Rhode Island may be the smallest state, but it packs in more beauty, history, and personality than places five times its size. With every corner I turned, I found ocean air, gilded age glamour, unexpected creativity, and that distinct New England charm. It’s a place where the past lingers on porches and the waves seem to clap for the present.
Here are the spots that made me fall for the Ocean State—where land meets sea, and art and architecture come alive.
Best Things to Do in Rhode Island
Walking the Edge of Elegance on Newport's Cliff Walk
Walking the Cliff Walk in Newport felt like stepping into a postcard—with one foot in nature and the other in old-world opulence. The trail winds between rocky coastline and the backyards of Gilded Age mansions, and as I looked out over the Atlantic, I thought, "How is this real life?"
The ocean roared just beyond the cliffs, while behind me, The Breakers and Marble House loomed like time capsules. I took my time, pausing at overlooks and climbing rocky staircases, letting the salty breeze mix with the sound of my own footsteps. It was peaceful, dramatic, and surprisingly grounding.
After the walk, I headed to Empire Tea & Coffee downtown and ordered a chai latte and their avocado toast on multigrain. It hit the perfect note: warm, fresh, and just a little fancy—just like Newport itself.
Where I Stayed: I stayed at the Hotel Viking, just a short walk from the trailhead. Classic Newport charm, spa robes, and a rooftop bar with a breeze that didn’t quit. That evening, with my legs pleasantly tired and a view of the harbor, I thought, "This is the Rhode Island rhythm I didn’t know I needed."
Cliff Walk At a Glance
- Location: Begins at Easton’s Beach (117 Memorial Blvd, Newport, RI 02840)
- Vibe: Coastal, scenic, peaceful with a hint of grandeur
- Highlights: Ocean views, historic mansions, dramatic cliffside paths
- Best Time to Visit: Early morning or golden hour for quiet trails and soft light
- Cost: Free
- Hours: Open daily, sunrise to sunset
- Tip: Wear sturdy shoes—parts of the trail are rocky and uneven, especially near the southern end
Tracing the Coastline’s Stories at Beavertail Lighthouse Museum
Standing at the tip of Jamestown Island, the Beavertail Lighthouse Museum felt like Rhode Island’s quiet sentinel. Waves crashed against the rocks below, and the wind carried the sharp scent of salt and seaweed. I walked up to the lighthouse, leaned against the railing, and thought, "This view hasn’t changed in centuries."
Inside the museum, I explored exhibits on maritime history, storm survival, and the evolution of the lighthouse itself. It was small but rich, full of artifacts and stories from those who lived and worked by the sea. I climbed the tower and let the panoramic view sink in—deep blue water, jagged coastline, and boats bobbing in the distance.
Afterward, I drove into Jamestown and grabbed lunch at Simpatico, a casual spot with an airy deck. I ordered the lobster roll (light on the mayo, just how I like it) and a glass of white sangria. It was coastal and satisfying—the kind of meal you want to linger over.
Where I Stayed: I stayed at the Gurney’s Newport Resort & Marina, just a short drive over the bridge. With views of the bay and Adirondack chairs facing the sunset, it felt like the ocean followed me home.
Beavertail Lighthouse Museum At a Glance
- Location: Beavertail Rd, Jamestown, RI 02835
- Vibe: Historic, breezy, contemplative
- Highlights: Lighthouse tower, panoramic views, maritime exhibits
- Best Time to Visit: Late spring through early fall when the museum is open and skies are clear
- Cost: Free (donations welcome)
- Hours: Seasonal hours; typically weekends 10am–4pm
- Tip: Bring a windbreaker—it gets breezy, even on sunny days
Walking Through Opulence at The Elms
The Elms was all symmetry and splendor. As I stood on the grand steps facing the perfectly manicured lawn, I felt like I had slipped into a European estate. “This is what it looks like when elegance has no budget,” I thought.
Inside, I wandered through French-style salons, libraries filled with leather-bound books, and a ballroom that seemed ready to echo with music at any moment. The self-guided audio tour brought it to life, telling stories of the Berwind family and their coal-funded summer escape. But what caught me most was the service wing—pristine and orderly, it offered a rare glimpse into the lives of those who kept the place running behind the scenes.
After my visit, I stopped for coffee and a scone at CRU Café on Bellevue Avenue. It was cozy, warm, and filled with chatter—a soft contrast to the museum’s stillness and grandeur.
Where I Stayed: I was still at the Hotel Viking, which made exploring Newport’s mansions a breeze. That evening, with the echoes of antique clocks and marble halls still in my mind, I thought, "History really does have a soundtrack."
The Elms At a Glance
- Location: 367 Bellevue Ave, Newport, RI 02840
- Vibe: Gilded, graceful, steeped in tradition
- Highlights: French-style architecture, service wing tour, formal gardens
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall for fewer crowds and blooming gardens
- Cost: $25 adults, includes audio tour
- Hours: Open daily 10am–5pm
- Tip: Don’t skip the back lawn—the view and symmetry are stunning
Following a City-Wide Gallery with The Avenue Concept
Exploring The Avenue Concept in Providence felt like going on a scavenger hunt for beauty. I wandered through downtown, past parking lots and brick buildings, when suddenly—bam—a mural burst across the side of a building. I stared up at the vibrant colors and thought, "Public art should feel this alive."
This nonprofit has turned Providence into an open-air gallery, with massive murals, sculpture installations, and creative interventions all over the city. I followed their online map and let the route unfold organically—stopping to admire bold portraits, abstract forms, and unexpected bursts of color that made me look twice at otherwise ordinary corners.
After my walk, I headed to Gracie’s for a solo dinner that felt like a quiet celebration. I ordered the tasting menu with wine pairings—seasonal, refined, and full of surprises, much like the art I’d just seen.
Where I Stayed: I stayed at The Dean Hotel, a stylish boutique property filled with curated design touches and its own moody cocktail bar. That night, paging through photos of the murals I’d seen, I thought, "This city’s creativity doesn’t ask for attention—it earns it."
The Avenue Concept At a Glance
- Location: Citywide in Providence, RI
- Vibe: Urban, bold, imaginative
- Highlights: Street murals, sculpture walks, public art installations
- Best Time to Visit: Daylight hours for mural viewing and exploring on foot
- Cost: Free
- Hours: Always open (public spaces)
- Tip: Use the Avenue Concept’s online map or QR codes on site to learn about the artists
Standing in Awe at The Breakers
Walking into The Breakers, I immediately felt small—but in the best way. The Vanderbilt summer "cottage" is anything but quaint: soaring ceilings, gilded walls, and enough marble to rival a Roman palace. I stood in the Great Hall and whispered to myself, "This is what the peak of opulence looks like."
The audio tour guided me through each room—the music room with its pink ceiling, the mosaic-tiled bathrooms, and the ornate dining room that could host a small nation. But it was the ocean-facing loggia that took my breath away. Framed by stone arches and the rhythmic sound of the waves, it felt like Newport’s most elegant moment.
After my visit, I stopped by The Lawn at Castle Hill Inn for a glass of rosé and a lobster bisque. I watched sailboats drift by and let the sea breeze carry off the day’s grandeur with grace.
Where I Stayed: Still calling Hotel Viking home, I returned that evening and took a long soak in the deep tub, thinking, "The Gilded Age may be over, but its echoes still know how to impress."
The Breakers At a Glance
- Location: 44 Ochre Point Ave, Newport, RI 02840
- Vibe: Extravagant, historic, breathtaking
- Highlights: Marble interiors, Great Hall, ocean-facing terrace
- Best Time to Visit: Weekdays or off-season for a quieter experience
- Cost: $29 adults (Newport Mansions ticket); includes audio tour
- Hours: Daily 10am–5pm
- Tip: Bring headphones for the audio tour—it’s rich with stories and insight
Sailing into Island Calm on the Martha's Vineyard Fast Ferry
Boarding the Martha’s Vineyard Fast Ferry from Quonset Point felt like crossing a threshold—not just to another place, but to another pace. The ferry pulled away from the dock, slicing through blue-gray water, and I thought, "Sometimes the journey is the destination."
Inside, the ride was smooth and surprisingly quick—about 90 minutes to Vineyard Haven—with views of lighthouses and sailboats along the way. I grabbed a coffee from the onboard café and watched the Rhode Island shoreline slip away behind us. The hum of the engine, the salt air, the slow rhythm of the waves—it all worked together to reset something in me.
Once docked, I spent the afternoon exploring Vineyard Haven’s charming streets and beach paths before heading back on the evening ferry, sun-drunk and happy.
Where I Stayed: Still based in Newport, I made the ferry day trip part of a longer coastal itinerary. That night, back in my room, I poured a cup of tea and thought, "A little island air goes a long way."
Martha’s Vineyard Fast Ferry At a Glance
- Location: 1347 Roger Williams Way, North Kingstown, RI 02852
- Vibe: Relaxed, scenic, easygoing
- Highlights: Smooth ride, coastal views, Vineyard Haven day trip
- Best Time to Visit: Summer for sunshine and peak island activity
- Cost: $110 round trip for adults; $80 for children
- Hours: Seasonal; typically several departures daily from late spring to early fall
- Tip: Book ahead and arrive early—boarding is efficient but punctual
Conclusion
Rhode Island doesn’t rush to impress—it simply opens its doors, shows you the sea, the art, the stone mansions, and lets you take it all in. From historic trails and whimsical murals to ferry rides and fine dining, I found that the Ocean State lives up to its name: fluid, refreshing, and full of depth.
And as I drove away, windows down and salt still in my hair, I thought, "Small state, big feeling."