PROVIDENCE – On June 19, the federal Juneteenth holiday, many Rhode Islanders had a rude awakening when they arrived at their favorite beach to find it packed. Traffic was backed up, and many parking lots were full before noon, according to news reports.
There’s only so much you can do when many thousands decide to go to the beach on the same day, but one thing you can usually do is find out whether parking is available. Many beaches – both state and town-managed – post updates on parking capacity, letting visitors know if there is space in the lots.
Here's a handy guide for checking whether parking lots at your favorite beaches are full:
How to check parking at state beaches
The state parks division at Rhode Island’s Department of Environmental Management keeps a near real-time status report on parking lots at the following beaches:
- East Matunuck State Beach
- Misquamicut State Beach
- Roger Wheeler State Beach
- Scarborough North State Beach (including overflow lot)
- Scarborough South State Beach
Parking passes are required at state beaches from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays and 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends and holidays. Purchasing a pass in advance helps reduce waiting time at the ticket booth and gives you access to express lanes that scan vehicle license plates at most state beaches.
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Some beaches, such as East Beach and Charlestown Breachway in Charlestown, have limited parking, and checking availability in advance may not be possible.
How to check parking at Middletown beaches
Middletown posts updates on its Facebook and Instagram accounts when beach parking lots fill up. The town also has a live webcam at the parking lot at Sachuest Beach , known locally as Second Beach.
Seasonal beach passes may be required to park at Middletown’s beaches. They are available in person at the gazebo at the intersection of Hanging Rock Road and Sachuest Point Road as well as online . But beware: Online passes aren't available for pickup at the gazebo until 48 hours after purchase.
Parking at other popular beaches
Other popular beaches, such as Narragansett Town Beach, may not have online updates about parking availability. According to Narragansett’s Parks and Recreation Department, during busier days the West Lot – which is open to nonresidents – fills up around 11 a.m. Only town residents can park in the North and South Lots – except on weekdays after 1 p.m., when the South Lot is open to nonresidents. These lots usually have space available unless it is a very busy holiday.
Seasonal parking passes are $50 per sticker and require a photo ID, vehicle registration and proof of residence or taxpayer status. West Lot parking rates are $15 on weekends and holidays and $10 on weekdays.
This story will be updated with more information about parking availability.
This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Heading to the beach in RI? Here's how to check parking availability online
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