Sand Hill Cove Beach

This week we went to a local beach, Roger Wheeler or Sand Hill Cove with the kids. On Tuesday night we went late- entering the beach around 5pm. In RI, after 5pm, the beaches are free to get onto. The only problem is that the lifeguards go off duty at 6pm, and the pavilion closes (so no showers or bathrooms). Sand Hill Cove is a great beach for kids. I returned with friends on Wednesday for the afternoon. It's $6 for residents of RI ($7 on weekends) per car.
There is a large breakwater at this beach- giant rock walls that prevent the big waves from reaching the shore. This is to protect the harbor (fishing boats and the Block Island Ferry are docked here) and Pt Judith Pond. You can also go to the Salty Brine State Beach in Gallilee. It is also protected by the breakwater. It's a much smaller beach that you access from the Gallilee Escape Road off Rt 108.

At both these beaches, the waves are smallish and the water doesn't get deep until you are way out past the groynes. I remember going to Sand Hill Cove beach as a child and not being afraid of the waves.

If you are someone who brings a cart to the beach to carry all your gear, you will need to park either at the far left or to the right of the center of the Pavilion, as these are the only places where there is a ramp. The other entrances are by stairs. Unless you plan to sit far away from the water (and if you have small children, you'll want to be down in front), you should get a beach cart so you can carry your gear down to the water.

Prices at the Pavilion are not too expensive: a hotdog cost in the $2 range, a doughboy $3 (but it's a big one). There are drinks (sodas, coffee, water) and candy. Some ice cream is available. They also have frozen lemonade (their own brand, I gather, not Dells or others found commonly around). The bathrooms are icky, but I have yet to find a public beach where they aren't- wear flip flops or some type of shoes. You have to pay 25 cents for 3 minutes of water and a place to change inside. Otherwise there is a free public outdoor shower with cold water (the water inside, I was informed, is not heated either).

We always have a great time when we go. Bring sand toys- this beach is great for digging and making sandcastles (the waves don't destroy them like at other beaches). There were older kids looking for creatures in the rocks, but don't climb on them- the lifeguards have to keep you off of them.

If you want more waves, try  East Matunuk or Misquamicut State Beaches.