Governor's Bay Day
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, while also highlighting the ongoing threats it faces. Today, Bay Day continues to honor this original intent.
This year marks the 36th Bay Day celebration. Parking will be free at all state beaches on Sunday, July 27 at:
- Charlestown Breachway, Charlestown
- East Beach, Charlestown
- East Matunuck State Beach, South Kingstown
- Misquamicut State Beach, Westerly
- Roger W. Wheeler State Beach, Narragansett
- Salty Brine State Beach, Narragansett
- Scarborough North State Beach, Narragansett: RI Parks Naturalists will be offering an educational touch tank with local marine species from 12 PM to 1:15 PM
- Scarborough South State Beach, Narragansett
RIPTA will also be providing free round-trip fare on the South County Express Beach Bus on Sunday, July 27. Service from Central Falls, Cranston, North Providence, Pawtucket, Providence, and Woonsocket to Salty Brine, Roger Wheeler, and Scarborough State Beaches.
The public is also invited to fish in Rhode Island saltwaters without a saltwater fishing license from Friday, July 25, through Sunday, July 27.
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. 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 of 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 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.