Overview
East Matunuck is a seaside village that is part of South Kingstown, in Rhode Island. It is home to East Matunuck State Beach.
4 sights · 3 things to do · 4 places to eat
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about East Matunuck
East Matunuck State Beach
A Rhode Island State Beach that is not typically overcrowded family beach. The parking lots are a 3-5 minute walk to the beach. Many local surfers go here for the exceptional waves. At the coast guard house there are als…
Potters Pond
Access is off of Wakamo Park (697 Succotash Rd.) The pond offers beautiful views of foliage in the fall. One can also explore Sugar and Sycamore Coves by this access point. Kayak and boat rentals are available at Wakamo …
Ocean Avenue
Although Ocean Ave. is accessible only by the "Matunuck" exit off of Rt. 1, it ends right where East Matunuck State Beach begins. If walking the entire length of the beach interests you, this is a good starting point. Th…
State Pier Dock
This is a great place for fishing and viewing the boats moving in and out of the marina. There is a small sandy beach next to the dock that is quiet and a pleasant place for young children to play. It’s also commonly kno…
Succotash Marsh Management Area
Off of Succotash road, North of East Matunuck Beach lies 145 acres of salt marsh. This is a good area for bird watching. It is refuge to many Egrets, Herons, Plovers, Sandpipers, Gulls, Ducks, and Osprey. Rhode Island De…
Brousseau Park
A safe and clean park, on the left before the fork in the road. The left side of the fork leads to Snug Harbor and Kenport Marina, the right side of the fork leads to the state beach and Jerusalem point. The park has a b…
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: May–Oct. Summer highs reach about 83°F; winter lows dip to about 22°F. Cold months (Jan) can bring snow and ice; check road conditions. Wettest: Oct and Mar. (climate data from nearby Narragansett)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- WST Westerly State Airport, Westerly — 14 mi away. Directions
- NPT Newport State Airport, Newport — 17 mi away. Directions
- PVD Rhode Island T. F. Green International Airport, Providence/Warwick — 25 mi away (major hub). Directions
Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Sample 2-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning East Matunuck State Beach, Succotash Marsh Management Area, Matunuck Marina
- Lunch Cap'n Jack's
- Afternoon Potters Pond, State Pier Dock
- Dinner Matunuck Oyster Bar
Day 2
- Morning Brousseau Park
- Lunch Jim's Dock
- Dinner Skip's Dock
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Get in
- By car: Off Route 1 North in South County. The exit is labeled "Jerusalem/East Matunuck" and is after the "Matunuck" exit.
Get around
Succotash Rd is the main street of the community.
See
See East Matunuck State Beach
A Rhode Island State Beach that is not typically overcrowded family beach. The parking lots are a 3-5 minute walk to the beach. Many local surfers go here for the exceptional waves. At the coast guard house there are also showers and a place to buy snack food and drinks. A few hundred feet past the coast guard house there are sand dunes people can walk up to get to the beach if they have a different place to park. This is good if you want a beach with more room to spread out and relax.
See Ocean Avenue
Although Ocean Ave. is accessible only by the "Matunuck" exit off of Rt. 1, it ends right where East Matunuck State Beach begins. If walking the entire length of the beach interests you, this is a good starting point. There is not a parking lot at the end of Ocean Ave.
See State Pier Dock
This is a great place for fishing and viewing the boats moving in and out of the marina. There is a small sandy beach next to the dock that is quiet and a pleasant place for young children to play. It’s also commonly known as “Jerusalem”. Down the road past Jim’s and Skip’s dock there is a very large dock with beach on one side. On the side closer to the restaurant’s it is still considered state beach. On the other side it is considered private property but the house there hasn’t been occupied in years so again, people ignore the sign. Many people fish and jump off the dock during the summer. It’s also a great place to fish by spear or net under the dock for eels, rock crab, small flounder, and a decent amount of bass. Legally to spearfish here you are supposed to have a license. The dock is almost always full of half broken lobster traps, and usually where you will find either a stray or just lost dog. Down the road from the dock another 100 yards or so there is the fish and wildlife building that is usually empty. The path behind it isn’t so much wild life as it is a two-mile dirt and sand road leading to a dozen or so small houses.
See Succotash Marsh Management Area
Off of Succotash road, North of East Matunuck Beach lies 145 acres of salt marsh. This is a good area for bird watching. It is refuge to many Egrets, Herons, Plovers, Sandpipers, Gulls, Ducks, and Osprey. Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management has an office here. There are educational walks on request. Duck hunting is permitted during fall season.
Do
Do Brousseau Park
A safe and clean park, on the left before the fork in the road. The left side of the fork leads to Snug Harbor and Kenport Marina, the right side of the fork leads to the state beach and Jerusalem point. The park has a basketball court which is rather active in the summer time with pickup basketball games. The park includes a soccer field, and small baseball diamond. There are soccer games young and old almost every single weekend between spring and fall. Little league baseball games are played very often here as well. Between the basketball courts and the soccer field there is also a very small playground.
Do Potters Pond
Access is off of Wakamo Park (697 Succotash Rd.) The pond offers beautiful views of foliage in the fall. One can also explore Sugar and Sycamore Coves by this access point. Kayak and boat rentals are available at Wakamo Park and nearby marinas.
Buy
Shop Snug Harbor Marina
Snug Harbor Marina is a full service marina that carries saltwater fishing bait and tackle, including products from Penn International, St. Croix, Old Harbor Outfitters, Grundens and Gibb's Lures. The tackle shop also offers charter boat fishing booking and daily fishing reports. During the summer hours, the marina offers a full service fuel dock featuring Valvetec Marine Fuels. Aside from fishing needs, the marina also has a fish market that features daily caught fish and lobsters.
Eat
Eat Cap'n Jack's
A staple for South County locals. The large menu and dining area makes this a great place for big groups. Outdoor pick-up window makes it convenient for those in a hurry or looking to eat at the beach or nearby marinas. Plates are $10-30. Bus tours with a meal are offered for groups. To the left of the main dining building is a small offshoot that specifically sells various desserts.
Eat Jim's Dock
A fun local place with good seafood. Plates are $5-15. BYOB. Outdoor seating overlooking the marina is available. The easy-going atmosphere and close proximity to the State Pier Dock makes this a family favorite. This is also a good place to schedule fishing charters, or a day long boat cruise.
Eat Matunuck Oyster Bar
A great place for fresh seafood. Oysters are farm raised in the pond adjacent to the restaurant. Costumers can watch oysters being harvested as they dine. Plates are $15-30. Outdoor seating overlooking the oyster pond is available. Right outside the restaurant there is a small bridge which has always been a popular place for young people to jump off during high tides. Across the water there is a row of private homes with dock access as well. There is a sign that says no jumping, but like every sign in the area, people see this as almost an invitation to do the opposite. Fishing next to the no fishing sign, jumping off next to the no jumping sign, or parking directly under the no parking sign. Farm tours are available. Touring the farm is an educational and enjoyable experience for the entire family.
Eat Skip's Dock
A quaint seafood market near the State Pier Dock. Prices vary with market. This is a good place for those looking to get food on the run.
Sleep
See Matunuck or South Kingstown or Wakefield (Rhode Island).
Go next
Nearby
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