Projo — How to go to the beach for free before the season (mostly) starts on Memorial Day

Apr 18, 2023

By Wheeler Cowperthwaite — Want to go to the beach, but you're not sure where to go or what is open before the official opening of the beach season? Then this guide is for you.

The official beach season, marked by open bathrooms, lifeguard patrols and paid parking, starts on Memorial Day for many beaches in the state.

The off season, largely between Labor Day in September and Memorial Day at the end of May, means free parking, portable toilets and swimming at your own risk. This guide details when paid parking starts at most of the beaches in the state, when lifeguards start taking to their stands and bathrooms are opened.

We also have details on how much parking costs when the season does start.

Skip down to the beach you're looking for

• State beaches (including Salty Brine, Scarborough, Roger Wheeler, Charlestown Breachway, East State Beach, Misquamicut)

• Block Island

• Barrington

• Bristol

• Charlestown

• Jamestown

• Little Compton

• Middletown

• Narragansett

• Newport

• North Kingstown

• Portsmouth

• South Kingstown

• Tiverton

• Warren

• Warwick

• Westerly

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