Places to Visit in Rhode Island

Newport is almost completely surrounded by the ocean, and it is easy to see why generations of American aristocrats chose it as their summer getaway destination.

Newport is made up of nine individual coastal towns and is often called the “Sailing Capital of the World”, offering many things to see and do. You can take a stroll around some of the marinas to admire the impressive floating palaces and sporty racing yachts.

The Newport Cliff Walk is a National Recreational trail providing another way to uncover the essence of Newport – the walk combines the beauty of the coastline with the chance to see some of the famous Newport Mansions in the National Historic District.

Newport beaches offer great swimming and surfing, and you can hire kayaks and paddle boards from Newport Aquatic Center.

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Providence is the capital of Rhode Island, offering visitors small-town charm combined with big city culture and sophistication. Providence was founded back in 1636, and today you can take an East Side Walking Tour to explore several historic attractions such as the Rhode Island State House on Capitol Hill and the Old Brick School House.

For art lovers, the Providence Art Club, Rhode Island School of Design, and the Providence Performing Arts Center are must-see additions to the itinerary.

You can hop aboard a gilded gondola to see a series of gracious Venetian-style bridges that link the revitalized Downtown to the East Side and visit near-by WaterPlace Park to attend an outdoor summer concert and see the amazing WaterFire multi-sensory bon-fire art installation.

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Block Island offers visitors an idyllic island vacation destination surrounded by seventeen miles of shoreline and unlimited options for fun in the sun.

The compact island is perfect to explore on foot along a selection of hiking trails that will lead you to hidden coves and inlets far from the crowds.

If you feel a little less energetic, you can hire a moped or bicycle from one of three outfitters.

The pristine beauty of the island has attracted a great many artists, and you can admire (and purchase) their work at several galleries or at the Farmer’s Market every Wednesday and Saturday.

You can see Block Island from a whole new perspective on a chartered island sightseeing cruise or spend your days kayaking, surfing, skim-boarding, diving, and snorkeling.

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Take a step back in time to a more gracious age as you stroll though Woonsocket’s South Main Street Historic District, which has been carefully preserved to look just about as it did in the 1800’s.

You can see sixty-five historic properties, some of which were built as far back as 1830, and all of which showcase a typical American small-town main road.

To further explore the town’s historic background, you can visit the Museum of Work and Culture, the Veterans’ Memorial Museum, and the St. Ann Arts and Cultural Center.

Outdoor enthusiasts can go canoeing or kayaking in the Blackstone River Valley or hop aboard the Blackstone Valley Explorer Riverboat for a Nature and Heritage Tour or an Environmental Tour.

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The quaint city of East Providence in Rhode Island is always happy to welcome visitors who come to see historic landmarks, coastal villages, and wonderful sunsets.

You can start your visit by learning about the pioneer days in East Providence at the John Hunt House (1750), which serves as the headquarters for the East Providence Historical Society and features extensive grounds and hiking trails along the Ten Mile River.

The Phillip Walker House and the Heritage Garden are also worth a visit.

The Pomham Rocks Lighthouse is a prominent East Providence landmark and is known for offering the best location for watching great sunsets.

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Coventry is a pleasant country town in Kent Country, Rhode Island, providing visitors with a good base for exploring the surrounding countryside.

If you like history, you can pay a visit to the Paine House Museum and the General Nathanael Greene Homestead (aka Spell Hall), which dates back to 1770 and is now operated as a museum.

For a change from history, you can go walking, canoeing, and hiking in the Nicholas Farm Management Area Nature Preserve or the pristine Maxwell Mays Wildlife Preserve or head to the beach at Briar Point.

Golfers can play a round at the West Warwick Country Club.

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As its name suggests, Middletown is located right in the middle of Aquidneck Island in Newport Country between Portsmouth in the north and Newport in the south. Middletown dates back to 1743, and history enthusiasts can learn all about the pioneer days by visiting the headquarters of the Middletown Historic Society in the 1875 Paradise School building.

Other historic landmarks you can tour include Boyd’s Eight-Vane Wind Grist Mill, Witherbee School, and the Middletown War Veterans Memorial Park.

You can go swimming, surfing, and castle building on Sachuest Beach (aka Second Beach) or head to Third Beach where you can go boating, fishing, and kayaking.

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The historic rural town of Cumberland is tucked into the far north-eastern corner of Providence County and dates back to 1635.

The town is a treasure-trove for visitors interested in historic architecture and has four separate historic districts to explore.

You could start your visit at the historic Metcalf Franklin Farm, which covers over 65 acres of land and is home to a 19^th- century Greek revival farmhouse and an early 19^th – century timber frame barn.

A stroll or drive through some of the historic districts will showcase dozens of homes and buildings dating back to the early and mid 1800’s.

Outdoor enthusiasts can visit the Blackstone River State Park to go cycling along the twelve-mile Blackstone River Bike Path and at Diamond Hill hikers can take on the thirteen-mile Warner Trail.

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The small Rhode Island town of Johnston is located eleven miles west of Providence and would be an ideal base for visitors wanting to explore greater providence area. There is a good selection of outdoor activities on offer within a short drive of Johnson, including Neutraconkanut Hill Conservancy where you can go hiking and wildlife watching along a variety of trails and Wolf Hill Preserve which also offers a selection of hiking trails.

When you need a dose of culture you can head to Providence to visit Roger Williams Park, which encompasses the Roger Williams Park Zoo, the Museum of Natural History and Planetarium, the Botanical Center, Carousel Village, and the Casino.

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Ocean Drive, the Ten Mile Drive (or simply The Drive to locals) is located in Newport, Rhode Island and is a must-do activity and a wonderful way for visitors to absorb the Newport atmosphere and see some of the primary landmarks.

Newport famously became the summer playground of the rich and famous in the Gilded Age of the late 1800’s when hundreds of wealthy Americans flocked to the picturesque island to build enormous summer homes.

Today you can drive or cycle the ten-mile loop to see some of the enormous Newport Mansions, visit Brent Point State Park and Fort Adams where you can tour the Fort Adams Museum and Eisenhower House, and stop by the public sailing center at Sail Newport.