Here's what you need to know about all South County, Rhode Island, beaches:

Summer Beach Season

Beaches are generally open, with lifeguards on duty, from Memorial Day weekend (late May) through Labor Day weekend (early September). After Labor Day and before Memorial Day you may visit the beaches, the parking fee may not be charged, but lifeguards may not be on duty, and facilities such as toilets, food stands, etc. may not be available.

Parking Fees

All South County beaches cover their expenses by charging per-car parking fees, generally $10 to $20 per car on weekdays, $15 to $28 on weekends. Rhode Island state beaches and some of the town beaches charge lower fees for cars with Rhode Island license plates. Money-saving season passes are available for state and some town beaches. If you walk or bike to the beach, in general you are not charged a fee.

Beach Facilities

Facilities vary from beach to beach, but almost all have toilets, and most have lifeguards in season. The majority have at least cold-water rinse-showers to wash the sand off; some have coin-operated hot showers to rinse the seawater off.

The larger beaches have food stands ("concessions") selling soft drinks, snacks and light meals.

	Beach (surf) wheelchair...

Handicapped Access

All beach parking lots have handicapped parking spaces near beach access points. All state beaches and some town beaches provide, without charge, beach (or surf) wheelchairs, special push-vehicles with large wheels capable of crossing sand. Beach-goers with disabilities may obtain Rhode IslandStat Parks disability passes for free admission to state parks and beaches. More...

	Look for the colored flags...

Beach Safety & Warning Flags

Colored flags at state beaches and some town beaches warn of dangers such as

No Alcohol or Glass, No Animals

Alcoholic beverages, glass containers and animals/pets are not permitted on beaches. Off-season, some town beaches may permit animals (such as for dog-walking) during certain hours, with clean-up to be done by pet owners.

No Camping, Smoking, Fires or Cooking

Although you may pitch a tent during the day for shade, no camping is allowed, no smoking on the beach or in the beach pavilions, nor are fires or cooking allowed.

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