🌤 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
Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in Rhode Island guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.
🐾 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 Location
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