Narragansett Beach is one of the most notable beaches in Rhode Island. It's a surfers paradise and offers a wide sandy shoreline. In this guide, we'll tell you everything you need to know and answer some common questions about this scenic beach!

Whether you're planning a trip to Rhode Island or you're a local, Narragansett Beach is a must-visit, especially if you enjoy surfing or are interested in learning. The waters are warm, and the weather is beautiful. What more can you ask for?

The History of Narragansett Beach

Before Narragansett became a seaside resort, it was a simple farming and fishing community for a couple of thousand years. It all started in the 1600s when an early settler named Roger Williams and a group of English settlers came from Massachusetts searching for land. They met the Narragansett Native American tribe, where Narragansett's name came from, and formed a community.

Two investors took over the land, originally part of Narragansett Country, and used it as an outlet for fishing, farming, and grazing. It was a quiet, rural area before it became a popular beach vacation destination.

Over the years, the summer crowd grew larger and larger. Today, it's a coastal city with friendly locals and beautiful beaches. Some tourists even stay in what locals call Gansett for the entire summer.

About Narragansett Town Beach

Narragansett Town Beach, or Narragansett Beach, is a mile-long sandy shoreline with a total beach acreage of about 19 acres. It's one of the most popular New England beach destinations and can get pretty crowded. With that said, if you arrive early or go during the week, you can usually find plenty of space to settle in for a beach day.

It's a great place to enjoy warm waters and pleasant weather, and it's especially welcoming to surfers. Families with small children appreciate the separate swimming area from the surfing area.

Beach Activities

The most iconic activity at Narragansett is surfing. The waves are incredible! You can even take surfing classes if you're a beginner and rent gear from nearby surf shops.

Beachgoers also enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and seacombing. For a unique activity, there are also sandcastle contests during the summer. You can attend beach fitness classes area, too.

Narragansett Town Beach also holds regular summer events, starting in mid-June:

• Concert Series at the waterfront Gazebo Parko on Friday evenings, mid-June - early September
• Family-friendly movies on the beach on Wednesday nights, late June - mid-August
• Independence Day Celebration and Family Beach Day on July 4th

If you happen to be visiting for the holidays, there's a Festival of Lights, beach concerts, and fireworks that take place during the holiday season.

Beach Amenities

One of the best parts about visiting Narragansett Town Beach is its ample amenities, making it easy to spend the day here.

• Food vendors
• Well-kept restrooms and showers
• A first-aid office
• ATMs in the North and South pavilions
• Recycling bins
• Seven ADA surf chairs on a first-come-first-serve basis
• Surfing area
• Lifeguards from the beginning of June through Labor Day weekend

Beach Guidelines

To ensure the safety and enjoyment of Narragansett Beach guests, there are some rules and guidelines to follow. Learn more about each of these here.

• Leashed pets are welcome during the off-season, from September 16th to May 14th.
• No alcohol is permitted on beaches with lifeguards.
• No camping, grilling, or open fires on the beach.
• You may swim and surf in designated areas only.
• No motorized water vehicles in the swimming area, such as jet skis.
• No kayaking, fishing, kite-flying, scuba diving, or wind-surfing.
• No radio-controlled flying devices, such as drones over any of the beach’s property.
• No smoking on the property.
• Ball playing games and other beach recreational activities are allowed behind lifeguard chairs 3 & 4.
• Boogieboards are permitted throughout the beach but are only monitored by lifeguards between chairs 2 and 6.
• Skimboards are only allowed in the surfing area from the seawall to the banner designated surfing area.

Visiting Narragansett Beach

Narragansett Town Beach is located in the center of town at 39 Boston Neck Rd, Narragansett, RI, 02882. The mile-long beach extends north from the iconic towers in Narragansett Pier and stretches from Pettaquamscutt River to the Canochet Memorial Park and Ocean Road.

While the beach is accessible year-round, you won't find many conveniences during the off-season. Facilities are only open with lifeguards on duty only during the summer, from the beginning of June through Labor Day.

With its central location, it's easy to get to Narragansett Beach. The beach offers ample parking in lots and on the street. Residents can use any north, south, west, and cabana parking areas. However, non-residents must find parking in the West Lot, across from the South Pavilion.

Daily and seasonal passes are available are prices are the same for residents and non-residents. Senior citizens, local active military, and local disabled veterans can visit Narragansett Beach at no charge. There is also handicap accessibility and entrance from every parking lot to the beach.

Learn more about pricing and parking here.

Where to Stay

If you're planning a trip to Narragansett, there are several places you can spend the night. While you won't find many hotels close to the beach, there are several vacation rental homes in the area. Here are a few excellent options for where to stay near Narragansett Beach:

• The Shore House: a charming Victorian hotel with ocean views.
• Shepherd's Place Bed & Breakfast: a relaxed guest house in the heart of Narragansett Pier.
• The Hideaway Beach Rental: a quaint vacation suite that's a close walk to Narragansett Town Beach.

Narragansett Beach Review

Narragansett Town Beach is the perfect place to get away from the hustle of everyday life and spend time surrounded by beautiful views and water. Since it's not often crowded, there's plenty of space to spread out and enjoy peace and quiet.

The beach is especially great for surfers since it's one of the only places on the East Coast that offers waves worth catching. Even beginner surfers can safely ride waves here since they aren't too massive.

Visitors love how clean and beautiful Narragansett Beach is. Accessible parking areas and ADA beach chairs also offer access for all beachgoers. There are also conveniences, including restrooms and showers.

Families appreciate lifeguards on duty during the summer and designated swimming areas with gentle surf.

Overall, Narragansett Town Beach is a relaxing seaside destination perfect for enjoying the sun, sand, and sea.