Newport RI is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in New England. Though they all make for a great day by the water, not all of the beaches here are the same. Some provide a more exciting atmosphere with volleyball and surfing, while others make for a quiet place to nap or read a book. To ensure you get the beach experience you are looking for here is a breakdown of the seven major beaches in the area and the local lingo that will help you find them.
Public Beaches
Easton’s Beach- More commonly known as "First Beach", Easton’s is lovingly named “The Tourist Beach” by the locals. It's the first beach you see along the main drag of Memorial Boulevard. It also has tons of parking, a snack bar, a small aquarium and a jungle gym, making it very attractive to visiting families. Cliff Walk is a short walk away and provides beautiful views of Rhode Island Sound and the Atlantic.
Sachuest Beach- Known as "Second Beach" is very popular among the locals. The Middletown beach has two parts: The Surfer’s end and the larger Swimmer’s end. The Surfer’s end is the only part of the beach where surfing is permitted, and provides surfboard and paddleboard rentals throughout the day. The Swimmer’s end attracts lots of people because it is closest to the large parking lot, swing set, and snack bar. The large waves and crowds of people give it an active atmosphere perfect for a day of frisbee and elaborate sand castle construction. *Insider Tip: the patch of beach between the two ends of the beach is usually the least crowded and has lots of open spots to set up for the day.
Third Beach- Located at the end of Sachuest Point, Third Beach is far away from the bustling parts of Newport. The beach is not usually very crowded and does not have large waves, making it a very peaceful place to relax.
Private Beaches
Gooseberry Beach- Though private, Gooseberry Beach is also open to the public. This family beach is popular amongst 5th Ward residents, who line up their beach chairs every summer in their usual spots to spend the day with friends and family. The beach is in a coved part of the island, so very few waves roll through to the shore. Some beach amenities include a snack bar, bathhouses (for members), a swimming raft and umbrella rentals.
Hazard’s Beach- Gooseberry and Hazard’s essentially share the same beach that is divided in two by a large rock. The atmosphere is calm and family-oriented, much like Gooseberry. Hazard’s is member’s only, and guests of member’s must pay a fee. The beach has a cook out area, picnic tables, and a snack bar inside the clubhouse.
Bailey’s Beach- Located at the southernmost end of Bellevue Avenue, Bailey’s Beach is the most exclusive beach on Aquidneck Island. It was founded in the 1890’s when mill workers were given access to Easton’s beach. Newport’s elite were outraged and established the Ocean Drive beach club, attracting members of the Vanderbilt and Astor families. Today the beach is strictly member’s only. Members have access to free parking, beach cabanas, tennis courts, and staff that organizes day camps for children during the summer months.
Reject’s Beach- The southeast end of Bailey's Beach is open to the public, and is cleverly known as Reject’s Beach. There is no parking, beach staff, or clubhouse, but the sand and waves are just enough for its visitors.
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