Located on the east coast on Aquidneck Island in the middle of Narragansett Bay, Newport is a touristy city in the state of Rhode Island. Sandwiched between Massachusetts and Connecticut, this New England town is home to many historic mansions, such as The Breakers, which was built to look like a Renaissance palace. It was also the home of first America’s Cup sailing regatta and is a popular sailing harbor.
With hot summers in the upper 70s and mild winters in the 40s, outdoor activities are popular in Newport, from golf to tennis and, of course, sailing. The city also plays host to many festivals, including the Newport Jazz Festival, which dates back to the War of 1812. With more than 80 parks and dozens of beaches, you and your fur baby will be able to find plenty of space to play.
Here are 15 of the best pup-popular beaches in Newport to explore with your canine companion.
Battery Park Beach
Right in the heart of Newport on the shores of the Newport Harbor, Battery Park Beach is a small park overlooking the water and the stunning bridge. The historic park was known as North Battery by the British in 1778 when soldiers patrolled the walls and guns to protect Newport. Back then, there were two large 24-pound cannons and three smaller 12-pound cannons here. Today, you will not find any of that, but you will find a lovely greenspace with beach access.
The park is also pup-friendly as long as you keep your dog on a leash while you are here and pick up after him. There are several Mutt Mitt dispensers, but it is a good idea to bring your own puppy poo bags, just in case. You can also find water fountains and 20 benches along the walkway where you can sit and watch the boats in the harbor or head over to the eastern end of the park and access the beach past the fence.
Cliff Walk
Okay, it may not be a beach, per se, but Cliff Walk is a 3.5-mile concrete trail that takes you and your fur buddy all the way along the outer harbor of Newport with some sensational views of the city. Along this path, you will see some of the most gorgeous mansions in Newport, including some great places where you and your canine companion can hit the beach for a while. Although your dog will have to stay on a leash, he will love the sights and smells along this trail.
But since it is not a beach, you will not find water fountains and restrooms unless you stop at one of the local parks or shops. You will need to ask before bringing your pup into any establishment. Along the way, stop by The Breakers Palace on Ochre Point just past Belmont Beach. Also, along the way, walk down The 40 Steps, where the Atlantic Ocean crashes up against the rocks. You will find it at the end of Narragansett Avenue.
Sachuest Beach
Also known as Second Beach, Sachuest Beach is located just to the northwest of Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge and is pup-popular during the off-season anytime. But from Memorial Day to Labor Day, you and your fur puppy can only visit from 5 AM until 8 AM. To note, dogs are not allowed at the wildlife refuge. Only at the beach to the northwest. There is another beach to the northeast called Third Beach that is also dog-friendly.
This is actually a very popular beach with the locals and has one and a half miles of powdery white sand, which is the longest stretch of sand in Rhode Island. Although there are no concessions during the off-season, you will be able to use the public restrooms and showers as well as the picnic area. Sometimes, you can find a food truck or two in the parking lot as well. Parking fees are $15 on weekdays and $25 on the weekend.
Third Beach
Pup popular Third Beach is just to the northeast of Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge. It overlooks the Third Beach Harbor, where it meets the Sakonnet River, which is a calm beach with fewer waves for better swimming. As long as you keep his leash on, your fur baby is welcome to hang out on the beach, splashing in the water and digging in the sand. Afterward, you can fire up a grill and cook some burgers to enjoy at one of the waterside picnic tables.
The Maidford River also runs right through the middle of the beach, where you and your pooch can play in the water or try to catch some freshwater fish. You will also find a boat launch and several restrooms and showers along the half-mile of golden sand. There is a lifeguard here, too, and you can often find a volleyball game going on. You will have to pay to park here too. The prices are the same as Sachuest Beach.
Fort Adams State Park Beach
Do you like historic sites? Then you and your fur baby will love visiting the beach at Fort Adams State Park. This fantastic place is the site of Fort Adams, which was built in 1798 and used by Captain John Henry in the 1800s. The old army post is still standing, and they offer tours to the public. Although dogs are not allowed inside the fort, you can see the magnificent building from the outside.
The beach at this park is located at the mouth of Newport Harbor and gives you a panoramic view of both Newport Harbor and the East Passage of Narragansett Bay. Your pup is welcome to play in the sand and water as long as you keep his leash on the whole time you are there. Some of the fun activities besides swimming include picnicking, boating, and fishing, as well as soccer and rugby. The park is also the home of Folk and Jazz Festivals during the summer.
Brenton Point State Park Beach
Directly south of Fort Adams State Park, Brenton Point State Park is also a pup-popular place to visit. You can find it on Ocean Drive, and it has some amazing views of the bay where it meets the Atlantic Ocean. The park boasts almost 90 acres filled with green spaces, hiking trails, fishing, swimming, and sightseeing. There are benches along the coast, as well as picnic tables and a stone wall to sit on. And the swimming area is huge, wrapping around the whole corner from the Castle Hill Lighthouse to Graves Point.
While you are there, be sure to stop and see the Portuguese Discovery Monument. It is a memorial dedicated to the Portuguese navigators from the 15th and 16th centuries. Another interesting place to see is the Reef Estate Stables and Carriage House, also known as The Bells. Just be sure to keep your fur baby on a leash and bring along some doggie waste baggies to pick up whatever he drops.
Fort Wetherill State Park
Another historic place to visit with your canine companion is Fort Wetherill State Park, found on a 100-foot-high granite cliff across the water from Fort Adams State Park. The site used to be a training camp and defense battery, which was built back in 1895 and used in both World Wars One and Two. It takes up the southeastern tip of Conanicut Island in Jamestown and looks out over Narragansett Bay. The park is pup-positive and has 51 acres of space to play on as long as he is leashed.
Here you and your pup can enjoy boating, swimming, playing fetch, fishing, and picnicking. Many people come for scuba diving and snorkeling to see the amazing marine life. Although your pooch probably cannot dive, he can join you while you do some snorkeling. Be sure to bring some puppy poop bags to clean up after him while you are there.
Beavertail State Park Beach
Also in Jamestown but on the next island to the west, Beavertail State Park is well-known for its fantastic saltwater fishing along this rocky coastline. The marine life attracts more than just anglers, though. You will find that this is a busy place for study by ecologists, geologists, and marine scientists as well. Like the other parks, this one also has military buildings and sites. Fort Burnside, Beaver Tail Fort, and the Coanicut Battery were captured by the British in 1778.
There is also a set of guns here that attracts a lot of attention, with a 6-inch M1905 and several 3-inch and 16-inch batteries as well. The 58-foot lighthouse is also a popular site. It was built in 1749 but has been rebuilt several times. Of course, you and your pooch can also enjoy swimming here and enjoy a picnic or go for a hike to explore some of the 153 acres here.
Narragansett Town Beach
On the mainland in Narragansett between the Conochet Club Beach and the Narragansett Sea Wall, Narragansett Town Beach is a dog-friendly spot with golden sand and gorgeous blue waters. However, your canine companion is only allowed during the off-season from the middle of September until the middle of May, and you must keep him on a leash at all times. Also, do not forget to bring doggy doo baggies to clean up after your pup.
This is a large beach and attracts a lot of people during the summer, but it is just as pretty during the rest of the year. Your pup may enjoy splashing in the water as long as it is not too cold, but you will probably not want to dive in with him. Across Boston Neck Road, you will find Little Neck Pond, where your fur baby can sniff around the banks of the water. Or you can enjoy lunch on the gazebo at the southern end of the beach.
Compass Rose Beach
To the west of Newport in North Kingston, Rhode Island, Compass Rose Beach is a small but lovely stretch of sand where dogs are welcome all year long as long as they are on a leash. Located at Quonset Point, this beach used to be a seaplane site and is a popular spot for launching small catamarans and sailboats. But it is also a fun place to spend a day at the beach with your fur buddy.
During the summer, swimming here is fine, and your canine companion is welcome to dive in as long as he is kept on a leash the whole time. Keep in mind that it is quite windy here and can have some rough waves at times. You and your dog can also bring lunch and have a picnic at one of the picnic tables on the sand. Please remember to bring your own poop bags to pick up after your pup while you are here.
Blue Beach
Just to the west of Compass Rose, Blue Beach is another golden sandy patch on Quonset Point in North Kingston. If you are looking for something more secluded, this is where you want to go. It is a hidden gem that most tourists either do not know about or skip over because of the lack of amenities. However, it does have a peaceful setting on the water that is easy to get to on a packed gravel path.
The path is about one-half of a mile and takes you and your pup from the Circuit Drive parking lot to the beach. There are stunning sand dunes to the south and dense woods to the east and north, which is great for giving you the feeling that you are alone on your own island. It is also a great spot to see some wildlife. But it is also a fun place to swim and play in the sand.
Gooseberry Beach
If you are disappointed that you cannot visit Bailey’s and Hazard’s Beaches because they are private, just head to Gooseberry Beach. This nice patch of sand is right in between the two private beaches, so you can feel like you are one of the inclusive few. It is located in a cove on Ocean Drive in the middle of Newport, where you will enjoy calm waters and less wind, so it is perfect for swimming.
You will likely see a lot of families here since it has shallow water where kids can play, and it has quite a few amenities due to its proximity to the private beaches. The Gooseberry Cafe is available to all who get hungry, so don’t worry if you forgot to bring your lunch. Also, there are restrooms and water fountains, as well as changing rooms and showers. Ask before entering any buildings, bring plenty of doggie waste bags, and keep your pup on a leash at all times.
Horseneck Beach
With over 800 acres, Horseneck Beach State Reservation is a popular place for pup owners from September until April. That is when your canine companion is welcome to visit the park and beach as long as you keep him on a leash the whole time he is here. The beach is two miles long with clean golden sand and cool, clear water. It is one of the most popular beaches in Massachusetts and is only a short drive from Newport.
Besides swimming and playing in the sand, you and your fur baby can also enjoy boating, fishing, and hiking, as well as picnicking, basketball, and biking. In addition to all that, the reservation also has a campground with 100 sites, showers, toilets, and playgrounds where Fido is allowed all year long. He just won’t be allowed on the beach from April until September. Bring your puppy poop baggies from home and grab extra water and sunscreen for both of you.
King Beach Park
To the northeast of Fort Adams State Park, King Park Beach is a small but quaint harbor beach where leashed dogs are allowed all year long. You can find this family park on the southern end of Newport Harbor along the waterfront. There is plenty of space where you and your furry family member can swim or splash in the water. It is also a popular fishing spot, so bring your fishing gear and try your luck.
This is one of the best spots for selfies and horizon views and is perfect for watching the sunset with your best friend. The restrooms are only open during the busy season from April until September, but there are places nearby you can go. Just be sure to ask before you bring your dog into any establishment. It is also a popular place for picnicking, boating, and playing ball. You can also find the southern end of the Harbor Walk here at the Stone Pier.
Block Island Beaches
We saved the best for last. Although you will have to get a ride on the ferry, you and your pup will have your pick of over a dozen different beaches on Block Island. Andy’s Way Beach is a calm beach where you and your pup can swim in the shallows, Crescent Beach is in the middle of the eastern side of the island and boasts a long stretch of white sand, and Ballard’s Beach is just a short walk down the sand where they have tiki bars, lounge chairs, cabanas, and live music.
Most of these beaches have concession stands, lifeguards, restrooms with showers, and many other amenities. Some of the beaches even have spots where you can let your pup off the leash, but you will have to ask about those. You can also rent kayaks and boogie boards if you and your furball want to hit the waves. Just remember to bring baggies to pick up after your pup and keep him leashed where specified.
The Final Woof
If you want to take your canine companion out on the water on a private boat, the Antique Yacht Collection offers dog-friendly boat charters from two to eight hours. Sea Newport also has relaxing private cruises to enjoy with your pup. Another fun activity you may like with your pooch is a guided tour to learn about Newport’s Hidden History. For something really unique, try the Rail Explorers adventure. These pedal-powered rail bikes are fun and exciting for all. Or enjoy some wine at Newport Vineyards, where pups are always welcome. When you get hungry, take your canine companion to eat at Jo’s American Bistro or The Corner Cafe.
