The smallest US state is tiny but mighty, with its compact borders wrapping surf beaches, excellent museums, a stylish city, and a remarkable trove of historic architecture. Since all of Rhode Island is within day-tripping distance—you can drive across the entire state in under an hour—Little Rhody invites edge-to-edge exploring. For travelers, highlights include touring Newport’s Gilded Age mansions, browsing Providence’s museums and art galleries, and soaking the ample summer sunshine on the good-timing southern shoreline.
Warm weather from June through August fills Rhode Island beaches with crowds ready to surf, swim, and sunbathe their way through the busy summer months. Both the Newport Folk Festival and the Newport Jazz Festival are major draws this time of year, bringing big names to the small city’s famed stages. Fall means cooler temperatures and cozy activities, from apple picking to corn mazes and leaf peeping, making autumn a popular time to explore.
Most travelers use a car to get around Rhode Island—it’s hard to reach the farthest-flung beaches and northern towns without one. If you’re sticking to the area between Providence and Newport, public transit comes in handy and can help avoid some serious summer traffic. A scenic, hour-long ferry ride links Providence and Newport, and Newport’s free hop-on hop-off bus service brings visitors to all the city’s top attractions.
Keep your eye out for quirky Rhode Island foods you won’t find anywhere else, starting with fritter-like clam cakes popular at beachside seafood shacks. Specialty drinks include sweet, cold coffee milk and slushy treats made by local chain Del’s Frozen Lemonade. The most sought-after snack might be a hot wiener—order one of these sausages served “all the way,” and it will come topped with yellow mustard, celery salt, onions, and beef sauce.
Local Currency US Dollar ($) | Time Zone EDT (UTC -5) | Country Code +1 | Language(s) English | Attractions 18 | Tours 81 | Reviews 8,411 |
Newport’s Gilded Age mansions are a glimpse into the opulent lives of America’s wealthiest 19th-century elite, and they’re also the state’s top tourist attraction. The most famous of all is The Breakers, the Vanderbilt family’s 70-room, 5-story summer “cottage” renowned for over-the-top decor featuring marble, rare woods, and mosaics.
...MoreRhode Island has more to offer than its small size suggests. There are beaches, museums, and historic architecture here, and the state’s famed Rhode Island School of Design has incubated a thriving arts scene. Each summer, the WaterFire festival fills Providence with flaming art installations on downtown’s three rivers.
...MoreRhode Island is among America’s best places to go sailing. Each summer the waters off Newport and Block Island fill with yachts, schooners, and America’s Cup racing boats. September’s Newport International Boat Show is among the most prestigious boat shows in the United States, featuring yacht parades and boating courses.
...MoreYou don’t need to pay to see Rhode Island’s prettiest place. Newport’s 3.5-mile (5.6-kilometer) Cliff Walk is a National Recreation Trail that winds between coastal cliffs and some of the historic Newport Mansions. It’s especially scenic first thing in the morning, when it has unobstructed sunrise views across Easton Bay.
...MoreWith one day in Rhode Island, visit the charismatic capital city of Providence. Top attractions include the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) Museum of Art, Roger Williams Park Zoo, and Brown University’s elegant campus. The city’s most historic buildings are clustered along Benefit Street, including colonial-era homes, churches, and museums.
...MoreYes, Rhode Island is worth visiting. It brings together signature New England charms—windswept beaches, historic architecture, and walkable cities—into a compact landscape that’s easy to explore on your own. Annual gatherings like WaterFire, Newport Jazz Festival, and Newport Folk Festival are among the region’s most beloved arts events.
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