The state park's main attraction is the active Beavertail Lighthouse, the current tower of which dates from 1856.

During World War II, the park area was part of Fort Burnside, one of several coastal fortifications designed to protect Narragansett Bay.

[4] A 58-foot wooden tower built in 1749, under the direction of architect Peter Harrison of Newport, burned down in 1753.

[7] Fort Burnside was established in 1942 as part of the Harbor Defenses of Narragansett Bay.

A large Army-Navy Harbor Entrance Control Post, disguised as a seaside mansion, was also built and still exists.