New Shoreham · Rhode Island · USA
Fred Benson Town Beach
You'll smell the salt and sunscreen before you see the striped umbrellas dotting Fred Benson's wide, tan strand. This is Block Island's town green with ocean frontage—where families claim the same patch year after year, lifeguards whistle from tall chairs, and the vintage pavilion serves soft-serve that drips faster than you can lick on August afternoons.
Reading live conditions…
Live from Open-Meteo · sea surface temperature and wave data modelled at 1-km grid resolution for Fred Benson Town Beach. Numbers refresh at the hourly tick.
- Purity
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- Conditions
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- Crowd
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- Vibe
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The OnlyBeaches Index weighs four pillars against your chosen persona. Purity comes from water clarity and air-quality heuristics; Conditions from Open-Meteo waves, wind and temperatures; Crowd from historical patterns; Vibe from nearby events within 50 km. The score rebalances throughout the day.
You'll smell the salt and sunscreen before you see the striped umbrellas dotting Fred Benson's wide, tan strand. This is Block Island's town green with ocean frontage—where families claim the same patch year after year, lifeguards whistle from tall chairs, and the vintage pavilion serves soft-serve that drips faster than you can lick on August afternoons.
Photos
8 captures from Fred Benson Town Beach
About this beach
Where it is
Fred Benson Town Beach
New Shoreham, Rhode Island, USA
41.1865°, -71.5748°
Top things to do
At Fred Benson Town Beach
Guarded Swimming
Calm waves, lifeguard stations
Paddleboard Rentals
Launch from pavilion area
Pavilion Snack Bar
Clam cakes, frozen lemonade
Sunrise Sessions
Empty beach, pink morning light
Near this beach
Places, rentals, tours and events within walking and driving distance of Fred Benson Town Beach.
Questions people actually ask about Fred Benson Town Beach.
Is Fred Benson Town Beach safe for swimming with children?
Fred Benson Town Beach is generally safe for families with children, featuring a designated swimming area with lifeguards on duty during summer months (typically late June through early September). The beach has relatively calm waters compared to ocean-facing Rhode Island beaches, making it suitable for young swimmers. However, always check daily conditions and follow lifeguard instructions. The beach also offers shallow areas near shore ideal for wading. Outside peak season, swim at your own risk as lifeguards may not be present.
What is the best time to visit Fred Benson Town Beach?
Summer (June through August) offers the warmest weather and full amenities, with temperatures ranging from 70-80°F and water temperatures reaching the mid-60s to low 70s. July and August are busiest with peak crowds. Shoulder seasons (May and September) provide quieter visits with pleasant weather, though water is cooler and some facilities may have reduced hours. Block Island's mild climate makes the beach accessible year-round for walking and beachcombing, though winter visits require warm clothing and most services are closed.
