One Of The Most Beautiful Destinations In Rhode Island Is A Quiet, Pristine Beach

Goosewing Beach Preserve isn't well known in Rhode Island, and locals like it that way. Rowdy crowds don't flock here in the summers. Few out-of-towners would drive hours out of their way to spend the weekend here. Even lifelong Rhodies may struggle to pinpoint Goosewing on a map. This mile-long stretch of sand lies in the southeast corner of the state; the farthest tip of the beach is actually located in Massachusetts. The remoteness is part of what makes Goosewing so beloved among locals. Another part? Incredible Atlantic Ocean views.

Rhode Island has more than 400 miles of shoreline, an amazing asset for the smallest state in the nation. The sheer length of this oceanfront is one reason so many Ocean State sites are ranked among the best beaches in the Northeast. Much of this coast is classified as "barrier beach," a sandy strip that stands between the ocean and some smaller body of water, like an estuary or lagoon. Goosewing is one such barrier; on one side, you can watch waterfowl float over the glassy surface of Quicksand Pond. On the other side, the Atlantic Ocean spreads before you, with waves rolling in from an unbroken horizon.

Goosewing does draw its regulars, but most of them are residents or out-of-towners who love its quiet isolation. The beach is nestled in Little Compton, a town known for its quiet backroads and stately fieldstone walls; Little Compton's centuries-old tradition of agriculture has earned this area the moniker "Farmcoast."  Southeast Rhode Island has plenty of beaches and photogenic waterfront, but they're all about an hour's drive from Providence or Newport, and many are private, so sun-seekers tend to avoid this area.

Goosewing is next to the better-known South Shore Beach, and both are open to the public all summer between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. There's ample parking on a long gravel lot, which will cost non-residents $25 per vehicle from Memorial Day to Labor Day. In the evenings, locals can stay parked until 11 p.m., and Goosewing is a popular spot for bonfires (but make sure you get a campfire permit from the entrance first). A row of houses stands on the east side, while a cluster of RVs is parked in the west. There aren't many places to stay around here, aside from the historic (and luxurious) Stone House Inn, so most visitors spend the night in more populous towns.

Goosewing is referred to as a "preserve" because it is an important nesting ground for sea birds, and these 75 acres are maintained by Rhode Island's Nature Conservancy. In the warmer months, you can walk a modest trail through the wetlands and spot herons and sanderlings, although most people will view waterfowl from the beach, as the wooded areas are ecologically delicate and hard to navigate.

The vast majority of visitors will stroll the rock-strewn sand, sun themselves, and picnic by the water. Yet the waves are decent here as well, and these humble whitecaps are great for novice surfers; just watch out for deceptively powerful riptides. Fortunately, the East Coast is full of great beaches for surfers. This corner of Rhode Island has a handful of restaurants, and hungry visitors may also consider a 20-minute jaunt to Tiverton Four Corners, an adorable village full of eateries, shops, and art galleries.