4 Best Sights in Newport County and East Bay, Rhode Island

A ¾-mile-long surfing beach, Easton's has a boardwalk, vintage carousel, aquarium, and playground. Public facilities include restrooms, indoor and outdoor showers, an elevator, and beach wheelchairs for people with disabilities. The snack bar's twin lobster rolls are very popular (and a great deal). Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; parking (fee); showers; toilets. Best for: swimming; walking.

The largest coastal fortress in the United States can be found at this park, which hosts Newport's annual folk and jazz festivals and sailing events like the Ocean Race. The nonprofit Ft. Adams Trust offers a varied schedule of guided tours of the fort, where soldiers lived from 1841 to 1950. Tours take in the fort's overlooks and underground tunnels, as well as its impressive walls. The views of Newport Harbor and Narragansett Bay are exquisite. The park also includes the Sail Newport marina, where boating lessons and rentals are available, and Eisenhower House, the summer White House of President Dwight D. Eisenhower.

Located just over the town line in Middletown and more commonly known as Second Beach, this mile-long sandy beach is known for its lively surf--the western end, aptly known as Surfer's End, attracts many surfers. Surfboard and standup paddleboard rentals are available. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; parking (fee); showers; toilets. Best for: surfing; swimming; walking; sunsets.

Located near the mouth of the Sakonnet River in Middletown, Third Beach is more peaceful than other nearby ocean beaches and a great spot for families and windsurfers. It has grills, picnic tables, and a shade structure near the boat ramp. You'll find gear rentals near the south end. Amenities: parking (fee); lifeguards. Best for: swimming; walking; windsurfing.