Where do you park at Dunes Park Beach and how do you get there?

Dunes Park Beach is located off Atlantic Avenue in Westerly, Rhode Island, near the Weekapaug area. Parking is available in a small lot adjacent to the beach, but spaces are limited and can fill quickly during summer weekends. Street parking may be available nearby, but observe all posted restrictions. From downtown Westerly, take Route 1A south toward the coast. The beach is not served by public transportation, so a personal vehicle is necessary. Consider arriving before 10 AM during peak season to secure parking.

Are there restaurants or amenities near Dunes Park Beach?

Dunes Park Beach has minimal on-site amenities, so plan accordingly. There are no food vendors, restrooms, or facilities directly at the beach. Nearby Weekapaug and Misquamicut areas offer restaurants, cafes, and convenience stores within a short drive. The bustling Misquamicut Beach area, about 10 minutes away, has numerous dining options, shops, and accommodations. Bring your own food, water, and beach supplies. Watch Hill, approximately 15 minutes away, offers upscale dining and shopping options. Several vacation rentals and small inns are available in the surrounding coastal neighborhoods.

What makes the dunes at Dunes Park Beach special?

Dunes Park Beach features protected coastal dune ecosystems that are ecologically significant and visually striking. These natural dunes help prevent erosion and provide habitat for native plants and wildlife. The preserved dune landscape offers scenic beauty and photo opportunities uncommon on more developed Rhode Island beaches. Visitors should stay on designated paths and avoid walking on the dunes themselves, as foot traffic damages fragile vegetation that stabilizes the sand. The combination of dunes, beach grass, and coastal views creates a more natural, less commercialized beach experience compared to nearby tourist-heavy beaches.

Westerly · Rhode Island · USA

Dunes Park Beach

You'll smell salt marsh before you see the ocean—brackish and green, framed by swaying spartina. Dunes Park Beach sprawls wide and flat where the Pawcatuck River meets Block Island Sound, a family enclave with tide pools, sandbars, and enough space to claim your square of sand even on a Saturday in July.

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Westerly·Rhode Island·USA

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Photos

8 captures from Dunes Park Beach

About this beach

Drive past the lobster shacks and summer cottages of Westerly, and Dunes Park Beach appears as a gentle crescent edged by rope fences and beach grass. The shoreline here slopes gradually, revealing tidal flats at low water where children crouch over hermit crabs and minnows trapped in shallow pools. Sandbars emerge mid-afternoon, turning the shallows into kn…

Where it is

Dunes Park Beach

Westerly, Rhode Island, USA

41.3166°, -71.8292°

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Top things to do

At Dunes Park Beach

Wade the Flats

Low tide reveals warm sandbars

Dune Landscapes

Beach grass and rosa rugosa

Unpack Your Blanket

Wide sand claims easy space

Paddle Winnapaug Pond

Calm water behind the dunes

Near this beach

Places, rentals, tours and events within walking and driving distance of Dunes Park Beach.

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Good to know

Questions people actually ask about Dunes Park Beach.

Is Dunes Park Beach safe for swimming and families?

Dunes Park Beach is generally considered safe for families and swimming, with calmer waters compared to ocean-facing Rhode Island beaches since it sits along Block Island Sound. The beach has a gradual slope and sandy bottom, making it suitable for children. However, there are no lifeguards on duty, so supervision is essential. Water conditions can vary with weather and tides, so check local conditions before swimming. The beach's protected location typically means gentler waves, but always exercise caution and never swim alone.

When is the best time to visit Dunes Park Beach?

Summer months (June through August) offer the warmest water temperatures and best swimming conditions, with highs in the 70s-80s°F. However, Dunes Park Beach is enjoyable year-round for beach walks and scenic views. Spring and fall provide fewer crowds and pleasant temperatures for exploring the dunes and coastline. Winter visits can be beautiful but expect cold winds and water temperatures unsuitable for swimming. Weekdays during summer are less crowded than weekends. Arrive early during peak season for easier parking and optimal beach space.