Misquamicut State Beach

257 Atlantic Ave, Westerly, RI 02891

Rhode Island's flagship state beach in Westerly — a wide barrier-beach strand on the open Atlantic. The Westerly barrier-beach system stretches several miles; Misquamicut State Beach proper is a smaller pavilioned portion. Backing strip of amusements, mini-golf, and arcade culture. The default South County family beach.

Ideal for a beach walk.

80°F air · 68°F water

Full NWS forecast for Today

Sunny, with a high near 80. Southeast wind 3 to 7 mph.

Tonight

Mostly clear, with a low around 60. South wind 1 to 6 mph.

Weather

  • 80°F air — ideal beach weather
  • Sunny skies — clear conditions

Water

  • 68°F water — swimmable, refreshing
83 /100
great
81 Swim
85 Sunbathe
88 Walk
83 Photo

Best for walking today

Air Temp
80°F
Clear
Wind
3 to 7 mph
SE
Rain
0%
Today
UV Peak
8 Very High
High 11 AM–02 PM · burn in ~25m
Burn-free before 08 AM & after 04 PM
Tomorrow
79°F
Sunny
Water Temp
68°F
Refreshing
Next High Tide
6:54 PM
4.6 ft · in 3.7h
Wave Height
1.6 ft
10s · SSE swell
Water Quality
Clean
10 cfu/100mL · Enterococcus
USGS · sampled 10mo ago
Sunrise
5:24 AM
Sunset
8:20 PM
Moon · 5%
Waning Crescent
Spring tides — bigger range
Time Type Height
12:19 AM Low 0.2 ft
6:24 AM High 3.6 ft
11:41 AM Low -0.1 ft
6:54 PM High 4.6 ft

High/low predictions from NOAA station 8452660, refreshed on every build. Times shown local.

Today Jul 12
80°

Sunny

0%
84
Mon Jul 13
79°

Sunny

0%
81
Tue Jul 14
85°

Sunny

0%
76
Wed Jul 15
87°

Sunny

5%
76
Thu Jul 16
81°

Sunny

3%
81
Fri Jul 17
81°

Mostly Sunny

7%
81
Sat Jul 18
79°

Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Rain Showers

25%
74
  • critical SPF 50 sunscreen UV index 8 — very high

Always remember water bottle, trash bag (leave no trace).

Parking

Large state lot — paid daily. Cabanas and pavilions for rent.

Dogs

Dogs prohibited on the state beach April 1 – September 30. Leashed permitted October 1 – March 31.

Entry Fee

2026 daily parking: RI residents $10 weekday / $15 weekend; non-residents $20 weekday / $30 weekend.

Address

257 Atlantic Ave, Westerly, RI 02891

lifeguardsrestroomsshowerssnack barpavilioncabana rentals
Is it safe to swim at Misquamicut State Beach today?

Misquamicut State Beach shows a live water-quality reading (bacteria levels) and today's swim-safety score at the top of this page, refreshed on every update. Seasonal lifeguards patrol the swim area in summer — follow their flags. Always review the current advisories, surf, and rip-current notes before getting in the water.

Is Misquamicut State Beach dog-friendly?

Dogs prohibited on the state beach April 1 – September 30. Leashed permitted October 1 – March 31.

Is there an entry fee at Misquamicut State Beach?

2026 daily parking: RI residents $10 weekday / $15 weekend; non-residents $20 weekday / $30 weekend.

Are there lifeguards at Misquamicut State Beach?

Yes. Seasonal lifeguards patrol Misquamicut State Beach during the summer swim season (typically Memorial Day through Labor Day). Outside that window, swim at your own risk.

What amenities are at Misquamicut State Beach?

Amenities at Misquamicut State Beach include lifeguards, restrooms, showers, snack bar, pavilion, cabana rentals.

When is the water warmest at Misquamicut State Beach?

Atlantic water temperatures peak in August. Northern beaches (ME, NH, MA) run cool — typically 60-68°F at the summer peak. Mid-Atlantic (NJ, DE, MD, VA) hits 74-76°F. The Carolinas and Florida Atlantic warm into the 80s and stay swimmable from May through October.

Where is Misquamicut State Beach located?

Misquamicut State Beach is in Washington County, RI, at 257 Atlantic Ave, Westerly, RI 02891.

Updated · Data from NOAA, NWS

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