Let’s go to the beach …

’Tis the season for sunscreen and shades, sun and sand. Here’s a guide to some of the region’s beaches — the big and the small — and what you need to know before going.

The big and the bold (these face the Atlantic Ocean)

1. Sachuest Beach (“Second Beach”) - Middletown

Perhaps the busiest and most popular of all, it’s very likely this parking lot will fill up by late morning on a gorgeous weekend day. So get there early, or get there late (when the early crowd starts to pack up and go home), or go during the weekend when it is likely to be less crowded. Visitors will find a mile of some of the best sand and best waves in the region, a snack bar, restrooms and a surfing area. The beach is managed by the Town of Middletown. A seasonal pass is $140 for non-residents; daily fees are $30 on weekends and $20 on weekdays.

2. Easton’s Beach (“First Beach”) - Newport

This beach literally welcomes visitors to Newport, at the beginning of Memorial Boulevard. Overlooking the beach’s western end is the famous Cliff Walk, and nestled at the center is the Save the Bay Exploration Center and Aquarium. If Second Beach is 1a in the region, this beach is 1b. With the aquarium, nearby bathroom facilities and a playground, it often draws families. Parking fees are also slightly lower: $100 for a season pass; $25 per day on weekends; $15 per day on weekdays.

3. Horseneck Beach - Westport

Horseneck is a state beach managed by the Massachusetts Parks & Recreation Department. Located at the western end of Buzzard’s Bay, the beach extends for 2 miles and is accompanied by an enormous parking area. There are great waves and wonderful sandy areas, but areas of the beach can also be rocky (get there early to get the best spots). Parking passes are $13 for Massachusetts residents but $40 for out-of-state residents.

4. South Shore Beach - Little Compton

One of the hidden treasures of this region, this town-managed beach gets rave reviews — if you can get there. With preference given to locals, and with a relatively small parking area, it isn’t easy for out-of-towners to get a spot to enjoy a great beach. If they can, beach passes are $250 for the season; $25 per day on weekends; and $20 per day on weekends.

The small and intimate

(These face bays and rivers)

Barrington Town Beach - Barrington

1. This is one of the nicer “town beaches” anywhere, with a long stretch of sand facing Narragansett Bay. There is an area monitored by lifeguards and a fairly large parking area. Non-resident parking fees are $10 per day. Barrington residents can purchase a season pass for $30.

2. Warren Town Beach - Warren Very small and intimate, this beach has a particular draw for families. It features a recently improved playground and a very calm, lifeguard-monitored swim area along the Warren River. Parking fees (for the parking lot at Burr’s Hill Park across the street from the beach) are: $10 per day on weekdays and $20 per day on weekends for non-residents. Warren residents can purchase season passes.

3. Bristol Town Beach - Bristol

This relatively large beach on Narragansett Bay is located near the entrance to Colt State Park. Accompanied by a playground and the town’s large sports complex, it draws both families and adults. Parking fees are $30 on weekends and $20 on weekdays for non-residents. Bristol residents can purchase season passes for $20.

4. Sandy Point Beach - Portsmouth

This shallow, natural beach is located on the Sakonnet River at the end of Sandy Point Avenue and is great for families. Sandy Point Beach is equipped with picnic tables, and changing rooms and restroom facilities, which are open when the beach is staffed with lifeguards. Portsmouth residents can get a beach sticker for free parking. Out-of-towners pay $15 Monday to Thursday and $20 Friday to Sunday.

This small, family-oriented beach in the heart of Tiverton has a small, lifeguard-monitored swim area facing the Sakonnet River. There is parking for about 50 cars. Parking fees (which apply to both Grinnell’s and Fogland) are: $150/year for non-residents; $20 per day on weekends; and $10 per day on weekdays.

6.

A larger beach off Fogland Road in south Tiverton, this area is very popular with windsurfers and sunbathers. The parking lot holds about 200 vehicles. It includes restrooms, picnic tables and a playground. Parking fees are the same as Grinnell’s (above).