Summer Guide: RI's big guide to the perfect beach day
Planning to hit the beach this summer in Rhode Island? We've got you covered. This year's Providence Journal Summer Guide has detailed guides on fun in the surf, sand and sun.
Whether you're looking to take advantage of newly clarified public access laws and explore some of RI's lesser-seen coastline, hunting for the perfect secret and secluded cove or hunting out the perfect public beach to develop a tan, we're shore to have you covered.
Then when it comes to beach activities: fishing, surfing, or even just enjoying that perfect beach read, we've picked prime parking spaces, key vendors and insider tips all lined up and at your finger tips. That way, your day of sun, lobster rolls and fun is sure to be a success.
Rhode Island's beaches are public. Here's a quick guide to what you can and can't do.
Rhode Islanders enjoy a right to the shore, it's enshrined in the state’s constitution.
That beach access expanded significantly last year with the passage of a sweeping bill to give the public even more room on the state’s sandy and rocky beaches.
If you’re visiting Rhode Island this summer, or you’re a longtime Rhode Islander wondering what you can and can’t do on the beach now, here’s your quick guide.
Rhode Island's beaches are public: Here's a quick guide to what you can and can't do.
Rhode Island Beach Guide: Everything you need to know about the best beaches in the state
For many Rhode Islanders, summer means it's time to head to the beach. Whether you want to surf, find a secluded swimming spot, or get out for a day with the family, you'll find plenty of options along the Ocean State's expansive coastline.
The state maintains a website with the relative fullness of the beach parking lots it controls. See the current state beach parking statuses here.
More: The votes are in, and this South County spot is selected as RI's best beach. Find out where
The Rhode Island Department of Health tracks which beaches are closed to swimming due to high bacteria counts. See the closure list here.
On the other hand, if you're looking for Rhode Island's favorite beach ? well the votes are in ? and with 16 incredible Rhode Island beaches only one could be crowned the Ocean State's best beach.
In a finals battle between two state beaches, East Matunuck prevailed over Misquamicut by a 56%-44% margin.
Rhode Island Beach Guide: Everything you need to know about the best beaches in the state
RI's secret beaches: Three under-the-radar spots to visit this summer
Now you know what you can and can't do at the beach as well as some of Rhode Island's famous spots, you're probably wondering, "Where are those secret, secluded beaches that make me feel like I'm on a private island?"
Though well-known to locals, fishermen and surfers, these “secret” beaches typically aren’t on the radar of casual day-trippers. (Please don’t tell anyone from Connecticut.) You won’t necessarily find them on Google Maps, and they’re usually marked with only an unobtrusive wooden sign.
Here are three that are worth a visit.
RI's secret beaches: Three under-the-radar spots to visit this summer
Swells, access, parking: Everything you need to know about surfing in Rhode Island
Secret seclusion not for you? Need a little more action, intensity and activity when visiting the sandy shore? Lucky for you Rhode Island has some of the best surfing around. Our staff writer Patrick Anderson takes his surfing seriously. He wrote this guide that includes everything you need to go out and "hang-10."
What's the best day to surf?
Best time to surf?
Best place to surf when there are no waves
Swells, access, parking: Everything you need to know about surfing in Rhode Island
Love the ocean but a sandy beach isn't for you? No problem. Here's how to get on the water even if you don't own a boat.
Rhode Island, with 400 miles of coastline, is called the Ocean State, but getting on the water can be difficult, unless you own a boat, or have a good friend or relative who owns one.
Here are some tips for getting on the water without marrying into a family of boaters. From kayaks to power boats, from training to chartered cruises, this guide's got you covered.
No boat? No problem. Here's how to get on the water even if you don't own a boat.
You made it to the beach ... now what? Check our recommended beach reads: Books written or set in RI that you'll love reading on the beach
You've heard the term staycation as an option for summer travel, but did you know it could apply to reading, too?
In keeping with the idea of enjoying our home turf, owners of four local independent bookstores came up with titles and genres of books either written by Rhode Islanders, set in Rhode Island, or both.
In these wide-ranging recommendations, there’s truly something for everyone.
More: Your next great beach read: Books written or set in RI that you'll love reading on the beach
This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Summer in RI? Don't miss our guide to the perfect beach day
