Top 5 Rhode Island Beaches

Escape from mainland Rhode Island for a one-of-a-kind getaway at the Block Island Beach House in New Shoreham on the northwest side of stunning Block Island. The island rests in Block Island Sound just south of the mainland and is known for its 19th Century lighthouses, sandy beaches, natural wildlife and the breathtaking 200-foot cliffs at Mohegan Bluff.

Pack your swim gear and flip-flops and catch a ferry or plane to the island. Block Island Beach House is conveniently located close to the center of town just steps from Crescent Beach. Guests can select from queen or king rooms with either ocean or harbor views. Rooms are light and bright with a nod to the island’s nautical past. Guest rooms have plush linens, pristine full bathrooms, modern amenities and a cozy ambiance.

The inn’s signature restaurant, The Surf, serves up classic beachcomber favorites like fresh seafood and savory barbecue straight off the grill. The restaurant has beautiful views of the ocean and harbor, and it’s the perfect place to sip a cocktail or glass of wine while taking in a magnificent New England sunset over the water. In the morning, guests can enjoy coffee and breakfast sandwiches on the porch. When it’s time to unwind, head to the outdoor Beach Bar for a casual lunch or a creative cocktail.

Another Block Island institution, the 1661 Inn just south of downtown New Shoreham offers 44 quaint guest rooms only a short walk from historic Old Harbor. The vintage inn has been fully restored to its original casual elegance while adding amazing modern touches like comfy pullout sofas and whirlpool tubs.

The 1661 Inn is an ideal access point to explore the island’s wonders. From the hotel, guests can easily get to the cliffs, beach and downtown. Nearby activities include hiking, biking, boating, sailing, fishing, canoeing, kayaking and horseback riding. Or explore the island’s many charming retail shops and antique stores.

Days start off right at the 1661 thanks to its renowned champagne buffet breakfast, complete with fresh fruit, bacon, sausage, eggs, pancakes, French toast, pancakes, breakfast potatoes, and made-from-scratch muffins and pastries. Top it all off with a complimentary glass of champagne, cup of coffee or tea, or your favorite juice or spot of tea.

At The Oar restaurant at Boat Basin in New Harbor, diners can sample an amazing menu for lunch or dinner while taking in views of the Great Salt Pond. Choose from local favorites like New England clam chowder and lobster rolls or grab some chopsticks and belly up to the luscious sushi bar. The restaurant is located at Boat Basin in New Harbor.

On mainland Rhode Island, more than 7 miles of unspoiled beaches await on the shoreline just south of Westerly in the Misquamicut district. The chic, 112-room Pleasant View Inn sits on Atlantic Avenue that runs along the coast, and there are great beaches on each side of the resort.

The family-friendly inn is only steps from the beach and has a heated outdoor pool. The hotel hosts trivia nights once a week during the summer, and guests can play Rockin’ Bingo every week during the season. There’s also free Wi-Fi and a complimentary virtual bookshelf with choice e-magazines and e-books available. Guest rooms are chock-full of contemporary amenities like flatscreen TVs, blackout drapes and a full bathroom with complimentary toiletries.

The hotel’s restaurant, The Kitchen, presents seaside dining at its finest, with breakfast, lunch and dinner served daily using fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The flavorful American menu (and full bar) is available in the main dining room, function room, Upper Hatch Lounge and the patio. All have stunning ocean views. The restaurant's noted dishes include delectable crab cakes, fresh-shucked clams, crispy fried calamari and a refreshing shrimp cocktail.

Outside the hotel’s opulent grounds, guests can discover popular local attractions like affluent Watch Hill, Block Island and the iconic town of Mystic, Connecticut, just across the Pawcatuck River.

The Break in the Point Judith village just south of Narragansett has 16 guest rooms with bright maritime tones and clean nautical patterns that open out onto great views of picturesque Rhode Island Sound. The boutique hotel’s contemporary beach-chic décor is comfy and sophisticated, highlighted with contemporary touches like supple linens, plush Kimono robes, free Wi-Fi, streaming TV service, fireplaces, mobile device charging stations and heated bathroom floors.

Scarborough State Beach is an outstanding public beach only a short walk from the bed and breakfast. The beach has soft sand, gentle waves and a beautiful view of Narragansett Sound and Point Judith. When guests aren’t dipping their toes in the soothing sand, they can pass the time by surfing, canoeing or boating, or explore the quaint retail shops in the area.

Hotel guests can kick back in a beach bag or chair and soak up some rays on the sun deck or take a dip in the resort’s heated outdoor pool or hot tub. The on-site fitness room, spa and salon are ideal for anyone who needs a little extra pampering.

Chair 5 Restaurant at the inn serves up seasonally inspired dishes using the region’s finest ingredients. The rooftop lounge makes for a perfect spot to unwind and take in breathtaking views of the ocean.

Block Island’s Victorian landmark, the Hotel Manisses, is a short stroll from the Old Harbor ferry, galleries, shops and entertainment, plus a few outstanding beaches. Ballard’s Beach is a laid-back beach that’s popular with day-trippers. It has a Tiki bar and food service available, and lifeguards are on duty during the summer months.

Nearby Surf Beach is the best place on the island for snorkeling. Just up the coastline, Baby Beach is ideal for small children and Scotch Beach is great for older kids. Fred Benson Town Beach has restrooms, showers, food options and rental shops.

At the elegant Hotel Manisses, travelers can enjoy the hospitality, intimacy and elegance of yesteryear with all the accoutrements of today. Modern touches include air conditioning, luxurious bedding and linens, a full spectrum of concierge services and aromatherapy bath products in every guest room.

The hotel’s restaurant offers dining room service as well as first come, first served dining in the Garden and Bar. The seasonal menu consists of elegant dishes with a rustic influence that showcases the restaurant’s relationship with local farms and purveyors. The restaurant has a delicious raw bar with shrimp and oysters, and main plates include everything from grilled swordfish and scallops to grilled eggplant rollatini. Other menu favorites include steamed mussels, crab cakes and flash fried calamari.