Beavertail State Park: The perfect spot for picnics with a seaside view in Jamestown
Located at the end of 138 in Jamestown, Beavertail State Park is the perfect destination for when it’s not quite warm enough to go to the beach, but you’re craving beautiful seaside views. Or, if you’re looking for a quintessential Rhode Island spot to take out-of-town visitors, Beavertail has it all.
The park features multiple grassy plains that overlook the ocean and a stunning rocky coastline. It’s easy to find a quiet, seemingly untouched area of the park, as its land seems to wrap around the corner of Conanicut Island for ages. For the perfect early summer outing, pack a large tapestry, book and bathing suit, stop for sandwiches at East Ferry Deli by the Jamestown shore and drive up to Beavertail to lie on its rocks and picnic in the sun. The water is surprisingly clear, and you can often spot fish and other sea creatures where the rocks meet the Atlantic. With free and accessible parking, you can’t go wrong with a trip to Beavertail.
Atop the park’s rocky hill rests the modern Beavertail Lighthouse – the original one, built in 1749, was destroyed by fire in 1753, and a second lighthouse replaced it until the present-day one was built in 1856. The second lighthouse was a witness to the triangular trade route of the late 1700s and the Revolutionary War, during which it was partially damaged. Today, the lighthouse serves as a museum that is open free to the public. If the weather is nice, you can even climb to the top of the lookout tower.
In addition to the Revolutionary War, Beavertail – particularly Fort Burnside, a former military fort that still stands on the hill – served as a communication, transport, and sea protection site during World War II and the Cold War.
If you stay at the park late enough, you’ll be privy to beautiful lilac and coral hues swirling in the clear horizon above the shoreline. The sunset reflects into the water, making for a beautiful scene.
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This article originally appeared on Newport Daily News: What's Great Off 138: Beavertail State Park in Jamestown
