Counting the waves…
Counting the waves…
Fishermens Memorial sits tucked between the commercial bustle of Point Judith and the grand estates dotting Ocean Road—a pocket beach where the working waterfront still dictates the rhythm. You'll spread your blanket on coarse sand mixed with crushed quahog shells, the air carrying diesel exhaust from charter boats heading out and the brine of salt ponds warming in the sun. Families arrive with coolers and clamming rakes, staking territory near the bathhouse while toddlers patrol the tideline collecting periwinkles. The water here lacks the drama of the ocean beaches two miles south. Instead, you get a protected crescent where the harbor's chop barely reaches waist-high, warm enough by July that you'll stay in past the lifeguard's whistle. Striped bass chase baitfish along the rocks at dawn, and you'll watch charter captains motor past, close enough to read the boat names, while cormorants dry their wings on channel markers. What locals know: arrive before ten to claim the shaded tables beneath the pavilion, bring quarters for the outdoor shower that actually runs hot, and stay through the violet hour when Block Island ferries cut silhouettes against the sunset. The beach empties by seven, leaving you the shoreline and the rhythmic clang of halyards from the sailboats moored in the basin.
Places, rentals, tours and events within walking and driving distance of Fishermens Memorial State Park Shore.
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Fishermens Memorial State Park features calm, shallow waters ideal for families with young children. The protected cove setting creates gentler conditions compared to open ocean beaches. However, there are no lifeguards on duty, so supervision is essential. The beach has a gradual slope and sandy bottom, making it easier for kids to wade safely. Rocky areas exist near the edges, so water shoes are recommended. Always check current conditions before swimming, especially during rougher weather or high tide periods.
Summer months (June through August) offer warmest water temperatures and ideal swimming conditions, though this hidden gem rarely gets crowded. Early morning visits provide the calmest waters and best opportunities for tide pooling. Spring and fall attract fewer visitors while still offering pleasant beach walking and fishing opportunities. Winter visits are possible for scenic walks and wildlife watching, though facilities are limited during off-season months. Weekdays tend to be quieter than weekends year-round.
The park is located off Route 1A (Ocean Road) in Narragansett, approximately 5 miles south of downtown. On-site parking is available with spaces for both day visitors and campers. Rhode Island residents typically pay lower parking fees than out-of-state visitors during peak season. The lot provides direct beach access with a short walk to the shore. Parking can fill on summer weekends, so arriving before 10am is advisable during July and August.
The park features basic amenities including restrooms, picnic areas, and a campground with over 150 sites for RVs and tents. There's no on-site restaurant, but downtown Narragansett is roughly 10 minutes away, offering numerous seafood restaurants, cafes, and grocery stores. The famous Coast Guard House restaurant and Crazy Burger are popular nearby options. Beach amenities include outdoor showers and grills at picnic sites. For supplies, stop in Narragansett before arriving, as immediate surroundings are primarily residential.
Fishing is permitted and popular at Fishermens Memorial State Park, living up to its name. Shore fishing opportunities exist along the rocky areas flanking the beach, with catches including striped bass, bluefish, and flounder depending on season. A Rhode Island fishing license is required for anyone age 15 and older. The park's protected waters also make it suitable for launching small kayaks to access deeper fishing spots. Early morning and evening hours typically yield best results for shore-based anglers.
