Now is the perfect time to take that beach vacation you’ve been dreaming of! Among other attractions, Rhode Island has many beaches – and Newport County beaches are some of the best the state has to offer – so what are you waiting for?
Is there anything more relaxing than the beach? Stretching out on a blanket or lounger near the waves, the soft susurrus of the surf, the sun baking sand to your toes – aaaahhh.
Now is the perfect time to plan your Newport County beach vacation. It is with that in mind that we offer you this short guide to Newport County beaches.
Newport County Beaches
1st Beach (Easton’s Beach)
Easton’s Beach – more commonly known as 1st Beach – is considered one of Rhode Island best beaches. It’s certainly the most popular and active of all the others.
During the off seasons, this beach can be a quiet place for a nice, contemplative walk but, once the warmer weather hits, it’s a-buzz with non-stop activity. Carnivals, volleyball tournaments, concerts, and more are held here throughout the summer.
The carousel, Save the Bay Exploration Center and Aquarium are worth a visit and there’s a skateboard park, too. For shopping, there’s a souvenir shop with lots of fun gifts and be sure to try a twin lobster roll from the snack bar! The picnic pavilion provides a nice place to eat out of the sun.
1st Beach is located on Memorial Boulevard by the start of the Newport Cliff Walk. There is a pay lot but you can save some money by looking for a space on one of the side streets off Memorial Boulevard, first.
2nd Beach (Sachuest Beach)
2nd Beach is another popular beach but it’s not quite as active as 1st Beach, making it popular with families and those who like a quieter time. It can still get pretty crowded in the summer, though.
2nd Beach is popular with the surfers due to the great waves here. The water has less seaweed in it than 1st Beach, making it more popular with swimmers, too.
The concession stand at 2nd Beach has a broad menu and be sure to take a stroll up to Purgatory Chasm. Purgatory Chasm, located at the top of the hill on the western end of the beach, is a fascinating cut in the rock cliff caused by millions of years of erosion.
2nd Beach is actually in Middletown, next to the Norman Bird Sanctuary but still considered a Newport County beach.
3rd Beach
3rd Beach is a smaller beach, set back in a cove, which limits its surf, somewhat. It does get the breezes, however, making it a popular spot for wind-surfing.
Due to its smaller, set-back location and calmer waters, 3rd Beach can be very peaceful. It is a great beach for quiet relaxation. 3rd Beach features a public boat ramp and is located just down the road from 2nd Beach in Middletown.
Hazard’s Beach
Hazard’s Beach is a private beach. Unless you know someone, you’re not going to get onto it. Luckily, Gooseberry Beach is close by and just as nice a beach as Hazard’s.
Gooseberry Beach
Like 3rd Beach, Gooseberry Beach is set back in a cove, meaning calmer waters. Because of this, Gooseberry Beach is popular with families and those looking for a quieter, calmer beach experience.
The Gooseberry Beach beach club is private, however. If you’re hoping for food you’ll have to bring your picnic lunch or check out the tasty offerings at the Gooseberry Cafe.
Gooseberry Beach is located along Newport’s Ocean Drive, around a mile from Bellevue Avenue, and open from 9am to 5pm, daily.
Bailey’s Beach
Bailey’s Beach is another private Newport beach. One of the most exclusive beaches on the east coast, it was established by the elite classes during the Gilded Age.
No worries – you can enjoy the same stretch of coast at an unofficial and attached beach called “Reject’s Beach.”
Reject’s Beach
Feeling rejected by the exclusive, private beaches? Come frolic on Reject’s Beach, an unofficial and unwanted portion of the elite Bailey’s Beach.
Reject’s Beach is located at the end of the Newport Cliff Walk and is separated from Bailey’s Beach by a fence going out into the water. Very few people know about Reject’s Beach, so coming here can provide some nice, quiet experiences. You might even find yourself on your own, private beach!
Take that, Bailey’s Beach bathers!
Newport County Beaches
So there you have it – a short list of some great places to soak up sun, sand, and surf. If you plan to visit one of Newport County’s beaches, try to get an early start. The more you can do on foot or even with a bike, the better, as parking can get hairy.
Most of all, enjoy yourself, and make the most of your stay with accommodations at a Newport County B&B. Locally owned and operated, Newport County Inns and Bed & Breakfasts are your best bet for Rhode Island lodging. Experience the difference true comfort and care can make with a stay at Newport County Inns and Bed & Breakfasts!