RI State Beaches Open For 2021 Season This Weekend

NARRAGANSETT-SOUTH KINGSTOWN, RI — Just in time for the unofficial kickoff to summer, beach days are back in Rhode Island.

Starting Saturday, all Rhode Island state beaches will be open daily. Two Narragansett beaches — Scarborough North and Roger Wheeler — opened earlier this year.

"The opening of our beaches is always a special time, and especially after the year we've all had," Department of Environmental Management Director Janet Coit said. "We hope you make time this weekend to visit one of these spectacular places with your family and friends to watch the waves roll in or take a walk along the water's edge. And to help you get on the beach as quickly as possible, there are many convenient options for Rhode Islanders and visitors to get a season or daily parking pass ahead of time."

The DEM encouraged beachgoers to buy their parking pass online, in advance, to help cut down on traffic at the parking lot. Resident, non-resident and senior passes are on sale, both for the full season or a single day. Parking fees will be in effect from Saturday until Labor Day.

The following beaches will be open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays and 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends.

• Scarborough North
• Salty Brine
• East Matunuck
• Roger Wheeler
• Charlestown Breachway
• East Beach
• Misquamicut

Narragansett's Scarborough Beach South will be open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. from June 19 through Aug. 22, then weekends-only until Sept. 6.

Rhode Island's freshwater and bay beaches will also open Saturday, including Lincoln Woods State Park, Goddard Memorial State Park, Burlingame Picnic Area, Pulaski Park and Fort Adams State Park.

The last day for lifeguards, rangers and restroom attendants at all beaches will be Labor Day.

Parking

Season pass holders no longer need to have a physical pass on their vehicle's windshield. Instead, passes are now tied to the user's license plate, which will be scanned by a parking lot attendant upon entry.

Anyone who buys their parking pass online will be able to use the express lane at parking lots, at beaches that have them.

The department reminded beachgoers that since Rhode Island beaches are popular, lots often fill quickly. Traffic backups and closed lots are likely on busy days.

2021 beach parking fees

• Daily parking, residents: $6 weekdays, $7 weekends and holidays
• Resident season pass: $30
• Daily parking, non-residents: $12 weekdays, $14 weekends and holidays
• Non-resident season pass: $60
• Seniors aged 65 and older get a 50 percent discount on all parking fees
• No-cost disability parking passes are available to those who qualify. Call 401-667-6200 for more information.

All parking fees are connected to the vehicle's license plate. Only Rhode Island-registered vehicles will qualify for the resident rate.

Carry-In, carry-out

All Rhode Island state parks and beaches have a carry-in, carry-out policy, meaning visitors are responsible for taking all their trash home with them. The policy has been in place since 1992.

"The carry-in/carry-out policy is a best practice across the country because it promotes conservation, fosters a sense of stewardship, and leads to better visitor experiences," Coit said.