Be it idyllic beaches; seaside resort towns; fairy-tale-like mansions; green spaces; museums of art, history, & culture; or grand dining, shopping, & entertainment scene, the ‘Little Rhody’ has it all, and some more. Explore the best things to do in Rhode Island, USA!
This Gilded Age mansion in Rhode Island’s capital, was erected in 1895 and comprises 70 rooms. It’s triple-leveled dining room is of particular interest.
Marvel at the Glory of the Breakers, Newport
Heavily adorned with colorful mosaics, paintings, carved stucco elements, and marble columns, this stately mansion will surely blow your mind.
The most popular public walking path in Newport since the olden days, this walkway boasts spellbinding views of rocky shores and beautiful mansions and their gardens.
Stroll across Newport’s Cliff Walk
This 3.5 mi path begins just ahead of the Breakers and goes all the way till the end of Bellevue Avenue. There is also a biking trail along the path.
The Woonasquatucket River meanders through Downcity, Providence. In spring, summer, and fall each year, Providence citizens light hundreds of bonfires in the water the celebrate the river.
Admire the Beauty of WaterFire Providence
Bonfires are lit in large-sized iron pans, which are then pushed into the river. It is a great spectacle for residents and tourists alike.
If you’re an art afficionado, Museum of Art at the Rhode Island School of Design will enchant you. In the permanent collection here are paintings and sculptures by artists such as Rodin, Picasso, Manet, Monet, etc.
Tour the RISD Museum, Providence
Of particular interest at the RISD Museum are the over 26,000 textiles including those of Egyptian, Elizabethan, American, and Japanese origin.
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Have Fun at Roger Williams Park Zoo
Regarded as the #1 attraction of Rhode Island, this zoo in Providence attracts more than 500,000 visitors yearly. For the most part, it is a cage-free zoo where animals live in habitats closest to their natural ones.
The zoo presents a kid-friendly atmosphere and so is a popular spot for family day outs. The premises also house a botanical center, natural history museum, planetarium, and carousel.
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Go Beach Hopping at Narragansett Bay
Sitting on the northern end of Rhode Island Sound, Narragansett Bay is New England’s largest estuary. It is, in fact, an archipelago with a string of idyllic beaches offering ample seaside adventures.
Some of the public beaches on the bay include Roger Wheeler State Beach, Scarborough State Beach, and Narragansett Town Beach among others. On these beaches, you’ll find a lot of eateries and lodging options.
Spanning across as many as 464 acres of land, the Colt State Park is considered the gem of America’s state parks system. From the park, you can catch an unobstructed panoramic view of Narragansett Bay.
Visit Bristol’s Colt State Park
The Park is home to multiple lawns, soaring trees, stone walls, playing fields, picnic areas, and hiking & biking trails. It also houses a museum showcasing the park’s history.
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Mohegan Bluffs are three-mile-long coastal clay cliffs located on Block Island, which soar 200 ft upward from the ocean. As many as 151 steps take you up to the cliffs directly from the beach underneath.
See the Sea from Mohegan Bluffs
From above these cliffs, you can enjoy some majestic views of the Atlantic Ocean. On the top, there is also a Victorian lighthouse, which will catch your attention too.
Although baseball is not the game of the faint-hearted, it is equally loved by kids and adults alike. Home field of the Pawtucket Red Sox from 1970 to 2020, this stadium packs quite the punch.
Take the Kids to McCoy Stadium in Pawtucket
If you love the game, make sure to catch one of the minor leagues matches at this ground and have a gala night full of family entertainment.
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Go on a Culinary Journey
No matter where you are in Rhode Island, the state’s cuisine will present you with some of the most lip-smacking options out there. From quirky to unique and from home-cooked to street food, the state has it all.
Some of the must-try delicacies in Rhode Island include calamari, lobster ravioli, clam cakes, pizza strips, and zeppole, among others.
So, what’s holding you back? Head to Rhode Island with your family and friends and make the most of your time there!