Unveil the charm of Rhode Island, the US’ smallest state, boasting grand attractions within its compact size. With the fitting moniker of the “Ocean State,” Rhode Island offers an eclectic array of experiences. From sandy beaches and coastal islands to picturesque towns, historic landmarks, and natural marvels, its allure is undeniable.
Top Places to Visit in Rhode Island
Though its name suggests otherwise, the majority of Rhode Island is positioned on the mainland, nestled between Massachusetts and Connecticut. Its jagged Atlantic Ocean coastline characterizes this enchanting New England enclave, including the captivating Block Island and the expansive Narragansett Bay. Immerse yourself in our guide to the “Top Places to Visit in Rhode Island” and uncover the exceptional sites defining this charming state.
Rhode Island’s early settlement history means that the state is home to numerous significant historical sites and cultural landmarks. Newport is famous for its magnificent fortresses, mansions, and museums, while the quaint coastal gem of Jamestown boasts many preserved historic structures and various museums.
Providence, the state capital and cultural and economic center, is a popular destination, and Woonsocket’s Autumnfest, held every year around Columbus Day weekend, draws huge crowds. Both Central Falls, which has a long history, and Pawtucket, which was at the heart of the American Industrial Revolution, have fascinating pasts to explore.
Rhode Island’s coastline offers many beautiful places to explore, as well as several urban centers. The state’s coast is home to fantastic opportunities for fishing, boating, and birdwatching, with Block Island being a particular highlight.
Rhode Island is a major tourist destination due to its rich cultural heritage and stunning natural landscapes. Roger Williams, a religious exile from Massachusetts, founded Rhode Island in 1636, and it was the first of the Thirteen Colonies to declare independence from Britain. It was also the last colony to ratify the United States Constitution.
Rhode Island’s nickname, the “Ocean State,” is well-deserved, and the state’s Atlantic coast boasts miles of breathtaking scenery. While Newport is the state’s most famous tourist destination, Rhode Island is home to many other wonderful destinations just waiting to be explored.
Top Places to Visit in Rhode Island: Marble House
A stunning view of The Marble House in Newport, Rhode Island, USA. Image source: Felix Lipov/Shutterstock.com
All women at the age of 30 should be so lucky as to have a spouse who presents her with a “cottage” worth $11 million on her special day. Even so, that’s exactly what Kenneth Vanderbilt, grandson of Commodore Cornelius Vanderbilt, accomplished. The mansion’s design was inspired by Versailles’s Petit Trianon.
Between 1888 and 1892, $7 million was invested in the construction of the building, using 500,000 cubic feet of marble. The Marble House ushered in an era in which Newport went from a sleepy fishing hamlet to a playground for the rich, with many mansions like the one in the picture above springing up there. Almost immediately, the home became a recognisable symbol of Newport’s affluent community.
9. Beavertail Lighthouse
Beavertail Lighthouse in Beavertail State Park, Jamestown, Rhode Island. Image source: Wangkun Jia/Shutterstock.com
For almost 150 years, the Beavertail Lighthouse has stood at the entrance to Narragansett Bay to serve as a beacon for mariners. Although the current lighthouse wasn’t constructed until 1856, warning lights have been present in this area at least since the early 18th century, when the local tribe began using flames to mark the path.
The Beavertail Lighthouse is a prominent Rhode Island landmark and the third lighthouse ever built by the colonies. Whenever the weather is cloudy, the light will spin every six seconds, and a foghorn will sound every thirty.
Top Places to Visit in Rhode Island: Narragansett Beaches
: People enjoying an early summer day on the rocky Roger Wheeler State Beach in Rhode Island. Image source: WoodysPhotos/Shutterstock.com
Narragansett has a population of fewer than 16,000 year-round, but during the summer, that number more than doubles. This is because Narragansett is home to four of Rhode Island’s top beaches. Named for a popular DJ in the area, Sally Brine Beach is among the most unique.
During the American Revolution, British warships docked here, but nowadays the locals just like to watch the fishing boats go by. The greatest saltwater beach in southern New England is located in Scarborough State Park, making it the most visited. Town Beach lies in the heart of town, while the more remote Roger Wheeler State Beach is equipped with ramps for the disabled.
7. Mohegan Bluffs
Stairs leading to the Mohegan Bluffs and Beach on Block Island, Rhode Island. Image source: quiggyt4/Shutterstock.com
Mohegan Bluffs on Block Island offers breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean, and on a good day, you can even see out Montauk on Long Island, New York. In order to reach the beach from the bluffs, you’ll need to descend a total of 140 stairs, so be sure to take your time and enjoy the scenery on the way down.
You still need to be cautious while utilising the stairs, but at least you won’t end up as the Mohegan Indians did in 1592 and be thrown from the cliffs.
Top Places to Visit in Rhode Island: Colt State Park
A tranquil path along a rocky shore at sunset in Colt State Park, Rhode Island. Image source: Meghadeepa Maity/Shutterstock.com
The vistas of Colt State Park, the crown jewel of California’s state parks, are nothing short of breathtaking. The park fronts on Narragansett Bay, so certainly take a drive down the beach. You may also ride your bike for four kilometres through the park and along the beach, passing through beautiful fruit trees and blooming flowers.
Close by in Bristol, where a fantastic fireworks show has been held annually on the Fourth of July since 1785, is where you’ll find this park. Stop by the Chapel-by-the-Sea for some quiet introspection by the water. Because it was formerly the site of entrepreneur Samuel P. Colt’s vacation house, the park bears his name.
5. The Elms
The Elms, one of Newport’s most famous mansions. Image source: Pernelle Voyage/Shutterstock.com
Built in 1898 by the Berwind family, The Elms is another of Newport’s extravagant summer residences. The Elms, on the other hand, may not have been as lavish as the others since it only cost $1.4 million to construct.
The gardens, designed in the Classical Revival style, include a sunken garden, fountains, a marble pavilion, and marble statues on terraces. Seven years were invested in the gardens, beginning in 1907, six years after the palace was completed. Visitors are welcome at The Elms.
Top Places to Visit in Rhode Island: Providence
The city skyline of Providence, Rhode Island, as seen from the river. Image source: Sean Pavone/Shutterstock.com
Providence is the state capital and biggest city, and it is also one of the oldest cities in the United States. To honour “God’s benevolent Providence,” religious refugee Roger Williams established the colony there in 1636. Providence, Rhode Island, is a beautiful city situated on Narragansett Bay.
The Waterfront Park and Riverwalk provide scenic views of the Providence River, which winds through the city. Take a break over coffee and doughnuts—Providence has the highest per capita number of coffee and doughnut establishments in the United States. Pay a visit to Roger Williams’s first Baptist church in America. One of Providence’s most interesting tourist attractions is the “Big Blue Bug,” the biggest termite in the world.
3. Old Harbor
Aerial view of the Breakers Mansion and Cliff Walk in Newport, Rhode Island. Image source: Felix Lipov/Shutterstock.com
In Old Harbor, on Block Island’s eastern side, you may catch a ferry to Rhode Island in a matter of minutes. Yachts and boats fill the lovely port with its Victorian shoreline because Old Harbor is one of New England’s top boating attractions.
The breakwater around the port ensures its safety. When you reach the waterfront at the resort town of New Shoreham on Block Island, you may enjoy the local seafood at one of the many restaurants or shop for souvenirs at one of the many charming hotels. One of the most beautiful cities in New England is New Shoreham.
Top Places to Visit in Rhode Island: Newport Cliff Walk
A view of the rocky shoreline along the Cliff Walk in Newport, Rhode Island. Image source: Paul Brady Photography/Shutterstock.com
When you take a stroll down the Cliff Walk on Newport’s eastern side, you’ll be able to accomplish two things at once. You may take in the sights of the picturesque Newport coastline on one side and then look over to the luxurious summer mansions of the rich and famous on the other.
The Cliff Walk was the first National Recreation Trail in New England. It follows the coast for a distance of 1.2–1.9 kilometres. Unlike the northern section, which is rather smooth, the southern section has a rocky track over rocks, so extra caution is advised. To this day, Cliff Walk is a popular Newport destination.
1. The Breakers
The iconic Breakers Mansion in Newport, Rhode Island. Image source: Felix Lipov/Shutterstock.com
Cornelius Vanderbilt II added The Breakers to his family’s collection of vacation mansions. Despite the popular use of the word “cottage” to describe Newport vacation residences, this one is everything but. There are 70 guest rooms available over 5 stories. The Breakers is surrounded on three sides by gates and is directly on the beach. As a home museum, it routinely ranks among the top draws in the country.
After the previous mansion on the site, owned by Pierre Lorillard IV, was destroyed in a fire, Vanderbilt insisted on using steel trusses to make his building fireproof. Upon its completion in 1895, it was the most impressive residence in all of Newport.
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