Second Beach in Middletown, RI

Sachuest Beach, also known as Second Beach, is consistently ranked among the Top 10 beaches in New England. If you are looking for a budget friendly alternative to the Newport Mansions, or simply seeking more fun for your summer itinerary, it’s a beautiful addition. We decided to check it out during the heatwave this week, as it will likely be too cool for another beach day anytime soon. Unfortunately, it was still a bit too cold for comfortable – but hey this is New England, not Florida! This beach definitely held up its’ reputation. Sachuest Beach was a scenic, clean beach which was relatively uncrowded. The views of the houses along the coast were gorgeous!

Scenic views at Second Beach in Middletown, RI
Second Beach in Middletown, RI

I was surprised at how warm the water was at this beach. I expected the New England waters to be too cold to swim in this early on in the summer season, but this wasn’t the case! Plenty of people (myself included) were swimming and/or surfing in the warmer waters.

Beachgoers at Second Beach in Middletown, RI

Gorgeous greenery at Second Beach in Middletown, RI
Pretty scenery at Second Beach in Middletown, RI
Seagull at Second Beach in Middletown, RI


Lots of surfers out enjoying the waves! I didn’t know anyone surfer in Rhode Island to be honest!

Surfers at Second Beach in Middletown, RI

Pros of Sachuest Beach

*Beautiful views
*Clean white sand. Also a prime destination for collecting shells!
*Rinsing stations so you don’t drag sand into your car
*Snack stand and Del’s Lemonade on site
*Quiet and peaceful – no noisy or obnoxious beach goers*Located a short drive away from Sachuest Point Wildlife Refuge (Highly recommended!) There are 2 great nature hikes here with fabulous views!
*Close to Newport, Rhode Island (about a 10 minute drive) Drive over to Newport before or after for plenty of lunch and dinner options, many on the waterfront
*Close to the Newport Mansions and CliffWalk attractions

Cons of Sachuest Beach

*Parking is $35 on weekends (Visit on the weekday for a $10 discount) from Memorial-Labor Day. Tip: Visit during the off-season for free parking.
*I didn’t notice any changing stations – not good if you want to change out of your beach wear and go somewhere else.
*Only Porta Potties located on site
*Red Tide seen in the water. Red Tide is a harmful algal bloom, which means there is a high concentration of a microscopic alga (plantlike organism) in the waters.

More info

Address: 474 Sachuest Point Rd Middletown, RI 02842
Amenities: Restrooms, snack stand, outdoor showers, bike racks, leashed pets allowed from 5:00pm – 7:45am

Cloudy summer day at Second Beach - Middletown, RI