Scarborough State Beach
A vast, beautiful public beach in Narragansett, RI, known for its soft sand, fun waves, and observation tower.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, easier parking
Scarborough State Beach
Best Time
Fewer crowds, easier parking
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vast, beautiful public beach in Narragansett, RI, known for its soft sand, fun waves, and observation tower.
"Beautiful beach with best sand in Rhode Island, especially on low tide."
🚗 Parking Fees
Weekend parking is $14, weekdays $10. Arrive early to secure a spot!
👟 Wear Water Shoes
The shore has small rocks and seaweed; water shoes are recommended for comfort.
Quick Facts
Rating
4.5 · 397 reviews
Type
Beach
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Expansive Sandy Shoreline
Main beach area
Enjoy miles of soft sand perfect for sunbathing, long walks, and building sandcastles. The beach is huge and offers plenty of space.
Invigorating Ocean Waves
Oceanfront
Experience fun and consistent waves ideal for swimming and body surfing. The ocean conditions are often perfect for a refreshing dip.
Observation Tower Views
Eastern end of the beach
Climb the observation tower for panoramic views of the coastline and the Atlantic Ocean. A great spot for photos.
Tidal Pools at Low Tide
Shoreline during low tide
Discover fascinating marine life and unique rock formations in the natural tidal pools revealed as the tide recedes.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Parking & Access
Tides & Footwear
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking Fees
Weekend parking is $14, weekdays $10. Arrive early to secure a spot!
👟 Wear Water Shoes
The shore has small rocks and seaweed; water shoes are recommended for comfort.
🌊 Check the Tides
Beach size varies greatly. Low tide offers more space and tidal pools.
🧺 Gas Grill Allowed
If you plan a BBQ, bring a gas grill; charcoal grills are not permitted.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking Fees
Weekend parking is $14, weekdays $10. Arrive early to secure a spot!
👟 Wear Water Shoes
The shore has small rocks and seaweed; water shoes are recommended for comfort.
🌊 Check the Tides
Beach size varies greatly. Low tide offers more space and tidal pools.
🧺 Gas Grill Allowed
If you plan a BBQ, bring a gas grill; charcoal grills are not permitted.
🚫 Drone Restrictions
Drones are not permitted over the beach area.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Scarborough State Beach is praised for its vast, soft sandy shores and enjoyable waves, making it a popular spot for swimming and relaxation. While parking fees are noted, many find the amenities and the beach's beauty to be well worth it. Some visitors mention the presence of seaweed and small rocks on the shore, recommending water shoes.
"Okay. So let's talk about this...
$14 parking for the weekend. Not bad. We were close to the entrance and that's even better. Sand is soft soft with lots of small rocks on the wall down. Wear shoes.
You instantly notice the strong ocean smell, almost like it's low tide but it's not.
The ocean was RED from all the red seaweed. I understand we had a hurricane pass through recently, maybe that's why this happened .
My son was brave to still swim.... When we took his bathing suit off... HUGE bugs came out of his bathing suit.. terrible 😭😭
The waves were perfect, some tidal pools present.
Bathrooms and food available."
cheryl lemay
"Beautiful beach with best sand in Rhode Island, especially on low tide. Long wide beach, walk to the ruins and black point. Nice facilities and plenty of paid parking. Keep an eye in the tides as it changes. Fun stop on the bike tour!"
Steve Thompson
"Such a great beach. HUGE! The waves were excellent.
We rented a VRBO nearby and spent several hours here, each day. Parking isn't too expensive. Bathrooms and food options are available. As easy drive."
John Raschi
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Scarborough State Beach is located in Narragansett, Rhode Island. It's easily accessible by car via Route 1A. Public transportation options are limited, so driving is the most common method. Parking is available on-site for a fee.
While direct public transport is scarce, you might be able to combine local bus routes with a short taxi or rideshare to reach the beach from nearby towns. It's best to check local transit schedules for Narragansett.
To avoid traffic, especially during peak summer weekends, aim to arrive early in the morning or consider visiting on a weekday. Weekends can get very busy.
Yes, Scarborough State Beach is a popular stop on bike tours in the area, offering scenic coastal routes. There are bike racks available.
The beach generally offers accessible parking and pathways. It's advisable to check with the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management for the most current accessibility information.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Parking fees are typically $14 per car on weekends and holidays, and $10 on weekdays during the peak season. Prices can vary, so it's good to confirm upon arrival.
The primary cost is for parking. There is no separate per-person entrance fee to access the beach itself, beyond the parking charge.
The beach is generally open from dawn until dusk. Lifeguard hours vary by season, typically from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Check the official Rhode Island State Parks website for exact hours.
Advance parking reservations are typically not available. Parking is on a first-come, first-served basis, so arriving early is recommended, especially during busy periods.
The annual Penguin Plunge is a fundraising event for Special Olympics Rhode Island, where participants brave the cold ocean waters. It's a notable event that draws a large crowd.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Amenities include restrooms, outdoor showers/rinse stations, picnic tables, and food concessions. There's also an observation tower offering great views.
Yes, lifeguards are typically on duty during the summer season, usually from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. Always swim in designated lifeguard areas.
Yes, you can have a BBQ, but only with a gas grill. Charcoal grills are not permitted on the beach.
Drones are not allowed to be flown over the beach area.
The sand is described as soft and beautiful, especially at low tide. However, there are small rocks and seaweed present on the shore.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there are food concessions available on-site, offering snacks and meals for beachgoers.
You are welcome to bring your own food and drinks. Picnic tables are available if you plan to have a meal. Remember to pack out all your trash.
Narragansett, the nearby town, offers a variety of restaurants, from casual seafood shacks to more upscale dining options.
Typically, beach concessions will offer ice cream and other treats during the summer season.
Absolutely! There are picnic tables available, and bringing your own food is encouraged.
📸 📸 Photography
The observation tower offers panoramic coastal views. The shoreline at low tide with its tidal pools and the expansive sandy beach itself are also great for photography.
While the beach faces east, the coastline and sky can still offer beautiful lighting for photography in the late afternoon and early evening.
Unfortunately, drones are not permitted over the beach area, so aerial photography is restricted.
Landscape photography capturing the ocean, waves, and coastline is very popular. Street art and murals have also been noted.
The presence of seaweed, especially after storms, can create unique visual textures. The changing tides also offer dynamic photographic possibilities.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit