Rhode Island is able to cram major experiences into a package no bigger than a postage stamp.
The smallest state in the union is home to some of the oldest historical monuments in the country, a vibrant culture fostered by top-notch educational institutions, and 644 kilometers of coastline. What’s the best thing, then? Because Rhode Island is small, you can see everything! With this list of the best options in some of the most popular locations in Rhode Island, you can have a good time wherever you go.
Newport, one of the world’s premier sailing locations, is as striking to look at as it is historically significant. Here, gilded Age palaces sit on rocks drenched in surf. Could it possibly get any more idyllic?
Cliff Walk: A 5.6-kilometer beachfront promenade with magnificent houses on one side and expansive vistas of the ocean on the other, Cliff Walk is a National Recreation Trail located within a National Historic District.
Visit Newport Mansions, a collection of opulent Gilded Age mansions that have hosted the wealthiest of the rich as vacation spots and provided the setting for films such as “The Great Gatsby” (1974).
Sailing: Take a schooner tour to get picture-perfect images of historic Fort Adams, seaside manors, and lighthouses. It’s the ultimate adventure in Newport.
Fresh seafood: 22 Bowen’s Wine Bar & Grille, The Mooring Seafood Kitchen & Bar, and The Black Pearl are great places to eat if you’re craving seafood that was caught at the famous Bowen’s Wharf. All of them have views of the water.
The South County area of Rhode Island offers a variety of outdoor activities and gives a glimpse into the state’s greener side.
Kayaking: Take a paddle through the Chafee National Wildlife Refuge on the Narrow River near Narragansett, which Boston Globe voters chose to be the best beach town in New England.
Surfing: Some of New England’s best surfing occurs where the Narrow River empties into the ocean. In summer, rent a board from one of the beach stores or take a lesson.
Fishing and whale watching: From Galilee, rent a fishing vessel or take a whale-watching excursion. You may be able to see huge sunfish, leatherback sea turtles, and finback or humpback whales from the end of June to September.
Fun on dry land: Take advantage of the 5,665-hectare Arcadia Management Area, the state’s largest recreation area, with its forest-lined hiking and bike routes.
Where to eat: Eat at Aunt Carrie’s, which is well-known for its savory clam dishes and homemade pies, or have dinner at the Coast Guard House, which is a restored U.S. Coast Guard station. Every day, serene vistas of Narragansett Bay are offered.
Providence
Brown University, the Rhode Island State House, which was built in 1636, and the Taj Mahal and St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City are among the world’s largest self-supported marble domes. Providence was founded in 1636.
Providence WaterFire: Best observed from a private gondola ride along the Providence River, WaterFire is a public art project consisting of eighty bright bonfires on the river.
The world-famous Rhode Island School of Design Museum is home to 100,000 artifacts ranging in age from antiquity to the present, including masterpieces by Picasso, Rodin, and Monet as well as an extensive collection of Asian art.
Dine on Federal Hill: Providence’s own Little Italy radiates a classic charm while serving up some of the most remarkable cuisine the city has to offer. Try the Caserta Pizzeria’s “wimpy skippy,” a spinach pie filled with cheese and pepperoni, or Enoteca Umberto’s traditional Italian cuisine.
Island Block
You can go to an island that the Nature Conservancy named one of the Western Hemisphere’s 12 Last Great Places in less than an hour.
Mohegan Bluffs: Take a hike to the top of the 61-meter bluff for breathtaking views of the ocean, or descend the cliffs to a quiet beach.
The North and Southeast Lighthouses are iconic New England landmarks, standing sentry on opposite sides of the island. Start your search from the Southeast Lighthouse for the offshore windfarm.
Fall birdwatching: Many avian visitors are drawn to Block Island by its natural charms. Take a journey in the fall to witness gulls, sparrows, thousands of warblers, and possibly even a rare piping plover.
Where to stay: Sullivan House or Spring House Hotel provide charming Victorian architecture. Both have unique seaside locations and full-service lodging.
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