Are you planning a trip to New England this year? Here are 10 of the most exciting, scenic, and one-of-a-kind things to do in Rhode Island. These sights, activities, and attractions will undoubtedly provide an amazing vacation experience.
Rhode Island, known for its delicious seafood, is one of the original 13 colonies and thus has a vivid historical past. The Oceanic State’s propensity for adventure, on the other hand, makes it a crucial complement to any New England road trip itinerary. There are numerous activities available for thrill-seeking visitors.
There is no shortage of places to see and things to do in Rhode Island, from Providence to Narragansett Bay, from Newport cliff walks to the beautiful Marble House. There is truly something for everyone. It, of course, emphasizes the importance of knowing which locations are best suited to your specific interests. I’ve produced a list of some of my own favorite Rhode Island attractions to assist you. Examine it out!
Things to do in Rhode Island
Best Places and Things to do in Rhode Island: Fun Ocean State Adventures
Hopefully, the list below will help you decide which things to do in Rhode Island are the most important to you. As previously stated, there is something for everyone at this fantastic holiday site, so think carefully and consider the type of trip you want to take.
Do you want to have some boisterous fun and adventure? Or do you like a quiet, tranquil, and private retreat? Whatever your plans are, Rhode Island can accommodate them.
1. The Breakers, Newport
Newport has earned the title of “Sailing Capital of the World” due to its numerous beautiful beaches. Newport is a wonderful stunner for people who appreciate fun in the sun and the great outdoors. Even if you’re not a sailor, there’s much to see and do, including a number of ancient and opulent residences.
The Breakers is by far the most popular of Newport’s many sumptuous 19th and 20th century houses. As a Rhode Island tourist destination, it gets an estimated 300,000 tourists per year.
This mansion’s Renaissance-style architecture is inspired by Northern Italian royal palaces. The beauty of this summer residence is enhanced by its Italian marble surfaces, magnificent golden ceilings, and antique French furniture, as well as decorations of diamonds, rubies, and other costly stones.
The Breakers was commissioned in 1893 by the railroad magnate Cornelius Vanderbilt II. The home contains 70 rooms spread across five storeys. This large, fireproof estate, which faces the ocean, is one of the most visited house museums in the United States. Whether you’re a history buff or just looking for a taste of luxury, The Breakers is a must-see.
Things to do in Rhode Island
2. Roger Williams Park Zoo, Providence
Providence is the state capital as well as the state’s largest city. It is one of the oldest cities in the United States, having been founded in 1636. The Providence River, the First Baptist Church of America, and the ‘Big Blue Bug,’ which is effectively the world’s largest termite turned tourist attraction, are among the greatest tourism sites in Rhode Island.
If you only have time to explore one Providence hotspot, I recommend Roger Williams Park, which is a one-stop shop. There’s a lush Botanical Center, a fascinating Museum of Natural History, a Planetarium, and, best of all, the world-famous Roger Williams Park Zoo in this vast 427-acre park.
The zoo, which spans 40 acres, is one of the oldest of its kind in the United States. Its diverse animal collection includes red pandas, snow leopards, kangaroos, zebras, elephants, alligators, giraffes, wildebeest, and a variety of other native and foreign species. Both youngsters and adults will be delighted to see these unusual species.
It is worth emphasising that Roger Williams Park Zoo is a model of ethical enclosure design. The zoo, which is mostly cage-free, makes a concerted effort to provide the animals with settings that closely resemble their natural habitats. The zoo is structured in such a way that there are few physical barriers between visitors and the animals.
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Things to do in Rhode Island
3. Bristol
Bristol has a lot to offer both picturesque landscape enthusiasts and water explorers. Bristol, a deep-water harbour with many excellent waterfront restaurants, is often regarded as one of the best locations to visit and things to do in Rhode Island for foodies. Besides from exciting your taste sensations, Bristol offers a variety of other activities.
At the safe harbour, try windsurfing or kayaking. You can also try biking, walking, or rollerblading along the 14.5-mile path that runs along the ocean. Visit one of the many tourist sites, such as the Linden Place Museum, which features wonderful museums with historic architecture. It is regarded as the most important museum in this lovely neighbourhood.
Mount Hope Farm is another attraction. It includes the 1745 Governor Bradford House, a year-round farmer market, and 127 acres of protected open space with scenic hiking trails.
Bristol is also responsible for hosting the most prestigious of the country’s Independence Day parades, as well as the Bristol Oyster Festival, which has been a tradition since 1885.
Things to do in Rhode Island
4. Cliff Walk, Newport
Are you seeking for a way to experience both the natural beauty and the historic architecture of Rhode Island while remaining active? All of this is available along the 3.5-mile-long circling path along Newport’s eastern shoreline, which is ideal for jogging, biking, vigorous hiking, or simply taking a leisurely stroll.
Take a step back in time to Newport’s “Gilded Age” as you wander down the rocky shore and gaze out at The Breakers. You will also be able to gaze out over the magnificent gardens of the area’s centuries-old houses. Keep a look out for the colourful blooms and various types of birds that call the area home.
The Cliff Walk stretches all the way up to Bellevue Avenue. The northern section of the trail is easy to travel, but the southern section is fairly rocky and might be difficult for inexperienced hikers.
Whether you’re wanting to work up a sweat or just want to relax and enjoy the sights, there’s no mistake about it. The Newport Cliff Walk is one of the state’s most iconic attractions. One of the best things to do in Rhode Island
Things to do in Rhode Island
5. The Elms
Another Newport landmark, The Elms, is one of many rich and elegant summer villas sprinkled around Rhode Island. The Elms, a testimony to a bygone era’s grandeur, has a beautiful but calm charm that sets it distinct from other manor residences in the area.
The Elms was built in 1898 after the Berwind family commissioned it. Most visitors are drawn in by the opulent interiors of this $1.4 million estate. The Classical Revival gardens, complete with marble and bronze sculptures on terraces, marble pavilions, and magnificent garden fountains, are what capture the eye.
It’s no surprise that the gardens have turned out to be such a marvel, given that they took nearly seven years to design and develop. While “ordinary folk” in the 1800s may have only been able to admire these vistas from afar, The Elms is now available to the public and is one of the most popular things to do in Rhode Island.
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Things to do in Rhode Island
6. Block Island
Even tourists with as many options as those visiting New England must recognise that Block Island is something genuinely unique. With 17 miles of gorgeous shoreline, travellers have an abundance of options for how to spend their time. This tiny island offers enormous thrills, as well as an exquisite setting and a plethora of scenic hiking routes.
Take a long walk along one of the beautiful hiking routes. Take a sightseeing cruise or go kayaking. You can also go surfing, skimboarding, diving, snorkelling, and a variety of other activities. You can rent a moped or a bicycle if you prefer to ride.
Visit one of the many local galleries to see the works of local artists. While you’re there on a Wednesday or Saturday, don’t forget to head by the Block Island Farmers Market to examine the different items, which include fresh fruits and veggies, homemade baked goods, and attractive arts and crafts.
Block Island may appear “too small” to provide much excitement from the outside, yet it is actually one of the richest and most diverse Rhode Island attractions. If you’re feeling very daring, consider exploring on foot. You never know, you might end up encountering one of the hundreds of hidden coves and inlets that make Block Island so unique.
Things to do in Rhode Island
7. RISD Museum of Art, Providence
Searching for more cerebral or culturally interesting activities or things to do in Rhode Island? The Ocean State is much more than just beautiful beaches and stately old homes. It is also home to the Rhode Island School of Design, one of the most prominent and modern art institutions in the country.
Don’t want to enrol? That’s fine; you can get the next best thing by spending a day at the RISD Museum of Art in Providence. The museum, one of the top tourist attractions in Rhode Island, features displays on American art from the 18th and 19th centuries.
In addition, you can also look over meticulously maintained works of art from Ancient Greece, Rome, Egypt, and Europe. The highlighted exhibits at the museums vary frequently, so even if you’ve been there before, there’s always something fresh to look forward to.
The RISD Museum of Art is worth seeing no matter how versed you are (or aren’t) about the arts. Not only is its collection nearly overwhelming, but so are its scope and diversity.
Things to do in Rhode Island
8. The Beaches of Narragansett Bay
Not for nothing is Rhode Island known as the Ocean State! With almost 400 miles of tidal Atlantic Ocean beachfront and more than 100 beaches, the entire area is a maritime tourist’s heaven.
There is no better place in Rhode Island to go for water-related activities such as swimming or boating than Narragansett Bay. The bay is about 147 square miles in size, making it New England’s largest estuary. Furthermore, Narragansett Bay contains about 30 small islands as well as three unique bodies of water: the Sakonnet River, Mount Hope Bay, and the Taunton River.
Salty Brine Beach allows visitors to watch fishing boats pull in and out throughout the day, but Scarborough State Park beach allows people to swim in fresh, chilly waters while seeing a gorgeous Victorian-era amusement complex.
Despite being sparsely populated for the majority of the year, the beaches of Narragansett Bay attract a massive influx of visitors during the summer. It’s easy to see why once you see them for yourself.
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Things to do in Rhode Island
9. Marble House
It’s difficult not to feel like a king or queen while walking through Newport’s iconic Marble Mansion. Everything about the home appears to be ripped from a storybook, from the pillars of the White House-esque portico to the red and pink marble of the gold-accented dining room. Yet it’s not a fairy tale; it’s true.
In the 1800s, the Marble Mansion cost $11 million to build (more than $330 million now). It was given to his wife on her 30th birthday by famed American industrialist Kenneth Vanderbilt. The Marble House took five years to build, drawing architectural influence from the Petit Trianon at Versailles. It is now designated as a National Historic Landmark.
The Marble House’s ambition and audacity are enough to make it a must-see Rhode Island attraction. It is true that “they don’t manufacture them like this anymore.” In actuality, they were rarely made like this back then. The Marble House is a one-of-a-kind structure.
Things to do in Rhode Island
10. Beavertail Lighthouse
With so many miles of Atlantic Ocean shoreline surrounding Narragansett Bay, it’s no surprise that Rhode Island is studded with attractive ancient lighthouses. The 64-foot-tall Beavertail Lighthouse on the tip of Conanicut Island is one of the oldest and most beloved of them.
This stately, 150-year-old structure is more than simply a lighthouse; it is an awe-inspiring relic of a bygone era. Though it was not formally built until 1856, the Beavertail Lighthouse’s origins can be traced back to the 1700s. It was, in fact, one of the first of its sort in the American colonies.
For decades, the light from Beavertail Lighthouse has helped mariners traverse Narragansett Bay’s Eastern Passage. It still does so today, with the lighthouse itself now entirely automated. Meanwhile, its inside has been transformed into a fascinating museum. This is one of the most unique things to do in Rhode Island for travellers.
