Governor's Bay Day

An annual celebration that invites everyone to get outside and enjoy Rhode Island's beautiful coastline and Narragansett Bay.

Governor's Bay Day

Summer is a magical time in Rhode Island.  Our beautiful waters and abundant fisheries, sandy beaches, and historic parks are a big reason why. Celebrated in Rhode Island since 1989, the first Governor's Bay Day was held in the wake of the World Prodigy oil spill. It began as an effort to showcase the beauty and value of Narragansett Bay and to highlight the ongoing threats it faces. Today, Bay Day continues to honor this original intent.

This year marks the 35th Bay Day celebration, and will be held on Sunday, July 28, 2024. The day includes free parking at all Rhode Island state beaches.

The public is also invited to fish in Rhode Island saltwaters without a saltwater fishing license from Friday, July 26 to Sunday, July 28.

The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) also will waive the roundtrip fare on all service to South County beaches on Route 66 (URI/Galilee). Service to the beach will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis.

"There's nothing like summer in Rhode Island and I think we're all ready to enjoy our beautiful waters, sandy beaches, and abundant fisheries. This Bay Day, I invite Rhode Islanders to head to the beach, drop a fishing line in Narragansett Bay, and experience all of the natural resources the Ocean State has to offer." - Governor Dan McKee

Parking will be free at all state beaches, which are:

Governor's Bay Day encourages families to enjoy Rhode Island's outdoor public spaces and engage in an active lifestyle while also highlighting the economic value of our natural resources. It also encourages us to protect our natural places by keeping Rhody litter free. Rhode Island's natural and public assets – including eight saltwater beaches, 8,200 acres of parkland, 1,000 campsites, 400 miles of hiking and biking trails, 200 fishing spots, and 25 parks and nature preserves – are magnets, attracting more than 9 million Rhode Islanders and tourists a year. They're also an engine that adds an estimated $315 million to the economy, generating nearly $40 million in state and local taxes and supporting nearly 4,000 jobs a year.

Saltwater fishing also is an important driver for the state's economy. Rhode Island's marine recreational fishing industry contributes $420 million to the economy and supports over 4,000 jobs. Although the free fishing days provide an opportunity for everyone to fish without a license, they also serve as a reminder that saltwater licenses are required on every day except on Bay Day, and that the license program provides vital support for Rhode Island's recreational fishing interests. The cost of a yearly RI license is $7 for Rhode Island residents, and $10 for non-residents.

Join the conversation!

Participate in the the Rhode Island Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP) survey and enter for a chance to win a free 2025 RI State Beach Parking Pass. Your feedback will help inform funding priorities for future outdoor recreation projects and create better opportunities for all Rhode Islanders and visitors to get outdoors and be active.