Narragansett Town Beach

A half-mile town beach on Rhode Island Sound that looks south to the stone arch of The Towers, with a designated surfing area for the local surf crowd. The Narragansett Ocean Swimming Enthusiasts swim here through the summer. Stay clear of the submerged barge 50 to 100 yards off the beach just south of the main pavilion; it sits near the surface at low tide.

Directions

Photo: ajay_suresh · CC BY 2.0

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Latest reading · SwimScore 66/100 (Good swim) for a typical swimmer: air 16°C, wind 30 km/h, waves 2.1 m, UV 1. Updated 23 Sept, 22:00 UTC.

Know before you go

Best conditions: Calmer surf days; local swim groups move to Roger Wheeler State Beach when the town beach is very rough.
Getting in: Daily admission is $12 per person (children 11 and under free) during the staffed season, Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day; after Labor Day the beach is free.
Parking & transport: Nonresidents use the paid West Lot across from the South Pavilion (39 Boston Neck Rd): $10 weekdays, $15 weekends and holidays in 2026, plus RI sales tax. Some free street parking nearby; read the time-limit signs.
Lifeguards: On duty daily in the 2026 season (May 30 to September 7), until 6pm; no lifeguards after Labor Day, when swimming is at your own risk.
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, generally for at least 24 hours.
Season: Staffed Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day; local groups swim from late spring into fall.
Who swims here: Narragansett Ocean Swimming Enthusiasts (NOSE) hold group swims here in summer, with up to 80 swimmers midsummer; early-season swims start in the Upper Pond of the Narrow River.
Watch for: Submerged barge 50–100 yards offshore just south of the main pavilion, near the surface at low tide with sharp edges
Designated surfing area
Facilities: Restrooms · Food concession · First-aid office · North and South pavilions with changing rooms and lockers · Cold outdoor showers · Free ADA surf chairs (first come, first served)