Beavertail State Park
🏆 Official Guide: Beavertail State Park — Rhode Island’s most dramatic coastal park on the southern tip of Conanicut Island, Jamestown, Rhode Island — featuring the Beavertail Lighthouse (3rd oldest in North America, tower 1856), a lighthouse museum, spectacular rocky coastline + tide pools, four scenic overlooks, excellent saltwater surf fishing, WWII Fort Burnside ruins, seasonal aquarium, and panoramic Narragansett Bay views.
Beavertail State Park is Rhode Island’s crown jewel of coastal scenery — a windswept headland at the southern tip of Conanicut Island where rocky cliffs meet crashing Atlantic waves. The historic Beavertail Lighthouse has guided sailors since 1749, and today visitors come for the dramatic scenery, the fascinating tide pools, and some of the best saltwater fishing on the New England coast.
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Southern tip of Conanicut Island, Jamestown, RI |
| Hours | Dawn to dusk — year-round |
| Lighthouse | Beavertail — 3rd oldest in North America |
| Museum | Seasonal — former assistant keeper’s house |
| Swimming | ⚠️ Not suitable — rocky shoreline, powerful waves |
| Pets | Leashed dogs welcome |
Activities
| Activity | Details |
|---|---|
| Lighthouse Tours | Beavertail Lighthouse — historic tower (1856) |
| Lighthouse Museum | Seasonal — shipping history + Narragansett Bay |
| Tide Pools | Rocky coves — marine life exploration |
| Aquarium | Seasonal — native RI marine species |
| Fishing | Saltwater surf casting — excellent rocky coast |
| Hiking | Coastal trails + forest paths — scenic loop |
| Bird Watching | 4 overlooks — coastal raptors + seabirds |
| Photography | Dramatic rocky coast + lighthouse — sunrise/sunset |
| Fort Burnside | WWII-era military ruins — walking paths |
| Sightseeing | Panoramic Narragansett Bay views |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I go inside the lighthouse?
The lighthouse museum in the former assistant keeper’s house is open seasonally. The lighthouse tower itself has limited access — check with the park for current visiting hours and any special events that include tower climbs.
When is the best time for tide pools?
Low tide provides the best tide pool exploration — check tide charts for the Narragansett Bay area before your visit. The seasonal aquarium on-site also displays native marine species if tide pools are inaccessible during your visit.
Park Location
Top Tours & Activities Near Newport
from $285
from $139
from $37