Roger Wheeler State Beach
Rhode Island’s Top Family Beach — Breakwater-Protected Calm Water, Fine White Sand, Lifeguards, Playground, Accessible Beach Wheelchairs, Narragansett
Roger Wheeler State Beach (locally known as Sand Hill Cove) is a state beach at 100 Sand Hill Cove Road, Narragansett, Washington County, Rhode Island. The beach features 27 acres of fine white sand protected from Block Island Sound by an extensive breakwater creating calm, gentle surf ideal for young children, lifeguards on duty 9 AM–6 PM during summer season, a modern beach pavilion with restrooms and indoor/outdoor showers, food concessions (Salty’s Burger & Seafood), a children’s playground, accessible beach wheelchairs and facilities, an environmental education (naturalist) area, and designation as one of Rhode Island’s best family beaches.
Roger Wheeler is Rhode Island’s premier family beach — the extensive breakwater blocks Block Island Sound swells, creating calm, gentle surf with a very gradual drop-off that makes it perfect for toddlers and young swimmers. The fine white sand earned the beach its local nickname “Sand Hill Cove”.
The modern pavilion with indoor/outdoor showers, food concessions, children’s playground, and accessible beach wheelchairs make this Narragansett’s most well-equipped beach for families.
Things to Do
- Swimming — calm, breakwater-protected water
- Beach — 27 acres fine white sand
- Playground — children’s play area
- Concessions — Salty’s Burger & Seafood
- Naturalist area — environmental education
- Accessibility — beach wheelchairs available
Beach Information
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | 100 Sand Hill Cove Rd, Narragansett, RI |
| Size | 27 acres — fine white sand |
| Water | Breakwater-protected, calm, gentle surf |
| Lifeguards | Summer — 9 AM to 6 PM daily |
| Rules | No pets, smoking, alcohol, or glass |
| Managed By | Rhode Island DEM |
| Coordinates | 41.3709° N, 71.4967° W |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Roger Wheeler Beach good for kids?
Yes — Roger Wheeler State Beach (Sand Hill Cove) in Narragansett, Rhode Island, is widely considered the state’s best family beach. An extensive breakwater protects the 27-acre beach from Block Island Sound, creating calm, gentle surf with a gradual drop-off ideal for young children. Lifeguards are on duty 9 AM–6 PM in summer. Facilities include a modern pavilion with showers, food concessions, a children’s playground, accessible beach wheelchairs, and an environmental education area. No pets, smoking, alcohol, or glass allowed.
Last updated: May 2026
