Scarborough North State Beach

One of Rhode Island’s most popular and well known beaches, this 26-acre facility with over 2,000 feet of beach frontage is located only 35 miles south of Providence on Ocean Road in Narragansett.

Off-Season Notice

Thank you for another fantastic RI State Beach Season. In the off-season, all gates and parking lots remain open except in cases of an extreme weather event like hurricanes. Portajohns are available at most locations and will remain as weather conditions allow.

Not a fan of cold weather? Now is the perfect time to buy your 2024 state beach season parking pass.

Scarborough State Beach with its large pavilion and expanded beach area, with the nearby Scarborough South, offers a wide range of beach related activities. People of all ages can find activities of interest from sun bathing on Scarborough’s sandy beach, and people watching on its boardwalk to picnicking under shaded shelters, and saltwater bathing in one of Rhode Island’s most popular spots. Check the status of the parking lot here. Be sure to plan ahead and purchase your parking pass before you head to the beach so you can use the express lane! Note - This is the only state beach location that offers in-person sales of season beach passes. Head to the overflow lot (across the street from the main entrance) to get started. Note To prevent traffic back ups on busy days, in person sales are not available when the overflow lot is being used for beach parking.

Amenities & Experiences

During the beach season you’ll find public restrooms, outdoor showers, wheelchair accessibility, large parking lot with overflow lot, food and gift concessions, lifeguard tower, and several 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
Shaded Pavilions
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. Scarborough North 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 Scarborough North (1937)

Scarborough was originally developed in 1937. It has long been known as the principal destination for a "day at the beach" for thousands of Rhode Islanders over the years.

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.