As we’re all getting back into the swing of things, starting online classes, and navigating the new normal of socially distanced hangouts in Providence, it’s important that we all have some good, clean, fun while doing so. While we still have a few weeks of this summer weather left, I thought it would be helpful to compile a list of beaches near campus that could make for some great weekend excursions. Of course, if you choose to venture, be sure to stay within your pod, continue to social distance from others, wear a mask, and be as safe and as careful as possible.
Goddard State Memorial Beach
Address: 1095 Ives Rd, East Greenwich, RI, 02818
Distance from campus: 25 mins
Rating: 4/5 stars
Pros: beautiful views, lots of free parking, clean water
Cons: family beach, so keep it on the quiet side
Barrington Beach
Address: 87 Bay Rd, Barrington, RI 02806
Distance from campus: 20 mins
Rating: 3/5 stars
Pros: close to campus
Cons: rocky, mediocre views
Warren Town Beach
Address: 533-559 Water St, Warren, RI 02885
Distance from campus: 20 mins
Rating: 4/5 stars
Pros: free parking, good views, playground!
Cons: more of a park than a beach, small
RISD Beach
Address: 231 Nayatt Rd, Barrington, RI 02806
Distance from campus: 20 mins
Rating: 4.5/5 stars
Pros: quiet, very scenic, close to campus
Cons: very quiet so leave the speaker at home
East Beach
Address: 494–534 E Beach Rd, Charlestown, RI, 02813
Distance from campus: 1 hr
Rating: 4.5/5
Pros: beautiful views, very clean, in a great area
Cons: slightly far from campus, parking is limited so go early to guarantee a spot
Scarborough state beach
Address: 970 Ocean Rd, Narragansett, RI 02882
Distance from campus: 40 mins
Rating: 4/5 stars
Pros: big, no need to be quiet
Cons: far from campus
Narragansett beach
Address: 77 Boston Neck Rd, Narragansett, RI, 02882
Distance from campus: 40 mins
Rating: 4/5 stars
Pros: in the heart of Narragansett (I highly recommend making a day of it!), close to Monahan’s clam shack
Cons: can be hard to find parking depending on how busy it is; sand is a bit rocky
Buttonwood Beach
Address: 885 Sandy Ln, Warwick, RI, 02889
Distance from campus: 20 mins
Rating: 4/5 stars
Pros: beach area is very clean, beautiful views
Cons: very small