Roger W. Wheeler State Beach
This popular beach has fine white sand, calm water, and a very slight drop-off.
Project Notice
A construction project is currently underway at Roger Wheeler State Beach to construct a boardwalk and upgrade the bulkhead. While construction will pause during the 2025 beach season, visitors can expect a smaller beach area with sections of beach being rocky. Beach access will be available at both ends of the parking lot, with most visitors entering through the pavilion. Thank you for your patience as we work to enhance your beach experience for the future.
Protected from Block Island Sound by an extensive breakwater barrier, this is a popular beach for young children and families due to the gentle surf and modern beach pavilion with food concessions and a kid-friendly environmental educational area. Be sure to plan and purchase your parking pass ahead of time so you can use the express lane! Check the status of the parking lot here.
Often referred to locally as Sand Hill Cove, Roger W. Wheeler State Beach was renamed in August 1970 to recognize Captain Roger W. Wheeler (1907-1969), the creator of the Rhode Island State Life-Saving System. Without a cadre of life guards at the beaches, who promoted safe swimming practices, the public use of our coastal waters would have amounted to little more than an “attractive nuisance.” Trained, alert, and capable life guards have prevented many family tragedies over the years.
Amenities & Experiences
During the beach season you’ll find public restrooms, outdoor showers, wheelchair accessibility, large parking lot, playground, food and gift concessions, lifeguard tower, shade gazebos, and Naturalist area.
- Swimming
- Picnicking
- Playground
- Accessible Beach Wheelchairs Available
- Saltwater Fishing (off-hours only)
- Shaded Pavilion
- Outdoor Showers
- Heated Indoor Showers
- Accessible Restroom Facilities
- Environmental Education (Naturalist) Area
- Limited Bus Parking for School Outings/Camps with Special Use Permit
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. Roger Wheeler 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 Roger Wheeler State Beach (1929)
Sand Hill Cove in the Town of Narragansett was a state property for nearly a century and a half before being transferred by the Rhode Island Secretary of State to the Metropolitan Park Commission in 1929. It was the first state beach along the arc of the Atlantic Ocean destined to be the home to several other beaches. The ownership of the beach strand by the state stretched back to Revolutionary War times when it was stripped from Tory sympathizer of King George III. Its proposed use as a public resort for recreation fit well with the expansion ideas of the Park Commission in the late 1920s.
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.
Roger Wheeler State Beach
