10 Best Places to Visit in Rhode Island

Despite its modest size, Rhode Island is a giant in its historical significance and natural allure. An intriguing past dates back to its founding in 1636 by a man seeking religious freedom, setting the stage for the state to become a pioneer in independence, and leading the charge against British rule.

This legacy intertwines with the majestic beauty of an expansive Atlantic coastline, earning it the fitting moniker of the Ocean State.

Your journey through Rhode Island reveals more than just the sun-dappled beaches; it is where every stretch of sand tells its own story, and the echoes of the past still resonate in the bustling towns and serene landscapes.

The state’s heritage of liberty and picturesque vistas combine to create a rich tapestry, ready for you to explore and create your narratives.

Rhode Island’s Must-See Locations

• Newport: Luxury mansions and historical summer homes
• Providence: Culture-rich city with eclectic urban charm

Explore these spots for a true taste of Rhode Island’s allure.

Best Places to Visit in Rhode Island

1. Marble House

Address: 596 Bellevue Ave, Newport, RI 02840, United States

Envision a palatial gift, a symbol of opulence, offered up on one’s 30th anniversary—an $11 million domicile deemed a mere “cottage.” Conceived by Kenneth Vanderbilt for his wife, mirroring Versailles’ own Petit Trianon, Marble House was not just a home but a spectacle of wealth set on Newport’s shores.

• Construction Years: 1888-1892
• Materials: 500,000 cubic feet of marble
• Original Cost: $7 million

Witness the dawn of Newport’s transformation, where this grand mansion heralded an era of luxurious summer escapes for the elite, forever cementing its status in local lore. When you visit, you’re not just stepping into a house but reliving an epoch where extravagance knew no bounds.

2. Beavertail Lighthouse

Address: Beavertail Rd, Jamestown, RI 02835, United States

Positioned at the gateway of Narragansett Bay, Beavertail Lighthouse commands a storied spot with a legacy dating back to 1856. Surpassing two centuries, this beacon continues its vigilant watch, its illumination sweeping every six seconds—the routine pulse of coastal safeguarding.

• Year Established: 1856
• Location: Narragansett Bay’s entrance
• Historical Significance: Third colonial lighthouse
• Operational Pattern: Light rotation every 6 seconds
• Foghorn: Activates every 30 seconds in fog

Inhabiting a post since the early 1700s, its precursors guided mariners akin to ancient tribes that lit shoreline fires. Now, it ranks amongst Rhode Island’s esteemed nautical monuments, its foghorn a faithful harbinger piercing the mist.

See Related: Top Tourist Attractions in the USA

3. Beach Escapes in Narragansett

In the quaint town of Narragansett, the population swells as summer beckons—a testament to its shoreline appeal. Amongst its quartet of coastal treasures, the namesake Sally Brine Beach stands out, a tribute to a cherished radio icon and a vantage point for observing the maritime ballet of boats.

While Scarborough State Beach boasts the crown of popularity for its pristine saltwater immersion, Roger Wheeler State Beach is the epitome of accessibility, with thoughtful ramps accommodating every visitor.

Not to be eclipsed, the central Town Beach anchors the community, drawing beachgoers to its convenient slice of seaside life.

Feel the sand between your toes and let the ocean’s whispers trace back to an era when British warships loomed over these waters, now a tranquil haven for history aficionados and sun-seekers alike.

4. Mohegan Bluffs

Address: Mohegan Trail, New Shoreham, Block Island, RI 02807-7816

As you embrace the expanse of the Atlantic Ocean from the edge of Mohegan Bluffs, let the panoramic view etch into your memory. If the day is generous and clear, glance across the waters to glimpse Long Island’s Montauk Point.

• Sight: Broad ocean views, Montauk visible on clear days
• Staircase: 140 steps connect the beach to the bluff summit
• History: Site of a 16th-century conflict involving the Mohegan tribe

Navigate the staircase carefully, a descent marking a literal and reflective journey. Here, history whispers of a time when the Mohegan tribe met their fate, a stark contrast to the serene setting before you. Stepping down, there’s no haste—each moment invites you to absorb the sights.

5. Colt State Park

Address: Route 114, Bristol, RI 02809

Nestled along the shore of Narragansett Bay, Colt State Park is a crown jewel in Rhode Island’s state park system, where the juxtaposition of manicured orchards and wild coastal views creates an enchanting tableau ripe for exploration.

With a 4-mile bike trail, the park invites you to pedal past fragrant blossoms and neatly pruned fruit trees—a horticultural haven set against the sound of lapping waves.

• Shoreline Drive: A scenic route with panoramic bay vistas
• Bike Trails: Four miles weaving through lush flora
• Chapel-by-the-Sea: A serene spot for contemplation
• Location: Adjacent to the historic town of Bristol

As you ride, the aroma of the sea mingles with earthy notes from the greenery, a sensory reminder of the park’s harmonious balance between cultivated gardens and the untamed sea.

After your excursion, the nearby town of Bristol awaits, steeped in history and famed for its July 4th spectacle—a tradition that has painted the sky since 1785.

Take in the coastal charm and reflect amid the simplicity of the open-air chapel, an ode to the park’s former life as industrial tycoon Samuel P. Colt’s summer retreat.

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6. Uncover the Charm of The Elms

Address: 367 Bellevue Ave, Newport, RI 02840

Constructed in 1898 by the affluent Berwind family, The Elms presents itself as a less grandiose summer retreat than its Newport counterparts, with construction fees pegged at $1.4 million.

The interior is abundant in luxury, yet the Classic Revival-style gardens truly captivate. As you wander through these artfully crafted open spaces, you’re graced by terraced landscapes adorned with marble and bronze artistry, elegant pavilions, and a subterranean garden punctuated by ornate fountains.

The grandeur of these gardens is the result of a painstaking seven-year creation process that began in 1907, enhancing the estate’s allure well after its completion. Today, The Elms welcomes visitors to explore its storied halls and picturesque grounds, which offer a glimpse into the past’s luxury living.

7. Providence

In the heart of Rhode Island, Providence, established in 1636, stands as a testament to time, its roots deeply entrenched by founder Roger Williams.

Imagine wandering through streets echoing with tales of early America, where the architectural marvel of the nation’s first Baptist church reaches towards the sky.

As you traverse the city’s Riverwalk or pause in Waterfront Park, the Providence River flows alongside, a serene companion in your urban explorations.

• Historical Landmarks: Visit the original Baptist church.
• Sensory Retreats: Indulge in local coffee and iconic doughnut shops, more abundant here per capita than anywhere else.
• Unusual Attractions: Gaze up at the “Big Blue Bug,” a quirky testament to Providence’s lighter side.

Let the narrative of Providence enfold you, where every cobblestone and corner cafe holds a promise of Providence’s “God’s merciful Providence.”

8. Old Harbor

Nestled on Block Island’s eastern shoreline, Old Harbor welcomes you with its heritage-rich Victorian waterfront. Here, the sight of boats and yachts bobbing on the waves is commonplace—an embodiment of New England’s

9. Newport Cliff Walk

Address: 34 Ocean Ave, Newport, RI 02840

Stroll along the Newport Cliff Walk and experience two sides of historic opulence. To your right, feast on the Atlantic Ocean’s endless blue. To your left, a line of gilded-age mansions stands in grandeur.

• Trail Length: 3.5 miles
• Start: Easton Beach western end
• End: Bailey’s Beach eastern end
• Accessibility:
  • North end: Easy and paved
  • South end: Rocky and challenging

Remember to wear comfortable shoes, as the southern trails can be rocky. This path is not only a favorite for its ocean vistas but also as the first National Recreation Trail in New England, steeped in history and cultural allure.

Embrace the coastal charms and architectural magnificence of the Newport Cliff Walk.

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10. The Majestic Oceanside Mansion

Address: 44 Ochre Point Ave, Newport, RI 02840

As you stand at the imposing gates of The Breakers, you can’t help but feel the grandeur that the Vanderbilts envisioned. This opulent mansion, constructed by Cornelius Vanderbilt II, towers over the Atlantic, commanding attention.

• Location: Oceanfront with a secured perimeter
• Structure: 70 rooms spanning five floors
• Built: Completed in 1895
• Architectural Note: Engineered with steel trusses for fireproofing

The mansion’s interior whispers stories of a bygone Gilded Age, a testament to its significance. Considered the pinnacle of Newport’s illustrious summer homes, its magnificence is neither understated nor lost to time.

As a visitor, you’re granted a rare glimpse into the ornate lifestyle that once buzzed within these walls—a grand lifestyle that even the term “cottage” seems a whimsical understatement.

While meandering through the vast estate, the harmony of structural innovation and aesthetic splendor is evident, revealing why The Breakers remains a cherished national treasure.