Beavertail State Park

What a great park! It’s easy to get to, free parking, and equipped with several outdoor restrooms.
From what we could tell, most of the park is made of up of huge rock formations that stretch out into the water with some short trails through the brush. The rocks were really easy and fun to ‘hike’ across yet still a little challenging. I think this is a great place for anyone wanting to be outdoors-​y without being too overwhelmed yet still getting to push themselves.
If you’ve been to Acadia in Maine, this is like a junior version of the rock/​cliffs along the hiking trails in the main area.
I think the only thing that could improve the park would be if there was some area for trash. It’s a take in — take out place and while MOST dog owners were picking up after their pets, many would then just leave the colorful baggy laying around the park. This can’t be held against the park, of course, but it would be a nice additional feature.

Beavertail State Park is beautiful and breathtaking! The weather was perfect in early September with temperature around 75 degrees. The park has the natural stone cliffs you can walk down to the water and grassy areas to set up a chair and look out. Also has a museum near the lighthouse with gift shop. Outhouses are in the back and parking was generous. A really beautiful spot to look out at the water and take it all in.

RUN here! Seriously… it is that good! We brought everything for a picnic and just sat and relaxed. Not sure if you are allowed to bring wine but I did it anyways ;) Just be sure to bring a sweater or blanket… we visited in mid September and it was chilly. For those of you who are nervous, there are bathrooms that are not all that bad!

Let me start off by saying that most of Beavertail State Park IS NOT a beach, as my friends had lead me to believe today on our «beach» trip. Yes, there are some sections of the park that are beachable, but for the most part, it’s full of beautiful lush greenery and large sloped rocks that lead down to the ocean.
We arrived around 10:30 a.m., loaded our arms with our beach chairs, coolers and bags and started walking down the trails towards the coastline. It was absolutely gorgeous and the fact that it was such a beautiful day helped as well.
According to one of the locals, there are 3 areas of the park where we were situated that are somewhat people friendly, but in my opinion… not so much. The area which we found to be the easiest to access, and also according to the gentleman who was very familiar with the park told us was the best of the 3 areas, was still a very steep slope down. Due to the time of the day which we arrived, it was also high tide, which meant that the «beach» area was covered with water so we couldn’t have gone down there if we wanted to because it was all water.
We decided to set up right at the opening and just hung out there for a few hours. After other groups of people started to leave and the tide went out, a couple of my friends went down to the water while I sat on the rocks and observed (I wasn’t feeling all that confident in my descent below and didn’t feel like dying.)
As we were leaving, we drove past the lighthouse and the large «beach» area, which again… isn’t necessarily a beach per se, but rather some rocks and dirt which overlooks the ocean. Don’t get me wrong, it’s BEAUTIFUL and I cannot wait to get back here, but next time, I’ll bring some sneakers.

We went in mid-​afternoon in early June and found everything closed and not much there besides wind-​swept lawns. The tide-​pooling was fun but overall we could have skipped it.

Such an amazing hidden gem! Such beautiful views of the lighthouse and water! Enjoy climbing on the rocks. Pack a light sweater, a picnic blanket, food, and of course a camera and you are set! Enjoy the views!

It’s hard not to like this park. At the southern tip of Jamestown and dividing the entrance to Narragansett bay into the East and West passages, the perspective is incredible. To the west is Narragansett and Saunderstown and to the east is Newport and Brenton Point and its lighthouse. Sit on the rocks and watch the boats come in while you have a picnic. Bring your pole and do some fishing or just enjoy the crashing waves.
Park in the first lot on the right as you enter the park and hike the trails on the west side. There are several coves that you can scramble down to and lie on the beach (at low tide). You will feel like you’re in the Caribbean.
While in Jamestown, check out The other 2 parks on the water. My personal favorite is Fort Weatherill with its beautiful cliffs overlooking Newport and the east passage. Grab a book and a beach chair and sit high on the cliffs for a peaceful day with incredible views.

You wanna take a nice outdoorsy girl on a scenic date? Here! This place is gorgeous. They have a lighthouse (3^rd oldest), a small aquarium w the local fish to see, great paths, access to large seaside rocks to climb on, beautiful views of Newport, Narragansett, etc.
My suggestion, bring a couple camping chairs, a blanket (its windy), a bottle of wine and some cheese and park yourselves in front of the scenic ocean (parking lot is right behind you so no heavy walking unless you wanna) Bring bikes to if you wanna putz around the grounds.
There are bathrooms, outhouses really, and they actually are clean and don’t smell.

Just another great place in such a small state to visit and take in the amazing views. To learn about such a unique light house and all it’s history it has. Another great place to have a picnic and climb some rocks and find many animals.

Wonderful spot if you want peace & quiet! No beach = no screaming brats ! Love it !

love this place!

Ever seen a square lighthouse?
Well, here’s your chance! I really love Beavertail Lighthouse because of its unique construction. It’s the third oldest lighthouse in all of North America. The original lighthouse was wooden and burned down 4 years after construction. A stone tower was built to replace it, however, the British burned it in 1779 and the tower was eventually replaced again in 1856. That tower still stands today, all 10×10×10×10×64 feet of it.
Today was a rainy day, so I didn’t get very many pics, but we did get to see the old foundation of the original tower. It amazes me the force in which the ocean waves crash against the surrounding rock cliffs. I can’t imagine what it must be like to see a storm in all its full glory roaring through here. Really must have been a scary job to manage places like this in severe weather back in the 1800’s. I don’t think they could have paid me enough!
FINAL THOUGHTS
It’s a beauty! Unique because of its stone facing and squared walls. A definite must see for your lighthouse photo collection.

I’ve enjoyed seent the lighthouse last weekend even though I was niot able to to check out the gift shop in the keeper’s house. have to go back again real soon.

One of my favorite places from childhood. Just beautiful views of Narragansett Bay and surrounding Jamestown coast. It’s a feeat place to have a picnic and fly a kite, or simply sit on a rock watching the waves. I also like that the park now has multiple portable bathrooms that are fairly clean and Eco friendly. But, it’s a bit sad to see a couple of the walking paths have eroded a bit. Overall though, it’s still one of the most picturesque places in New England.

The views here are amazing. I’m so dissapointed that in all the years I have lived here that it is my first time going. For shame. I like the area near lot 4 the best. It’s nice that it is small enough to park in one area and walk all around. The downside to this is that it could easily feel crowded in the summer

This unique view of the ocean with tons of open grass makes this spot such a local hit I believe. It’s easy to take a picnic basket, a book and blanket and just hangout here for a few hours. There isn’t much of a path to really walk, I think most of us end up going right down to the rocks to get closer to the ocean. Also, the park has a nice bike path that has been maintained well.
It’s amazing how windy this park gets! I recommend having a sweater or something extra in the car just in case, I’ve personally been surprised a few times and wasn’t ready for the chilly wind.
I usually see many people with cameras here, it’s a great view of the sunsets and sunrises. Anytime I am in Jamestown I usually take a little breath stop here.

This place is beautiful. I’ve lived in RI my whole life, and I had never been here until today. The walking path along the water is gorgeous! You can climb out onto the rocks, which I would be careful about… There’s also a lot of historical significance and information found throughout, which is pretty interesting.
They also have composting bathrooms, which would be pretty cool if public bathrooms– especially portable bathrooms– didn’t skeeve me out. The only downside is there are no trashcans to be found, and it could explain why there’s some trash littered throughout.

What a beautiful park! Stunning views, historic lighthouse, plenty of parking, open lawns, wooded paths… my favorite! Some bathroom facilities have been added over the last few years… I haven’t been in them myself but they blend nicely with the rest of the park.
I was lucky enough to grow up on Jamestown (thanks Mom and Dad!!!) and have many fond memories of coming here with my family to watch the sunsets, check the surf, and explore the cliffs. It’s also great as part of a scenic bike ride or run. Also, as a violinist I have played several weddings here and the backdrop is always perfect!
This spot is in keeping with the rest of Jamestown: gorgeous and simple.

How can you not give this gem five stars?

Nothing anyone else hasn’t already said in the reviews! So, the Cliff Note version goes like this:
Pro: views, ocean, picture taking, free, good picnic area (on non-​windy days)
Con: island weather (there’s never a non-​windy day), seasonal lighthouse is the only attraction, can be crowded
Need to clear your mind? Grab a coffee at East Ferry Deli, go to Beavertail, and sit on the rocks. If you’re fully relaxed by the time the coffee is done, success!