Classic Rhode Island State Beach Near Galilee Fishing Village — Sandy Swimming Beach on Block Island Sound, Free Admission, Concession Stand, Restrooms and Changing Facilities, Adjacent to the Port of Galilee and Block Island Ferry Terminal, Fishing From the Nearby Breakwater, Named for Beloved Rhode Island TV Personality “Salty” Brine, Near Narragansett Point Judith South County Rhode Island
Salty Brine State Beach (formerly Galilee State Beach, renamed 1990) is a state beach on Block Island Sound in the village of Galilee, Narragansett, Rhode Island, managed by the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM). The beach features a sandy swimming beach on Block Island Sound with views of Block Island, free admission (one of Rhode Island’s few no-fee state beaches), a concession stand with food and beverages, restrooms and changing facilities, adjacency to the Port of Galilee — Rhode Island’s largest commercial fishing port — and the Block Island Ferry terminal, fishing from the nearby breakwater for striped bass, bluefish, and fluke, a small but family-friendly atmosphere in one of Rhode Island’s most charming fishing villages, and proximity to other South County beaches and attractions.
Salty Brine is tiny compared to nearby state beaches like Scarborough and Roger Wheeler — but its charm is the location. Sitting right next to the Galilee fishing docks and the Block Island Ferry, visitors can watch fishing boats unload the day’s catch and catch a ferry to Block Island all from the same parking lot.
The beach was renamed in 1990 for “Salty” Brine (born Harold Brine Reilly), a beloved Rhode Island radio and television personality known for his weather forecasts and signature catchphrase “no school, Foster-Glocester.”
Things to Do
- Swimming — sandy Block Island Sound beach
- Free admission — rare for RI state beaches
- Fishing — breakwater: stripers, blues, fluke
- Galilee village — fishing port, seafood
- Block Island Ferry — adjacent terminal
- Concessions — food, changing facilities
Beach Information
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Galilee, Narragansett, RI |
| Water | Block Island Sound — ocean |
| Admission | Free |
| Named For | “Salty” Brine — RI TV personality (1990) |
| Adjacent | Port of Galilee, Block Island Ferry |
| Camping | ❌ Day-use only |
| Managed By | Rhode Island DEM |
| Coordinates | 41.3817° N, 71.5033° W |
Frequently Asked Questions
Wildlife & Nature
Salty Brine SB — Rhode Island’s smallest state beach — named after a beloved local TV weatherman. The beach’s sandy shore and Galilee Harbor support least terns, horseshoe crabs, and migratory shorebirds.
Nearby Attractions
Galilee — adjacent — a working fishing village. Block Island Ferry — at Galilee.
Is Salty Brine State Beach free?
Yes — Salty Brine State Beach in Galilee, Narragansett, Rhode Island has free admission, making it one of RI’s few no-fee state beaches. The sandy Block Island Sound beach features a concession stand, restrooms, and changing facilities, and sits adjacent to the Port of Galilee fishing port and the Block Island Ferry terminal. Named for beloved RI TV personality “Salty” Brine in 1990. Great breakwater fishing for striped bass and bluefish. Managed by Rhode Island DEM.
Last updated: May 2026
Keep exploring: The closest neighbors are Fishermen’s Memorial State Park (a short drive away) and Roger Wheeler State Beach (a short drive away).
Camping reservations: Book campsites and cabins for Rhode Island state parks online at rhodeislandstateparks.reserveamerica.com.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Salty Brine State Beach
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Domestic animals are allowed in Rhode Island state parks but must be leashed and under a handler's control at all times.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Leash no more than 6 feet in length required (up to 25 feet in state management areas)
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- No animals allowed on any state bathing beach, East Beach/Ninigret or Burlingame Picnic Area from April 1 through September 30
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- No cabin lodging program; camping allows a maximum of two pets (dogs or cats) per campsite, but pets are not permitted at Charlestown Breachway or East Beach campgrounds
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Current rabies vaccination certificate required for camping pets; e-collars/e-leashes do not count as leashed
Are dogs allowed at Salty Brine State Beach?
Domestic animals are allowed in Rhode Island state parks but must be leashed and under a handler's control at all times. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via rules.sos.ri.gov. More: Rhode Island state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Location
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