Peabody Beach

There’s no better time than the dead of winter, when thoughts turn to sunnier skies and warmer, longer days, to write a review about a beach. Today’s dose of escapism is found on a rural stretch of road in Middletown that leads to some of the more celebrated and crowded Newport beaches. If you find yourself heading down to spend a day amongst the waves, and you want a low-​key alternative to First Beach or Second Beach, stop a bit before you reach these destinations, and settle in for the day at Peabody Beach.
Peabody Beach is a semi-​private beach. It’s been in operation since 1901 and it offers bathhouse services to its seasonal patrons. Named after the family that has owned the beach for generations, it is located on the bayside, not the ocean, making it a safer choice for families with young children or simply for those who don’t want to get buffeted about by the mighty Atlantic surf. As you drive into the small dirt parking lot, Mr. Peabody himself may be there to accept your payment.
A row of white wooden huts lines the opposite side of the street, offering bathrooms to the general public, as well as a place to change and wash away the remains of the day before heading home.
The beach is small and peaceful, with a harbor view of nearby boats and day trippers out on the water. Here, it is easy to get lost in a book, or to bliss out to some music on your headphones, and forget the cares of the day. You won’t experience any significant traffic getting in and out of Peabody — that’s a treat reserved for the ocean lovers.
I’m an ocean lover personally – we are after all, the Ocean State. So Peabody doesn’t get my all-​time favorite award. But I appreciate it for its singular charms. This is the quaint, old New England beach that I imagine Katharine Hepburn would visit, were she staying in Newport for the summer: a lovely little hideaway for a no-​nonsense Yankee lady like Kate.