East Matunuck State Beach
South Kingstown · South County — Matunuck
DEM-managed Atlantic beach on Block Island Sound with seasonal guards and pay parking.
Key facts
Swimming
Lifeguarded ocean swimming in season between flags. cold water year-round
Access
State beach with dune walkovers
Parking
Limited
Current conditions
Trip profile
Difficulty
Reward
Risk
Good fit, skip if, before you go
Good fit
South County beach days with guarded swimming in season
Bodyboarding when surf is modest and flags allow
Combining with Matunuck village dining after rinsing off
Skip
Red-flag rip current days or when you cannot see lifeguards on duty
You need warm calm water. Atlantic surf stays cold
You dislike paid parking and heavy summer crowds
Before you go
- Check RIDEM beach status for water quality and surf advisories the morning you go.
- Bring sandals for hot sand and a wind shell for afternoon sea breeze.
- Use reef-safe sunscreen and rinse at provided showers when available.
- Leash pets only where and when DEM rules allow.
- If flags go red, exit the water immediately—rips strengthen on ebb tides.