State Of Rhode Island
This small state offers a lot to do and see, from seaside towns and beaches, to local farms and seafood, to public art installations. Visitors can also make quick getaways to Boston and New York for the full New England experience.
Though it is the smallest state in the U.S., Rhode Island isn’t short of things to do and see. Visitors can enjoy 400 miles of coastline, seaside towns, beautiful beaches, and of course lots of fresh seafood. But the “Ocean State” also has local farms, public art, and a rich colonial heritage.
Families can enjoy a day on the beach or explore the Providence Children’s Museum or Roger Williams Park and Zoo. Couples can take in a romantic oceanside sunset or boat trip around Narragansett Bay. Adventure seekers can enjoy diving, bouldering, and kayaking.
With easy access to cities like Boston and New York and day trips to places like Cape Cod, Rhode Island is a great place to visit to experience all that New England has to offer.
Best Places to Visit in Rhode Island
Providence
The state capital and most populous city in the state is home to both Brown University and Rhode Island School of Design, in addition to many museums, parks, and cultural sites.
Waterplace Park and Riverwalk: This urban park is connected to a ¾ mile long cobblestone-paved pedestrian walkway that runs along the Woonasquatucket River.
WaterFire Arts Center: This 15,000-square foot multi-purpose arts and production venue features galleries, events, and art installations.
RISD Museum: The art museum features student-curated shows in addition to its permanent displays, such as the Japanese Print Gallery and an ancient Greek art gallery.
Roger Williams Park and Zoo: The park and zoo span 40 acres with over 100 different animal species, a train ride, and the Soaring Eagle Zip Ride.
Cities in Rhode Island
Newport: Located on Aquidneck Island, Newport is known for its gilded age mansions, which are open to the public for viewing on guided tours. These mansions include The Breakers, Rosecliff, The Elms, and Marble House.
Block Island: A popular summer tourist destination, Block Island is popular for hiking, biking, fishing, sailing, and swimming. Check out the Mohegan Bluffs, 200-foot tall clay cliffs along the southern shore of the island.
Bristol: A charming waterfront town, tourists visit Bristol for its historic architecture and exceptional dining experiences. Foodies will also enjoy the annual Bristol Oyster Festival.
Rhode Island State and National Parks
Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park: Home to some of the oldest textile mills, this park is made up of 7 sites between Rhode Island and Massachusetts.
Roger Williams National Memorial: This urban landscaped park is named after the founder of Rhode Island.
John H. Chafee Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor: This park protects historic mill towns that were part of the American Industrial Revolution.
Touro Synagogue National Historic Site: The oldest Jewish synagogue in Northern America, Touro was built in 1763 in Newport.
Washington-Rochambeau National Historic Trail: The 680-mile long trail is also known as the Washington–Rochambeau Revolutionary Route.
Beaches
Rhode Island’s 400 miles of coastline contain many picturesque beaches, including:
Southshore Beach and Goosewing Beach, Little Compton
East Beach, Watch Hill
Crescent Beach, Block Island
Town Beach, Narragansett
Easton's Beach, Newport
