There’s no denying that Rhode Island truly lives up to its nickname, The Ocean State. Our beaches are second to none, and that doesn’t change when summertime ends. In fact, many locals prefer to enjoy most of their beach days in the winter. With the tourists gone and most locals avoiding them until spring, this is actually the perfect time to go. These are the five best Rhode Island beaches in winter.

1. Misquamicut State Beach

Misquamicut State Beach, Westerly, RI 02891, USA
Keith F / TripAdvisor
Michaela Mello / TripAdvisor
You'll find Misquamicut State Beach in Westerly, serving as one portion of an expansive barrier beach that fronts Winnapaug Pond and looks out onto the Atlantic Ocean. The winter sunsets here are often surreal, and it's the perfect place to enjoy a quiet winter beach walk. If you've not visited Misquamicut Beach in the off season, add it to the top of your wintertime bucket list.

2. Sachuest Beach (Second Beach)

Second Beach, 315 Sachuest Point Rd, Middletown, RI 02842, USA
Eusaybia V / TripAdvisor
Lisa
This long, wide oceanfront beach in Middletown stretches from Paradise Avenue to a rocky stretch of shore that leads to Sachuest Point. This is a great spot to look for worn, smooth rocks, and you can also make a stop at the Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge if you're so inclined. You won't find a better place to visit during winter in Rhode Island.

3. Narragansett Beach

Narragansett Beach, Narragansett, RI 02882, USA
Flickr/Rowan Jacobs

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Honestly, there's never a bad time to visit Narragansett Beach. It's one of the most stunning spots in New England. But there's something special about taking a leisurely stroll here in December or January when the crowd has dissipated and the air feels crisp and fresh. You might even want to go searching for seashells at this beautiful Rhode Island beach.

How beautiful is Narragansett Beach during the winter? See for yourself in this YouTube video by SimpsonInTheWorld.

4. Charlestown Town Beach

Charlestown Town Beach Parking, 557 Charlestown Beach Rd, Charlestown, RI 02813, USA
michelewelker / TripAdvisor
Francis T / TripAdvisor
The traffic leading up to the beaches in this area is often so hectic that many locals forego a visit until summer is over. In the wintertime, Charlestown Town Beach is delightfully deserted and full of unobstructed ocean views.

How pretty is this footage of Charlestown and Charlestown Beach? YouTube video by Mott & Chace.

5. South Shore Beach

South Shore Beach, S Shore Rd, Little Compton, RI 02837, USA
Brian P / TripAdvisor
Michael Bethoney / TripAdvisor
Located in Little Compton, this is a picturesque beach with a rocky shoreline and seasonal lifeguard stations. But in the winter, it will just be you, the sunset, and the sea. One of the best Rhode Island beaches in winter, South Shore Beach is a must-visit this winter.

What are your favorite Rhode Island beaches in winter? Let us know in the comments! For more fun during winter in Rhode Island, check out these fun, family-friendly winter activities.

Before you head to your favorite beaches in Rhode Island during the off-season, make sure you’ve got a warm coat and a comfy pair of shoes.

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More to Explore

Winter In Rhode Island

Beth Price-Williams | December 04, 2023

Are there any winter hiking trails in Rhode Island?

When you’re not strolling along a quiet Rhode Island beach during the winter, why not go on a refreshing hike? Here are some of the places to hike in winter in Rhode Island.

  • Lincoln Woods State Park in Lincoln, home to several hiking trails, transforms into a winter wonderland after it snows.
  • Set off on an epic winter adventure of snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, or hiking at Carolina Management Area in Richmond.
  • Explore the 860-acre Parker Woodland in Coventry on one of its scenic hiking trails.
  • Boasting sensational views all year, Colt State Park in Bristol is positively bewitching during the winter; it’s perfect for a scenic hike.
  • Slip on a pair of boots for your journey along one of the easy walking paths at Pardon Grey Preserve in Tiverton.

Here are some other prime destinations for winter hiking in Rhode Island.

What are some fun things to do in winter in Rhode Island?

Rhode Island promises just as much fun during the summer as it does during the winter. Here are some of the best things to do in winter in Rhode Island.

  • Go ice skating or glide across the ice on bumper cars at the Providence Rink in Providence.
  • Enjoy a day of snow tubing at Yawgoo Valley Snow Tubing Park in Exeter.
  • Spend the day cross-country skiing at Goddard Memorial State Park.

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Explore Rhode Island

Featured Addresses
Misquamicut State Beach, Westerly, RI 02891, USA
Little Compton, RI, USA
Narragansett Beach, Narragansett, RI 02882, USA
Second Beach, 315 Sachuest Point Rd, Middletown, RI 02842, USA
Charlestown, RI, USA