We want you to go crazy in Rhode Island. With many must-see attractions and the serene beauty of Newport will leave you stunned and busy.
So, ready to have some fun in Rhode Island? Let this crazy journey begin!
12 Best Things To Do In Rhode Island, Providence, & Newport To Make Your Trip Memorable
If you’re coming to RI for the first time, you may not know many places. But the state is infamous for its exotic beaches, and Newport prides itself as the yachting capital of the World.
This assures one thing: You’ll never be out of amazing tourist attractions and crazy water sports.
In a nutshell, Rhode Island is famous for its main 3 tourist attraction cities:
- Newport
- Providence
- Bristol
So, let’s take you on a journey that you’ll never forget!
What To Do In Newport – Is Newport, RI Really Worth All The Hype?
Being the state’s tourist capital, Newport is the most visited city in RI, with an average of 800,000 tourists every year.
The city’s vibe is all about fun, mansions, and history. Not only this, it is also known as the best place to live in Rhode Island.
1. Find Your Peace During The Serenic Cliff Walk
Newport’s enticing 3.5-mile cliff walk is an idyllic place to enjoy tranquility and peace. It is a National Recreation Trail in a National Historic District.
- Stunning ocean views and the perfect amount of sea make this trial worth adding to your itinerary.
- Located along the eastern shore of Aquidneck Island, the Cliff Walk is renowned as a public access walk that combines the natural beauty and architectural history of Newport’s Gilded Age.
The visitors get the chance to view the beautiful mansion gardens, sea-facing facades, and picturesque ocean views.
2. Have A History Dose At Ocean Drive
Counted amongst the best things to do in Rhode Island, Ocean Drive is a famous historic district spread over the long street of the same name along the southern shore of Newport, RI.
- It is about a third of Ten Mile Drive and offers spectacular coastal views to visitors.
- Enjoy bike riding, running, kite-flying, fishing, scuba diving, picnicking, and much more.
While driving there, you’ll pass many Rhode Island tourist attractions, including Gooseberry Beach, King Park, New York Yacht Club, and Fort Adams State Park.
3. Lost In The Marvelous Wonder Of The Elms
It is a large mansion located at 367 Bellevue Avenue in Newport. To be honest, for me, it’s a symbol of love which is heavily inspired by the Château d’Asnières in Asnières-sur-Seine.
- This property was completed in 1901 at a whopping cost of $1.4 million.
- It also includes terraces showcasing marble and bronze sculptures, a park with fine specimen trees, an opulent lower garden having fountains and marble pavilions, and a garage.
Once used to be a summer residence of Mr. and Mrs. Edward Julius Berwind, this beautiful mansion has now become a must-see tourist attraction in Newport.
Reignite your love and kiss passionately, after all, it’s all about love.
4. Explore The Best Newport Mansion: The Breakers
If you find luxurious mansions fascinating, add The Breakers, Newport to your RI tourist attractions.
The Breakers is the grandest of Newport’s summer cottages and was built between 1893 – 1895.
- This Gilded Age landmark is located at Ochre Point Avenue in Newport.
- This mansion offers true glimpses of luxury and opulence. It is constructed in a neo-Renaissance style and looks no less than a masterpiece flanked by lush green nature.
The 70-room mansion spread across a gross area of 125,339 square feet. It was designed by Richard Morris Hunt in Renaissance Revival Style.
5. Fall In Love Again And Have A Candle Light Dinner
Newport is the home of authentic RI cuisine and fabulous restaurants. The city is famous for seafood and bars, making it the best city in RI for romantic dinners.
- The Mooring Seafood Kitchen is a great place for quick lunches and late-night soothing dinners.
- Pizza strips and Coffee Milk are great dishes for your brunch.
Clam cakes are the comfort food for many local residents, crunchy outside but soft and fluffy inside making them a great delight.
For me, exploring the restaurants is one of the best things to do in Newport, RI.
Best Time To Visit Rhode Island
The ideal time to explore the stunning beauty of Rhode Island is from June through October. The weather is warm and pleasant during these months with less or no rainfall.
You can also make plans to RI during winter if you want to enjoy exciting deals on rentals and less crowd.
What To Do In Providence, RI – What To See In Providence?
The art capital of RI state, Providence, is an excellent city for exploring art communities, centuries-old history, serene parks, and thriving local food.
If you’re planning to move to Rhode Island, then Providence is the best town with all the city’s elements.
1. Show Your Love For Animals At Roger Williams Park Zoo
Roger Williams Park Zoo is an idyllic choice for animal lovers around the world.
This zoo earned accreditation from the Association of Zoos and Aquarium in 1986 and became the first zoo in New England to hold such a reputed accreditation.
- It is home to over 150 animals residing in its natural setting.
- This zoo is spread over 40 acres of land and gives the chance to see snow leopards, zebras, giraffes, kangaroos, elephants, red pandas, alligators, and other exotic creatures.
Founded in 1872, Roger Williams Park Zoo is the third-oldest zoo in the country.
It is a true example of contemporary zoo design and ethics, despite being the nation’s oldest zoo. A great place for a weekend picnic!
2. Plan A Fun Weekend With Family At WaterFire
Witnessing the signature event of WaterFire in Providence is one of the unique things to do in Rhode Island.
It is an award-winning fire sculpture installation on the three rivers in downtown Providence.
- This four-acre Waterplace park and Riverwalk border the very beautiful Woonasquatucket River that winds through Downcity.
- The spectacular view of lighting up more than 100 bonfires in large iron pans in the river’s center is no less than a visual treat for the visitors.
Local artist Barnaby Evans first hosted this event, and it later became a must-see for travelers.
The string of fires illuminates nearly two-thirds of a mile and is accompanied by music, dance performances, and other family-friendly celebrations.
3. Visit The RISD Museum of Art And See Other Prospective
Founded in 1877, the RISD Museum of Art is integrated with the RI School of Design and shares multiple buildings and facilities.
It is an ideal place for art lovers and attracts tourists from around the world.
- This place houses approximately 100,000 works of fine and decorative art pieces, ranging from ancient times to the present.
- This museum has carefully preserved a rich collection of fine art across the globe, including paintings from French Impressionists, ancient Chinese sculptures, and contemporary art in every medium.
It features seven curatorial departments that offer a varied program of lectures, tours, exhibitions, publications, and workshops.
At the same time, adults have to pay $17 as an entry fee, and young visitors (18 & under) can visit the museum for free.
Admission is free on Sundays (10 am – 5 pm) and Thursdays and Fridays (5 – 7 pm).
4. Exhale All The Worries At Narragansett Bay Beaches
Counted among the best beaches in Rhode Island, Narragansett Bay Beaches are worth visiting and one of the fun things to do in Rhode Island for adults.
- It is mainly a collection of five beautiful beaches, including Narragansett Beach, Scarborough State Beaches (North and South), Roger W. Wheeler State Beach, Salty Brine State Beach, and Kelly Beach.
- All these finest beaches in the Northeast make Narragansett an idyllic place for a fun-filled Southern Rhode Island vacation.
The best thing about these beaches is that they are incredibly clean and less crowded as compared to others.
If you’re making a list of the best places to visit in Rhode Island, don’t forget to count it!
Free Things To Do In Rhode Island
If you want to explore the RI on a budget then Roger Williams Park Zoo, Colt State Park, Beavertail Lighthouse, The Providence Children’s Museum, Roger Williams Park Museum of Natural History, and Castle Hill Lighthouse should be on your list for free things to do in Rhode Island.
What To Do In Bristol, RI – Bristol Tourist Attractions
Known for its glorious 4th of July celebrations, Bristol is a small town in RI.
It is a must-see in Rhode Island as this town is a blend of exotic and native marvelous architecture and serene natural views.
1. Life Feels Beautiful When You’re In Colt State Park
Spread across 464 acres of land, Colt State Park is a public open space on Poppasquash Neck in Bristol.
Located at the tip of Narragansett Bay, this park is an ideal place to spend some quality time with your loved ones while witnessing spectacular sunset views.
- Colt State Park is often referred to as the “Gem” of the State Park Systems in Rhode Island.
- It provides a visually appealing panorama of Narragansett Bay and is packed with plenty of hiking trails, paved bike paths, and historic stone walls.
This beautiful and lush green park is widely applauded by locals and tourists alike.
It remains open year-round and features open fields for kite flying and other outdoor games. It is home to various bike trails that intersect with the East Bay Bike Path.
2. Blithewold For The History Buffs
The famous historical landmark of Blithewold Bristol is one of the best things to do in Rhode Island for history buffs.
This estate is nationally significant in American history as one of the most fully-developed and intact landmarks.
- It is a 33-acre summer estate offering grand vistas of Narragansett Bay.
- Blithewold is an authentic example of the Country Place Era. It features 45 rooms filled with family heirlooms and is flanked by a series of lovely gardens, ranging from mysterious to exotic.
The property also boasts an accessible greenhouse and a whimsical stonework project, making it unique from other historical landmarks.
Blithewold Gardens overlook Bristol Harbor and Narragansett Bay and were designed by landscape architect John DeWolf.
Prettiest Place In Rhode Island
The Breakers in Newport is the prettiest place to visit in Rhode Island. This lavish mansion reflects the luxurious life in America’s gilded age.
It is the former summer home for the Vanderbilt family and is now declared a National Historic Landmark.
Last But Not Least Have A Quick Tour At The Mohegan Bluffs Block Island
Block Island is situated south of mainland Rhode Island. Its 1800s red-bricked Southeast Lighthouse sits atop the stunning clay cliffs of Mohegan Bluffs.
- This island is surrounded by sandy beaches including the popular Crescent Beach on the east. The northern tip of Block Island features North Lighthouse and Sachem Pond.
- It is worth considering for those travelers looking for a different beach getaway. Despite being a small island, it is packed with a number of secluded spots to relax and plenty of activities that will keep visitors busy for hours.
The Mohegan Bluffs are massive clay cliffs located on the southern shore of Block Island. These are positioned 150 feet above sea level, offering picturesque nature vistas.
They are named after the battle of Niantic that took place in the mid-16th century.
Your Seasonal Activities For Fun Things To Do In Rhode Island
Wondering about the best things to do in Rhode Island by season? Scroll down the page to learn about the fun things to enjoy in this US state season-wise.
1. Summer – It’s All About Beach, Beach And Beach
- Visit your favorite beach.
- Attend an amazing event at WaterFire.
- Take a stroll at Roger Williams Park & Zoo.
- Enjoy walking tours to luxury mansions.
2. Winter – Feel The Charm Of Alice In Wonderland
- Sledding at Diamond Hill State Park and Mercymount Country Day School.
- Skiing and Tubing.
- Ice Skating at Smithfield and New England Sports Village.
- Take a winter hike.
3. Autumn – Reignite Your Passion Before Spring
- Go on a ghost tour.
- Check out all the amazing foliage in the area.
- Discover the beauty of Block Island.
- Attend the Autumn Leaves music series
4. Fall – Enjoy The Magical Moments
- Take a river cruise.
- Enjoy a drive through Newport.
- Go apple picking.
- Attend a wine tasting in Newport.
Fun Facts About Rhode Island – Things You Must Know Before Visiting
- It is known for making silverware and the finest jewelry.
- RI is the smallest US state.
- It is home to Newport, the sailing capital of the world.
- This state boasts 400 miles of coastline, despite its diminutive size.
- Rhode Island is one of the original US colonies.
- Until 2020, RI has the longest state name.
- This US state is a gateway to Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New York.
- Rhode Island is also famous for its mouth-watering cuisines, including Clam Cakes, RI-style Calamari, and Stuffies.
Wrapping It Up!
So, that’s all about the fun things you can enjoy in Rhode Island. We hope our in-depth and unbiased guide will help you create the best itinerary.
The best time to discover the scenic beauty of RI is the summer season when the weather is warm with no or least possibility of rain showers.
So, what keeps you waiting for now? Plan your trip to the Ocean State and gather some beautiful memories to cherish for a lifetime.