East Matunuck State Beach

Noted for its strong surf, this natural beach has miles of room to beach comb with a sandy, gently sloping shoreline.

All state beaches are following regular off-season operations. In the off-season, all gates and parking lots remain open except in cases of an extreme weather event like a hurricane. Salty Brine State Beach’s concession and Misquamicut State Beach’s concessions will remain open during weekends, weather permitting, for a few weeks following Labor Day. Portajohns are available at most locations and will remain as weather conditions allow.

Noted for its strong surf, East Matunuck State Beach totals more than 144 acres with a modern beach pavilion, powered in part by solar energy, and large parking lot. Watch the ferry cruise by on its way to Block Island and fishing boats coming in and out from the Port of Galilee. Plan to arrive early on summer weekends when parking fills up quickly (Check the status of the parking lot here). Be sure to plan and purchase your parking pass ahead of time so you can use the express lane!

Amenities & Experiences

During the beach season you’ll find public restrooms, outdoor showers, wheelchair accessibility, large parking lot, food and gift concessions, composting toilets, lifeguard tower, and shade gazebos. Electric vehicle charging stations are available for 4 hours max while enjoying the beach. The EV station does not guarantee a space on full capacity days and a parking fee is required when the beach is charging a fee.

Swimming
Picnicking
Accessible Beach Wheelchairs Available
Saltwater Fishing (off-hours only)
Electric Vehicle Charging
Shade Pavilion
Outdoor Showers
Indoor Heated Showers
Accessible Restroom Facilities

Know Before You Go

In-Season Hours & Parking: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM Monday - Friday and 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM on weekends & holidays. Gates close at sunset. Check the capacity of the parking lot.

Restrictions: No alcohol, glass, dogs/pets, smoking, RV camping, or tent camping allowed. East Matunuck State Beach is day-use only.

Concessions: Salty's Burger & Seafood is open daily during the beach season.

Lifeguard on duty 9:00 AM (8:30 AM weekends/holidays) to 6:00 PM (Seasonal)

Tide Chart: View local tides and surf conditions. Break the grip of the rip! Learn about rip currents.

History Of East Matunuck State Beach (1956)

The leisure possibilities of the beach areas first appeared in Rhode Island at Narragansett. As early as the 1780s, John Robinson had built a pier to facilitate the commercial activities of fishermen and farmers. By the mid 1840s, however, the steamboats arriving at Narragansett Pier were carrying people interested in bathing and relaxation of the beach. Matunuck Beach appeared on a map of the area in 1857. Twenty years later a “writer of pleasant places in Rhode Island” called Matunuck a popular place for Providence people, ‘more so, perhaps, than any other surf beach along the coast.’

State Beach Parking

Headed to a state beach? Check here for the near real-time status of parking lots at our busiest state beaches. Remember, season beach parking passes are not available for purchase at beach entrances. Help reduce traffic delays by buying your season pass online.