UNDER THE RADAR BEACHES

We all have our favorite beaches, but it’s always fun to try something new. Check out this list of shores sure to satisfy with coastal views and potentially less crowds. Of course smaller beaches can mean less parking spots and amenities but often still charge fees, so plan ahead and note that you might need to leave Rover at home and pack your water shoes for pebbly terrain.

FOGLAND BEACH, Tiverton

Popular with families, this beach has something for everyone: it’s a great spot for making pebbly drip castles and a treasure trove for little sand diggers, plus conditions make it nice for kayakers, stand-up paddle boarders, and wind- and kite-surfers. TivertonRecreation.org/beaches

GRINNELL’S VS. GRIMMELL’S

Grinnell’s is located just south of the Stone Pier Bridge, easily seen from Main Road (Route 77), on the Sakonnet River. There’s swimming, restrooms, and a sun-shade pavilion. Grimmell’s, also known as Island Park Beach, is in Portsmouth, and also boasts Sakonnet vistas, but alas no restrooms. TivertonRecreation. org; DiscoverNewport.org

GOOSEBERRY BEACH, Newport

This picturesque beach nestled in a cove along famed Ocean Drive. There are minimal amenities, so bring what you need and take it with you. Daily passes are available at the gate. GooseberryBeach.com

PEBBLE BEACH, Middletown

Stunning unobstructed views and a shoreline of stones make this at-your-own-risk beach coveted by photographers and cairn stackers. At last count there were three public parking places so find a spot a few blocks away and hike over.

SANDY POINT BEACH, Portsmouth

Roll the windows down when you begin to see stone walls to let the salty breeze enter the car. Shallow water makes this nice for families with small children. Def wear water shoes and ask about their storage trunks rentals. PorstmouthRI.gov

SOUTH SHORE BEACH & GOOSEWING BEACH PRESERVE, Little

Compton

Head to LC for two beach experiences in one: busy South Shore Beach with the only public access to Goosewing. South Shore Beach is a hotspot (so get there early for parking), while Goosewing is a preserve that’s part of The Nature Conservancy. For more shoreline exploration on the other side of town, there’s Tappens Beach and Lloyd’s Beach. LittleComptonRI.org