If you want to find out about some of the best dog friendly beaches in Rhode Island, then this article is for you.
Rhode Island is one of the six US states that make up New England.
The state is famous for its sandy beaches and seaside Colonial towns.
Rhode Island is the smallest state in the US and has a population of just over 1 million people.
But despite its small size, its coastline on Narragansett Bay in the Atlantic Ocean runs for 400 miles.
So there are plenty of beaches to choose from!
Come and join us on our exploration of some of the best Rhode Island dog friendly beaches – you won’t be disappointed!
Oh, and why not also take a look at some of the best dog friendly beaches in neighboring Connecticut, as well.
Estimated reading time: 9 minutes
Table of contents
Compass Rose Beach
Address: 1542-1598 Roger Williams Way, North Kingstown, RI 02852
Compass Rose Beach lies just 30 minutes south of the Rhode Island state capital, Providence.
It’s located on a peninsula in South County, next to Quonset State Airport.
This lovely sandy beach welcomes leashed dogs all year round.
Unlike many beaches, Compass Rose Beach is also open to the public 24 hours a day.
So you can bring Fido here whenever you want. Just remember to always keep your pup on a leash when you’re on the beach together.
A Beautiful Rhode Island Beach That Allows Dogs
There is a parking lot here, with a lovely little picnic area next to it.
You’ll also find picnic benches dotted about, for when it’s time to sit down, relax and watch the world go by.
Do note that, due to its exposed location, it can sometimes get quite windy here. This can produce strong waves, so just be aware of this when planning your trip.
Compass Rose Beach is one of the many beaches in Rhode Island that allow dogs. Come and explore this fabulous dog-friendly Rhode Island beach!
Website: Compass Rose Beach, North Kingstown, Rhode Island
Mohegan Bluffs
Address: Mohegan Trail, New Shoreham, Block Island, RI 02807
The Mohegan Bluffs are large clay cliffs, located on the southern shore of Block Island.
To get to Block Island, it’s a one-hour ferry ride from Perrotti Park in downtown Newport.
Or if you’re traveling with your vehicle, take the year-round ferry service from Point Judith, RI.
For more information on how to get to Block Island, visit the Block Island ferry website.
The Mohegan Bluffs rise around 200 feet above the sea and stretch on for nearly 3 miles.
Stunning Views At The Mohegan Bluffs
The views here are simply stunning! So there are plenty of photo opportunities.
A set of 141 steps leads down from the top of the bluffs to the beautiful sandy beach below.
There’s no cost to visit the Mohegan Bluffs and they’re open 24 hours a day, all year round.
Leashed dogs are welcome all year round at the Mohegan Bluffs in Rhode Island.
This gorgeous spot is a fine example of one of the many dog friendly beaches in RI.
Website: Mohegan Bluffs, New Shoreham, Block Island, Rhode Island
Sachuest Beach
Address: 315 Sachuest Point Road, Middletown, RI 02842
Sachuest Beach is perhaps one of the most beautiful dog friendly beaches in Rhode Island.
Sachuest Beach, also known as Second Beach, is a south-facing, mile-long, family-friendly beach. It has good surf and beautiful sand.
The amenities at Sachuest Beach are excellent. They include bathrooms, a changing area, grills, picnic tables, shade structures and a concession stand.
There’s also plenty of parking here and parking is free in the off season.
One Of The Most Beautiful Dog Friendly Beaches In Rhode Island
You and your furball can visit Sachuest Beach at any time of the day in the off season.
Between Memorial Day and Labor Day, dogs are only allowed on Sachuest Beach between 05:00 and 07:45.
Note that your dog must be kept on a leash at all times, all throughout the year – in both the on and off season.
Sachuest is a great Rhode Island beach that allows dogs all year round.
Website: Sachuest Beach, Middletown, Rhode Island
Narragansett Town Beach
Address: 39 Boston Neck Road, Narragansett, RI 02882
The small town of Narragansett in Rhode Island lies just 30 miles south of Providence, the state capital. And it’s just 14 miles from the city of Newport.
Narragansett Town Beach covers an area of 19 acres and is on the eastern edge of the town.
It’s a popular beach and has very good facilities.
A Great Rhode Island Dog Friendly Beach For The Off Season
Amenities here include restrooms, a concession stand and plenty of parking.
Parking is in the North, South, West and Cabana parking areas.
Daily admission to Narragansett Town Beach is $12 per person per day.
Leashed dogs are permitted on Narragansett Town Beach in the off season only, from September 16 through May 14.
So if you’re looking for a Rhode Island dog friendly beach to take your furball to in the off season, Narragansett is a great option.
Website: Narragansett Town Beach, Narragansett, Rhode Island
Blue Beach
Address: 61 Whitecap Drive, off Circuit Drive, North Kingstown, RI 02852
Blue Beach in Rhode Island is located just a 5-minute drive west from Compass Rose Beach.
It’s located on the southwest tip of Quonset Point.
There’s a small parking lot down Whitecap Drive, off Circuit Drive. From the parking lot, there’s a lovely walk to the beach down a shaded path.
You must keep your pup on a leash down the short path.
A Beautiful Pet Friendly Beach In Rhode Island
Blue Beach itself is a beautiful pet friendly beach in Rhode Island.
It’s a fairly secluded beach and is a fantastic place to let your dog go for a swim in the water, as there are very few waves here.
Please note, however, that there are no lifeguards on duty at Blue Beach.
Website: Blue Beach, North Kingstown, Rhode Island
Napatree Point Conservation Area
Address: Fort Road, Westerly, RI 02891
Napatree Point in Rhode Island, is a long sandy spit of land, nestled in the very far southwest corner of the state.
It is often referred to simply as Napatree.
Virtually the whole spit is a designated conservation area. The conservation area is maintained by The Watch Hill Conservancy.
A Stunning Dog Friendly Beach In Rhode Island
Napatree Point is a stunning dog friendly beach in Rhode Island.
Leashed dogs are permitted at Napatree Point Conservation Area all year round.
However, from May 2 through Labor Day, dogs are prohibited between the hours of 8am and 6pm.
This of course just means that you can enjoy the quieter times of the day at Napatree with your pup over the summer months!
So bring Fido to Napatree Point in the summer to enjoy some spectacular sunrises and sunsets together! You won’t regret it!
Website: Napatree Point Conservation Area, Westerly, Rhode Island
Conclusion about Dog Friendly Beaches in Rhode Island
Rhode Island is a fabulous pet-friendly destination in New England. And there are some stunning beaches here, many of which are dog-friendly, at least in the off season.
Rhode Island may be a small state, but with around 400 miles of coastline, there are plenty of beaches for you and your pooch to explore and enjoy.
And there’s a wide variety of dog beaches in Rhode Island, as well. From small, secluded beaches, like Blue Beach, to larger, family-friendly beaches, like Sachuest Beach, and beautiful conservation areas, like Napatree Point.
There are lots of Rhode Island beaches that allow dogs. This small state really HAS got it all!
If you’ve enjoyed finding out all about the wonderful beaches in Rhode Island that allow dogs, then take a look at our comprehensive round-up of some of the best dog beaches in the US
Frequently Asked Questions about Dog Friendly Beaches in Rhode Island
No, unfortunately dogs are NOT allowed on Misquamicut Beach at any time. According to the Misquamicut State Beach website, beach restrictions include no alcohol, no glass, no dogs/pets and no smoking.
Leashed dogs are permitted on Narragansett Town Beach in the off season only, from September 16 through May 14.
Leashed dogs are permitted at Napatree Point Conservation Area in Westerly all year round. However, from May 2 through Labor Day (Monday September 4, 2023), dogs are prohibited between the hours of 8am and 6pm.
So what do YOU think? Which is YOUR favorite dog beach in Rhode Island? Let us know by leaving a comment – we’d love to hear from you.
Things change all the time, so if any of the information in this article is incorrect or out-of-date, please let us know – just leave us a comment below. Many thanks!
