Nesting in New England, Rhode Island is a fascinating US state that boasts of marvelous seaside colonial towns and breathtaking beaches. It is also home to lots of thriving major cities such as Providence, Newport, Warwick, Cranstone, Narragansett, and others. For wonderful sailing adventures and fishing escapades, Newport is the best destination for tourists. If you are off to the excellent Brown University, you can find it in Providence. It is a state with lots of stunning scenic wonders, vibrant business centers, interesting cultures, and more. If you are planning a trip to this side of the United States, here is a list of fantastic places to visit, restaurants to try, and things to do in Rhode Island, USA. Feel free to browse below.
1. Head to the historic buildings at College Hill (from USD 40.0)
If you are in the beautiful city of Providence and you like city tours but don’t know where to start, this exciting tour package might pique your interest. This tour package bills itself as the only tour package in the market that will bring you to the best and most marvelous attractions and landmarks Providence has to offer. Get to visit lovely neighborhoods in the city and learn more about their culture and history. This tour package includes a comfortable transport service and a professional tour guide that will provide you interesting facts and trivia about Providence.
Providence Sightseeing Bus Tour
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
2. Laze off on Misquamicut Beach
If your idea of a wonderful vacation is a day at the beach, swimming in relaxing waters and basking in the warmth of the sun, Misquamicut Beach in Westerly is a stunning beach where you can enjoy all of these little pleasures in life. It is a melting pot for tourists as well as local residents who are longing for a relaxing time from their routinary lives. What makes it more convenient to guests is that it has lots of designated shower areas and public toilets.
Misquamicut Beach
Address: 257 Atlantic Ave, Westerly, RI 02891, USA
Website: Misquamicut Beach
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 10am - 6pm; Sat - Sun: 9am - 6pm
Price: 20 USD
3. Try frozen lemonade at Del's Frozen Lemonade in Newport
If you are tired of all the sightseeing and city walks and you need a quick break to thirst your quench, you might want to try the best-selling frozen lemonade at Del’s Frozen Lemonade in Newport. It has several branches in the city. This fantastic juice shop offers a variety of flavors such as diet watermelon, blood red-orange, lemon-lime, pink lemonade, tangerine orange, grapefruit, blueberry, and more.
Del's Frozen Lemonade
Address: 337 Thames St, Newport, RI 02840, USA
Website: Del’s Frozen Lemonade
Opening hours: 10am - 9pm (daily)
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4. Go sailing in Newport Harbor (from USD 98.0)
If you are thinking of an exciting activity to do with your family or friends while in Rhode Island, why not plan a delightful sailing trip that all of you will enjoy? If you like the idea, Book this fantastic two-hour tour. Be at peace on the seas and enjoy its relaxing ambiance as you make lasting memories with the people that are dear to you. Plus, the views are just breathtaking. This tour package includes the accompaniment of an expert captain and his crew and also some beverages. If you want a party, you can bring snacks and drinks aboard.
Newport Harbor Cruise Aboard Former America's Cup Sailboat
Duration: 2 hours
Rhode Island Tour Guide
Naim Benmayor
As a Boston tour guide, I have the added experience of being a world traveler. For many years, I frequently visited Europe, Asia, and Latin America on business. During this time, I also organized tours of the USA, Europe and Asia for my business clients. I now bring this passion, excitement and expertise to the Boston area.By exploring the globe, I was exposed to various cultures, and this uniq... Read more
5. Visit The Elms in Newport
If you are in Newport, there’s no way you can leave this beautiful city without checking out the marvelous structure in Bellevue Avenue called The Elms. Long ago, the Elms was home to a Mr. and Mrs. Edward Julius Berwind. It is the fascinating 18th-century-inspired property of the couple who thrived in the coal industry. It was designed by Horace Trumbauer and features beautiful vintage Parisian elegance and lots of expensive furniture. The stunning home is surrounded by perfectly landscaped lawns and gorgeous lush greenery. The home is filled with art pieces such as paintings and sculptures. Take as many pictures as you can when you visit The Elms.
The Elms
Address: 367 Bellevue Ave, Newport, RI 02840, USA
Website: The Elms
Opening hours: 10am - 5pm (daily)
6. Indulge in fine dining at The Mooring Seafood Kitchen & Bar
Looking for a place to celebrate an important milestone in your life or a regular get-together with friends or a family reunion? If so, you might want to gorge on mouthwatering food The Mooring Seafood Kitchen & Bar has to offer. Featuring a delightful Hampton’s interior design that is bright, cool, and airy with an outdoor seating featuring lovely sea views and a stunning and sophisticated indoor seating, you will surely enjoy not just the food but also the ambiance of this excellent restaurant. Not to mention, the seafood dishes are superb and guaranteed fresh and flavorful. Plus, they have premium wines and other alcoholic beverages to pair with your meals.
The Mooring Seafood Kitchen & Bar
Address: 1 Sayers Wharf, Newport, RI 02840, USA
Website: The Mooring Seafood Kitchen & Bar
Opening hours: 11:30am - 10pm (daily)
7. Explore the architecturally sophisticated South East Lighthouse
Another marvelous landmark that you can find in Rhode Island, specifically in New Shoreham, is the fascinating South East Lighthouse. In 1197, South East Lighthouse was designated by the US government as an important historic site built in the United States. It is a 19th-century property that is artistically built to sophistication. It is a very sophisticated architectural wonder on a vast land with majestic views. Along the shores near the South East lighthouse, you will find interesting shipwrecks that are just as much of an attraction as this 19th-century home. Come visit with your friends and get to see one of the country’s most sophisticated homes.
South East Lighthouse
Address: New Shoreham, Rhode Island
8. Check out the vast collection of topiaries at Green Animals Topiary Gardens
If you like nature and natural parks, be sure to check out the Green Animals Topiary Gardens when you visit Portsmouth. It is a stunning garden featuring lots of fascinating topiaries that resemble elephants, bears, bunnies, and other lovely creatures. It also forms gates and sections and other figures. But that’s not all–aside from the topiaries, this garden is filled with gorgeous flora. If you want some peace and quiet, this is a fantastic place to go to. You can take amazing pictures or have your drained creative juice freely flowing back again in this beautiful and serene garden. Plus, if you’re traveling with your kids, they will surely appreciate a day in Green Animals Topiary Gardens.
Green Animals Topiary Gardens
Address: 380 Corys Ln, Portsmouth, RI 02871, USA
Website: Green Animals Topiary Gardens
Opening hours: 10am - 5pm (daily)
9. Visit The Breakers Mansion in Newport
Newport has a plethora of marvelous landmarks and charming historic sites. One of them is extravagant The Breakers Mansion in Ochre Point Avenue. If you drop by this part of Newport, be sure to drop by this stunning mansion that was once belonged to one of the wealthiest families in the country, The Vanderbilts. For years, this has served as their summer cottage and established their place in society. Every corner of this mansion exudes elegance and sophistication, and every detail was attended to by the architects of the house. This Italian Renaissance-inspired palazzo is a mansion that looks like it’s been taken out of a Shakespeare novel. Come and see this important piece of history that nests in Newport.
The Breakers Mansion
Address: 44 Ochre Point Ave, Newport, RI 02840, USA
Website: The Breakers Mansion
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 9am - 6pm; Sat - Sun: 9am - 7pm
10. Watch animals in their natural setting at Roger Williams Park Zoo in Providence
If you are in the charming city of Providence with your family, there is a delightful place that you can bring your kids to that will surely love–the Roger Williams Park Zoo. It is open daily to let your kids interact with friendly animals such as giraffes, porcupines, rhinos, seals, peacocks, and a whole lot more. Watch them as they marvel at the uniqueness and the cuteness of these animals in their natural habitats. This place is ideal for kids and kids at heart. You will learn so much in Roger Williams Park Zoo and you will surely have a great time. Not to mention there is a recreational area in the park with exciting rides for a more delightful experience.
Roger Williams Park Zoo
Address: 1000 Elmwood Ave, Providence, RI 02907, USA
Website: Roger Williams Park Zoo
Opening hours: 10am - 5pm (daily)
Price: 14.95 USD
11. Check out the Beaux-Arts architecture of Marble House in Newport
The Marble House in Newport is a stunning mansion that was once served as a summerhouse to Mr. and Mrs. William K. Vanderbilt, built between the year 1888 to 1892. It is a magnificent 19th-century property with interiors that shouts grandiose and sophistication. Every corner of this mansion is a masterpiece from the bedrooms, living rooms, to the banquet area, to the bathrooms, the function halls, and others. It is also filled with expensive vintage art pieces such as paintings, sculptures, and antique furniture. When you visit New Port, be sure to check out this remarkable property that have survived the test of time and remained a symbol of old-times wealth and societal status.
Marble House in Newport
Address: 596 Bellevue Ave, Newport, RI 02840, USA
Website: Marble House in Newport
Opening hours: 10am - 5pm (daily)
12. Soak in the natural beauty of Newport Cliff Walk
If you want to unwind and relax for a while, visit Newport Cliff Walk. It is a lovely park found on the eastern shore of Newport. The view and the ambiance of this coastal side add relaxation and peace to its guests. From here, you can marvel at the beauty of Newport’s century-old architecture, lovely migratory birds, wildflowers, and the topography as a whole. You can also find here the lovely National Recreation Trail that leads to the New England rocky shoreline. When you visit the place, be sure to bring your camera as it is a fantastic location to practice your photography skills.
Newport Cliff Walk
Address: Newport, Rhode Island
Website: Newport Cliff Walk
Opening hours: Sunrise to sunset
13. Explore sports artifacts and memorabilia at International Tennis Hall of Fame
The International Tennis Hall of Fame is a fascinating establish which has the primary goal to preserve the history of tennis. It houses exhibits, galleries, and memorabilia that tell the story of this interesting sport and the athletes that excel in it. Because of this, the International Tennis Hall of Fame has served as an instrument in the popularity of tennis locally and globally. Some of the featured Hall of Famers in this museum are Arthur Ashe, Martina Navratilova, Kim Clijsters, Boris Becker, and more. It tries to highlight how perseverance and hard work have contributed to the success of these Hall of Famers.
International Tennis Hall of Fame
Address: 194 Bellevue Ave, Newport, RI 02840, USA
Website: International Tennis Hall of Fame
Opening hours: Wed - Mon: 10am - 5pm (closed on Tues)
Price: 15 USD
14. Visit Fort Adams State Park
The Fort Adam State Park is located in Newport, right in the heart of Newport Harbor. This is a vast stunning natural park with breathtaking views of Narragansett Bay and the lush green surroundings. There are lots of exciting activities that guests can enjoy while in Fort Adams State Park. They can spend a day fishing with their loved ones, boating, playing soccer with friends, picnicking, and bathing in the water. It is also known as the venue of fantastic events in Newport such as the Jazz Festival and the lively Folk Festival. Plus, it is a fantastic place to unwind and enjoy some peaceful and quiet time.
Fort Adams State Park
Address: 80 Fort Adams Dr, Newport, RI 02840, USA
Website: Fort Adams State Park
15. Discover ancient artifacts from around the world at RISD Museum
If you have some spare time with you while in Providence, you should definitely check out the fascinating RISD Museum. It is a small and modern museum that features lots of interesting exhibits such as Ancient Egyptian Galleries, Ancient Greek and Roman Galleries, Asian Art Galleries, European Art Galleries, Modern and Contemporary Galleries, and a lot more. Roaming around the museum is like traveling the globe without actually stepping foot out of Rhode Island. After the museum tour, you will be filled with a deeper understanding and appreciation for art and fun facts and trivia.
RISD Museum
Address: 20 N Main St, Providence, RI 02903, USA
Website: RISD Museum
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 10am - 5pm (closed on Mon)
Price: From 8 USD
16. Stroll through the Ocean Drive Historic District in Newport
Ocean Drive Historic District bills itself as Newport’s Famous Ten Mile Drive. In the 18th-century, Rhode Island was a hub of commerce and culture for the wealthy New Yorkers. They enjoy the scenic views, excellent restaurants, and other fascinating attractions in the Ocean Drive Historic District. The place has lots of summer cottages owned by rich families. Visit this place in Newport and see why it was so popular in the 1800s.
Ocean Drive Historic District
Address: Newport, RI 02840, USA
Website: Ocean Drive Historic District
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
17. Have a picnic with family at Brenton Point State Park
If you are planning to spend your remaining days in Newport by picnicking with your family, Brenton Point State Park is a fantastic place to it. It is adorned with lots of lush greenery, breathtaking views, and a relaxing peaceful ambiance. Bring some food and drinks, and for sure it will become a party for the family and make for lasting memories. Take as many pictures as you can before you leave this beautiful place.
Brenton Point State Park
Address: Ocean Drive, Newport, RI 02840, USA
Website: Brenton Point State Park
Opening hours: Sunrise to sunset (daily)
18. Discover rare plant species at Blithewold Mansion, Gardens & Arboretum
If you are a gardening enthusiast, someone who has a green thumb, or just a regular tom who likes being one with nature, you might want to check out Blithewood Mansion, Gardens & Arboretum in Bristol. It features a fascinating mansion that is open for booking during special occasions and a majestic garden filled with lovely flora and lush greeney. Tourists and locals alike come to this place to have some picnic time with their family. Not to mention, there is a souvenir shop in the property where you can bag some gorgeous finds.
Blithewold Mansion, Gardens & Arboretum
Address: 101 Ferry Rd, Bristol, RI 02809, USA
Website: Blithewold Mansion, Gardens & Arboretum
Opening hours: 10am - 4pm (daily)
19. Visit the historic Touro Synagogue in Newport
The Touro Synagogue is a charming historic site in Newport. It is considered as America’s oldest synagogue, houses Loeb Visitors Center, and burial grounds. It features stunning exteriors and marvelous interior design with solemn ambiance. The outside of the synagogue is adorned with plants and lovely flora. When you drop by Touro Street, be sure to stop for a while and marvel at the architecture of this historic landmark in Newport.
Touro Synagogue
Address: 85 Touro St, Newport, RI 02840, USA
Website: Touro Synagogue
Opening hours: Sun - Fri: 10am - 1:30pm (closed on Sat)
Price: From 8 USD
20. Take your kids to Providence Children's Museum
One of the many marvelous places in Providence that you should bring your kids to is the fascinating Providence Children’s Museum. It bills itself as the place for active hands-on fun, inside out. There are lots of games and activities that await children in this beautiful museum. Plus, every corner of the museum is aesthetically pleasing and will help boost the imagination and creativity of the young fellows.
Providence Children's Museum
Address: 100 South St, Providence, RI 02903, USA
Website: Providence Children’s Museum
Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)
Price: 12 USD
21. Experience bustling city life in Downtown Providence
If you like city tours and sightseeing, you might want to immerse in the charming culture of Providence by strolling in its downtown area. You can gorge on excellent food and try restaurant hopping while in downtown. You can also visit museums and fascinating landmarks. You can shop til you drop and bag exciting finds with downtown’s fantastic local brands as well as global ones. Not to mention, you can spend a relaxing day at the spa or watch a movie in the theatre.
Downtown Providence
Address: Providence, Rhode Island
22. Experience staying in a lighthouse
Imagine waking up with the breathtaking views of the beach and the relaxing ambiance of the coastal area. Experience a unique accommodation in the Rose Island Lighthouse. This charming lighthouse offers excellent accommodation to interested guests. Gaze in the starry skies as you and your family enjoy a bonfire and barbecue in the designated fire pit. This will definitely be an experience you will treasure forever.
Rose Island Lighthouse
Address: Rhode Island
Website: Rose Island Lighthouse
23. Shop till you drop at Providence Place
For your clothing, food, and other basic needs as well as pampering services, head over the Providence Place. It has lots of stores, restaurants, other business establishments, and recreational areas waiting for you to take advantage of. Whatever you need, Providence Palace has it and more. Bring your family or friends in Providence Place for a fun-filled day.
Providence Place
Address: 1 Providence Pl, Providence, RI 02903, USA
Website: Providence Place
Opening hours: 10am - 9pm (daily)
24. Enjoy dining at the iconic White Horse Tavern
While in Newport, you should definitely check out White Horse Tavern. It is a charming restaurant with a lovely rustic vintage interior design and a romantic ambiance. This place is ideal for date nights, a get-together with friends, and other celebration of life’s important milestones. It offers not just mouthwatering dishes but also premium drinks, excellent service, and the elevated dining experience as a whole.
White Horse Tavern
Address: 26 Marlborough St, Newport, RI 02840, USA
Website: White Horse Tavern
Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 11am - 9pm; Fri - Sat: 11am - 10pm
25. Check out the vintage cars at Newport Car Museum in Portsmouth
If you are into cars, you should see the fascinating Newport Car Museum on West Main Road. It features exhibits of breathtaking cars from vintage makes up to the most modern and high-tech ones. There are approximately 75 various automobiles in Newport Car Museum, from Covetters to World cars, fin cars to Ford to muscle cars, Mopars, and others.
Newport Car Museum
Address: 1947 W Main Rd, Portsmouth, RI 02871, USA
Website: Newport Car Museum
Opening hours: 10am - 5pm (daily)
Price: From 8 USD
26. Sample local rum at Newport Craft Brewing & Distilling Co.
Thinking of a place to bring your friends for the weekly get-together? If so, Newport Craft Brewing & Distilling Company might pique your interest. This company offers a variety of excellent craft beers, premium beverages, and flavorful spirits. Not to mention, this company has a tasting room and an outdoor pavilion for people who have such big love for beer. Come to Newport Craft Brewing & Distilling Co. for a unique experience to share with your friends.
Newport Craft Brewing & Distilling Co.
Address: 293 JT Connell Hwy, Newport, RI 02840, USA
Website: Newport Craft Brewing & Distilling Co.
Opening hours: Sun - Wed: 12pm - 7pm; Thu, Sat: 12pm - 8pm; Fri: 12pm - 10pm
27. Visit the historic Flying Horse Carousel in Watch Hill with your kids
Your kids will surely have so much fun riding the historic Flying Horse Carousel in Watch Hill. Take them to this fascinating historic site and together make lasting memories. Watch them have fun and have a great time as the carousel goes round and round in circles. Don’t forget to take as many pictures as you can for a souvenir. Plus, the place has lots of food stalls and eateries if in case you get hungry from all the fun.
Flying Horse Carousel
Address: Westerly, RI 02891, United States
Website: Flying Horse Carousel
28. Tee off on the picturesque greens of Meadow Brook Golf Course
Are you in Rhode Island for pleasure? Well, whether you are in this beautiful state for business, it wouldn’t hurt to play a little and relax. If you agree with the idea, you might want to visit Meadow Brooke Golf Course in Kingstown Road and play a few rounds of exciting golf. It bills itself as a hidden gem in Southern New England. It features a vast, perfectly landscaped land with breathtaking views of the area. Not only that, it has a clubhouse where you can gorge on excellent food and socialize with other guests.
Meadow Brook Golf Course
Address: 163 Kingstown Rd, Richmond, RI 02898, USA
Website: Meadow Brook Golf Course
Opening hours: 7:30am - 7:30pm (daily)
29. Spend some time in Block Island
Located off the mainland of Rhode Island, Block Island is a fascinating island with a towering 18th-century lighthouse, dramatic clay cliffs, and a breathtaking rocky beach. On the east side of it lies another stunning beach, Crescent Beach. This place is a paradise for sea lovers and people who like water sports. Not to mention, it also has the Sachem Pond where you can witness migratory birds in their natural habitat.
Block Island
Address: South of Mainland Rhode Island
30. Enjoy camping at Burlingame State Park in Charlestown
Have you been brainstorming for an excellent activity to do with your family or friends? If so, why don’t you pack your bags and go on an exciting camping adventure in Burlingame State Park? Surrounded by lush greenery and adorned with breathtaking views, you will surely enjoy some relaxing time at Burlingame State Park. You can go hiking, gazing at the starry skies at night, and even enjoy fishing in the area. Not to mention, this campground has 700 rustic campsites which allow lots of campers to enjoy the fun and experience.
Burlingame State Park
Address: 1 Burlingame State Park Rd, Charlestown, RI 02813, USA
Website: Burlingame State Park
Beautiful Rhode Island
Rhode Island is a marvelous city with lots of beautiful major cities, scenic wonders, fascinating tourist attractions, excellent eats, and a lot more. There are lots of exciting things waiting for tourists on this side of the United States. You can find here the Brown University, The Breakers, the opulent beaux-arts style mansion called The Marble, Roger Willams Parker Zoo, and a lot more. If you are planning an exciting vacation to this side of the US, use this list of things to do in Rhode Island as your guide in planning an itinerary to have a wonderful vacation of a lifetime.
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