Goddard Memorial State Park —
Your Complete Guide
Nearly 490 acres of lawns, groves and shoreline on Greenwich Bay in Warwick, free to enter, with a lifeguarded beach, golf, bridle trails and picnic fields.
What is Goddard Memorial State Park?
Goddard Memorial State Park is a free Rhode Island state park of nearly 490 acres on Greenwich Cove and Greenwich Bay in the Potowomut section of Warwick. It is open sunrise to sunset every day, and it has a saltwater beach with seasonal lifeguards, Rhode Island's only state-run golf course, 18 miles of bridle trails, 355 picnic tables and a carousel pavilion rented for weddings and events.
RI DEM calls Goddard Rhode Island's most popular Metropolitan Park. It was a family estate, given to the state in 1927 in memory of Colonel Robert Hale Ives Goddard, and it opened in 1930 (history). The old estate's lawns, fields and groves of specimen trees from around the world are still the heart of the park.
Entry, parking and the beach are free — RI DEM says there are no fees to access beaches within state parks. Plan ahead for picnics: from April 1 to October 31 every picnic table, shelter and field needs a permit, booked through the park office (how to reserve). Dogs are welcome on a leash of six feet or less, but not on the beach from April 1 to September 30 (dog rules).
Goddard Memorial State Park at a Glance
What to Do at Goddard Park
DEM lists swimming, golf, equestrian trails, hiking, walking and running, saltwater fishing, picnicking, game fields and concerts.
The Beach
A free, non-surf saltwater beach with a bathhouse and lifeguards from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., in season, as staffing allows.
Beach Guide →
Golf
Rhode Island's only state-run course: 9 holes, par 36, $15 weekdays and $20 weekends. Tee times by phone only.
Rates & Tee Times →
Horseback Riding
Guided rides with C and L Stables on 18 miles of bridle trails, for riders 7 and up, including a private beach ride.
Trail Rides →
Picnics
355 picnic tables, 11 game fields and four shelters, with permits April to October and same-day grove sites.
Sites & Prices →
Weddings & Events
The Carousel Performing Arts Center rents for $350 per day. Book at least a year ahead.
The Carousel →
Dogs
DEM lists Goddard as pet-friendly. Keep dogs on a six-foot leash and off the beach from April through September.
Dog Rules →Trails at Goddard Park
Mileage from RI DEM. The bridle trails are unpaved and shared with horses; DEM does not publish named loops.
Woods and old estate groves; walkers, runners and riders share them.
How to Get to Goddard Memorial State Park
One main entrance on Ives Road, free parking throughout the park.
Entrance
1095 Ives Road, Warwick, RI 02818. Permit office by the main entrance. Parking guide.
Reservations
Picnic sites, shelters and fields April 1–October 31. Sites and prices.
Park Office
RI DEM, open 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Phone (401) 884-2010, ext. 1.
Nearby in Warwick
Warwick has more of the bay to see: Oakland Beach and Warwick City Park's Buttonwoods Beach are city beaches; Rocky Point State Park is the old amusement park reopened as a passive-use park with the 1964 World's Fair arch; Conimicut Light stands offshore from Conimicut Point; and Pawtuxet Village hosts Gaspee Days every spring. Compare Warwick's beaches or see things to do in Warwick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Goddard Memorial State Park free?
Yes. There is no entrance or parking fee, and RI DEM says there are no fees to access beaches within state parks. You pay only for reserved picnic sites, shelters and fields (April 1 to October 31), golf, and the carousel pavilion.
Where is Goddard Memorial State Park?
At 1095 Ives Road in the Potowomut section of Warwick, Rhode Island, on Greenwich Cove and Greenwich Bay. RI DEM's map gives the mailing address as East Greenwich, RI 02818.
Is Goddard State Park the same as Goddard Memorial State Park?
Yes. "Goddard Park", "Goddard State Park" and "Goddard Memorial State Park" all mean the same RI DEM park on Ives Road in Warwick. Its full name honours Colonel Robert Hale Ives Goddard.
Can you swim at Goddard Memorial State Park?
Yes. The park has a non-surf saltwater beach with lifeguards on duty in season from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., as staffing allows. RIDOH sometimes closes the swimming area after high bacteria readings; check its Beach Viewer map or call 401-222-2751.
Are dogs allowed at Goddard Memorial State Park?
Yes, on a leash no longer than 6 feet. Dogs are not allowed on the beach from April 1 to September 30.
What are the hours at Goddard Memorial State Park?
Sunrise to sunset, every day of the year. The park office is open 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., phone (401) 884-2010, ext. 1.
Can you camp at Goddard Memorial State Park?
No. Goddard is a day-use park that closes at sunset, and RI DEM lists no camping there.