Roger Wheeler State Beach

Roger W. Wheeler State Beach (formerly and still sometimes referred to as Sand Hill Cove) is a public recreation area covering 27 acres (11 ha) on Block Island Sound in the town of Narragansett, Rhode Island.^[2] The area offers picnicking, ocean swimming, and a playground and is open seasonally.^[3][4]

Roger W. Wheeler State Beach
(2024)
Location in Rhode Island
Location	Narragansett, Rhode Island, United States
Coordinates	41°22′15″N 71°29′48″W[1]
Area	27 acres (11 ha)[2]
Elevation	13 ft (4.0 m)[1]
Established	1929
Administrator	Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management Division of Parks & Recreation
Website	Roger W. Wheeler State Beach

History

The beach became state property when it was seized from Tory sympathizers during the American Revolutionary War. Known as Sand Hill Cove, it became Rhode Island's first state beach when 27 acres were transferred to Metropolitan Park Commission in 1929. In 1970, the beach was renamed in honor of Captain Roger W. Wheeler (1907-1969), the founder of the Rhode Island State Life-Saving System.^[5]