Rhode Island is a small state on the east coast, but it has a lot to offer visitors. From the beaches in the south to the mountains in the north, there is something for everyone in Rhode Island.
In this blog post, we will discuss 15 of the best things to do in Rhode Island. Whether you are looking for outdoor adventures or cultural experiences, you will find something that appeals to you in this list!
The Breakers
The Breakers is one of the must-see attractions in Rhode Island. It is a beautiful mansion that was once the summer home of the Vanderbilt family.
You can tour the inside of the mansion and see how the wealthy lived in the late 1800s. You can also walk around the grounds and enjoy the gardens.
If you are interested in history or architecture, The Breakers is a great place to visit.
East Bay Bike Path
East Bay Bike Path is a 14.5-mile-long bike path that provides scenic views of the Narragansett Bay. The bike path is sectioned off into three parts, each offering different attractions.
- The first section, from India Point Park to Ten Mile River Greenway, is ideal for bird watching as it goes through the Audubon Society’s Caratunk Wildlife Refuge.
- The second section, from Ten Mile River Greenway to Colt State Park, passes by historic sites such as the Slater Mill and Bristol Harbor.
- The third section, from Colt State Park to Independence Park, offers views of the Newport Bridge and Claiborne Pell Newport Restoration Foundation.
East Bay Bike Path is a great way to see the most beautiful places in Rhode Island while getting some exercise.
Rhode Island State House
The Rhode Island State House is the seat of government for the state of Rhode Island and is located in the capital city of Providence. The building is a National Historic Landmark and is also on the National Register of Historic Places.
On a visit to the State House, you can tour the building, including the State Senate chamber and the House of Representatives chamber.
Roger Williams Park Zoo
Roger Williams Park is one of the most popular parks in Rhode Island. The 410-acre park is home to a variety of attractions, including the Roger Williams Zoo, the Carousel Village, and the Museum of Natural History and Planetarium.
You can also enjoy walking or picnicking in the park’s many gardens or take a boat ride on the park’s lake. It’s no wonder that Roger Williams Park is one of the most popular destinations in Rhode Island.
The 40-acre Roger Williams Park Zoo is home to more than 100 species of animals, including lions, tigers, bears, and giraffes. You’ll see flamingos, penguins, and reptiles. In addition to the animal exhibits.
The zoo is open daily from 10am to 5pm. Admission is $14 for adults, $11 for seniors, and $9 for children ages 2-12. children under 2 are free.
Historic Federal Hill
One of the best things about Rhode Island is its historic sites. Federal Hill is one of the most popular historic sites in Rhode Island. Located in Providence, this hill was once the site of Fort Adams, which served as a garrison during the American Revolution. Today, Federal Hill is home to a number of restaurants, shops, and businesses.
You can also take a walk-through History Park, which features a number of monuments and statues commemorating the events of the American Revolution. For anyone interested in history, Federal Hill is a must-see destination.
Cliff Walk
One of the best ways to experience all that the state has to offer is by taking a walk along the Cliff Walk. It’s a 3.5-mile walking trail that runs along the coast of Newport, offering breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean. The trail is open year-round, and there is no admission fee.
You can access the trail from any of the public beaches in Newport, and there are several parking options available. The Cliff Walk is perfect for a leisurely stroll or a vigorous hike, and it is also a great place to take your dog for a walk.
There are several restaurants and cafes along the way, making it easy to grab a bite to eat or a drink while enjoying the view. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing day outdoors or an adventure, the Cliff Walk is sure to please.
Rhode Island School of Design Museum of Art
The Rhode Island School of Design Museum of Art is one of the most amazing places to visit in Rhode Island. Situated in the historic district of Providence, the museum is home to a collection of over 80,000 works of art, spanning a wide range of periods and styles.
From ancient Egyptian artifacts to contemporary paintings, the museum has something for everyone. In addition to the permanent collections, the museum also hosts a variety of temporary exhibitions throughout the year.
Whether you’re an art lover or simply looking for something new to do, a visit to the Rhode Island School of Design Museum of Art is sure to be an enjoyable experience.
Narragansett Beach
Narragansett Beach is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Rhode Island. The beach is well-known for its wide expanse of sand, beautiful dunes, and clear waters.
You can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, fishing, and surfing. There are also several restaurants and shops located nearby. Narragansett Beach is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the summer sun.
Water Place Park
Water Place Park is one of the best places to visit in Rhode Island. The park is situated on the banks of the Providence River and features stunning views of the river and the skyline. The park also has a variety of amenities, including a playground, picnic tables, and a walking trail.
In addition, Water Place Park is home to a number of events throughout the year, including the WaterFire festival, which features over eighty bonfires that are lit along the river. Whether you’re looking for a place to relax or an exciting event to attend, Water Place Park is sure to have something for everyone.
Tennis Hall of Fame
Located in Newport, this world-renowned museum celebrates the history and achievements of tennis.
You can explore exhibits on iconic players, learn about the evolution of the sport, and view rare artifacts. The Tennis Hall of Fame also hosts special events throughout the year, making it a must-visit for any tennis fan.
The Providence Performing Arts Center
The Providence Performing Arts Center is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Rhode Island. The center hosts a variety of shows and events throughout the year, ranging from Broadway musicals to dance recitals.
You can also take a tour of the facility, which includes a behind-the-scenes look at the theater’s inner workings.
Benefit Street
Benefit Street in Providence is one of the state’s most popular tourist destinations. The street is lined with 18th-century houses, many of which are open to the public.
You can also enjoy the street’s shops, restaurants, and art galleries. Benefit Street is the perfect place to spend an afternoon exploring Rhode Island’s history and culture.
Block Island Ferry
Block Island is a small island off the coast of Rhode Island that is a popular summer destination. The island can be reached by ferry from either Newport or Point Judith.
Once on the island, there are plenty of things to do. You can sunbathe on one of the many beaches, go hiking or biking on the nature trails, or explore the Block Island lighthouse.
There are also plenty of restaurants and shops to visit. In addition, Block Island is known for its stunning sunsets. For a truly amazing experience, take the ferry over to Block Island at sunset and watch the sun sink into the ocean.
1661 Inn Exotic Farm & Gardens
Discover Block Island’s unspoiled beaches, 200 foot cliffs, freshwater ponds and lush rolling hills under a quilt of wildflowers, described by The Nature Conservancy as “one of the last 12 great places in the Western Hemisphere.”
Check out the 1662 Inn and their Farm & Aviary. You’ll find a menagerie of animals including camels, llamas, pygmy and fainting goats, black swans, a yak, a zebu, lemurs, red kangaroos and more. The farm is open year-round during day light hours for kids and kids at heart to enjoy.
Providence Train Station
The Providence Train Station is a historic landmark in Rhode Island, dating back to the 19th century. Today, it is one of the busiest train stations in the state, serving as a stop for Amtrak and MBTA trains.
The station is also home to several restaurants, shops, and businesses. For visitors, the Providence Train Station is a must-see destination.
When you’re in the state, be sure to check out these things to see in Rhode Island and explore the natural beauty of the region.
