Misquamicut State Beach

Rhode Island's most popular state beach is a half mile of lifeguarded Atlantic frontage on the barrier beach that separates Winnapaug Pond from the ocean in Westerly. Guards sit from 9am (8:30am on weekends) until 6pm through Labor Day. The lot often fills on sunny summer days, so buy a state parking pass online beforehand and use the express lane.

Directions

Photo: Juliancolton · Public domain

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Latest reading · SwimScore 69/100 (Good swim) for a typical swimmer: air 15°C, wind 22 km/h, waves 1.9 m, UV 2. Updated 23 Sept, 22:00 UTC.

Know before you go

Getting in: State beach at 257 Atlantic Avenue, Westerly; day-use only. No alcohol, glass, dogs, or smoking.
Parking & transport: Misquamicut has its own daily rates in 2026: RI residents $10 weekdays and $15 weekends/holidays; non-residents $20 weekdays and $30 weekends/holidays. State season passes are $30 resident and $60 non-resident. The lot often fills to capacity on sunny summer days.
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: Rip currents (the state beach page directs visitors to rip-current guidance)
Facilities: Public restrooms (composting toilets) · Outdoor showers · Concession (Salty's Burger & Seafood) · Playground · Shade gazebos · Lifeguard tower · Wheelchair accessibility · EV charging (4-hour max)