Moonstone Beach(Trustom Pond National Wildlife Refuge)

Located in the town of South Kingstown within Washington County, Moonstone Beach is a two-mile-long beige sand beach with many pebbles.  The beach is part of the Trustom Pond National Wildlife Refuge, which preserves the fragile ecosystem and biodiversity of the region.  This barrier beach has a beautiful background of protected dunes and three saltwater ponds along the shores of Narragansett Bay, which together provide incredible views.  The beach is named after the unique moonstone pebbles that can be found along its shores.  These moonstone pebbles are small, pearly, and have an opalescent sheen, which is created from mineral deposits and is often used in jewelry.

Moonstone Beach does not have lifeguards or any other amenities, so plan your trip accordingly.

Moonstone Beach is a family-friendly beach that offers many fun activities, including swimming, sunbathing, fishing, hiking, birdwatching, surfing, kayaking, canoeing, and beachcombing.  If you are planning to go into the water, the waves are usually calm.  However, we recommend being careful, as water is known to have rip currents.  The water near the beach is shallow, making it ideal for kayaks, canoes, and small boats.  The beach is a perfect spot for beachcombing, as visitors can collect the moonstone pebbles, which are primarily composed of the mineral feldspar.  If you enjoy tidepooling, you may spot an array of marine life, making it a fascinating spot for nature enthusiasts.  It is also an ideal spot for windsurfing due to its frequently windy weather.  Hikers can enjoy the nearby hiking trails, which offer unique insights into the local biodiversity.   Moonstone Beach is perfect for visitors looking for a tranquil beach experience, as this beach sees fewer visitors than other nearby beaches.  Dogs are not allowed here as the beach is a nesting habitat for the piping plovers, and the beach is open from sunrise until sunset.  It is important to note that the beach is closed between April 1 and September 15 to protect the nesting piping plover in the area.

Moonstone Beach does not offer an access path for people with disabilities.

Getting to Moonstone Beach is easy - the beach has a free parking lot located at 1238 Moonstone Beach Road, which provides easy access to the beach.

Moonstone Beach was acknowledged as a nude beach for many years.  Today, it is no longer a nude beach but it is one of the most incredible beaches in Rhode Island, with its unique moonstone pebbles scattered along its shores.

There are many attractions near Moonstone Beach.  Trustom Pond National Wildlife Refuge is spread over 787 acres and features fields, shrublands, woodlands, sand dunes, freshwater ponds, and saltwater ponds.  It is also home to more than 300 bird species, more than 40 mammal species, and 20 species of reptiles and amphibians. It offers many fun activities, including hiking, bird watching, hunting, and fishing.  Point Judith Lighthouse is a 51-foot-high granite octagonal-shaped lighthouse built in 1856 and positioned on the western side of Narragansett Bay.  This coastal landmark is crucial for safe maritime navigation for vessels entering the waters of Point Judith.

Brenton Point State Park is a dog-friendly park spread over 89 acres and positioned where the Atlantic Ocean meets Narragansett Bay.  The park offers many other amenities, including restrooms, benches, a large playground, volleyball courts, picnic areas, picnic tables, walking trails, hiking trails, a stone observation tower, and a fishing pier. Kettle Pond Visitor Center offers interesting insight into the unique biodiversity of the Rhode Island region through exhibits, photographs, and a short film.  If you are looking for another nearby attraction, Fort Adams State Park has a 19th-century fort that was designed as a battery for coastal artillery to protect the entrance to Narragansett Bay, which played a significant role during World Wars I and II.  The state park offers many amenities including restrooms, picnic areas, picnic tables, a playground, walking trails, a fishing pier, and a nearby boat ramp.  In addition, it also hosts many concerts, festivals, and historical reenactments throughout the year.

If you get hungry, there are many great restaurants within a seven-minute drive of Moonstone Beach.  Matunuck Oyster Bar is an upscale restaurant that serves salads, soups, sandwiches, mussels, lobsters, and seafood.  The Coast Guard House Restaurant is another upscale restaurant that serves amazing soups, salads, pasta, seafood, meat, and poultry dishes.  Cap'n Jack's Restaurant serves amazing seafood, soups, salads, pizzas, sandwiches, burgers, and desserts.  George's of Galilee serves delicious seafood.  If you are looking for another good and affordable nearby restaurant, Arturo Joe's serves bruschetta, ravioli, salads, soups, wood-grilled pizzas, seafood, poultry dishes, and desserts.

If you are looking for a hotel near Moonstone Beach, there are many great options nearby.  If you are looking for an upscale beachfront hotel, the 5-Star The Chanler at Cliff Walk is 39 minutes away by car and offers many amenities including a fitness center, hot tubs, and a restaurant.  A more affordable hotel is the 4-Star Hilton Mystic, which offers several amenities including a heated indoor pool, a fitness center, and a restaurant.  Another moderately priced option is the 4-Star Mystic Marriott Hotel & Spa, which has many amenities including an indoor heated pool, a spa, a fitness room, a hot tub, and a restaurant.  A more reasonably priced option is the 3-Star Pleasant View Inn, which offers many amenities including an outdoor pool, a fitness center, and a seafood restaurant.  If you are looking for another good and affordable nearby hotel, the 3-Star Hampton Inn South Kingstown - Newport Area offers many amenities including an indoor pool, a fitness center, and complimentary breakfast.