Although not the most famous of the New England States, this smallest state in the US has a lot to offer! Its charm comes from its extensive coastline, colonial villages, and rich cultural history. Rhode Islanders even have their own vernacular and foods. The state is split in half by Narragansett Bay providing us with many islands and bridges. Our interior is wooded forests just asking to be explored. Providence, our capital city, is teeming with art and decadent foods. So read on and find out why Rhode Island is worth a visit with my list of the best things to do in Rhode Island.
- Enjoy an incredible Italian meal by the fountain in DePasquale Square.
- Eat on the Federal Hill sidewalk of Enoteca Umberto to enjoy an authentic meal made with local or Italian ingredients.
- Slurp on Del’s Lemonade while strolling along First Beach in Newport.
- Enjoy a live show at Providence Performing Arts Center.
- Stroll among the blooming tulips at Wicked Tulips.
- Take in the fragrant fires and ever-changing sights at Waterfire in Providence.
- Go-cart in Lincoln or Narragansett.
- Play tennis on our public courts.
- Slowly enjoy a coffee among the cool cats at the Nook in East Greenwich or Seven Stars Bakery in Providence.
- Take sunset pictures from Beavertail State Park in Jamestown.
- Go birdwatching at Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge.
- Spend a beach day at Roger Wheeler Beach in Narragansett.
- Head over to Block Island on a sunny summer day.
- Explore the RISD museum.
- Watch the sunset while eating a freshly boiled lobster by the Narragansett breach way at Champlin’s.
- Take a sunset cruise around Narragansett Bay.
- Enjoy brunch with friends at Beso’s in East Greenwich, Ocean House in Westerly, or Coast Guard House in Narragansett.
- Have a drink on Providence’s canals at Hemenway’s or Cafe Nuovo.
- Explore the inner working of a windmill at the Jamestown Windmill.
- Imagine yourself being one of the moneyed aristocracies of America’s roaring 20s while touring the mansions in Newport.
- Walk along Newport’s Cliff Walk.
- Take in a sunset over Newport from the Vanderbilt Hotel’s rooftop bar.
- Explore East Bay on a peddle-bike on rails with Rail Explorers.
- Spend St. Patrick’s Day in Newport at an Irish bar after enjoying the parade.
- Ski the slopes at Yawgoo.
- Read about the history of the amusement park while talking a walk through Rocky Point Park.
- Enjoy an afternoon tea at Blithewold Mansion in Bristol.
- Have a piña colada in a pineapple at the shore of Ballard’s Beach Club.
- Enjoy an apple cider donut on a crisp fall day at the picnic tables of the Hard Cider Donut Company in Jamestown.
- Sample the many flavors of chicken wings at Boneheads in West Warwick.
- Enjoy a day of pampering at the spa of the Ocean House or Viking Inn.
- Explore the largest fort on the east coast, Fort Adams.
- See and hear the many varieties of warblers at the oceanside Trustom Pond Wildlife Refuge.
- Go apple picking in the fall.
- Watch professional tennis on the lawn of The International Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport.
- Learn the history of tennis while touring the museum at the International Tennis Hall of Fame.
- Taste wines at Newport Vineyards in Middletown before walking among the vines.
- Enjoy a picnic on the lawn while watching a polo game at the fields in Middletown.
- Take a walk to the Castle Hill Lighthouse after enjoying an alfresco lunch at Castle Hill Inn.
- Ride a gondola through the Providence canals. It is even better if you can do this during a Waterfire.
- Take a walk under the arches of the Coast Guard House along Narragansett Beach.
- Have late-night junk food from Haven Bros. in Providence.
- Eat among the college crowds on Thayer Street in Providence.
- See the seals at the John H. Chaffee Wildlife Refuge.
- Ice skate among the tall buildings of Providence.
- Sing karaoke with friends at The Boombox in the basement of The Dean Hotel in Providence.
- Embrace the salty air while eating oysters on the patio of Matunuck Oyster Bar.
- Learn about where milk comes from- and enjoy its products- at Wright Dairy Farm in North Smithfield.
If you are a local, what are your favorite things to do in Rhode Island? Please let me know in the comments.
I have not yet visited Rhode Island, but it appears I would be spoilt for choice with so many things to do. A sunset cruise around Narragansett Bay sounds particularly appealing! Hopefully I shall get to visit before too long to check out some of these activities.
I have not had a chance to visit Rhode Island yet, but I would really like to check it out! Newport sounds like such an interesting town with so much to see, and the fact that it appeared multiple times on your list confirmed that. I also just love exploring small countries, states, and provinces because you can leave feeling like you at least got to see most of it, even if you didn’t explore everything in depth. The geography of the state with so many islands is one of the biggest draws for me. Block Island in particular piques my interest!
That is a great point that in a small period of time you can get a good idea of the state.
It’s only a once a year event, but the Wickford Art Festival deserves to be on the list. I grew up in NK though so maybe I’m biased. I do love buying a Del’s from the truck in Brenton Point and watching the kites fly, though.
The Scituate Art Festival, too!
#34! I love fall and apple picking is one of my favorites!
I am going to need a designated driver when we finally come up to Rhode Island to hang out with you because I want to have drinks and eat all the food and will be too fat and happy to drive myself!
I think Darcee & I would probably enjoy pretending to be one of the moneyed aristocracies of America’s roaring 20s while touring the mansions in Newport. She loves that time era and everything Gatsby-esque. Though the Wyoming cowgirl in her may just want to drink wine and go apple picking!
Rhode Island was my very last state to get to all fifty! It might be little, but it packs a big punch! 😉
So glad that you enjoyed it!
Rhode Island is one of the few New England states I’ve yet to visit! Looks like I have plenty to look forward to when I finally do make it there!
My son moved to RI from Iowa. Big adjustment but did it for a online relationship…soo wen i visit i always go to beavertail. Sooo beautiful!!! An fall foliage
My sister-in-law moved from Iowa as well. Her parents just followed.
Add Clam Cakes and Chowder from Iggy’s or Blount Clam Shack. And also hot weiners from Rod’s Grill in warren.