Providence to Newport Ferry
 

Hi, I'm taking the ferry to Newport on Aug.11, and apparently it docks at Perrotti Park there in Newport...question: is there a beach within walking distance to swim in? I'm dying to take a dip in the balmy August Atlantic Ocean (I'm from Oregon, where the beaches/ocean are undeniably gorgeous, but the h2O temp is frigid even in July:-)...any other tips about what to do in the vicinity (keeping in mind we'll be car-less)?...Thanks much!!

The ferry docks right in the harbor near the visitors center from which all the transportation busses (search www.ripta.com (Rhode Island public transit)) that will circle the island take you to beach, mansions, Cliff Walk.
To answer your question, no there is not a good public beach within walking distance. It is about a mile to Easton's Beach.

As John stated, go to the RIPTA site and look up seasonal trolleys. You'll have to walk (not far) to the visitor center and take the trolley to the beginning of the cliffwalk and walk a short distance to Easton's beach (1st beach) or rent a bike at Ten speed spokes (close to the visitor center). If you have time you may want to check out 2nd beach which is about 10 minutes away and is much nicer than Eastons beach. You could bike or take a cab.
Good luck!

fyi....it's the 61/Orange Line Trolley, and it goes all the way to second beach...leaves from the Gateway Center (Next to the Mariott every hour at 15 past.)

http://www.ripta.com/schedules/view.php

Thanks a lot--great ideas! I'm also thinking about going to the Intl. Tennis Hall of Fame there in Newport, so I can feel like I'm at Wimbledon (grass courts) and do my best John McEnroe...McEnroe? I'm getting old!;-)