East beach is beautiful! The waves are huge for an East Coast Beach. I would recommend the West Beach (past the carousel towards the point is free) for families with small children, because of the strong surf and the undertow. But for older children and adults, this is the best place I have found for boogie boarding and body surfing on the East Coast. And as an added bonus, the path to the beach is stunning. Just beware that there is a two hour limit per day for on-street parking. The pay parking runs about $25-- cash only. Well worth it for this beach!
Note to bikers>>>> sent this note to Watch Hill fire district My wife and I , and 2 other couples went to the Bay st area of Watch Hill to eat and shop today (july 20 2014). the street was busy, not much parking. by the way we are motorcyclists. We went into the bay street lot and were told where to park. I did park and waited as my friends parked. I was immediately told "You can't park there!" by another attendant, meanwhile my friends parked and they were told the same thing! Now the gate attendant told us, where to park! the attendants need to get their act together. There were at least 3 spots where we could have fit all 3 bikes. The attendants told us motorcycles cannot park in regular spots. Seriously??? We could have put all 3 bikes carrying the 6 of us in one"car" spot!We were planning to spend the afternoon eating and shopping. Apparently not welcome we left! spent our money somewhere else. The young men and women attendants could not give a reason other than their boss said so. We asked to speak to the "boss" and were told it was the watch hill fire district. Tourism is important to your community, I think you are passing up a lot of tourist $$ treating us this way! I will certainly pass the word around that Watch hill is a beautiful ride,however unfriendly toward bikers, so ride through but spend your money in Misquamicut.I was in watch hill a couple of years ago in October. We had no parking problems with our motorcycles, apparently our money is appreciated in the "off season times".While I WILL be riding through Watch hill again, you can be sure I won't be stopping or taking out my wallet ! With respect, Andy B
East beach is the best uncrowned place to relax and soak up the sun and surf,parking is limited so get there early,Water was chilly and calm when I was there , Bathrooms are at the parking lot
$20-25 to park or 2-3 hour street parking, and then either pay to get on the beach or walk a mile to get there. This beach is really for the cabana owners. If you could find somewhere to stay and don't mind a fairly long walk, the views are some of the best I have ever seen. Beautiful for photography.
The beach is magnificent and the day was perfect. There is easy access from the parking lot just above the carousel. $20. is a steep parking fee but for a day with friends splitting the expense isn't bad at all for such a great beach experience. It's fun to browse in the shops or to walk along the streets to see the great houses in this little Newport.
We went yesterday. The beach was very clean. Good crowd of people. Water was clear enough to see my feet. Lots of area to set up "camp." I didn't see any life guards. I also did not see bathroom facilities, although I didn't necessarily look for any.Con: Parking -- nearest lot charges $30 for the day. you can park on the street near the shops but its only a 2 hr limit.Overall: Loved it! will go back again!
If you are willing to walk with your beach gear from the public parking ($30) around the OceanHouse to the beach you find a pristine beach with lots of space, great waves and an amazing view.
I've been coming here for years now. This is your quintessential New England beach. Be sure to arrive before 10am on the weekends to get a parking space in one of the 3 private lots (~$25/day cash.) Then walk through town, grab a sandwich at The Bay Street Deli (I always get a number 2,) check out the oldest operating wooden carousel in the USA, and then make your way to the beach. Yes, there are no public bathrooms on the beach but its only a 5-7 minute walk back to the public bathrooms in town. This is by far one of the most beautiful beaches in New England. The open ocean waves and sandy shore are perfect for body surfing and the view is just breathtaking.
Hey, the best beach around this area. yes, getting in has its obstacles, but I think it is worth it. make it a day, bring some extra clothes, and stop off at the Ocean House for a drink at the end of the day, so you can sample the environment. pack up for the full beach day. You have three main entrances for you to get there, which one is the best for you?. I think you should try taking the car down to Niantic ave, and driving down to their entrance, which is further down, but you can off load everything but the driver, and they can walk back from where they have parked downtown area. I know you have always taken the Everett ave street down, lugging all your stuff, but Niantic offers you just to off load, and a much shorter walk to set up.
Get here early,limited parking. Best beach in RI. Limited parking means limited crowds. No pavilions,port-a-potty only.