The 1856 lighthouse tower was constructed using granite blocks to replace the earlier wood-frame structures.
The location is considered one of the best sites in New England for storm watching during winter nor'easters.
The park's unique 'beaver tail' shape is formed by the convergence of the West Passage and East Passage of Narragansett Bay.
The site was historically used by the military for harbor defense, and remnants of World War II-era observation bunkers are still visible.
The rocky tide pools host a variety of marine life, including sea anemones, hermit crabs, and periwinkles.
The lighthouse is equipped with a fourth-order Fresnel lens, which has been in continuous use for maritime navigation.
Beavertail State Park is situated at the southernmost point of Conanicut Island in Jamestown, Rhode Island, extending into the entrance of Narragansett Bay. The park is renowned for its panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and the rocky coastline. The site hosts the historic 1856 Beavertail Lighthouse, which replaced the original 1749 tower, making it the third-oldest lighthouse site in the United States. Visitors access the park via a perimeter road that encircles the peninsula, providing proximity to various tidal pools and cliffside observation points. The landscape is characterized by its geological formations, including exposed granite outcroppings shaped by glacial activity. Fishing is permitted from the rocky shores, and the park serves as a significant site for migratory bird observation. There is no beach access for swimming due to the high-energy surf and hazardous currents. Facilities include an aquarium and a museum located within the lighthouse complex, operated by the Beavertail Lighthouse Museum Association. The park is managed by the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management.
The elevated rocky ledge facing the lighthouse from the western side of the point.
Bring binoculars to scan for seals on the nearby rocks during the winter months.
Wear sturdy, closed-toe footwear, as the terrain consists of uneven rocks and granite ledges.
Visit during low tide to safely explore the exposed tide pools.
Attempting to swim or wade in the water, as the rip currents are exceptionally dangerous.
The museum and aquarium exhibit areas are closed during winter months, though park grounds remain open year-round.
Stay on marked trails to protect fragile coastal vegetation; do not climb on restricted lighthouse structures.
