Anonymous wrote:Ugh none, keep driving.

Where do you go, Virginia beach?

Thanks for all the recommendations!

Ugh none, keep driving.

I have only been to Newport but I think it's a great town--beautiful beach and the town itself is cute. And lots of non-beach things to do as well.

We stayed at the Howard Johnson a few minutes from town and it was in that price range. I know many on DCUM would scoff at that brand---I went in with low expectations and was very pleased. Its hard to find a place at that time of year for a two-night stay but this was a great find.

FWIW, watch Hill is where Taylor Swift has a house. Very different vibe than the Narragansett area, which is more like cute beach town. Then there’s Newport, which is also totally different. If you’re hoping to go for a couple days, make it a weekday because most places are booked up all summer in Rhode Island.

You can get under $400 in August in the Westerly/Misquamicut area. I don’t know that you’ll find it cute. And it’s not uncrowded. You have to be ok with kitschy beachside inns and motels. That’s the vibe. Sandy Shore Motel is perfectly fine. You’d may have to up your budget a bit for The Hotel Maria. That’s one’s nice. Good food is a short drive away in downtown Westerly. The rich, rich people are down the way at Watch Hill. We always stopped there for some shopping.

Newport. Easton beach is greatz

Narragansett at the Shore House. If you are staying mid week then you can get for just under $400. Weekends are likely booked.

Watch Hil is a really cute town that will definitely have nice hotels. Misquamicut State Beach is the biggest beach and probably the best for swimming, etc. Probably have lifeguards but can't really remember. It's close to Watch Hill.

It's Rhode Island anyway, everything is fairly close.

Newport is awesome (DS went to boarding school there) but hotels will be pricey in August.

https://maconthemap.com/2025/06/15/rhode-island-beaches/

OP here, this will be in mid-August.

We're doing a bit of a road trip and are stopping in Rhode Island for a couple of days. I want a beach with lifeguards and waves that's safe for swimming. Not too crowded of a beach and a cute town would be a bonus. Recommendations for specific hotels would be great too, max $400 a night. Thanks!!!