If you’re craving a front-row seat to nature’s raw power, the Town of Middletown just dropped a must-watch drone flyover video showcasing Second Beach during a spectacular King Tide event. Filmed on October 9, 2025, and shared on October 15, this jaw-dropping footage captures the Atlantic’s surging waves crashing closer to the dunes than ever, offering a rare glimpse of Rhode Island’s coastline in full fall glory. For those how haven’t been, Second Beach is just a short drive from Newport and is a great spot both in and out of season. Check out the video below!
King Tides, the year’s highest astronomical tides, hit their peak in October when the sun, moon, and Earth align to amplify ocean levels. In Rhode Island, tides reached up to 1.1 feet above normal from October 7-9, 2025, creating a dynamic shoreline spectacle. The RI King Tides Initiative notes these events not only stun with their beauty but also spotlight coastal vulnerabilities like erosion – a critical insight for eco-conscious visitors exploring New England’s shores. This month, high tides are drawing adventurers from Narragansett Bay to Cape Cod, making Second Beach a prime spot for photographers, surfers, and nature lovers alike.
Video Credit: Town of Middletown
Want to stay close to the beach? Check Newport hotel availability here.
The drone footage sweeps over Second Beach’s mile-long sands along Sachuest Bay, revealing waves slamming against grassy dunes under October’s vibrant skies. For Newport tourists, it’s a short drive from Cliff Walk or the Gilded Age mansions, making it an easy add-on to your fall itinerary. Picture a morning marveling at this coastal show, followed by birdwatching at Sachuest Point or hiking Purgatory Chasm nearby.
