Photo: Wheeler Cowperthwaite, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
🌤 Weather at Scarborough State Beaches by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 27–66 °F | 54–80 °F | 32–73 °F | 19–43 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Kingston 1 W, 7 mi away, elevation 106 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
Scarborough State Beach is the big one on the Rhode Island shore: 60 acres of Atlantic beachfront on Ocean Road in Narragansett, Washington County, split into two units at 870 and 970 Ocean Road. It opened with a pavilion in 1937, grew through land purchases in 1981 and 1986, and was rebuilt in 1987 into the boardwalk-and-pavilion beach it is today.
Quick Facts
| State | Rhode Island |
| County | Washington County |
| Address | 870 and 970 Ocean Road, Narragansett, RI 02882 |
| Size | 60 acres |
| Season | Seasonal (summer bathing season) |
| Facilities | Saltwater bathing, boardwalk, observation tower, picnicking, pavilions |
| Managed by | Rhode Island DEM, Division of Parks & Recreation |
Facts from the beach’s Wikipedia entry, checked 10 September 2026; the Rhode Island State Parks site blocked automated retrieval, so current fees and hours should be confirmed there before visiting.
Location & Getting There
Both units are on Ocean Road (Route 1A) south of Narragansett Pier, at roughly 41.3897, -71.4731. Parking fills early on summer weekends.
On the Beach
This is open ocean rather than bay water — surf, wind and a long sandy strand with a boardwalk running behind it. An observation tower gives a view along the coast, and the picnic areas behind the dunes take the overflow when the sand is full.
The stone ruins on the grounds belong to Windswept, a mansion from the era when this shore was lined with summer estates; the walls are all that remain, and they make an odd, handsome landmark between the parking lots and the sea.
Explore More Rhode Island State Parks
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🐾 Dogs & Pets at Scarborough State Beaches
- 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 Scarborough State Beaches?
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 Map
Plan your gear for Scarborough State Beaches
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
