Misquamicut State Beach

The state's most popular beach with over a half mile of beach front

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.

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!

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 and 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 raised from these fees are reinvested in DEM's Division of Parks and Recreation and also increase the amount of revenue provided to the Town of Westerly, which is the host community. Under RI law, a municipality that has a state beach within its jurisdiction receives 27 percent of the daily beach parking fees annually. Learn more about the fee changes at Misquamicut State Beach here.

Restrictions: No alcohol, glass, dogs/pets, smoking, RV camping, or tent camping allowed. Misquamicut 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 Misquamicut State Beach (1959)

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. It was known at first as Pleasant View. It was a strip of sand between Watch Hill on the west and Weekapaug on the east, with a bridge over the breachway at Weekapaug. The beach divided the ocean waters from the Winnapaug pond, a salt pond that provided a sheltered place to sail and a protected place for a childrens’ bathing area.

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.