East Matunuck State Beach

A long, gently sloping sand beach on Block Island Sound that the state notes for its strong surf, with the stone breakwater that protects Point Judith Pond jutting out at its east end and the Block Island ferry passing offshore. Lifeguards sit from 9am (8:30am on weekends) to 6pm in season. Arrive early on summer weekends, when the large lot fills quickly.

Directions

Photo: Paul C. Anagnostopoulos · CC BY-SA 4.0

Get your personalized SwimScore

Latest reading · SwimScore 67/100 (Good swim) for a typical swimmer: air 16°C, wind 24 km/h, waves 2.1 m, UV 1. Updated 23 Sept, 22:00 UTC.

Know before you go

Getting in: State beach at 950 Succotash Road, South Kingstown; day-use only. No alcohol, glass, dogs, or smoking.
Parking & transport: Large state lot. 2026 daily rates: RI residents $6 weekdays and $7 weekends/holidays; non-residents $12 weekdays and $14 weekends/holidays; season passes $30 resident, $60 non-resident. Fills quickly on summer weekends.
Lifeguards: Lifeguards on duty 9am (8:30am weekends and holidays) to 6pm, daily from the Saturday before Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Water quality: Licensed saltwater beach monitored by the RI Department of Health Beach Monitoring Program for Enterococci bacteria; a sample over 60 cfu/100 ml triggers a review that can close the water to swimming.
Season: Staffed daily from the Saturday before Memorial Day through Labor Day; gates close at sunset.
Watch for: Strong surf
Rip currents (the state beach page directs visitors to rip-current guidance)
Ferry and fishing-boat traffic in and out of the Port of Galilee near the east-end breakwater
Facilities: Beach pavilion (partly solar-powered) with restrooms and changing stalls · Outdoor showers · Concession (Salty's Burger & Seafood) · Shade gazebos · Lifeguard tower · Wheelchair accessibility · EV charging (4-hour max)