Rhode Island Travel Guide

United States of America
Easton\'s Beach showing general coastal views and a coastal town
The nation’s smallest state has ocean beaches, historic colonialand Revolutionary War sites, excellent shopping and many miles of hiking andbike trails.

Rhode Island is not an island, butits 400 miles (640 kilometers) of coastline have earned it the nickname of theOcean State. Enjoy beaches and biking and learn about the nation’s past atnumerous historical sites.

In the state capital of Providence, view the grand State House.Tour inside to see a replica of Philadelphia’s Liberty Bell and an originalportrait of George Washington. Look for the Governor Stephen Hopkins House, a1707 building occupied by this 10-time governor and signer of the Declarationof Independence. Go to the 1891 Ladd Observatory, part of Brown University, to appreciate its striking architecture orobserve the skies.

Visit the RISD Museum to browseits works from ancient Greek and Egyptian to modern contemporary art. It isaffiliated with the renowned RhodeIsland School of Design. For art of a different sort, explore the CulinaryArts Museum of Johnson and WalesUniversity. Here you’ll find information about the heritage of cooking andthe hospitality industry.

Just a 30-minute drive south, Newport is often called the sailingcapital of the world. Charter a sail on an America’s Cup boat. See historic GildedAge mansions, including the palatial Breakers,once the home of Cornelius Vanderbilt. Newport has museums for art, artillery,history and Irish history.

Enjoy a calm day on the beach andwaterfront of Narragansett Bay withits breakwater protection. Listen to the pounding surf at other beaches on the AtlanticOcean. Throughout the year at numerous seafood festivals, sample the fruit ofthe sea, the state’s famous oysters, from over 50 underwater farms.

You’ll find excellent restaurantsand shopping across the state. Further inland, follow over 100 miles (160kilometers) of bike and hiking trails.

Rhode Island was a colony for 40years and the first to declare independence from the British in 1776. Although this is the smallest U.S. state, itsname is the longest: The State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations. Makea long visit to this small state.

Popular cities in Rhode Island

Newport showing general coastal views and rugged coastline
Newport
Known for Ports, Historical and Islands
Come to Newport to stroll down mansion-lined boulevards, eat in fine harbor-side restaurants, shop in classy boutique stores or enjoy a music festival.

Reasons to visit

  • International Tennis Hall of Fame and Museum
  • The Breakers
  • Fort Adams State Park
Providence which includes a city
Providence
Known for Dining, Shopping and Universities
The capital city of Rhode Island draws visitors for its world-class museums, thriving arts community and picturesque streets lined with historic buildings.

Reasons to visit

  • Brown University
  • Roger Williams Park Zoo
  • Dunkin Donuts Center
Block Island which includes landscape views and a beach
Block Island
Known for Islands, Sea and Beaches
See the pristine beaches, extensive nature trails and historic lighthouses that make this island “one of the 12 Last Great Places in the Western Hemisphere.”

Reasons to visit

  • Mohegan Bluffs
  • Great Salt Pond
  • North Lighthouse
Westerly
Westerly
Known for Beaches, Dining and Sea
Westerly awaits: its beaches, beer, island views and more!

Reasons to visit

  • Misquamicut State Beach
  • East Beach
Narragansett
Narragansett
Known for Beaches, Ferries and boats and Sea
Narragansett is calling! Discover its beaches, oceanfront, dining and more.

Reasons to visit

  • Point Judith Lighthouse
  • Fishermen's Memorial State Park
Warwick
Warwick
Known for Dining, Family-friendly and Shopping
The central location and coastal setting provide a pleasant balance of metropolitan atmosphere and laid-back New England charm.

Reasons to visit

  • Rocky Point State Park