The Beavertail Lighthouse Museum at Beavertail State Park is open on Saturdays and Sundays from 10:30 AM to 4:30 PM. It is closed from Monday to Friday.
Admission to Beavertail State Park is free, with no entrance fees required.
From Newport: Cross the Newport Bridge, follow signs to Jamestown, then “Beavertail State Park” on E Shore Rd. From Providence: I-95 S → RI-4 S → RI-138 E → Jamestown Verrazzano Bridge → follow park signs. From NYC: I-95 N → RI-138 E → exit to Jamestown → park.
Parking at Beavertail State Park is free, with no fees or reservations needed. There are no designated RV camping spots, but cars and motorcycles can park. No overnight parking is allowed. Pets must be leashed.
Accessibility & permits
Emergency
- Cell service availability:Partial
Located at the southern tip of Jamestown on Conanicut Island, Beavertail State Park spans 153 acres of rugged shoreline, rocky cliffs, and tranquil meadows. Home to the historic Beavertail Lighthouse—one of America’s oldest—this park blends maritime heritage with natural beauty. Hike scenic coastal trails, explore tide pools at low tide, and visit the lighthouse museum to learn about nautical history and lighthouse technology. Whether you’re picnicking overlooking Narragansett Bay, birdwatching along the cliffs, or tracing World War II bunkers hidden among the rocks, Beavertail offers an unforgettable New England coastal escape.
- Area (mi²)
- 1
- Established year
- 1980
Top 3 Facts about Beavertail State Park
During World War II, the area was part of Fort Burnside, which included a HECP building constructed in 1943, located midway within the present northern boundaries, and disguised as a large seaside cottage called Bombproof Cottage C-1, standing at an elevation of 3.0 meters.
Geological Wonders: The park features 600-million-year-old metamorphic rock formations, revealing a glimpse of Earth’s ancient past.
Military History: WWII coastal defense bunkers and observation posts remain as silent sentinels along the shoreline.
Family programs
- Workshops & Hands-on Activities
- Scavenger Hunts
- Family Camping & Overnight
- Volunteer & Stewardship
- Arts & Crafts
- Water-based Adventures
Travel Tips
Plan Ahead
Check the coastal weather forecast before visiting, as conditions can change rapidly along the shore.
Pack Appropriately
Dress in layers and bring a windbreaker or waterproof jacket; sturdy shoes for rocky trails and tide pools are essential.
Respect Wildlife
Observe wildlife—shorebirds, seabirds, and small mammals—from a safe distance; do not feed or disturb animals.
Stay Informed
Consult local tide tables and plan a visit at low tide to explore rich tide pools and marine life safely.
Seasons
Spring brings mild temperatures (50–65°F), blooming wildflowers, and returning migratory birds; trails are quieter and tide pools teem with life.
Summer is peak season with warm, sunny days for tidepool exploration, picnicking, and lighthouse tours; expect crowds and book nearby lodging early.
Fall delivers cooler weather (55–70°F) and vibrant foliage along the bluffs; water remains swimmable and crowds thin after Labor Day, offering serene coastal hikes.
Winter offers dramatic seascapes, stark cliffs dusted with snow, and peaceful solitude; bundle up against coastal winds and check weather for storm-driven waves.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to dive into what Beavertail State Park has to offer? Let’s tackle some of the burning questions you might have as you plan your visit!
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The closest cities are Jamestown and Newport, both located in Rhode Island. Jamestown is where the park is situated, and Newport is nearby.
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The Beavertail Lighthouse Loop is the most family-friendly trail, offering a 2.3 mile loop that is mostly flat with woods and grass trails, free parking, and a lighthouse museum open seasonally. The trail has ocean and rocky coastline views, and dogs are allowed. However, be aware that ticks are prevalent and the rocks can be slippery.
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Dogs must be on a leash no longer than six feet. Owners are also required to clean up after their dogs.
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Parking is not free; there is an entrance fee. For Rhode Island residents, the fee is included in the state park pass, but for non-residents, there is a charge. Specific fees are not specified for this park, but general state park fees apply.
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The top attraction is the Beavertail Lighthouse, an active lighthouse that has been guiding mariners since 1749, with the current tower dating from 1856. This historic lighthouse is one of the oldest in the United States and offers a museum with exhibits on nautical history and lighthouse technology.
