East Matunuck State Beach | |
Map: | USA Rhode Island |
Map Size: | 280 |
Relief: | 1 |
Location: | South Kingstown, Rhode Island, United States |
Coordinates: | 41.3764°N -71.5286°W |
Area Acre: | 144 |
Elevation: | 3feet |
Established: | 1956 |
Operator: | Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management Division of Parks & Recreation |
Website: | East Matunuck State Beach |
East Matunuck State Beach is a public recreation area encompassing on the shore of Block Island Sound in the town of South Kingstown, Rhode Island. The state beach offers picnicking, ocean swimming, and beach activities. It is open seasonally.
At the east end of the beach lies the small village of Jerusalem. Jutting out from the beach is the stone breakwater that protects Point Judith Pond and harbor. It was built in 1914.
The state began securing the area through condemnation proceedings beginning in 1956. An additional 36acres parcel was purchased in 1967. A beach pavilion featuring concessions, bathrooms, changing stalls, and a lifeguard tower was built at a cost of $4.5 million and opened in May 2012.