Misquamicut State Beach

About

Misquamicut State Beach stretches along the southern Rhode Island coastline in Westerly, where the Atlantic meets miles of soft sand. It's one of New England's most popular beach destinations, drawing families, couples, and solo travelers who come for the wide shoreline, gentle surf, and that unmistakable salt-air atmosphere.

The beach runs parallel to Atlantic Avenue, a strip alive with seaside energy. You'll find waterslides, a carousel, batting cages, game rooms, and an ocean-side patio bar all within easy reach. It's the kind of place where you can spend a full day without running out of things to do, or simply plant your chair in the sand and watch the waves.

During beach season, the state park provides lifeguards, outdoor showers, public restrooms, shade gazebos, and a playground. Food and gift concessions mean you don't have to pack everything yourself. There's even electric vehicle charging available in the large parking lot, with a four-hour maximum while you enjoy the beach.

Misquamicut sits in the heart of a classic New England beach town. Nearby restaurants and shops along Atlantic Avenue give you plenty of options for lunch, ice cream, or souvenirs. The surrounding area also offers quieter spots for those who prefer a more relaxed pace.

Whether you're building sandcastles with kids, riding the waterslide, or just soaking up the sun, Misquamicut State Beach delivers an authentic Rhode Island coastal experience that's hard to beat.

Accessibility

Misquamicut State Beach offers several accessibility features for visitors with mobility needs. The beach provides three manual beach wheelchairs free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis. Each chair has a weight capacity of 300 pounds. These wheelchairs are designed to move across sand, helping visitors reach the waterfront.

Rhode Island State Parks reports that some beach locations offer access mats designed to help people with limited mobility reach the beachfront. The beach and its surrounding concession areas along Atlantic Avenue are described as wheelchair accessible.

The large parking lot provides convenient access to the beach area. Shade gazebos, a playground, outdoor showers, and food concessions are available during the season. It's worth noting that some visitor reports indicate the bathrooms may present accessibility challenges, so visitors with specific restroom needs should plan accordingly.

For the most current information on accessibility features, including the availability of beach wheelchairs and access mats on your visit date, contact Rhode Island State Parks directly. Conditions and equipment availability can change seasonally. Arriving earlier in the day may improve your chances of securing a beach wheelchair, since they're offered first-come, first-served.

More accessible places in Rhode Island

• Roger Williams Park Botanical Center (Providence)
• Roger Williams National Memorial (Providence)
• Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium (Bristol)
• Newport Car Museum (Portsmouth)
• Old Slater Mill National Historic Landmark (Pawtucket)
• Providence Performing Arts Center (Providence)