Best Places to Visit in Rhode Island
Rhode Island may be the smallest state in the U.S., but it’s full of coastal charm, historic towns, and scenic beauty that make it an unforgettable place to explore. Having traveled its shores and cities during my 10 years living in NYC (and on many return trips since) I’ve found that Rhode Island offers the perfect mix of seaside relaxation, cultural experiences, and hidden gems.
We’ve enjoyed picturesque beaches, lively waterfronts with incredible seafood, and historic streets filled with New England character. From family-friendly attractions to romantic getaways and outdoor adventures, Rhode Island has something for every kind of traveler. Here are the places I recommend from my four weeks of road tripping across RI, and I think you’ll enjoy them too.
1. Newport, RI
Newport swept me away with its Atlantic views, cobblestone streets, gilded-age mansions, and lively harbor lined with sailing yachts.
Just a 90-minute drive south from Boston brought me to this storied seaside city where colonial history mingles with upscale coastal charm. I based myself at the cozy and colorful Attwater Hotel for three days, walking along the Cliff Walk past dramatic oceanfront estates, enjoying the view on Bowen’s Wharf as tall ships drifted by, browsing nautical finds at Newport Bookstore and Kristen Coates Gallery, and catching a sunset concert on the lawn at Fort Adams.
Walking through The Breakers and Marble House felt like stepping into a gilded past, while lively nights at Midtown Oyster Bar and Wharf Pub reminded me this is still very much a vibrant, modern community.
- Check prices at 3-star Attwater Hotel
- Location: Map & Directions
My personal highlight was our scenic 90-minute walk along the Cliff Walk.
2. Providence
Founded in 1636, Providence charmed me with its riverfront setting, colonial architecture, indie art scene, and a culinary flavors this month.
Just an hour’s drive south of Boston (or 40 minutes north of Newport) brought me to Rhode Island’s capital, where academic energy from Brown University and RISD blends with historic New England grit and a buzzy creative vibe.
You can check out the RISD Museum’s eclectic collections, explore the colorful murals and studios in the West End, savor Italian pastries along Atwells Avenue in Federal Hill with your kids, treasure-hunt at Symposium Books for an hour, and stroll along the riverwalk at sunset.
I loved timing my visit to catch WaterFire in the fall, when bonfires blaze on the rivers threading through downtown while music fills the night air—it felt like a giant community celebration. Our son had a great time when we went during the six week Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular in the fall.
- Location: Map & Directions
My personal highlight was admiring 18th and 19th-century architecture on Benefit Street in Providence.
3. Block Island
I think that Block Island is one of the best places to visit in Rhode Island. Why? Because I loved its windswept bluffs, Victorian cottages, and harbors on Block Island, not to mention miles of pristine beaches!
A short ferry ride from Point Judith transported me into this tranquil island world where bicycles outnumber cars and every turn offers a postcard view. I based myself at the historic 3.5 star Spring House Hotel for two days, climbing to the top of the Southeast Lighthouse cliffs, savoring lobster rolls on the deck at The Oar, picking up snacks at the Farmer’s Market on Saturday at Legion Park, and strolling along Mohegan Bluffs while looking at the ocean.
- Check prices at Spring House Hotel
- Location: Map & Directions
My personal highlight was relaxing on the beaches in the summer.
4. Woonsocket
Woonsocket is known for its French-Canadian heritage, red-brick mill buildings, powerful Blackstone River views, and strong sense of community pride.
Just a 20-minute day trip north of Providence brought me to this once-booming textile hub that now mixes industrial grit with cultural resilience. Stay at 2-star Holiday Inn Express & Suites Providence-Woonsocket for two days and explore the immersive Museum of Work & Culture, catch a show at the Stadium Theatre, see the dramatic mills along the Blackstone River Greenway, and sample pastries from Wright’s Dairy Farm & Bakery (we brought quite a lot home with us).
- Location: Map & Directions
My personal highlight was our 90 minute stroll along Woonsocket Main Street where murals and cafés are bringing new life into historic storefronts that completely won me over.
5. Coventry
Coventry welcomed me with its rolling woodlands, Revolutionary War history, mill villages, and a quiet rural charm that feels worlds away from the bustle of Providence.
A 25-minute drive southwest of the capital brought me to Rhode Island’s largest town by land area where we stayed at 3-star Hampton Inn Coventry-Warwick Area for two days.
Here forests, ponds, and bike paths stretch out across a surprisingly spacious landscape. Here you can pedal on the 19-mile Washington Secondary Bike Path, kayak at Carbuncle Pond, explore the restored mills and history displays at Anthony and Arkwright villages, and savor hearty comfort food at The Cozy Grill Family Restaurant.
I loved hearing from locals how Coventry played a role in the American Revolution and how mill villages once thrummed with industry along the Pawtuxet River.
- Location: Map & Directions
I enjoyed our hike 2 hour walk through Nicholas Farm Management Area. The area spans 1,429 acres!
6. Portsmouth, RI
Portsmouth charmed me with its pastoral farmlands, sweeping Narragansett Bay views, and centuries-old stone walls that weave through rolling countryside.
Just a short 15-minute drive north of Newport delivered me to this quiet Aquidneck Island town where where we stayed at 2-star Founder's Brook Motel & Suites for two days.
You can tour the grounds of the historic Glen Manor House, sip locally made reds at Greenvale Vineyards, wander along the scenic trails at Glen Park, photograph wind turbines set against salt marshes, and explore Prudence Island by ferry for a more off-the-grid escape.
- Location: Map & Directions
My highlight was watching the sun set over Narragansett Bay from Island Park Beach. Portsmouth felt like a serene, timeless corner of Rhode Island.
7. Westerly, RI
Westerly swept me up with its golden beaches, lively summer vibe, and a downtown rich with Victorian architecture and boutique charm.
Just an hour’s drive southwest of Providence brought me to this sun-kissed seaside town at the Connecticut border, where coastal relaxation blends with a strong arts and dining scene. I based myself at the elegant Ocean House resort for two days, basking on Watch Hill Beach, strolling the historic carousel and lighthouse at Watch Hill Point, exploring the artsy Wilcox Park and Westerly Armory, browsing books and vinyl at Savoy Bookshop & Café, and catching live music at the Knickerbocker Music Center.
- Check prices at Ocean House
- Location: Map & Directions
My personal highlight was enjoying a sunset on the beach.
8. Wakefield, RI
Settled in the early 18th century, Wakefield charmed me with its riverfront mills, lively village center, and easygoing vibe as the gateway to South County’s beaches.
Just a 40-minute drive south of Providence delivered me to this bustling yet laid-back community along the Saugatucket River, where historic storefronts and cafés spill onto Main Street. On my day trips here, I enjoyed browsing art and gifts at Brickley’s and local boutiques, catching a show at Theatre By The Sea, walking on the peaceful South County Bike Path, savoring fresh seafood at Matunuck Oyster Bar, and wandering down to Narragansett Town Beach only a few miles away.
- Location: Map & Directions
9. Bristol, RI
Bristol swept me up with its proud maritime heritage, colonial streets lined with clapboard houses, and a harbor that still buzzes with boatbuilders and sailors.
Just a 30-minute drive southeast of Providence brought me to this classic New England seaport where history and celebration meet. I based myself at a historic inn on Hope Street for two days, touring the grand Blithewold Mansion and gardens, wandering through Linden Place where gilded-age elegance lingers, exploring Herreshoff Marine Museum’s boatbuilding legacy, browsing antiques and gifts downtown, and savoring waterfront dining at Thames Waterside.
I loved hearing from locals how Bristol proudly hosts the oldest continuous Fourth of July parade in America—dating back to 1785.
- Location: Map & Directions
Conclusion
After exploring towns across Rhode Island, I realized how much variety this little state packs into every corner. It's home to some of the best places to visit on the East Coast.
Booking Checklist
1. Book Your Flight - I use Expedia because I like their mobile app with my itinerary. They've helped me re-book flights on many occasions. Once you reach their Gold tier, support is especially good.
2. Book Your Hotel - I use Booking.com or Expedia, depending on my destination.
3. Book Your Rental Car - I use Expedia.
4. Book your tours on Viator or Get Your Guide.
5. If you are planning to visit more than three national parks in the next 12 months, buy the America the Beautiful Pass.
