National park · United States
Goddard Memorial State Park
Visit Goddard Memorial State Park: spend a morning at the beach and picnic area (free entry, $2 table fee) or a full afternoon playing golf ($12‑$14) and horse riding; go in summer for warm weather and open facilities.
- Source checked
- A source and a date are on record: we read it from an official or published page. Not yet confirmed on the ground.
- Field checked
- Someone checked it on the ground, with the date shown.
- Plan calculated
- Worked out by Voykit from its own data (times, distances, budgets). A calculation, not a measurement.
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Map to the park
Add your hotel to get directions from it. · stays in this browser; shared with the pocket card.
Area
2 km² (1 sq mi)1 sq mi (2 km²)
approximate
Established
1930
Best months
Apr–Aug
UNESCO
None
Rules in force · 7Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- United States ↗Check whether you need an ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) or a visa on the official CBP and State Department sites; apply only through esta.cbp.dhs.gov, not third-party sites, and allow time before you book.
- United States ↗Several popular national parks use timed-entry or vehicle reservations in peak season; check each park's page on nps.gov and book on recreation.gov before fixing your dates.
- United States ↗Medical care is very expensive for visitors; buy travel insurance with high medical cover before you fly.
- United States ↗Tipping is expected: about 15–20% at sit-down restaurants and bars, and a tip for taxis, hotel staff and guides.
At a glance
- Country
- United States
- Area
- 2 km² (1 sq mi)1 sq mi (2 km²)
- Park size 489.2 acres (approx. 2 km²).
- Established
- 1930
- Best months
- Apr–Aug
- Permits
- Not needed
- Base
- Providence
Goddard Memorial State Park offers a coastal New England experience with a beach, picnic fields, a 9‑hole golf course, and 18 mi of bridle trails, all within a compact 489‑acre setting near Providence.
Decide
Why go, which months, and what lives here when
At a glance
Status
- No UNESCO listing; national park since 1930.
Size and age
2 km² (1 sq mi)1 sq mi (2 km²) · national park since 1930
Park size 489.2 acres (approx. 2 km²).
This page covers the park itself. Nearest base: Providence.
Why go
- Beach shoreline for swimming and walks.
- Picnic fields with rentable tables and a large shelter.
- 9‑hole golf course open April‑November.
- 18 mi of bridle trails for horse riding.
When to go
- JanCaution
- FebCaution
- MarGo
- AprBest
- MayBest
- JunBest
- JulBest
- AugBest
- SepGo
- OctGo
- NovCaution
- DecCaution
- JanCold, windy; beach less appealing.
- FebCold, occasional snow.
- MarMilder, early spring.
- AprPleasant temps, golf season starts.
- MayWarm, ideal for all activities.
- JunWarm, full summer opening.
- JulHot, beach and golf at peak.
- AugHot, high visitor numbers.
- SepWarm, crowds thin.
- OctCooler, golf still open.
- NovCool, golf closes end of month.
- DecCold, limited beach use.
Wildlife and nature calendar
| What | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Local songbirds and small mammalsMar–Oct · Typical New England park fauna. | no | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no |
Arrive & move
Getting in, how the park is divided, and where things are
Show 3 sectionsHideHow to get there, Zones and sectors, Sketch map
How to get there
Zones and sectors
| Zone | What is there | Access |
|---|---|---|
| Beach | Sandy shoreline for swimming and walking. | Open year‑round. |
| Picnic Area | Fields with tables; shelter for larger groups. | Open year‑round; rentals available. |
| Carousel Performing Arts Center | Indoor venue for events. | Reservation required. |
| Potowomut Golf Club | 9‑hole course, April‑Nov. | Pay per round. |
| Bridle Trails | 18 mi of horse‑riding paths. | Open year‑round. |
Sketch map
Take the points offline
3 points as a GPX waypoint file, plus a plain-text list of coordinates. Save it while you have signal: maps apps show the points without a connection.
Coordinates based on park headquarters; other points approximate.
See & do
Caves, trails and wildlife, with how hard each is and whether it needs booking
Show Top experiencesHide
Top experiences
Practical
Fees, permits, rules, where to sleep and what can go wrong
Show 8 sectionsHideEntry fees and permits, Park rules, Where to stay, Safety, Accessibility, Visiting lightly, Questions people ask, Related
Entry fees and permits
| Item | Range | Per | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Park entry | Free | person | Free entry (check). |
| Picnic table rental | US$2 | table | — |
| Picnic shelter rental | US$35 | use | — |
| Golf 9‑hole round (weekday) | US$12 | person | — |
| Golf 9‑hole round (weekend/holiday) | US$14 | person | — |
| Carousel venue reservation (non‑profit) | US$100 | day | — |
| Carousel venue reservation (other) | US$200 | day | — |
Ranges, not quotes: fees change without notice. Check with the park or your operator · checked Sep 2026.
Park entry no permit
What would our group pay?
People
Nights or days
- US$2
- US$35
- US$12
- US$14
- US$100
- US$200
Tick the fees that apply to your trip to see a total.
A guide, not a quote: the ranges are estimates (checked 2026-09) and each fee may have rules on who pays it. Confirm on Wikidata – Goddard Memorial State Park before you go.
Park rules
- Pets
- Dogs allowed on leash; clean up after them.check
- Alcohol
- Only in designated picnic areas.check
- Fire pits
- Open fires prohibited; use provided grills.check
Where to stay
Near the park
Providence hotels
Range of budget to upscale options, ~30 km (19 mi) away.Range of budget to upscale options, ~19 mi (30 km) away.
Safety
Heat on beach low
Golf course hazards low
How much daylight do you have?
Time out
Finding the local time zone…
Times are local to the spot (zone loading). The half-hour margin is our rule of thumb, not an official figure; light fades earlier in forest or under cloud. Carry a headlamp on any route that could run late.
Accessibility
- Beach boardwalks have firm surfaces; picnic fields are level.
- Golf course and bridle trails have uneven terrain; not wheelchair‑friendly.
Visiting lightly
- Use designated trash bins; pack out all litter.
- Rent equipment (golf clubs, horses) from park‑approved providers.
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to enter Goddard Memorial State Park?
Entry is free; fees apply for picnic tables, the shelter, golf rounds and event venue reservations.
What are the best hikes in Goddard Memorial State Park?
The park focuses on beach, picnic, golf and horse‑riding rather than marked hiking trails.
When is the best time to visit Goddard Memorial State Park?
Late spring through early fall (April‑October) offers warm weather and full facility access.
Can I bring my dog to Goddard Memorial State Park?
Yes, dogs are allowed on leashes; clean up after them.
Is there camping at Goddard Memorial State Park?
No overnight camping is provided within the park.
Deep dive
Every source; fees and rules change, so check before you go
Show the detailsHide
Ask about Goddard Memorial State Park
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