Misquamicut State Beach

Rhode Island's most popular state beach with over a half mile of beach front.

Located in the village of Misquamicut in the Town of Westerly, Misquamicut State Beach features a half-mile of beachfront and a modern beach facility that includes a playground, concessions, outdoor showers, and shade gazebos. Misquamicut State Beach has always enjoyed a summer population balanced by Westerly area locals and large influxes of non-residents. As the state's most popular beach, parking often fills to capacity during sunny summer days (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!

2025 Season Notices

All state beaches are open daily for the beach season through Labor Day, except Roger Wheeler which will open starting June 14. Get your season pass online at https://beachparkingri.com.

In-person purchases of season passes are available at a new LAZ office at Fishermen’s Memorial State Park & Campground (1011 Point Judith Rd, Narragansett). Office hours are weekdays from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM and Saturdays from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The office is closed on Sundays and holidays.

Note: School Groups and Summer Camps must apply for a Special Use Permit and only specific beaches are available for these group trips. Please contact RI State Park Headquarters via email or (401)-667-6200 at least 30 days before your intended visit.

Saturday, July 26: The parking lot at Salty Brine State Beach in Narragansett will be temporarily closed during the Narragansett Lions Club’s 52nd annual Blessing of the Fleet celebration and will reopen after 1PM. The beach will remain open.

Amenities & Experiences

During the beach season you’ll find public restrooms, outdoor showers, wheelchair accessibility, large parking lot, playground, 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
Playground
Accessible Beach Wheelchairs Available
Saltwater Fishing (off-hours only)
Electric Vehicle Charging
Shaded Pavilion
Outdoor Showers
Heated Indoor Showers
Nearby Kayak Launch
Accessible Restroom Facilities

Know Before You Go

In-Season Hours & Parking: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM Monday-Friday; 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM on weekends & holidays. Gates close at sunset.

NOTICE: Misquamicut State Beach has different daily parking fees than other RI state beaches. The cost of a season pass is the same. The daily rate for non-residents is $20 on weekdays and $30 on weekends & holidays; The daily parking rate for RI residents is $10 on weekdays and $15 on weekends/holidays. The additional funds from these fees are reinvested in DEM's Division of Parks and Recreation and increases the amount of revenue provided to the Town of Westerly, which is the host community. Learn more about the fee changes at Misquamicut State Beach here.

Restrictions: No alcohol, glass, dogs/pets, smoking, RV camping, or tent camping allowed. 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 Misquamicut State Beach

Misquamicut has a relatively short history as a state beach, about fifty years. It opened in 1959. However, the beach and recreational scene at this location dates back another fifty years to just after 1900, when private homeowners and small businessmen from Westerly put up cottages and a couple of hotels. Read more

Contact Misquamicut State Beach

Westerly

Location: 257 Atlantic Avenue
Get Directions

State Beach Parking Passes:
ribeaches@lazparking.com

Questions about the beach, including event permits:
Information Aide Ryan Masterson or (401) 322-8910

Regional Manager:
Kyle.Cahoon@dem.ri.gov or (401) 322-8910

Mailing Address:
Burlingame State Park, 1 Burlingame State Park, Charlestown, Rhode Island 02813

State Beach Parking

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