Governor Dan McKee signed an executive order Wednesday at Rocky Point State Park designating Sunday, July 26, as Rhode Island’s 37th annual Governor’s Bay Day, offering free parking at all eight state surf beaches and free recreational saltwater fishing from Friday through Sunday.
RIPTA will waive the round-trip fare on the South County Express Beach Bus on Sunday, providing free express service from Central Falls, Cranston, North Providence, Pawtucket, Providence, and Woonsocket to Salty Brine, Roger Wheeler, and Scarborough State Beaches on a first-come, first-served basis.
Free parking on Bay Day Sunday will be available at Charlestown Breachway and East Beach in Charlestown, East Matunuck in South Kingstown, Misquamicut State Beach in Westerly, and Roger Wheeler, Salty Brine, Scarborough North, and Scarborough South in Narragansett.
License-free recreational saltwater fishing runs July 24 through 26, though size and possession limits still apply.
“Nothing beats a summer day on the bay,” McKee said. “Governor’s Bay Day is one of the summer’s best traditions — a chance for both Rhode Islanders and visitors to enjoy our beautiful state beaches or fish in Narragansett Bay, all free of charge.”
Bay Day was established in response to the 1989 World Prodigy Oil Spill as an annual reminder of Narragansett Bay’s importance and the need to protect it. Rhode Island’s beaches, parks, trails, and fishing draw more than 9 million visitors a year and contribute an estimated $315 million to the state economy.
