathers. If that's just too hectic for you, come in the winter for sights that are just as gorgeous, and significantly calmer.
Are lakes more your thing? Check out this gorgeous lake hike that's especially beautiful in the fall.
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