The votes are in, and this South County spot is selected as RI's best beach. Find out where
The votes are in, and after starting with 16 incredible Rhode Island beaches only one could be crowned the Ocean State's best beach.
In a finals battle between two state beaches, East Matunuck prevailed over Misquamicut by a 56%-44% margin.
To take the top spot, East Matunuck had to defeat Gooseberry Beach in Newport, Jamestown's Mackerel Cove and Narragansett Town Beach ahead of its finals matchup. Misquamicut topped Roger Wheeler State Beach in Narragansett, Salty Brine State Beach – also in Narragansett – and Middletown's Second Beach.
“DEM is thrilled to see East Matunuck State Beach recognized as Rhode Island’s favorite beach, which hosted an estimated 170,000 beachgoers in each of the past two summers,” said DEM Director Terry Gray in a statement. “With more than 144 acres to comb, a modern beach pavilion powered partly by solar energy, and a large parking lot with a new three-lane entryway funded by the 2021 Green Bond, it’s easy to see why it’s a favorite for beachgoers. It’s also awesome to see Misquamicut State Beach come in a close 2nd because our world-class state beaches are a big part of what makes the Ocean State such a great place.”
The history of East Matunuck State Beach
According to the RI DEM, the area of the beach had been developed with summer cottages in the early 1900s, only for them to be wiped out eventually by hurricanes and other storms.
"Beginning in 1956 the State Department of Public Works began acquiring storm-ravaged land by public condemnation. Additional purchases by the state occurred in 1967, and the Division of Parks and Recreation, now in DEM, built a modern beach facility and took over the care and maintenance of the beach, totaling more than 144 acres. It is formally known as East Matunuck State Beach," the DEM reports on its website.
East Matunuck State Beach amenities
During the beach season, there are public restrooms, outdoor showers, wheelchair accessibility, a large parking lot, food and gift concessions, composting toilets, lifeguard towers and shade gazebos. Electric vehicle charging stations are available for a maximum of four hours by those who are enjoying the beach. The EV station does not guarantee a space on full-capacity day,s and a parking fee is required when the beach is charging a fee.
RI's best beach: What is RI's best beach? Vote in Round 1 of our bracket to determine the top spot
RI's best beach: What is RI's best beach? Vote in Round 2 of our bracket to determine the top spot
RI's best beach: Where is RI's best beach? Cast your vote as we're down to the final four
What to expect at East Matunuck State Beach
East Matunuck is known for strong surf and, at times, a rocky beach. The beach totals more than 144 acres with a large parking lot and a modern beach pavilion powered by wind and solar energy. Beachgoers can watch ferries cruise by on the way to Block Island and fishing boats coming in and out from the Port of Galilee. Those headed to the beach should plan to arrive early on summer weekends when parking fills up quickly.
This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: RI's best beach: East Matunuck State Beach tops Misquamicut in finals