Goddard Memorial State Park

One of my favorite parks in RI. I actually learned how to swim at the beach there. The land is picturesque and vast on 489.2 acres. There are forests, golf course, fields, 18 miles of equestrian/walking trails, picnic tables, and an arts center. The park is open all year from sunrise to sunset. Parking at the beach area is decent but can be full during the summer. I liked to go around 5 pm in the summer since it's not too busy at that time.

The beach was clean but the water has a bit of seaweed; it overlooks the Narragansett Bay. I've walked the trails in the woods and it's peaceful. I've snowshoed in the winter and that was also beautiful. It's a great place to have a picnic and chill. Definitely another RI gem.

We visited here back in august of 2023. The beach was empty when we arrived.There was 2 other people on bach around 9:30 am. the beach itself was fairly clean but the rocks and pebbles that you had to cross to get in water were torture.. No waves to speak of as this is on inland side of RI. The only highlight was a man who was metal detecting and showed us a gold ring he had found while we were there.Also the beach house was closed so you couldn't use the facilities there. The only had a few portable toilets which were gross! Wish i could have given them a better review..and one other thing no lifeguard on duty.

This vast expanse of park is a joy for people who love to stroll along the beach path and watch the marina with its wealth of bird life. A native spotted us with our big camera and assumed that we were bird watchers. He pointed out a hawk perched on the mast of a nearby boat. Later we spotted a group of cormorants. The western end of the park was two minutes from our lodging, and a joy to behold. The magnificent sunset brought out a group of nature lovers, including us. On a later trip, we took advantage of a farmer's market near the entrance. The good vibes here seemed to infect every other visitor we met. We hope to return to East Greenwich and pick up where we left off with this excellent park.

Nice park to walk around in. There's the small beach area and actual trails. Plenty of picnic spot areas for large parties and group and plenty of parking.

Only thing to watch out for is the trails have a TON of horse poop. Not sure if it's meant for pedestrians because the amount of poop that we have to try to not step in was like every second. Very hard to do when you're trying to take in the scenery and beauty of the park.

Otherwise, great picnic areas and scenery on a beautiful day!

Nice little beach, very clean, plenty of parking, not crowded. Water is clean but not transparent. Too shallow :-(

Beautiful beach on the coast of Warwick. Very small beach that is easily overlooked. There are only about 10 parking spots in the area I went. No life guards were present since the water is shallow. I went out about 100 yards and the water was still up to my stomach. If you're trying to warm your kids up to the water. This place is perfect since the water wouldn't be as "scary". Hardly anybody was here when I went during the week. The amount of space from the sand to the water is not that spacious either. Still a wonderful free beach.

I've been to this park on several occasions and I do find it a little bit confusing. I think I need to go more often to find out exactly how much and what is here. Certainly more than I know of. We went out to visit the boat ramp and it was lovely. We watched the boats come in and out and it was just a nice time. Mike stick his feet in the water because he is brave but I didn't. Nice boat ramp and pretty section of the park.

What a nice little get away in your own back yard. This is a large park with lots of area for picnicking, walking, or hanging out on the beach.
On our most recent visit many people were wearing face masks if they were near other's. There were a good number however who were without masks, sitting on benches overlooking the ocean, or walking on the paths and beach. Just bring your mask and plan to keep your distance.

We normally start with a walk along the beach and then move onto the wooded paths. This past week there are two large trees that have fallen from the woods into the ocean, creating an obstacle on the beach. Looks like someone cut away a few of the branches so you can walk 'under' the tree at the water line.

The paths in the wooded areas are cool and normally quiet. There used to be swans but I did not see them this time. It can be 'buggy' in there too, so if you tend to be bothered by flying things plan to bring your repellent. On cooler days, a walk in the open fields under the sun is nice. There is lots of open space for letting the fur babies and kids tire themselves out. Just be sure to pick up after the fur baby if they heed the call of nature.

If you want to have a get together in the park, pavilions are available for rent. We attended a party here some years ago and rented two spots. Unfortunately, the particular one's our host had reserved were already taken when she arrived and the occupants didn't care that she had paid in advance for those spots. Just be aware you should either plan to come early, or you may need to call in NPS enforcement.

I've never used the concessions, but did use the restrooms once and they were pretty much what you would expect from a Nat'l park. Basic. There is one area of the beach for swimming only and a life guard is on duty in the summer. Other areas of the beach may have boats anchored in the water.

Goddard has always hit the mark for us, no matter the activity.

Whether it's been taking our pup through the network of wood trails, going for a solo run, hanging out by the beach area or going on longer walks with our little one, we've never not had a bad time here.

Just be mindful that come nicer weather, this park is well trafficked and you might have to do a little searching to find a quiet corner if that is what you are looking for.

You really can continue to come back here and find out new spots, things to do, etc.

Great place to come take a walk and relax. Love the trail that is parallel with the beach. Bathrooms are clean. Many people hold parties here. Carousel and pony rides($5) are available.