Sachuest Beach Second Beach
Pristine East Coast beach with soft sand, mild waves, and unique rock formations for adventure.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds and secure parking.
Sachuest Beach Second Beach
Best Time
Beat the crowds and secure parking.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Pristine East Coast beach with soft sand, mild waves, and unique rock formations for adventure.
"HANDS DOWN the best beach I have ever been to, in the whole of East coast."
🚗 Arrive Early for Parking
Lots fill quickly; aim for before 11 AM or after 3 PM. Parking is $35 (cash/check).
🐦 Guard Your Snacks!
Seagulls are very aggressive. Keep food secured in closed bags and coolers.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Expansive Sandy Shoreline
Main beach area
Miles of soft sand perfect for sunbathing, playing, and long walks along the Atlantic coast.
Adventurous Rock Formations
Western end of the beach
Climbable rocks and trails leading to Purgatory Chasm offer a unique, adventurous beach experience.
Sunrise Spectacle
Eastern horizon
Witness breathtaking sunrises over the Atlantic, painting the sky with vibrant colors.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Arrive Early for Parking
Beware of Aggressive Seagulls
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Arrive Early for Parking
Lots fill quickly; aim for before 11 AM or after 3 PM. Parking is $35 (cash/check).
🐦 Guard Your Snacks!
Seagulls are very aggressive. Keep food secured in closed bags and coolers.
Is the Second Beach lot (Newport) filling up?
🌊 Enjoy the Waves
The beach is on the open Atlantic, often with good waves for swimming and boogie boarding.
🚶 Explore the Rocks
Climb the rocks on the west end for unique views and access to trails.
Most convenient beach? HELP
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Arrive Early for Parking
Lots fill quickly; aim for before 11 AM or after 3 PM. Parking is $35 (cash/check).
🐦 Guard Your Snacks!
Seagulls are very aggressive. Keep food secured in closed bags and coolers.
🌊 Enjoy the Waves
The beach is on the open Atlantic, often with good waves for swimming and boogie boarding.
🚶 Explore the Rocks
Climb the rocks on the west end for unique views and access to trails.
☀️ Pack Sun Protection
The open beach can be very sunny; bring sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Sachuest Beach is widely praised as one of the best beaches on the East Coast, lauded for its pristine, soft sand, clear waters, and mild waves perfect for swimming. Visitors appreciate the adventurous rock formations and the overall natural beauty. However, the high parking fee and aggressive seagulls are recurring drawbacks for some.
"Best beach in RI...except that they charge for parking up til six! I love this beach but the paid parking all the way into the evening infringes on the public right to the beach! Change the rule and I'll give five stars."
M Carey
"Get there early!! There is ample parking but it fills up quickly. Parking is $35. (Cash or check) Arriving after 11am, ensures idling in long lines and possibly being turned away and being told to come back in a couple of hours.
BEWARE of the seagulls. They're VERY aggressive so make sure your bags and coolers stay closed. We saw them literally going into beachgoer bags as well as snatch food straight out of their hands.
All in all, it's a good beach time. The atmosphere is pleasant and the people have been quite friendly. There is plenty of space to find your perfect desired spot. The restrooms were clean. I was actually surprised that there was an attendant who was making sure the stalls and changing areas were tidy. There's also a concession for those who love nostalgia treats like friend dough, slushes and a good hot dog.
The beach is worth the visit.
Note: some parts of the beach have more red seaweed than other parts. It's not expensive so you can enjoy a good swim away from it if it annoys you."
SanTara C.
"This is HANDS DOWN the best beach I have ever been to, in the whole of East coast. Such a precious, hidden gem. The water is crystal clear, the waves are mild and soothing, extremely kid/pet friendly and the shore is immaculate. It’s almost as if this beach has been untouched by humanity. It is pristine, pure and looks heavenly. This beach is a godsend for the RI folks. God, I hope it stays this way for many more years. Will be visiting this beach over and over again as long as I possibly can. Love, love, love this beach ♥️♥️Highly recommended !!"
Surya Mohan
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Sachuest Beach, also known as Second Beach, is located in Middletown, Rhode Island, near Newport. It's accessible by car via RI-138 E. Parking is available on-site but fills up quickly.
While direct public transport might be limited, local bus services in the Newport area may offer routes that get you close. It's best to check with the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) for current schedules and routes.
There is a large parking lot directly at the beach. However, it fills up very early, especially on weekends and holidays. Arriving before 11 AM is highly recommended.
Parking fees are seasonal and can be around $35 per day. Payment is often accepted via cash or check. It's advisable to confirm the current rates before your visit.
If the main lot is full, you might be turned away or asked to return later. Some visitors suggest trying after 3 PM when spots may open up.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is no direct entrance fee to access the beach itself. However, there is a parking fee that is enforced seasonally, typically from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
The beach is generally open to the public from sunrise to sunset. The parking lot has specific hours, and fees are usually collected during peak season until early evening.
No, tickets are not required in advance. Entry is on a first-come, first-served basis for parking. Arriving early is the best strategy.
While some reviews mention it being pet-friendly, it's always best to check local ordinances for current pet policies, especially regarding leash laws and specific times pets are allowed.
The beach offers restrooms, changing areas, and a concession stand selling snacks like hot dogs and slushies. Lifeguards are also on duty during the summer season.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The sand at Sachuest Beach is described as incredibly soft and immaculate, making it a pleasure to walk on and relax.
The waves are generally mild and soothing, making it a good spot for swimming, especially for families. However, it's on the open Atlantic, so conditions can vary.
Besides swimming and sunbathing, you can explore the rocky areas, hike nearby trails, collect rocks, and enjoy the open ocean views.
It can get very crowded during the summer months, particularly on weekends. Arriving early is crucial to find a good spot and parking.
Yes, there are typically over 10 lifeguards on duty during the peak season to ensure visitor safety.
📸 📸 Photography
Sunrise offers stunning, colorful skies, making it ideal for photographers. The 'golden hour' before sunset can also provide beautiful lighting.
The expansive shoreline, the unique rock formations on the west end, and the dramatic sunrises are all highly photogenic.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's essential to check with local authorities or the park management for any restrictions on drone operation before flying.
You can capture wide-angle shots of the beach and ocean, close-ups of interesting rocks and shells, and dynamic action shots of waves.
The aggressive seagulls can be a challenge if you're trying to photograph food, and strong winds can sometimes make shooting difficult.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Key tips for families: Arrive early to secure parking and a good spot on the sand. Pack plenty of snacks and drinks, and keep them securely stored to deter aggressive seagulls. The concession stand offers classic beach treats, but bringing your own is often more economical. The clean restrooms and changing areas are also a plus for families.
🚗 Budget Travelers
Look for free street parking if available further from the main lot, but be prepared for a longer walk. If you plan to visit multiple Rhode Island beaches, consider purchasing a multi-day pass if one is offered, though this is not always an option for individual beaches.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Beyond sunrises, the unique rock formations on the western side of the beach offer interesting textures and compositions. The vast expanse of soft sand and the dynamic ocean waves provide endless possibilities for capturing the essence of a classic East Coast beach. Remember to protect your gear from sand and saltwater.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Parking and Peak Times
Parking fees are typically around $35 and are often collected via cash or check, so have that ready. Some reviews mention that paid parking extends into the evening, which has been a point of contention for some visitors who feel it infringes on public beach access. Planning your visit around these peak times can significantly enhance your experience and reduce stress.
Alternative Parking Strategies
While on-site parking is the most convenient, if the lot is full, explore nearby street parking options if available, though these can also be limited. Some visitors have found success by visiting on weekdays when crowds are generally thinner. Checking local Middletown webcams, if available, might offer real-time parking lot status before you depart.
Embracing the Natural Beauty and Adventure
Beyond the typical beach activities, Sachuest Beach offers a unique adventurous side. The western end of the beach features impressive rock formations that are fun to climb, leading to trails and the dramatic Purgatory Chasm. This adds an element of exploration and discovery to a beach day, appealing to those who enjoy a bit more activity than just lounging. The soft sand also makes it a great place to collect interesting rocks and shells.
Wildlife Encounters
Be aware of the local wildlife, particularly the very bold seagulls. They are known to be aggressive when it comes to food, so keeping all your belongings securely closed is essential to prevent them from snatching snacks. Witnessing the sunrise here is also a highlight, with the sky often erupting in vibrant colors over the ocean.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit