Out-of-towners love our coastal hot spots but have a hard time pronouncing the names of Rhode Island’s beloved beaches. We are all too familiar with how to say tongue twisters like Narragansett, but many of us have no idea what those words actually mean. Let’s take a look at our gorgeous coastline and the meaning behind some of the beach names you’ll find on our shore.
- Misquamicut - place of red fish
Flickr/Julian Colton Misquamicut State Beach is a summer hot spot and known for its white sand and rolling surf. The beachfront is three miles long and has public facilities and a large pavilion.
- Narragansett - place or people of small points of land
Flickr/JAMES MAUGHN This town beach is a popular draw for tourists in the summer with its soft sand and rolling waves. You’ll find surfers showcasing their talents at the Narragansett Town Beach.
- Matunuck - end of trail
Flickr/John McQuaid East Matunuck State Beach is found in the town of South Kingston. Its more gentle surf makes this an ideal spot for family activities.
- Napatree - narrow point
Flickr/Dangagga Known as being one of the best beach walks in the state, Napatree Point is a 1.5-mile peninsula that juts out into the Atlantic Ocean. Expansive views and access to both the ocean and the harbor makes this Rhode Island beach special.
- Weekapaug - end of pond
Flickr/A den Tex This small beachfront community is located in the town of Westerly. Weekapaug is not as popular as some of the other beaches in town, but its shoreline is a place of natural beauty.
- Quonochontaug - home of the blackfish
Google Images/Matthew Graham Quonochontaug is a small beach community within the town of Charlestown. Blue Shutters beach, a popular destination in the summer is located at the end of East Beach Road in Quonochontaug.
- Watchaug - place of cold water
Wikimedia Commons/Juliancolton This 573-acre kettle pond at the southern tip of Rhode Island is a popular spot for boaters. There are also plenty of nature trails to explore around this beautiful pond.
Did you know the meanings of these beach names? Which of these beaches are your favorites?
Flickr/Julian Colton
Misquamicut State Beach is a summer hot spot and known for its white sand and rolling surf. The beachfront is three miles long and has public facilities and a large pavilion.
Flickr/JAMES MAUGHN
This town beach is a popular draw for tourists in the summer with its soft sand and rolling waves. You’ll find surfers showcasing their talents at the Narragansett Town Beach.
Flickr/John McQuaid
East Matunuck State Beach is found in the town of South Kingston. Its more gentle surf makes this an ideal spot for family activities.
Flickr/Dangagga
Known as being one of the best beach walks in the state, Napatree Point is a 1.5-mile peninsula that juts out into the Atlantic Ocean. Expansive views and access to both the ocean and the harbor makes this Rhode Island beach special.
Flickr/A den Tex
This small beachfront community is located in the town of Westerly. Weekapaug is not as popular as some of the other beaches in town, but its shoreline is a place of natural beauty.
Google Images/Matthew Graham
Quonochontaug is a small beach community within the town of Charlestown. Blue Shutters beach, a popular destination in the summer is located at the end of East Beach Road in Quonochontaug.
Wikimedia Commons/Juliancolton
This 573-acre kettle pond at the southern tip of Rhode Island is a popular spot for boaters. There are also plenty of nature trails to explore around this beautiful pond.
If you love exploring Rhode Island’s coastal towns, then you need to plan a day trip to this little gem.
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